FAQ

While work experience is not an admission requirement for the MBA in Investment Management, professional experience acquired before and/or during the program correlates directly with the types of opportunities available after graduation. We will consider recent graduates, but recommend all candidates to accumulate a minimum of two years of work experience and / or to showcase relevant finance experience for better chances of admissions and post-graduation employment.

No. While finance experience is considered an asset, our program welcomes a variety of candidates with non-finance backgrounds. Investment Management is a diverse field and our student body reflects this. However, candidates applying to the MBA in Investment Management will have to showcase their deep interest and passion for finance.

We take a holistic approach to admissions, meaning we take all parts of an application into account. However, should your CGPA be below our minimum requirement, we recommend showing your academic strengths through additional professional certifications (CSC, CPA, CA, etc.), a solid performance on the GMAT/GRE, or through a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma. Contact us for more information and to discuss your case.

We consider all candidates passionate about finance, including those who have completed their CFA Charter. While the curriculum integrates the CFA Charter materials, the MBA in Investment Management remains an MBA program, which is designed to give students a broad strategy skillset and focused opportunities to grow in the field of finance. However, it is important to recognize that candidates who have already completed the CFA Charter prior to the beginning of the program may find some materials repetitive. Should you have any doubt on whether this program is the right fit for you, please contact us.

The John Molson Full-time/Part-time MBA is a general business administration degree with 10 case-based, core courses and five electives covering a wide variety of topics. The program provides students with the flexibility to build a broad skillset and move into various fields post-graduation, such as consulting, finance, marketing, etc. The average John Molson MBA student has around six years of full-time, post-graduation, professional experience. However, we do consider candidates with as little as two years of full-time, professional experience.

The John Molson MBA in Investment Management is a specialized MBA program that integrates the CFA Charter materials and focuses on building a skillset in finance. Offered by the Goodman Institute of Investment Management, the program is available in Montreal and offers opportunities in Toronto. Delivered over three years, classes are held on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays, allowing candidates to continue working or pursue work opportunities while studying. The program boasts a high pass rate for CFA Level I first-time takers, which is double the global average. No work experience is required for this program, although relevant experience in finance is considered an asset.

The John Molson Executive MBA (EMBA) is a 46-credit program that covers fundamental contemporary business concepts. The program is divided into four thematic terms over fall and winter terms. Each term is capped by an integrative course where the acquired knowledge is applied to real business contexts. Classes are held weekly, alternating on Fridays and Saturdays, and are designed for professionals to work full-time while completing the 20-month program. EMBA cohort members average between 12 and 15 years of professional experience. This dynamic environment is set for executive-level discussions that go beyond the classroom and underscores the need to keep abreast of rapidly changing business landscapes. The program includes an international study trip, executive coaching, and health and wellness modules — features that help students develop their careers even further as leaders.

The MBA in Investment Management and the MSc in Finance programs offered at the John Molson School of Business are very different.

The MBA in Investment Management integrates 100% of the CFA Charter materials, offering the opportunity for students to complete their CFA Charter while earning an MBA. The learning methodology is a very hands-on, case-based approach focused on developing a wide range of professional skills needed to move into the competitive field of investment management. This three-year program is entirely course-based and includes an accelerated program that lasts two years.

John Molson’s MSc programs are research-based, helping students to become specialists in one subject (finance, management, marketing, or supply chain management). In the first half of the MSc Finance program, students complete advanced academic seminars, while the second half involves the production of an independent research thesis under a faculty supervisor. The MSc can lead to a career as an industry specialist, or further progression into academia through a PhD.

The main difference between the two program streams is their duration and admission requirements.

The Accelerated stream can be completed in two years instead of three years for the regular program. The number of credits and courses to be completed remain the same — as such, there is no tuition difference between the two program streams. Students in the Accelerated program will be required to take courses during the summer term to complete all credits within two years.

Candidates who have passed the CFA Level 1 prior to applying and who have significant finance experience as well as superior time management skills (due to the heavier course load) may be considered for the Accelerated option.

The MBA in Investment Management program is currently only offered on our downtown Montreal campus. Students who are unable to physically be present during class hours may contact us to discuss their situation.

Toronto-based candidates may request a special permission to join the MBA in Investment Management remotely. International students are recommended to start their studies in Montreal to take advantage of our campus facilities and in-person coaching with our career management services. Networking events will be available in both cities. 

No. Because of the MBA in Investment Management’s unique curriculum integrating 100% of the CFA charter materials, it is not possible to transfer any credit from another university program.

No. The two programs are fundamentally different in their curriculum and have no overlap. Therefore, it is not possible to take courses in one program while pursuing the other.

There is no difference in tuition between the two program streams. Candidates in the Accelerated program will complete the same number of credits as the three-year program, but over a shorter period of time.

The university’s health insurance plan is mandatory for all full-time students, for Canadian and international students. Immigration Quebec regulations require that all international students be covered by a health insurance plan that meets government standards, while studying in Quebec. In keeping with this government directive, Concordia University has negotiated a compulsory health and accident insurance plan with Blue Cross at a competitive cost that all Concordia international students must have. Consequently, personal health insurance plans are not accepted. Please consult the Health Insurance section for more details.

Internships: Internships allow students to get work experience in a desired industry and to develop their professional network before graduating. There are two ways to secure internships over the course of your studies: Internships through the Institute of Co-operative Education, or independent applications through our Career Management Services’ jobs database.

The Van Berkom Investment Management program: Those who wish to build investment experience may apply to become an analyst for the Van Berkom Investment Management program. Students in this program work with a team and under the supervision of the Program Director to manage a real portfolio of small capitalized North American equities with a view to achieving above-average returns.

92% of our students find employment within three months of graduation. Most of them (87%) choose to remain in Canada. They work at a variety of companies and financial institutions, such as the National Bank of Canada, Bank of Montreal (BMO), Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), TD Bank, CIBC, Fiera Capital, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), Canaccord Genuity, Desjardins, ScotiaBank, Laurentien Bank and many more.

Absolutely! Please contact our team so we can assess which of our ambassadors would be the best fit to chat with you and to share experiences that are relevant to your goals. You may also reach out directly to our ambassadors via Linkedin.