Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) Program (B302)

Program Description

Program Overview

This program is eligible for an entrance scholarship.

George Brown College's Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) is a four-year business degree program in Toronto that was developed with employers to create graduates who can thrive in today's financial services industry. After the first year of studies, you can choose from either the Accounting or Financial Planning specialization.

Full Description

The Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) is a four-year business degree in Toronto that was developed with employers to create graduates who can thrive in today's financial services industry. After the first year of studies, you can choose from either the Accounting or Financial Planning specialization.

Whether you are seeking a career as a professional accountant or a financial planner, this program provides the skills, knowledge and real-world experience to help you succeed.

The program includes:

  • Work-integrated learning experiences that amount to no less than 14 weeks of full-time equivalent work (420 hours), either in one block or in multiple cumulative blocks appropriate to achieving the program learning outcomes.
  • Accounting, banking management, administration and financial-planning theory, as well as the practice of applying concepts in the real world.
  • A state-of-the-art facility that includes network-ready wireless classrooms and study areas.
  • Curriculum that is current and has been developed with input from our industry partners, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario and the FP Canada.

This Centre for Business program is part of our School of Accounting and Finance.

ACBSP Global Business Accreditation logoEarn Your College Credential from a Business School Accredited by ACBSP

George Brown College's Centre for Business programs has earned international recognition from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Centre for Business diplomas, advanced diplomas, and degree programs, 14 in total, have been accredited globally at our Schools of Accounting & Finance, HR, Management, and Marketing. George Brown is now one of only two colleges in Ontario to have earned ACBSP accreditation. 

Your Field Education Options

Work experience is required as part of this program.

Work Experience

The Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) degree includes co-op experience(s) that amounts to no less than 14 weeks of full-time equivalent work (420 hours), either in one block or in multiple cumulative blocks appropriate to achieving the learning outcomes.

The co-op experience usually occurs between your sixth and seventh semesters if taken in one block and all 420 hours must be completed before the seventh semester. This work experience provides you with the practical experience employers value. Organizations in the following categories are engaged as field education partners for the Financial Services degree:

  • financial institutions
  • accounting and accounting-related organizations
  • small businesses
  • not-for-profit organizations
  • government offices
  • major corporations

George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities they believe will provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program. This valuable work experience can, in turn, be added to your resumé.

In addition to on-the-job work experience, George Brown College endeavours to provide field education opportunities with real-world challenges and clients. Find out more about field education at the Centre for Business.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

Graduates of the Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) degree are prepared for careers in a wide range of business sectors and organizations including banks, other financial institutions, federal, provincial and municipal government offices, and service organizations.

Graduates of the program have found employment as:

  • financial services representative
  • associate financial planner
  • personal bander
  • financial advisor

Educational Pathways

Core Designations

The B322 Accounting program is accredited by Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) of Ontario as meeting the CPA Preparatory (PREP) requirements. Graduates of the B322 program may be eligible for admission into the CPA Professional Education (PEP)* program. Additional information regarding admission requirements, including GPA, can be found here.

For more information regarding the CPA designation, please visit the CPA website.

The B302 Financial Planning program is an approved program through FP Canada, and covers the core and advanced curriculum required to take the CFP®* examination.

For more information regarding the CFP® designation, please visit the FP Canada website.

Note: Effective April 1, 2022, CFP® Certification requires a minimum bachelor’s degree.

Other Certifications

Graduates of this program may wish to pursue the following additional credentials or certifications in the financial services sector:

  • Qualified Associate Financial Planner (QAFP®) may be obtained through FP Canada.
  • Canadian Securities Course (CSC) may be obtained through the Canadian Securities Institute.
  • Life License Qualification Program (LLQP) may be obtained through Oliver’s Learning (or another approved provider) followed by the Provincial Licensing exam.

*Note: The requirements for each designation/certification are set by the granting body, not George Brown College. This includes the CPA and the CFP®. In order to qualify for any of these designations/certifications, you need to follow the process listed on its website and meet all the requirements applicable to you.

Future Study

For information on additional future study options, see our transfer guide.

I was able to take the Canadian Securities Course as part of my degree. Also, the program prepared me to write the Certified Financial Planner exam right after graduation, which saved me a lot of time.

My education helped me to move up at TD very quickly, much faster than I would have without it. George Brown was the right choice for me. I would recommend the program to anyone.

Hussain Mirza
Honours Bachelor's Degree

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