Program Overview

Master of Finance (MFin) Program

The Master of Finance (MFin) degree is designed to help students pursue a career in finance in positions that demand both extensive finance knowledge and excellent quantitative research skills. The program is offered by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, at the Waterloo campus.

Program Overview

The MFin program offers multiple formats for students looking for full-time studies or for students who wish to participate in Canada's largest business degree co-op program. The program is designed to provide students with extensive knowledge in finance and critical thinking skills, preparing them for careers in innovative sectors of Canadian finance.

Program Details

The MFin program has several key features, including:

• Small class sizes averaging 25 students
• 96% Co-op employment rate
• Preparation for all three levels of the CFA examination

Program Formats

The MFin program offers several formats, including:

Full-Time

• Three terms of study (12 months)
• Total of 10 required courses
• Designed for students ready to commit to a focused, one-year academic experience

Full-Time with Co-op

• Five terms of study (20 months)
• 10 required courses and two four-month paid work terms with firms in the financial services industry
• Designed for applicants with less than three years of full-time work experience

Full-Time Methods Field

• Three terms of study (12 months)
• Total of 10 required courses
• Designed for highly competitive, research-focused applicants interested in pursuing a PhD in Finance

MFin + MMA Double Degree

• Advance career in finance and analytics with an integrated Master of Finance (MFin) and Master of Science in Management Analytics (MMA) double degree program
• Over 20 months, graduate with two master's degrees and knowledge in advanced financial theories with data analytics

Course Offerings

The MFin program includes a range of required and elective courses, including:

Required Courses

• MF623: Derivatives and Financial Risk Management
• MF663: Advanced Corporate Finance
• MF673: Investment Management
• MF701: Financial Statement Analysis
• MF743: Fixed Income Analysis
• MF753: Financial Econometrics
• MF763: Economics for Financial Analysis
• MF766: Advanced Investment Management
• MF773: Financial Modelling

Elective Courses

• MF683: Advanced Security Analysis
• BU643: International Financial Management
• MF791: Machine Learning in Finance

Admissions

To be considered for admission to the MFin program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• An undergraduate degree in economics, business, or a related field with a concentration in finance
• Minimum B+ average in the last two years of full-time study
• GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/GRE: Recommended but not mandatory for applicants with a Canadian four-year undergraduate degree
• Competitive percentile rankings: 68% or higher for full-time with co-op program, 55% or higher for full-time regular program
• A statement of intent, resume, and completed reference forms
• Applicants whose language of instruction was other than English during their undergraduate degree must supply evidence of proficiency in English

Tuition and Funding

The tuition fees for the MFin program are as follows:

• MFin (Domestic): $10,700 per term, $32,100 total
• MFin (International): $18,343 per term, $55,029 total The university offers a limited number of entrance scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, for outstanding applicants. Students in the MFin program are not eligible for funding through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

Career Support

The Laurier Career Centre provides guidance and support to help students explore career paths and transition into their professional careers. The centre offers resources and services, including resume and cover letter review, job search strategies, and interview preparation. The MFin program also includes dedicated career support, CFA prep, and hands-on skills development through the Graduate Student Investment Fund.