Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) - Financial Services

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) – Financial Services program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge for a successful career in the financial services industry. Through active learning, industry engagement, and a paid co-op work term, students develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical abilities, preparing them for roles in banking, insurance, investment management, and financial planning. The program aligns with professional licenses and designations, providing graduates with a clear pathway to career advancement.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) – Financial Services degree program equips graduates with the necessary planning competencies, professional skills, and technical knowledge crucial for a successful career in the financial services industry. This four-year program, delivered at the honours level, provides a clear pathway to exciting career opportunities in banking, insurance, investment management, and estate and financial planning.

Objectives:

• Develop critical thinking skills.
• Enhance communication and interpersonal skills.
• Cultivate analytical abilities.
• Foster self-motivation and ambition.
• Attain the required technical knowledge for success in financial services.

Program Description:

• Combines active learning approaches with industry engagement.
• Group work, individual case analyses, projects, and meetings with professionals are key components.
• Delivers a blend of extensive technical analyses and professional development opportunities.
• Culminates in an 8-month paid full-time co-op work-term between third and fourth year.

Alignment with Professional Licences/Designations:

• The program curriculum aligns with the body of knowledge and course requirements for various professional licenses.
• Graduates meet pre-requisite conditions to challenge professional examinations and/or receive advanced standing in the following licenses/designations:
• Personal Financial Planner (PFP)
• Qualified Associate Financial Planner (QAFP)
• FP Canada’s Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
• Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP)
• Additional licenses for insurance and securities

Outline:

Program Content:

• Financial planning
• Property and casualty insurance
• Investment management
• Banking
• Estate planning
• Taxation
• Retirement planning
• Risk management
• Personal finance
• Business law
• Ethics
• Communication
• Leadership

Program Structure:

• Four-year program delivered in two semesters per year.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Active learning approaches are emphasized.
• Group work, individual case analyses, and industry engagement are key components.

Faculty:

• Students gain practical experience through projects, case studies, and the co-op work term.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Financial planner
• Investment advisor
• Portfolio manager
• Insurance broker
• Actuary
• Estate planner

Career Opportunities:

• Banks
• Insurance companies
• Investment firms
• Financial planning firms
• Government agencies
• Non-profit organizations

Career Outcomes:

• Graduates are prepared to assume leadership roles in the financial services industry.
• They possess the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in various financial services careers.

Other:

• The program uses eTexts.
• Advanced standing pathways are available for graduates with a finance or financial planning advanced diploma (3 years).