FAQ

How long is the program?
This is a three-year Advanced Diploma program. Students first apply to Business Administration – Core and spend three semesters building a solid foundation in business fundamentals. In their third semester students take courses in several areas of business practice and with help from faculty and upper level students, choose a major from Accounting, Finance, General Business, and Supply Chain and Operations Management. The final three semesters are spent focusing on this chosen major area of study.

Are classes online or in person?
Courses may be offered face-to-face, hybrid (a combination of face-to-face and online) and online.

What will I learn?
You will learn the skills to pursue a career in the financial planning, personal banking, investments, or insurance advising industries. You can also continue your career development through advanced professional education, on the job training and experience. The program prepares graduates to meet the high proficiency standards needed to complete the professional designations and licensing courses in the financial services industry.

Do I need specialized software or computer?
Students are required to have a mobile computing device that meets program specifications. Please note that it is mandatory to have a Windows based system. Some software applications that you could be using will not run effectively on other platforms (even when running via Parallels on Mac).

Are there any certifications that I can earn?
Algonquin College collaborates with the Canadian Institute of Financial Planning (CIFP) to offer the Registered Financial and Retirement Advisor® (RFRA®) credential to graduates of the Business Administration Finance program. RFRA® designation holders in good standing may use the title of Financial Advisor with clients. The RFRA® is not awarded by Algonquin College. For more information on this credential, refer to the website.

Students who have successfully completed Investments & Securities Courses 1 & 2 may be eligible to challenge the Canadian Investment Regulatory Exam (CIRE) with the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). Candidates who successfully pass the CIRE exam may become an Approved Person at an Investment Dealer. For exam requirements and fees, please visit the website.

Graduates with a 60% or higher cumulative average in the Business Administration – Finance program may submit a copy of their transcript to CIFP for approval to the Chartered Financial Planner pathway. Upon CIFP’s approval of the transcript, students are eligible to contact the Chartered Institute to register for the Chartered Financial Planner Examination. Successfully passing the Chartered Financial Planner exam allows candidates in good standing to use the Financial Planner title with clients. The Chartered Financial Planner® Designation is not awarded by Algonquin College. For more information on the exam and additional fees, refer to the website.

What are my options to further my education after this Advanced Diploma?

• Graduates of the Business Administration Advanced Diploma in any major, with a qualifying GPA can take advantage of partnership with Nipissing University and complete a Nipissing Bachelor of Commerce degree with one additional year of full-time study right here on our Woodroffe campus. In 4 years students have a Business Adminstration Advanced Diploma in their major and a Bachelor of Commerce degree. You can view other articulation opportunities at: Algonquin Degree Pathways.
• New transfer agreement between Carleton University and Algonquin College: Carleton University will award graduates of the Business Administration – Finance Advanced Diploma up to ten transfer credits to be applied to the University Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree. For the purpose of this agreement, successful completion will mean completion of the above-mentioned program with an average of 80% (3.5 GPA) with no more than three individual grades below 70%.