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Commerce Scholars Program

Learn how to conduct leading research under the mentorship of a distinguished faculty member.

The Commerce Scholars Program (CSP) encourages you to draw upon the UBC Sauder School of Business's reputation as Canada’s leading research business school. Under the mentorship of a distinguished faculty member, you’ll work as a research assistant, learn all about the research process and sharpen your critical thinking skills.

Is this program for me?

Research skills – including the ability to define an interesting and relevant question, and formulate and test hypotheses – are important for graduate study as well as for a wide variety of careers in business. This program, starting in Year 3, is well suited for those who wish to consider an academic career, or work in the field of consulting.

Info session video  

Program presentation  

 

Program structure

Faculty mentorship

As a Commerce Scholar, you must stay in regular contact with your Mentor who will introduce you to his/her research and to the research process in general. In addition, you and your fellow scholars are expected to attend all the program events including departmental academic conferences and research seminars with presentations by faculty.

2020/21 CSP event schedule  

CSP Student expectations  

Current CSP mentors and others who have expressed interests
Past CSP mentors and their research interests
CSP ambassadors

 

Scholar Applicant & Mentor agreement form  

Preview essay questions on the application form  

 
Course requirements
Year 3
COMM 311

Research Theory for Commerce Scholars

  • three credit in-class course
  • scheduled in Term 1
Year 4
COMM 490

Report and research presentation at a student research conference

  • three credit course for independent research project
  • no regularly scheduled meeting times

The six credits will count toward the BCom Commerce electives requirement.

Research work

You will work as a research assistant to your mentor over the period of January to August, typically between Years 3 and 4 (based on a mutual agreement) and be paid a $5,000 stipend for your efforts. (Note: the work for research assistantship must be completed when Scholars are in Canada.)  All scholars will present their research work at a student research conference in March/April of Year 4.

Program completion

Upon graduation, you will receive a 'Commerce Scholar' designation on your transcript confirming your participation and completion of this specialized program.

Admission

Admission requirements

To be eligible for consideration, you must:

  • be advancing to Year 3 of the BCom program (or Year 4 in the case of Co-op students)
  • achieve a minimum of a first class average (80%) in all COMM 2XX courses with an overall strong academic record
  • attain a minimum of 76% or a "B+" in UBC WRDS 150, ENGL 112 or accepted equivalent course
  • successfully complete COMM 290, COMM 291, and COMM 295
  • submit the Commerce Scholars online application which includes your resume, and the Scholar Applicant & Mentor Agreement Form

Applicants to the Commerce Scholars Program should secure a faculty research mentor and indicate a project area within the mentor's research interests. 

You are encouraged to contact one or more CSP Ambassadors to learn about their experiences.

Application process

To apply to the program, you will be required to submit a Notice of Intent in February, followed by a full application in May. Details will be provided to eligible students.

The selection committee, in addition to confirming that you have met the eligibility requirements described above, will assess your motivation for conducting research, creativity and overall potential by assessing the application form and conducting an interview (in person or by phone) if necessary.

Questions?

Please contact:

Jessie Lam
Manager, Research Support Services and Special Projects
jessie.lam@sauder.ubc.ca or commerce.scholars@sauder.ubc.ca

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