Business Administration - Financial Services

Overview

Prepare for an exciting career in financial services. The Financial Services second year option of the Business Administration program provides you with workplace-ready business skills in a hands-on learning environment that is connected to industry. You learn the latest business practices and technologies that employers and business owners in Nova Scotia, across Canada, and around the world are looking for as you develop your professionalism and an awareness of the global economy, cooperate social responsibility, and green business practices. In this option, you're introduced to a broad range of financial services areas, including:

• Retail banking and related services
• Mortgages
• Lending, mutual funds and investing
• Insurance
• Financial planning concepts

You learn how these topics fit together and have an impact on businesses and individuals. You also develop an understanding of the importance of sales skills and customer relationship management with a client-centered focus.

We have strong relationships with our financial services partners, giving you the opportunity to network directly with many of their human resources staff and hiring managers. Faculty maintain memberships in professional organizations, sharing their real-world experience and knowledge.

Work experience

• You have a choice between field experience or an international learning project to achieve this mandatory credit.
  • Field experience provides the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• International learning projects are considered a work-integrated learning option and provide you with the opportunity to gain international learning and experience. You apply for international learning projects through NSCC International. Successful candidates are offered the opportunity to participate in a learning program hosted by international partners in various host countries. 
  • There are additional fees to participate in an international learning project.
  • You’re required to complete a pre-departure preparation course (INTE 1000), travel to the host country and actively participate in project work and cultural experiences.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience courses are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• You experience hands-on learning and real-world business environments through our on-campus business centres, simulations, project-based learning, applied learning, service learning, collaborative learning and mentorship activities.
• You develop the skills and professionalism you need to work in a business world that focuses on people, organizations, strategy and leadership.
• You learn in small classes, from experienced instructors.
• You graduate well-prepared with workplace-ready skills to provide a broad range of services to businesses of many sizes.
• Our programs and faculty maintain strong community and industry connections and use a proactive approach to prepare students for industry trends and demands.
• You have access to other exciting learning opportunities beyond your program such as international learning programs and entrepreneurship workshops.

Other info

• You'll have an opportunity to jumpstart your career by taking the 3 available industry-recognized courses that can help you earn accreditation through the Canadian Securities Institute:
  • Personal Financial Service Advice
  • Personal Loans and Mortgages
  • Mutual Funds

Availability

This concentration is not available at all campus locations and is subject to change. Seating is limited and availability will vary depending on the campus you choose.

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery
Ivany Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Kingstec Campus Kentville	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.

Admission requirements

• Successful completion of Business Administration – Year 1 or advanced standing.
• Advanced standing – To be considered, you must apply to and meet the admission requirements for the Business Administration program. Advanced standing is based on academic credits (certificate/diploma/degree) completed from a recognized public institution within the past 10 years that meet the academic requirements of the full first year of the program. Advanced standing is subject to seat availability.

Program requirements

• You participate in community/service learning to assist you in meeting the industry's expectations for community involvement.
• Portfolio development - As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

Career options

• Graduates are qualified to accept entry-level positions within the financial and insurance sectors.
• Graduates may choose to pursue careers in areas dealing with mortgages, investments, lending opportunities and retail banking.

Future study options

• Graduates of this program have a strong foundation to continue their studies in the following NSCC business programs:
  • Business Analysis
  • Business Intelligence and Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • Event Management
  • Finance
  • Human Resource Management
  • International Business
  • Music Business
  • Non-profit Leadership
  • Public Relations
  • Start-up Accelerator
• Completion of the Investment Funds in Canada course and acquiring a license to sell mutual funds following this program will enhance your employability.
• You can continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Learn more about having your diploma count towards a university degree

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

FINA 2316 - Financial Management
Financial Management is a course that provides the student with the opportunity to assess the financial health of a business and employ various decision-making model in the assessment process.

FINA 3011 - Introduction to Financial Planning
This course will introduce the learner to the fundamentals of personal financial planning and will be presented from the perspective of a Financial Planning professional giving advice to a client.

FINA 3014 - Financial Products & Systems
This course delivers an introduction to basic banking product offerings, industry career path opportunities, professionalism, service learning, and customer relationship management practices. Through a hands on, interactive approach including guest presenters, learners will develop a basic understanding of the products and systems needed to create personal financial plans and professionally assist clients with meeting their everyday financial needs. Learners will also gain exposure to professional ethics & attire, regulatory practices, and service learning opportunities to assist them in setting personal goals, choosing career paths, and networking to help achieve employment and advancement within the financial services field.

FINA 3020 - Personal Lending and Mortgages
The Personal Lending and Mortgages® course is delivered under agreement with the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) using their course materials to prepare learners for the Personal Lending and Mortgages® exam. CSI describes the course as providing “comprehensive coverage of consumer credit and both standard and advanced mortgages. The course addresses a full range of critical issues related to loan and complex mortgage products. It prepares professionals to answer sophisticated questions from demanding clients and to clear up common misunderstandings. Those who complete the course will be able to increase client trust and boost business by demonstrating a level of expertise that sets them apart from their peers.” Additionally, it is another step toward earning the CSI Certificate in Personal Banking®. Students must also be registered in the related course with the CSI. For more information, please go to the Canadian Securities website at www.csi.ca .

FINA 3101 - Mutual Funds
The Mutual Funds course is delivered under agreement with the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) using their course materials to prepare learners for the Investment Funds in Canada® exam. CSI describes the IFC® course as providing the opportunity to obtain “the certification you need to start giving advice and to start helping your clients make smart investment decisions based on their needs. The IFC prepares you to advise clients about their mutual funds investments based on their objectives, timeline and risk tolerance. It also explains a mutual fund representative's legal, ethical and professional responsibilities.” Students must also be registered in the related course with the CSI. For more information, please go to the Canadian Securities website at www.csi.ca.

FINA 4001 - Financial Services Practicum
This capstone course integrates many aspects of the learning concepts in the Financial Services concentration by enabling the student to prepare and present a comprehensive financial plan based on a realistic scenario.

FINA 4320 - Personal Financial Services Advice
The Personal Financial Services Advice® course is delivered under agreement with the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) using their course materials to prepare students for the Personal Financial Services Advice® exam. CSI describes the course as designed “to help you confidently deliver the right advice to your clients based on their individual needs. You'll improve your communications skills, build stronger, more profitable relationships and ultimately, grow your client-base. What's more, completing the PFSA puts you one step closer to earning the new Personal Financial Planner (PFP®) designation and Certificate in Financial Services Advice - CSI's newest industry-leading credentials”. Topics include ethics and the regulatory environment, economics, time value of money, risk management, customer relations, and personal financial statements. Students must also be registered in the related course with the CSI. For more information, please go to the Canadian Securities website at www.csi.ca.

FINA 4995 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal. This is a course of 175 hours spread over five weeks

INSU 3010 - Introduction to Insurance
This introductory course will examine the theory and practice of the insurance industry in Canada. Learners will study various lines available in the insurance industry, including Life-related insurance (life, accident, disability, health, professional, liability, etc.), General-related insurance (fire, auto, marine, business, etc.), and other specific insurance coverages (travel, creditor, etc.). This course will introduce the learner to the fundamentals of the insurance industry in Canada and will be presented in a variety of formats including from the prospective of an insurance professional giving advice to a client(s).

INTL 4995 - International Learning Project
This course is considered a work integrated learning option for students wishing to gain international learning and experience. Through NSCC International, learners will apply and be selected for international learning projects. Successful candidates will be offered to participate in a learning program hosted by international partners in the host country. Learners are required to complete a pre-departure preparation course (INTE 1000) and travel to the host country and actively participate in project work and cultural experiences. This is an experiential learning opportunity.

MGMT 3015 - Human Resource Management
Students will examine the activities involved in attracting, recruiting, training, developing, controlling, rewarding, motivating, directing, and maintaining the human resources of a business. Topics will include challenges and trends in the field of human resource management, legal and ethical issues, staffing, employee development, and compensation.

PSAL 2121 - Selling for Success
In this course, you will walk through the sales process with a focus on client relationships. You will also learn how to grow your sales with practical skills such as solving client needs, negotiating, and closing a sale. And finally, you will gain the skills to fit into a professional sales environment.

Prescribed Elective. Students must complete 8 credits