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Ministry-approved title: Business Administration – Finance
The Finance – Business Administration program offers an extended three-year pathway designed to deepen financial expertise and strengthen strategic decision-making skills. Building on the foundation established in the two-year Finance – Business program, the additional two semesters provide greater depth in financial theory, applied analysis, and industry-focused practice, preparing students for more advanced roles in the financial sector.
Advanced learning in investing, financial planning, insurance, and taxation introduces students to industry strategies focused on portfolio analysis, risk evaluation, and the impact of financial decisions on business performance and client outcomes. The curriculum also expands into relationship management, client advisory services, and integrated financial planning. Through case-based learning, applied problem-solving, and industry tools, students develop the critical thinking and professional judgement needed in today’s financial services environment.
This combination of technical expertise, analytical thinking, and client-focused skills prepares graduates for careers in banking, investments, wealth management, and other areas of the financial services sector.
100%
OF THIRD-YEAR FINANCE STUDENTS HAVE SECURED FINANCIAL-SERVICE ORIENTED PLACEMENTS FOR THE PAST NINE YEARS, WITH MANY MOVING DIRECTLY INTO CAREERS.
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The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals.
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Graduates of the Finance – Business Administration program are prepared to explore diverse career paths in the financial sector. With training in financial analysis, taxation, investments, and retirement planning, you’ll be equipped to work in roles such as financial advisor, credit analyst, or investment associate, helping businesses and individuals achieve their financial goals.
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Organizations rely on finance professionals to manage resources, interpret financial data, and support decisions that drive growth and long-term sustainability. The Finance – Business Administration program at Durham College is designed to meet this demand by developing graduates with the knowledge and applied skills needed to navigate today’s evolving financial services industry, with a strong focus on customer service.
Through an integrated curriculum that combines core business principles with specialized training in investments, insurance, consumer credit, and financial planning, the program prepares students to support financial decision-making in a range of organizational contexts. Graduates are equipped to contribute to budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and client-focused financial solutions in a rapidly changing financial environment.
The three-year Finance – Business Administration advanced diploma and the two-year Finance – Business diploma share a common first two years of study, providing a strong foundational base in business and finance. In the third year of the advanced diploma, applied learning is extended through a four-week placement in the final semester, offering practical experience and the opportunity to apply financial concepts in real-world settings.
Learning focuses on a broad range of financial and business areas, including personal financial management, consumer credit, taxation, retirement planning, investments, and estate planning. Additional study areas such as project management, leadership, family law, international business, financial analysis, and financial planning further broaden professional capability and industry understanding.
Applied learning is supported through the use of industry tools and practical exercises, including financial planning software such as Conquest to model financial scenarios and support client planning outcomes. Accounting and bookkeeping practices are reinforced through hands-on exercises, while goal-setting frameworks are applied to develop client-focused financial plans.
In the third year, students learn to:
Successful graduates will be able to:
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s), i.e. Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 Math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
There are opportunities for graduates to pursue further education qualifications and related licenses. Specifically, the business finance program may prepare students to complete the following exams and certifications:
Students can also earn the following globally recognized certificates by taking Microsoft Office Specialist exams as part of their computer courses:
Students who successfully pass all three exams can earn an extra certificate that recognizes their accomplishment with the Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate (Office 365 and Office 2019) certificate. DC students are provided access to Microsoft Office 365 through the college’s Microsoft Office account. See more details about this opportunity.
Students entering their first year of studies in a Faculty of Business and Information Technology program will receive a membership to all of Durham Region’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year following graduation. As one of the only colleges in Ontario with this offering, DC is proud to provide students with access to local businesses at a regional level.
The Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade include:
Membership benefits:
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC. Students are responsible to ensure they are not duplicating their GNED or FNMI selections as per their diploma requirements. For a successful program completion, students must have successfully completed three unique elective courses as per their program of study.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
This program contains a co-op option. Click here for information on program costs for co-op students.
A strong foundation in finance and business administration opens up a wealth of career opportunities for graduates. The Finance – Business Administration program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a variety of roles within the financial services sector. From analyzing financial reports and creating comprehensive financial plans to advising clients on investments, consumer credit, and retirement strategies, graduates with a finance diploma are equipped to meet the demands of today’s economy. Career options may include positions such as financial analyst, credit officer, tax consultant, or investment advisor, where you’ll help businesses and individuals make informed financial decisions. With hands-on experience using industry-standard tools and proficiency in key areas such as taxation, project management, and financial planning, you’ll be ready to contribute to the success of any organization you join.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-operative education (co-op) is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals. Learn more about co-op opportunities here.
Students completing a field placement will complement their learning with a 160-hour work experience in their final semester. This will provide the opportunity to integrate theory with practice under the supervision of an industry professional.
Qualified graduates may be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study through Durham College’s partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities. Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop.
*Mac Computers
John-Paul Mann is an experienced finance educator, program coordinator, and leader with more than 25 years of experience in financial services and post-secondary education. He teaches across the Finance – Business diploma and advanced diploma programs, delivering engaging, student-centred learning experiences that emphasize real-world application, storytelling, and hands-on skill development in a project-driven classroom. Prior to academia, John-Paul held progressive leadership roles at BMO Bank of Montreal, where he built high-performing teams, led large-scale change initiatives, and consistently exceeded performance targets across lending, investment, and insurance. He holds an MBA in Financial Services from Dalhousie University along with industry accreditations, including FICB and LLQP, and is passionate about preparing students for successful careers in the financial services industry.
Dr. Brad Niblett is an experienced finance educator, entrepreneur, and investor with over 25 years of market and executive experience and a strong commitment to project-based learning. He teaches across the Finance – Business diploma and advanced diploma programs, combining investment theory with applied computational work in a project-first classroom where students develop and test real financial models. Dr. Niblett holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh Business School), where his research focused on dynamic capabilities and strategic alliance portfolios. His current research interests sit at the intersection of fintech, post-quantum cryptography, and the future of secure digital finance, with particular attention to implications for Canada’s financial systems and investment landscape.
Students will be invited to apply to the co-op option during their first year of study. Entrance to the co-op option is limited and the processes for securing a work term are competitive. Students enrolled in the co-op option are required to complete a four-month, paid work term between the second and third years of their program.
Supports are available through the Experiential Learning office to assist students with securing their work terms. In addition, the Experiential Learning office is in contact with co-op students and their employers during the work terms to help with any questions. Upon completing the work term, co-op students return to campus to complete their final two academic semesters of the program before graduating.
September intake:
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change.
Once transferred to the co-op option of the business finance program, students will have a co-op administrative fee of $475 assessed to their accounts during the academic semester(s) prior to scheduled work term(s). The administrative fee goes to support the broad array of support services provided to co-op students. These services are dedicated to supporting student success.
Find more information about the benefits of becoming a co-op student.
Find more information about the benefits of becoming a co-op employer.
E: co-op@durhamcollege.ca
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