Finance

The Finance specialization offers a complete range of courses to prepare the student for a​ career in finance. In I601 and F650, the introductory courses which all MBA students must take, students are introduced to the financial market tools of risk-return tradeoffs, bond and stock valuation, portfolio theory, and market efficiency. On the corporate side, students are introduced to concepts such as cost of capital, capital structure and dividend policy.  In advanced courses, students deepen their practical understanding through the use of models currently used in financial markets: options, futures and other derivatives, portfolio management, and forecasting and quantitative methods. Students apply concepts in cases, computer simulations, projects, and market analysis.​

Among other things, the Specialization is designed to prepare students for the exams required to obtain the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations. The Finance specialization has been recognized by the CFA Institute as meeting the requirements for membership in its University Recognition Program. At a minimum, students pursuing the CFA designation should take the courses marked with an asterisk (*).​

Career opportunities for graduates in finance include employment in the financial services sector, a sector which currently accounts for about one-fifth of the Canadian economy and continues to grow – banks, trusts, management consulting, investment banks, pension funds, mutual funds, real estate and insurance companies. The financial function in corporations offers opportunities for the finance specialist as well. For more information, students should contact the Finance and Business Economics Chair, Ronald J. Balvers or visit the Program Website.​