Program Overview

Business Administration – Financial Planning (BAF)

Work Term Option (BAFC)

Campus

Newnham

Delivery

Hybrid

Duration

6 Semesters (3 Years)

Credential

Ontario College Advanced Diploma

School

Seneca Business

About the Program

This three-year advanced diploma program prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to work in the business world and financial services industry. To complement the business administration skills, students will also obtain a specialization in financial planning, one of the fastest-growing sectors in Canada. Students will be prepared for personal and career success through a broad range of business administration skills, the ability to manage their own personal finances, and the capability to provide financial advice to the public.

Skills

• business administration
• communication
  • critical thinking
  • cultural awareness
  • financial planning competencies
  • intrapersonal and interpersonal skills
  • project management
  • problem-solving

Work Experience

Optional Work Term

This program offers the option to complete a work term, providing valuable hands-on experience in the field of study. Students interested in completing a work term should apply to the Business Administration – Financial Planning (Work Term) (BAFC) program.

Students who select the work term stream will have the opportunity to participate in a work term(s) if eligibility requirements are maintained. Students will have the flexibility to transfer to the non-work term stream at any time. The work term(s) is similar in length to an academic semester and is typically a full-time position that may be paid or unpaid. The work term job search is student-driven, and participation in the work term stream does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. However, students will receive guidance and support through in-class career workshops and one-on-one coaching to help prepare for the work term.

Program Availability

• Canadian Applicants
• International Applicants

Availability is subject to change, and a seat is not guaranteed.

Program and Course Delivery

This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online, and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.

In courses delivered in the flexible format, using interactive learning spaces, professors teach in person to students in a physical classroom or lab and stream to students online at the same time. Students have a choice of coming to campus for an in-person experience or learning online.

Your Career

Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:

• banking and finance specialist
• business administrator
• sales and service associate
• investment representative
• insurance agent/broker
• financial planning support associate

Professional Certification

Successful completion of this program is the first step in obtaining the following industry certifications and designations that are in high demand:

• Canadian Securities Course (CSC)
• Certificate in Financial Services Advice (CFSA)
• Personal Financial Planner (PFP) designation
• Qualified Associate Financial Planner (QAFP) designation
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation

Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to complete the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) — a prerequisite for employment in many areas of the financial services industry. Successful completion of the Canadian Securities Course and this program will allow students to obtain their Certificate in Financial Services Advice.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to proceed directly to the:

• Applied Financial Planning Certification Exam on the pathway to PFP certification
• QAFP Professional Education Program on the pathway to QAFP certification
• Technical Education - Advanced on the pathway to CFP certification (which can be completed through Seneca by completing one more course).

Pursuing these certifications requires the completion of additional courses, examinations, and/or work experience, all of which involve additional costs.

The Seneca Polytechnic Difference

This is where university meets college. Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility.

Degree Pathways

Every Seneca diploma has a degree pathway. Students have the opportunity to continue their studies and complete a degree at Seneca or a partner institution.

Global Recognition

Seneca is proud to be one of the first institutions in Ontario to have programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Career Support

Seneca Works offers students and graduates lifelong access to an exclusive job board, career coaching, networking, and more.

Sustainability

Seneca has made a bold commitment to embed principles of sustainability into every business program offered.