Finance




What is Finance?

The finance discipline of the Faculty of Business Administration offers a broad range of courses that are concerned with the financial sector of the economy.  The courses are designed to prepare individuals entering management positions in corporate finance, investment management, banking institutions, international finance, and government agencies focused on private finance.  Established in 1997, the Finance Major of the Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree Program now has graduates working in organizations across Canada as well as pursuing academic careers.

Finance is at the forefront of business strategy, penetrating all aspects of the business world.  Finance has three distinct areas of focus - corporate finance, banking and investment management.  With the purpose of maximizing the value of a firm, corporate finance involves obtaining and managing a firm's funds, seizing new opportunities, minimizing risk, and driving strategic change.  Investment management involves making informed decisions about financial securities by utilizing bond pricing models, stock valuation techniques and portfolio management theory.

At the Faculty of Business Administration, you will learn how to make decisions about financing options and uncertain investment opportunities through case studies and application of theory on today's industry leaders.  In addition, the many open business electives ensure that finance majors have a background in accounting and economics, while maintaining considerable flexibility to tailor the program in support of their career goals.


Career Opportunities

All organizations require sound fiscal policies and financial management; as a result, you can find rewarding and interesting employment in the field of finance.  You may work for a large multinational company or a smaller company with high growth prospects.  Employment opportunities exist with commercial and investment banks, mutual fund and trust companies, insurance companies, credit unions, and brokerage firms.

Professional Certifications Available After Graduation


Honours Bachelor of Commerce Requirements for Business Finance Major

Please cross reference both the program structure and all courses listed on this page with the University Course Calendar for any updates.  Please review the overall structure and Faculty Regulations of Business programs for more information.


YEAR ONE (HB Commerce: Business Finance Major)


Admission Requirement

The minimum requirement is satisfactory completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) including 6 Ontario Academic Courses (or equivalent) with an overall average of at least 70%.  Students must have completed OAC English I (or equivalent).  Two of the three OAC maths (or equivalents) are recommended.  Students with one of the three OAC maths will be considered.

Required Courses

Note: scroll down the linked page of "View Calendar Description" to find the specific course.

Elective Courses


YEAR TWO (HB Commerce: Business Finance Major)


Admission Requirement

Satisfactory completion of all courses required for Year I - Honours Bachelor of Commerce with an overall average of at least 60%.

Required Courses

Note: scroll down the linked page of "View Calendar Description" to find the specific course.


YEAR THREE (HB Commerce: Business Finance Major)


Admission Requirement

  • Satisfactory completion of Year II - Honours Bachelor of Commerce with an overall average of at least 70% based on all Year II courses
  • The student must meet the pre-requisite for each elective selected.

Required Courses

Note: scroll down the linked page of "View Calendar Description" to find the specific course.



Elective Courses

  • One Half FCE Business OR Economic Elective
    • View Business Course Calendar Descriptions
    • View Economic Course Calendar Descriptions
    • Take one of the following courses:
      • Business 3051 - Law
      • Business 3052 - Intermediate Financial Accounting II
      • Business 3072 - Cost Accounting
      • Business 4099 - Personal Financial Planning
      • Business 4119 - Derivative Securities
      • Business 4139 - Risk Management and Insurance
      • Business 4272 - Taxation
      • Economics 2017 - Microeconomics I
      • Economics 3215 - Money and Banking
      • Economics 3313 - Public Finance
      • Economics 4217 - Econometrics and Forecasting
  • One Half Open FCE Elective

YEAR FOUR (HB Commerce: Business Finance Major)


Required Courses

Note: scroll down the linked page of "View Calendar Description" to find the specific course.



Elective Courses