Finance (MSc)
Master of Science in Finance (MSc)
Offered by:John Molson School of Business
Why pursue a Master's in Finance?
The Master of Science in Finance (MSc) is a research-based Master’s degree program. The MSc in Finance equips students with a solid understanding of financial theory and research methodology. Graduates are prepared to build successful careers in research or analysis in the financial sector or in government. The program also serves as excellent preparation for those wishing to pursue their studies at the doctoral level.
Successful applicants to the MSc Finance program have strong quantitative and analytical abilities and a solid understanding of economic theory and research methodology. Ultimately, they apply these skills and knowledge while conducting original research in the form of a master’s thesis, working under the direct supervision of a faculty member.
Program Details
The MSc program provides excellent preparation for students interested in advanced research who wish to pursue Doctoral studies and a career as a business professor or consultant. The MSc thesis is a major empirical research project that allows students to focus on a specific topic of particular interest and publish their results. Students are encouraged to select a topic addressing a contemporary business problem and apply technical and analytical skills to propose relevant solutions
The MSc in Finance attracts students with strong quantitative and analytical skills who wish to enhance their understanding of economic and financial theory, as well as research methodology. Graduates apply this knowledge to build successful careers in research and analysis in the private and public sectors.
Business majors and those who have majored in psychology, sociology, economics and other non-business areas are welcome to apply.
The MSc program is a 45-credit program offered on a full-time or part-time basis.
The program is open to both full-time and part-time students.
A bachelor's degree with high academic standing serves as a prerequisite for the program. To be eligible for admission, applicants must have maintained at least a B average in their final two years and have obtained a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.00 on a 4.30 scale, or the equivalent, from an accredited university.
Applicants with a bachelor's degree in other than Commerce or Business Administration will be required to take prerequisite courses in addition to the required coursework in the graduate program. The specific courses to be taken are determined by the Department MSc Advisor with the approval of the Associate Dean, Research and Research Programs depending upon the student's background and area of specialization.
Applicants must submit proof of satisfactory performance on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) completed within the previous five years, three letters of recommendation with the Academic Assessment forms, and a short statement of purpose. (Please note that the GMAT is preferred to the GRE).
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
Concordia Comprehensive ESL Placement Test (ConCEPT). Applicants who have been admitted by a program and whose test results fall within the range requiring a language placement test are required to write the Concordia Comprehensive ESL Placement Test (ConCEPT).
Fast-Track to PhD in Business Administration
Meritorious students enrolled in a JMSB Master of Science program who have completed all degree requirements except for the thesis may apply for permission to proceed directly to doctoral studies in the same discipline without submitting a master's thesis. In all such cases, the decision of the PhD Admissions Committee shall be final.
Credits. Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.
In the first year of the program, candidates are required to complete a minimum of 24 credits:
- 9 credits of required courses:
MSCA 601: Financial Economics (3 credits)
MSCA 602: Applied Linear Statistical Models (3 credits)
MSCA 611: Research Methodology - Finance (3 credits)
- 15 credits of Finance seminars: (see Finance Seminars).
Upon approval of the Department MSc Finance Advisor and the instructor, up to six credits of electives may include the following:
Seminars in any other JMSB MSc program;
PhD seminar in Finance (ADMI 840-849);
Cognate graduate seminars offered by other departments within the university
- 21 credits, MSCA 699: Research Thesis
After reviewing the Admission Requirements the following items must be submitted before the application deadline:
- $100 (CAD) Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee paid online by credit card.
- Application Form
Click here to apply online.
- Statement of Purpose
Applicants must provide a Statement of Purpose indicating their reason for choosing the MSc program (specific to Finance, Management or Marketing), their career goals, and how the program will contribute to achieving those goals. Applicants may also state their preliminary research interests. Statement of Purpose should be 500-1000 words in length.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Applicants must include an updated resume.
- Three Letters of Reference*
Applicants must include at least two academic references (i.e. from former professors). The third reference may be from a business reference. A suitable referee is an individual who is well-acquainted with your education and abilities.
When completing your application online, you will be required to enter your referees’ names, affiliated institutions and email addresses (college/university or company mail). Your referees will then receive an email inviting them to complete an electronic assessment form and attach their letter of reference. It is your responsibility to follow-up with your referees to confirm they received this mail from application.support@concordia.ca.
You are strongly encouraged to submit your application before your program’s application deadline in order to give your referees sufficient time to provide their assessment and letter of reference.
- Official Transcripts*
Please upload unofficial copies of transcripts, from all previous educational institutions, when you apply to Concordia because it speeds up the review of your application.
If you are currently enrolled in school:
Submit the results of previous terms and a list of your current courses
Include mid-year grades if they're available
Uploaded transcripts, however, are not official transcripts. Official transcripts are documents sent directly from an institution to our Admissions Application Centre. Unless otherwise specified, we request official transcripts only once you are admitted.
- Official GMAT Score (minimum of 580)
For information on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) please visit the GMAT page. You must complete the analytical section of the GMAT also.
- Official English Proficiency Test (where applicable)
A student whose primary language is not English must write a pre-admission proficiency test (TOEFL iBT minimum score 95 or IELTS (Academic) minimum score 7.0), if not exempted as indicated in the admissions requirements. Test results must be reported directly to the Admissions Application Centre by the test centre. Results more than two years old will not be accepted as proof of language proficiency.
- Proof of Canadian Citizenship, Permanent Residence, or Refugee Status (where applicable)
Where applicable, applicants must include a certified copy of their birth certificate, Permanent Resident card, Canadian Citizen Card, or Refugee Status papers. International students must include a copy of their current passport.
*Once requested upon acceptance, official transcripts must be sent directly to Concordia University:
Concordia University
Enrolment Services
P.O. Box 2002, Station H
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
H3G 2V4
In-person/courier delivery location:
Graduate Admissions Services
Birks Student Service Center
1400 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West
Room LB-185
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
H3G 1M8
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Finance | MSc | March 1* | n/a | n/a |
| *Applications will be considered as long as space is available. Contact the Graduate Program Assistant for details. |
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- Financial Economics
- Applied Linear Statistical Models
- Research Methodology – Finance
- Specialized Seminars
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of courses offered.
