Location
Start Dates
- September 03, 2024
- January 09, 2025
Duration
4Terms
Course Delivery
- Any-time Online
- Blended
- In Class
- Real-time Online
Tuition & Fees
Domestic: CAD
$13,823
International: CAD
$34,013
Estimated Book Costs:
CAD
$2,400
Not all courses may be offered in each delivery modality each semester.
The maximum course load for Fall or Winter semester is five (5) courses. Taking less than five courses for Fall or Winter term will take longer to complete the program. If taking condensed courses in the Spring/Summer term, the recommended maximum course load is two (2) condensed courses plus one (1) full-term (Spring/Summer) course. Students may elect to register in any combination as long as no more than two (2) condensed spring or summer courses are taken at the same time.
Note: Students can maintain full time status with at least three courses.
Program Description
As a financial professional, this program prepares you in the areas of financial planning, principles and industry standards, financial products and services, tax and legal implications, managing risks, and building customer service expertise. Graduates typically find employment in financial institutions, entering positions such as customer service representative; banking, credit or other investment management positions; finance and insurance clerks; insurance and real estate clerks; supervisors in sales and services; or investment professionals.
To learn about working financial services, Watch Video Here
QAFP (Qualified Associate Financial Planner) Certification & CFP (Certified Financial Planner) Certification
The Bow Valley College is an FP Canada-Approved Core and Advanced Curriculum Provider.
The following four courses in this major meet the Core and Advanced Curriculum educational requirements necessary to write the QAFP and CFP Certification Exams:
- FNSR2301 Financial Markets and Products
- FNSR2303 Investment Funds in Canada
- FNSR2302 Personal Financial Planning I
- FNSR2304 Personal Financial Planning II
Obtaining a QAFP or CFP Designation from FP Canada is a significant advantage to students as it establishes the technical competence required in the industry, builds professional competencies, and is recommended by employers. Additional requirements may be required by FP Canada prior to writing QAFP or CFP exams. Students are encouraged to review all requirements with FP Canada, prior to applying.
Time Commitment
This is a two-year (four term) diploma program. A standard course load is five courses per term. Students can maintain full time status with at least three courses. Taking less than five courses per term will take longer to complete the program.
Learning options
The Business Administration diploma program consists of core business courses and major specific courses. Core courses are available both in class and online. All major courses are available in class with only some courses available online.
Networking OpportunitiesStudents enrolled in the Financial Services Diploma Major will be granted numerous opportunities of networking with industry professionals in the field of retail finance. Networking opportunities may include the following:
- BMO Mentorship Program
- Scotia Bank Mentorship Program
- Financial Planning Case Experience
- Participation in the CIFP Case Competition
- Industry Resume/Cover Letter Review Event
- Industry Speed Networking Event
- Industry Mock Interview Event
Domestic Applicants
Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402
International Learner Applicants
International Education
South Campus – Main Floor
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
- Credit in English Language Arts 30-1 or minimum 65% in English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalent
- Credit in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 or equivalent
Or
Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test that consists of five tests with a minimum score in the following sections:
- Language Arts: Reading and Writing: 520 minimum standard score
- Math Test: 520 minimum score
Or
- Satisfactory results on the Bow Valley College Admissions Test
Or
- Completion of 30 credits from a recognized business program (departmental approval required)
English language proficiency requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, please review English language proficiency requirements.
Transferability
Transfer opportunities are available to a variety of institutions. Transfer credits are reviewed and accepted on an individual basis by the institution to which you apply. See our most current transfer agreements here.
Related Links
Domestic Applicants
Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402
International Learner Applicants
International Education
South Campus – Main Floor
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476
Employment Rate
84%
Training Related Employment Rate
76%
Based on Bow Valley College's Graduate Outcome Survey 2024.
"Completing the Financial Services courses at Bow Valley College allowed me to receive my mutual fund license (IFIC), secure a position at a major bank, receive acceptance into the Bachelor of Management (Finance) program at the University of Lethbridge, and write the FPSC Level 1 licensing exam offered through a partnership between Bow Valley College and the Financial Planning Standards Council.”"
Core Courses
Required Courses
In the business environment, accounting and financial information are essential for internal and external decision-making. Therefore, understanding the basics of accounting and financial statements are important for every business graduate. This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles and concepts of accounting with an emphasis on decision-makers' objectives and use of financial information. Key concepts explored include accounting principles and standards, the complete accounting cycle, recording and reporting business transactions, and preparing and analyzing financial statements.
Learners are recommended to complete the Business Math Skills Self-Assessment (https://bowvalleycollege.ca/schools/chiu-school-of-business/MSA) prior to taking this course.
Note: Learners with prior credit in ACCT1101 and ACCT1102 cannot take ACCT1103.
The central theme of the course focuses on the relationship between thinking, human behaviour, and organizational effectiveness. Opportunity is provided for learners to experience incidental learning as they evaluate their own behaviour. Learners explore how concepts and ideas pertaining to human behaviour can transform self, relationships, and the workplace.
Learners apply their knowledge of human resource functions through multiple stakeholder lenses while aligning functions to an organization's vision and strategy. Utilizing business scenarios, learners transition through the employment cycle adhering to legal requirements, ensuring health and safety in the workplace, and building positive work culture initiatives.
With today's dynamic business climate and diverse workforce, the demands of managers to engage employees, be innovative, and be adaptive have become paramount to organizational effectiveness. As a result, managers are required to demonstrate a diverse range of skills which include, but are not limited to: planning and strategic management; effective decision-making and critical thinking; organizing human capital to facilitate efficient and effective work-practices; fostering positive influence to engage a diverse workforce with a focus on employee wellbeing, satisfaction, and performance; and implementing controls to establish and measure performance. This course provides the opportunity for students to explore key management concepts and the multi-faceted role of a manager within an organization.
Introduction to organizations and sustainability articulates a management approach to integrating economic, ethical, and environmental responsibilities into all aspects of organizations working to benefit society. Learners examine ethics of business and constructs of morally appropriate behavior concerning decision-making and businesses' relationship with the community. Concepts and practical approaches are used to discuss and integrate sustainability criteria with business requirements, including performance management and evolving strategies as business needs change.
This course enhances a learner's confidence in business communication skills, preparing them for a professional career. Learners use strategies and techniques to develop effective communication while using digital tools. Through practical exercises focused on real-world dynamics, learners also develop interpersonal skills essential for today's workforce. Learners are required to participate in groups for developing collaborative competence.
The allocation of scarce resources in the face of unlimited wants and needs is at the core of economics. This course introduces the fundamentals of microeconomics and creates the foundation for economic analysis and thinking. The course starts with the study of individual choice and opportunity cost, then proceeds to introduce supply and demand and the market adjustments leading to equilibrium, and addresses the use of market price and the sources of market failure. It transitions to consumer behaviour focusing on how consumers make decisions, while creating a framework to understand how firms optimize production under different market structures. The course concludes with the application of microeconomic theory to more advanced topics such as international trade, marginal analysis and the trade-off between equity and efficiency.
Learners are recommended to complete the Business Math Skills Self-Assessment (https://bowvalleycollege.ca/schools/chiu-school-of-business/MSA) prior to taking this course.
A basic understanding of key elements of the law is an essential factor in successful business management. Learners apply legal fundamentals useful in today's fast-paced, rapidly changing business environment.
Learners critically evaluate day-to-day economic subjects in a personal and business context. Throughout the course the economy is examined at the aggregate level with an emphasis on the determination and measurement of national income in the short and long run. The role of households, businesses, government, financial intermediaries and the international sector in influencing national income is examined. Learners analyze business cycles, money and banking, inflation, unemployment, exchange rates, and fiscal and monetary policies.
Learners are introduced to concepts aimed at providing a solid foundation of marketing principles and the role marketing plays in business. Emphasizing a holistic approach, learners have the opportunity to analyze and apply the marketing mix. Key concepts include product, price, placement, and promotion (4Ps), the Integrated Marketing Communications Mix (IMC), market research, and consumer behaviour.
Financial Services Major Courses
Required Courses
The goal of finance is to increase the value of a firm as measured by the market value of the share price. Focusing on the framework of working capital management, capital budgeting process, long-term financing and external growth through mergers, learners explore the major financial decisions faced by the business. This course provides opportunities for learners to apply the skills and knowledge of finance to contemporary business situations.
This course introduces the concept of money, the Canadian financial industry, the impact of the regulatory environment, and the analysis of products and services available to customers, including the adjudication of credit. These concepts provide the basis for the financial planning process. The course is eligible towards the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Core Curriculum program.
This course prepares learners with fundamental financial planning knowledge and introduces the personal financial planning process. Concepts include elements that affect an individual's and family's financial well-being. Collecting and analyzing required information to begin the financial planning process is examined. The course is eligible towards the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Core Curriculum program. It is recommended learners enroll in FNSR2301 Financial Markets and Products in the same term.
This course covers the financial and mutual fund industries. Topics include mutual fund and investment products, the regulatory system governing the mutual fund industry, and acceptable selling practices and processes. To complete this course, learners must write the Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) final exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, learners will meet the proficiency requirements of the provincial securities commission for mutual fund licensing.
Using the technical information provided in FNSR2302 Personal Financial Planning I, learners have the opportunity for practical application of personal financial planning. Focus of the course is on evaluating customer needs and applying the financial planning process and practices to provide appropriate recommendations. This course is eligible for Certified Financial Planning (CFP) Core Curriculum.
This course covers the fundamentals of business strategy theory and application of the frameworks. Learners integrate the knowledge gained in previous business courses and demonstrate how the various pieces of the business puzzle fit together. Learners explore why the different parts of an organization need to be managed in strategic harmony to meet its goals within its competitive environment. A pragmatic approach to developing a strategic analysis skill set is followed. Learners work in multi-disciplinary teams from across the business majors to focus on building long-term strategies for organizations.
This course explores the sales process from business concept to post sales follow-up with an emphasis on trust-based relationship selling and developing a loyal customer base. Learners are provided an opportunity to develop key skills to execute on the entire sales cycle.
Pre-requisites: MKTG1101, MGMT1201
Anti-requisites: FNSR2501, MKTG2201 & MKTG2202
Required Major Course ElectivesChoose two of the following courses
This course introduces the fundamental principles, concepts, and applications of Canadian income tax laws affecting individuals and corporations. Emphasis is on understanding and applying the rules of the Canadian Income Tax Act pertaining to the determination of taxation for individual and corporations, corporate investment income, transfer of property and GST/HST. Learners explore employment income, business income, property income, capital gains and losses, and other income and deductions, taxable income and taxes payable for individuals and corporations.
Risk impacts our daily lives. Through the examination of insurance and risk management, learners explore risk control techniques, laws, concepts, and practices commonly encountered in the insurance industry.
This course explores introductory statistical data analysis and interpretation techniques used in business environments. Learners develop foundational knowledge on key topics including data collection and presentation and measures of descriptive statistics. Random variables, probability and probability distributions, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression analysis are also covered.
Required Course Elective
Students can choose one course from the list. Click Here.
Program FAQs
Today's companies seek employees with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The evolution of the modern workplace, increasing competition, and rising consumer demands has forced employers to seek out motivated candidates with critical thinking and decision-making capabilities who also possess leadership potential.
If you have prior work experience or have taken courses comparable to those required under this program at another institution, you may be eligible for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) or transfer credit.
All requests must be submitted prior to the start of the program.
The Business Administration Diploma typically takes two years or four terms to complete. This may take longer if the student takes less than five courses per term.
Graduates typically find employment in financial institutions, entering positions such as customer service representatives; banking, credit, or other investment management positions; finance and insurance clerks; insurance and real estate clerks; supervisors in sales and services, or investment professional positions.
The Alberta Government provides up-to-date information on Alberta’s occupational profiles including wage and salary information. Click on the link to find out more.
Planning your course schedule according to availability and prerequisites requires some consideration.
Academic Advisors can assist with program planning once you are a registered student in a Chiu School of Business program.
Click on the link below to find out about Computer Requirements.
Some courses might require additional software or applications packages. You will be given this information before starting the course.
The approximate cost of textbooks and other supplies is estimated at $750 per term.