FAQ’s – MF

Program Information

CFA

1. The MF is a CFA Institute Partner Program. What does this mean?

Program partnership with the CFA Institute signifies that the content covered throughout the Master of Finance program satisfies a significant portion of the curriculum requirements for the CFA exams.

The program partner status provides students with access to specialized on-line Level I sample exams, scholarships, the Financial Newsbrief, a daily investment newsletter, and other CFA publications.

2. Can I become a CFA charter holder upon completion of my studies?

While the MF program covers a significant portion of the course work needed to successfully write all three levels of the CFA exam, in order to become a CFA charter holder you must have at least 48 months of work experience and meet the membership requirements. A detailed overview of the program and membership requirements can be found on the CFA Institute website.

Additional information about the CFA exam and program can be found on The Toronto CFA society website.

3. I already have a CFA. What are the benefits of doing the MF program?

There is some overlap between the CFA curriculum and the MF program. However, in the MF, the coverage is more in-depth, particularly in the area of investment banking. Because the MF is a graduate academic degree, there is a research component in the program, and students are exposed to cutting-edge scholarly work in the field. There are also important learning tools such as data analysis, statistical and software applications that are not part of the CFA curriculum.

Class Profile

1. What is the class profile for the Master of Finance?

MF Class of 2014 Profile

  • 24 Average Age

  • 690 Average GMAT

  • B+ Average GPA

MF Class of 2014 Profile

  • 1 year Average Work Experience

  • 5:5 Male:Female Ratio

  • 55% International Students

Delivery Method

1. Is the MF program offered online?

Unfortunately, distance-education is not offered.

2. Can I study part-time?

No. The MF program is a 12-month full-time program, which commences in August of each year.

MF vs Other Programs

1. How does the Schulich MF program compare to Schulich’s MBA program?

The 12-month full-time MF is ideal for individuals committed to a specialized career in finance. The program provides an in-depth training ground in finance that is comprehensive, practical, and intellectually challenging. While previous work experience is recommended, it is not required for admission into the program.

Schulich’s two year MBA program can be taken full or part-time. It is designed for individuals with a minimum of two years work experience, who wish to gain general management skills with the option to specialize in a variety of sectors or functional areas, such as finance, marketing or organizational behaviour.

2. Can MBA students take MF classes?

MFIN coded courses are restricted to students in the MF program. MBA students, however, can select any FINE coded finance elective for which they have the appropriate pre-requisite(s).

3. How does the Schulich MF compare with the Diploma in Financial Engineering?

The MF covers a broader spectrum of finance disciplines, whereas the diploma in financial engineering focuses on the theoretical knowledge and specialized skills necessary to develop new financial instruments and to understand the role of financial instruments in risk management. The diploma, which can be completed part-time, consists of 5 master’s level courses in financial engineering and math.

Specializations
1. Can I specialize in the Master of Finance?

Yes. In the second term of the MF program you can choose Capital Markets or Financial Risk as a specialization.

2. How do I choose a specialization? What are the admissions requirements?

You do not have to choose a specialization until you have completed the first term of the program. The specialization you choose should be related to your career interests. If interested in Financial Risk Management must complete an eligibility application form prior to embarking upon this stream. Applications are not required for the Capital Markets stream.

Study Options

1. Can I apply for advanced standing or waiver with replacement for any MF courses?

It is expected that students take all of the courses outlined in the MF curriculum. Advanced standing or waiver with replacement is not possible in the MF program.

2. Can I increase my course load in the program by taking MBA courses, courses out of faculty or at other universities?

Due to the intensity of the program, MF students are not permitted to take additional courses in the MBA stream, out of faculty or at other universities as part of their MF degree requirements. Initially, however, some of the MF required courses will be cross-taught with MBA students offering a classroom opportunity for MF students to connect with their peers in the MBA program.

3. Can I take a leave of absence during the program?

Due to the sequential nature of the program, only under exceptional circumstances, with the approval of the Student Affairs Committee, may students take a one year leave of absence.

Career Opportunities

1. What career opportunities are available for MF graduates?

As a Schulich Master of Finance graduate, job prospects range from investment banking and asset management to positions in private equity firms, central banks, hedge funds, consulting firms and government agencies. Explore the Career Opportunities page for a list of companies that have recently hired Master of Finance graduates.

2. What support will I receive to secure a job after graduation?

MF students have access to the Richard Waugh Career Development Centre (CDC) at Schulich, which offers one-on-one career coaching with finance specialists Minoo Bhutani, Director of the Career Development Centre and CDC Career Counsellor Mike Nadal. Also available are self-assessment tools, workshops, networking events with industry professionals and alumni and much more. Once you have graduated from Schulich, you will be able to continue to access many of the services offered through the CDC as well as the Schulich alumni network.

Students can visit the Career Development website for further details.