Master of Science in Finance (MSc)
Program structure
John Molson’s research-based Masters allow students to produce the kind of research that is becoming increasingly necessary in public and private organizations or that leads toward advanced graduate business studies. Experiential opportunities are also available to adequately prepare our Master’s candidates for the job market.
Program structure
This Master of Science is a 45-credit applied research program consisting of both course work (seminars) and a thesis. Full-time students can complete the program in two years, while part-time students can complete it in three to four years. International students must pursue studies on a full-time basis. Most course work is completed in the first half of the program, while the thesis is completed in the second half.
YEAR 1
Fall
Two core courses (6 credits):
- MSCA 601: Financial Economics (3 credits)
- MSCA 602: Applied Linear Statistical Models (3 credits)
Two specialized seminars (6 credits) – see list below*
Winter
One core course (3 credits):
- MSCA 611: Research Methodology – Finance (3 credits)
Three specialized seminars (9 credits) – see list below*
Summer
Preliminary thesis work
*List of specialized seminars
- MSCA 621: Investment Theory
- MSCA 622: Investment Management
- MSCA 623: Financial Theory and Corporate Policy
- MSCA 624: Mergers, Restructuring and Corporate Control
- MSCA 625: Options and Future
- MSCA 632: Seminars in Special Topics in Finance
YEAR 2
Fall
Thesis proposal and data collection
- MSCA 699 Research Thesis (21 credits)
Winter
Thesis work
- MSCA 699 Research Thesis (continued)
Summer
Thesis defence
Recent thesis topics
- International Financial Contagion during the Subprime Credit Crisis
- The Effects of Board Diversity on Firm Risk
- A Close Examination of Canadian Stock Market Volatility
- CEO Age and Firm Performance
- The Determinants of Crowdfunding Success Outcomes
- Zero-leverage Firms and their Mergers & Acquisitions
- Earnings Management Surrounding Takeover Rumours
- The Impact of Cyber-Attacks on Publicly Traded Companies