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How Do I Get a Master of Commerce Degree?

Emily Daw
Emily Daw

A Master of Commerce (MComm or MCom) is a graduate level degree that focuses on theoretical knowledge of commerce and other business-related subjects. This degree is offered in British Commonwealth nations and is roughly equivalent to a Master of Science in Commerce or Master of Science in Management in the United States. To get a Master of Commerce, you should obtain the necessary prerequisites, apply to programs, decide how to fund your studies, and complete the coursework.

A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for all Master of Commerce programs. Most Master of Commerce programs require or prefer applicants to have a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as business, economics, marketing or finance. If you have a bachelor's degree, but not in a field similar to commerce, you may be required to take leveling or bridge courses before beginning master's-level courses.

Man with hands on his hips
Man with hands on his hips

Next, you should research Master of Commerce programs. When deciding on which programs you want to send applications, you should consider the school's accreditation, cost, academic reputation and location as well as your particular area of interest. If you have previous experience in business, you may also want to consider programs that give course credit for that experience. Generally, it is a good idea to apply to schools with a variety of competitive levels, including a "safety school" where you are reasonably certain of being accepted.

Most Master of Commerce programs allow students to specialize in a particular area of commerce, such as accounting or marketing, so you should apply to schools that cater to your interests. One way to determine if a program is a good fit for you is to compare your research interests with the profiles of the program's professors. The degree will usually require a thesis, which would ideally be supervised by a professor whose area of study closely matches your own.

Once you have been accepted to one or more business schools, you should research funding opportunities. Many graduate programs offer fellowships, teaching assistantships or other forms of funding that may cover some or all of your tuition and living expenses while you complete the program. The school's admissions or advisement offices are good resources for determining what funding options are available to you.

The final step is to complete the coursework required by your program. Most Master of Commerce degrees can be completed in one year of full-time study, usually including the thesis. If you are intending to study only part time, you may take two or more years to complete the program.

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