Financial Services
The field of financial services is forecasted to have significant job openings over the next ten years, including in the Kootenay region. Our new Financial Services diploma can prepare you with the skills and knowledge you need to enter this in-demand field.
The Financial Services diploma is available fully online, or can be completed in person at our Cranbrook campus. But don’t stop there! The diploma ladders directly into Year 3 of the Bachelor of Business Administration in Sustainable Business Practices degree program at College of the Rockies which has additional flexibility of part-time, full-time, face to face, or online learning.
Program Overview
Financial Services is a two-year diploma program which opens the door to career opportunities in the financial services field, or prepares you to continue on to a Bachelor of Business Administration program. This program is also ideal for mid-career professionals looking to diversify their skillset.
This program starts in September each year. Part-time students applying in the Winter or Spring semester should select University General Studies as their program when applying.
Why choose a career in Financial Services?
- Skilled financial service graduates are in demand in the Kootenay region, and throughout B.C. The Business, Finance, and Administration field is anticipated to be one of the top three occupational groups in terms of total job openings over the next ten years.
- Skills acquired in the financial services diploma prepare you for a wide variety of entry-level career options.
- The skills you gain will be applicable to careers in financial services in any sector.
Note: Upon successful completion of all Year 1 courses, you can graduate with a Business Management Certificate.
Financial Services Diploma Program Structure:
Year 1 Fall Semester
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 261 | Introductory Financial Accounting 1 | 3 |
| FINS 215 | Personal Financial Planning | 3 |
| ECON 101 | Microeconomics | 3 |
| ENGL 100 or COMC 101 | COMC 101 Technical and Professional Writing or ENGL 100 English Composition. Note: ENGL 100 may be required for degree-seeking students. | 3 |
| MATH 111 or MATH 101 or MATH 103 | Business Math (recommended) or Finite Mathematics 1 or Differential Calculus | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
Year 1 Winter Semester
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 262 | Introductory Financial Accounting 2 | 3 |
| COMC 102 | Advanced Professional Communications 3 | 3 |
| COMP 154 | Computer Applications in Business | 3 |
| ECON 102 | Macroeconomics | 3 |
| STAT 106 | Statistics | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
Year 2 Fall Semester
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 363 | Taxation 1 | 3 |
| ACCT 371 | Corporate Finance 1 | 3 |
| MGMT 212 | Business Law | 3 |
| MGMT 303 | Business Ethics | 3 |
| MGMT 320 | Management Information Systems | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
Year 2 Winter Semester
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 372 | Corporate Finance 2 | 3 |
| FINS 312 | Insurance and Risk Management | 3 |
| MKTG 291 | Professional Selling | 3 |
| FINS 322 | Securities Analysis | 3 |
| MGMT 216 | Organizational Behaviour | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
Course Descriptions
Year 1 – Fall Semester
ACCT-261 – Introductory Financial Accounting 1
This course introduces students to the basic accounting cycle including preparation of useful financial statements. Students will analyze and record business transactions, create financial statements, and journal entries. Other topics include accounting for cash, receivables, inventory, and payroll.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent. Minimum 60% in either MATH 080, MATH 082, Workplace Mathematics 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, Pre-Calculus 11, Apprenticeship Mathematics 12, Foundations of Mathematics 12, Computer Science 11, Computer Science 12, Pre-Calculus 12, Statistics 12, Geometry 12, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
FINS-215 – Personal Financial Planning
This course gives students a practical guide to understanding the foundations of personal finance, wealth accumulation and financial planning decisions. This course equips students with the knowledge and tools to understand and plan their personal finances in a rewarding and engaging manner. This course emphasizes practical decision-making in real world scenarios. Students will apply basic concepts through case studies and the development of a personal financial plan.
This course enhances students’ financial literacy and puts them on the path towards a lifetime of financial responsibility and stability.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent. Minimum 60% in either MATH 080, Foundations 11, Pre-Calculus 11, Essentials 11, Applications 11, Principles 11, Computer Science 11, Computer Science 12, Foundations of Math 12, Pre-Calculus 12, Statistics 12, Geometry 12, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? Blended, On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
ECON-101 – Microeconomics
This course deals with the economic principles that govern the individual segments of the economy. Topics include supply and demand, price elasticity, utility, cost of production, perfect and imperfect market structures, theory of production, the demand for factors, and the pricing of factors. Some current business situations are discussed.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Minimum of 60% in either MATH 080, Foundations 11, Pre-Calculus 11, Essentials 11, Applications 11, Principles 11, Computer Science 11, Computer Science 12, Foundations of Math 12, Pre-Calculus 12, Statistics 12, Geometry 12, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
ENGL-100 – English Composition
English 100 focuses on composition strategies for writing across academic disciplines. Over the course of the term, students will develop an awareness of how rhetorical situations affect composition and refine their understanding of the fundamentals of essay writing (and clear communication more broadly), including paragraphing, thesis statements, essay structure, and citation methods. Students will also learn the fundamentals of critical thinking and analysis, persuasive writing techniques (including rhetorical appeals and modes), scholarly research, and academic reading.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? Blended, On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
COMC-101 – Technical and Professional Writing
In this introductory course, students develop practical writing skills for the workplace. Activities centre on effective writing styles and offer detailed guidelines on planning, organizing, composing and revising documents for a range of communication tasks. This course reviews some grammar essentials and leads students to be resourceful and successful communicators in traditional and virtual correspondence.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
MATH-111 – Business Mathematics
This course emphasizes the mathematics required in general business processes. It begins with a brief review of arithmetic and algebra. These skills are then applied to business situations requiring the use of percentages, markup, simple interest and compound interest. The emphasis is on applied business mathematics and the use of a hand-held business calculator. This course is designed to prepare students for the mathematical and analytical applications required in subsequent business and economics courses.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Minimum of 60% in either MATH 080, Pre-Calculus 11, Foundations of Math 11, Applications of Math 11, Principles of Math 11, Computer Science 11, Computer Science 12, Foundations of Math 12, Pre-Calculus 12, Geometry 12, Statistics 12, Calculus 12, MATH 100, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
MATH-101 – Finite Mathematics 1
This course is intended for students who require an appreciation of higher mathematics, but don’t require calculus. MATH 101 stresses a logical and critical thinking approach while investigating the following topics: an introduction to matrices and to linear algebra; linear programming and the Simplex method; set theory, counting techniques and probability; and introduction to statistics; and Markov Processes.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Either a minimum grade of 65% in one of Foundations 11, Pre-Calculus 11, Applications 12, Principles 11, or MATH 080; or Foundations of Math 11 and 70% or higher in Foundations of Math 12; or Pre-Calculus 12; or Calculus 12; or minimum grade of 65% in both Statistics 12 and Computer Science 12.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
MATH-103 – Differential Calculus
This course is intended for students who are pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree. Topics include: functions, limits, continuity, derivatives, their interpretation, differentiation rules, techniques of differentiation, implicit differentiation, inverse functions, exponential functions, logarithms, applications of differentiation such as linear approximations, Newton’s method, related rates, analysis of graphs, and optimization, and the Mean Value Theorem. Calculus is a necessary step in any career in the sciences including Biology, Chemistry, Commerce, Computer Science, Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, Medicine, and Physics. It is also useful in any field which uses Statistics to analyze data.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: Either a minimum of 65% in Math 090, Math 100, or Principles 12; or Pre-Calculus 11 AND Pre-Calculus 12 with a minimum of 65%; or Pre-Calculus 12 and a minimum of 75% in Calculus 12.
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $358.14
- Lab Fees: $82.11
- Total: $440.25
- Course Outline
Year 1 Winter Semester
ACCT-262 – Introductory Financial Accounting 2
This course is a continuation of ACCT 261. This course includes capital assets, liabilities, partnerships, corporations, cash flow, and financial statement analysis.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- (55%) in ACCT 261.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
COMC-102 – Advanced Professional Communication
This course presents the written and oral communication strategies required in any workplace environment. Students gain practical experience that centers on gathering, summarizing and critically assessing information to produce professional documents. Students will also gain a better understanding on how basic design elements enhance the readability of workplace documents and online communication. This course also focuses on helping students develop speaking skills appropriate to informal and formal presentations and interviews.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: ENGL 100, COMC 101 or COMC 150
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
COMP-154 – Computer Applications in Business
This course examines information systems theory and utilizes computer technology. Students will explore the application of technology in organizations. Students will investigate information systems, evaluate organizational needs, and develop effective solutions. Security, legal and ethical issues will be examined along with characteristics of professional administration. Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook, will be utilized to create effective business artifacts and fulfill organizational needs.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 75 hours
- Prerequisites: Familiarity with Microsoft Office and basic computing skills, or COMP 153 are recommended.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Lab Fees: $82.11
- Total: $440.25
- Course Outline
ECON-102 – Macroeconomics
This course presents the economic principles that govern the behaviour of the nation’s economy. Topics include production possibility, supply and demand, national income analysis, money and banking, fiscal and monetary policy, and international trade. Current Canadian economic problems are discussed.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Minimum of 60% in either MATH 080, Foundations 11, Pre-Calculus 11, Essentials 11, Applications 11, Principles 11, Computer Science 11, Computer Science 12, Foundations of Math 12, Pre-Calculus 12, Geometry 12, Statistics 12, Geometry 12, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
STAT-106 – Statistics
This course introduces the fundamental ideas of statistics and can be applied to any discipline. Topics include: collection, description, and presentation of data; calculating central tendency and dispersion; probability and statistical inference; hypothesis testing (means, proportions, variances, one and two samples); correlation and regression; decision making and sampling, Goodness of Fit Tests, and Contingency Tables.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: A minimum of 60% in either Principles of Math 11, Foundations of Math 11, Applications of Math 11, Pre-Calculus Math 11, Statistics 12, Pre-Calculus 12, Calculus 12, MATH 080, or MATH 101; or a minimum grade of 65% in either Foundations of Math 12, Geometry 12, or Computer Science 12; or any grade in Foundations of Math 11 and 70% or higher in Foundations of Math 12; or a minimum grade of 60% in MATH 111.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Lab Fees: $82.11
- Total: $440.25
- Course Outline
Year 2 Fall Semester
ACCT-363 – Taxation 1
This course is an introduction to Canadian taxation. It focuses on the understanding of the nature and structure of the Income Tax Act. Topics covered in this course include liability for tax and rules for computing income, taxable income, allowable deductions and taxes payable for individuals.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- (55%) in ACCT 262.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
ACCT-371 – Corporate Finance 1
This course, along with ACCT 372, is an introduction to managerial finance. It focuses on the environment in which financial decisions are made, the analysis required to make financial decisions, and the theoretical framework on which the analysis is based. Topics covered include an introduction to taxation, the Canadian financial system, securities markets, the valuation of securities, capital budgeting, capital structure, the cost of capital, dividend policy, sources of financing, working capital management, international finance, and corporate reorganizations.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- (55%) in ACCT 262 and a minimum grade of C- (55%) in MATH 101, MATH 103 or MATH 111.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
MGMT-212 – Business Law
In this course, the underlying principles and rules of common law are examined together with applicable statute law. Torts are studied, including the making of contracts, their effect and completion; agency; legal forms of business; contracts of employment; sale of goods; negotiable instruments; methods of securing debt; and bankruptcy law.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
MGMT-303 – Business Ethics
This course provides an overview of Canadian business and its interrelationships with society. Course material covers current issues and ethical challenges faced in the world of work, providing the student with practical tools, methods and resources that encourage ethical behavior in and out of the workplace. Concepts covered include stakeholder management, corporate social responsibility and managing ethics from a business and managerial perspective.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- (55%) in either ENGL 100 or in COMC 101.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
MGMT-320 – Management Information Systems
This course is for business and information technology students who wish to understand how organizations use information, information technologies and systems to achieve objectives and create competitive advantages.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- (55%) in either ENGL 100 or in COMC 101; and a minimum grade of C- (55%) in COMP 154.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
Year 2 Winter Semester
ACCT-372 – Corporate Finance 2
This course develops analytical techniques and financial theories used to make optimal decisions in a corporate setting. The course builds on and extends the concepts and tools covered in ACCT 371. Students are exposed to key financial concepts and tools commonly used by managers in making sound financial decisions.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- (55%) in ACCT 371
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
FINS-312 – Insurance and Risk Management
This course examines the fundamental principles of risk management and the tools for mitigating risk. Students develop the ability to identify risk, measure it and its consequences and take necessary steps to manage risk. Topics include concept of risk, risk management, risk evaluation, basics of insurance, automobile insurance, life and health insurance and commercial insurance.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- (55%) in ENGL 100 or in COMC 101 and, a minimum grade of C- in either MATH 101, MATH 103 or MATH 111
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
MKTG-291 – Professional Selling
This course exposes students to the intricate components of the professional selling function. Students get the opportunity to explore the significance of selling in marketing and its contribution to organizational success. Topics include prospecting clients, following leads, selling dialogue, communication skills, leveraging on unique selling points to deliver earnings commitment, and the benefits of maintaining customer relationship.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- (55%) in COMC 102, and a minimum grade of C- (55%) in MGMT 303.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
FINS-322 – Securities Analysis
The objective of this course is to provide the student with a basic understanding of the fundamental components of security analysis and the process of portfolio construction leading ultimately to wealth management. Topics include investment theory, valuation of equity, bonds, money market and derivative instruments, concepts of risk and return and portfolio diversification.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- (55%) in ENGL 100 or in COMC 101, and a minimum grade of C- (55%) in STAT 106, and a minimum grade of C- (55%) in FINS 215, and a minimum grade of C- (55%) in either MATH 101, MATH 103 or MATH 111.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
MGMT-216 – Organizational Behaviour
In this course students can discover and apply concepts to both explain and influence how people and their organizations work. Specific topics include motivation, perception, personality, emotions, communication, team dynamics, decision making, conflict and negotiation, power and organizational politics, leadership, organizational change and development, organization, and culture.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $358.14
- Course Outline
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements:
- Secondary school graduation or equivalent.
- Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent or successful completion of university-level composition course (e.g., ENGL 100).
- Students for whom English is a second language must meet the College’s English Language Proficiency Requirements.
- 60% in either Principles of Math 11, Foundations of Math 11, Applications of Math 11, Pre-calculus 11, Math 11, Statistics 12, Pre-Calculus 12, Calculus 12, Math 080; or a minimum grade of 65% in either Foundations of Math 12, Geometry 12, or Computer Science 12.
- Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel is recommended.
Students may commence certain courses in the program while they upgrade.
Your Costs
Tuition and Fees:
| Tuition Year 1: | $3,581.40 |
| Tuition Year 2: | $3,581.40 |
| Application Fee: | $30.00 |
| Student Association Fee: | $138.00 |
| Bus Pass Fee: | $177.60 |
| Lab Fee: | $164.22 |
| Health and Dental Fee: | $459.00 |
| Total | $8,131.62 |
Tuition and Fees for International Students:
| Tuition Year 1: | $15,554.70 |
| Tuition Year 2: | $15,554.70 |
| Application Fee: | $100.00 |
| International Fee: | $100.00 |
| Student Association Fee: | $138.00 |
| Bus Pass Fee: | $177.60 |
| Lab Fee: | $164.22 |
| Health and Dental Fee: | $459.00 |
| Guard.me Insurance: | $270.00 |
| Total | $32,518.22 |
*These prices are for international students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
Financial Services Diploma – Block Transfer Agreements
| To Institution | Program | |
|---|---|---|
| College of the Rockies | Bachelor of Business Administration | Transfer Planning Form |
| Capilano University | Bachelor of Business Administration Note: Applicants must meet Capilano University’s School of Business admission requirements and Capilano University’s admission and general English Language requirements. | Transfer Agreement |
| Royal Roads University | Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication Note: Individual assessment required. In addition, you must complete English 100 with a B or greater. | Transfer Agreement |
| University of Lethbridge | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Management Note: Graduates will be guaranteed admission if their diploma GPA is 3.0 or higher. | Transfer Agreement |
Program Details
Delivery Method:?
Blended, On-campus, Online
Credential:
Diploma
Categories:
Administrative & Accounting, Block Transfer Agreements with Other Institutions, Business, Finance & Accounting, Math & Sciences
Interests:
Business & Finance, Office, Start or Run Your Own Business
Contact Details
Cranbrook
2700 College Way,
Box 8500, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 5L7
Phone: 250-489-2751
Toll-free: 1-877-489-2687
Email: info@cotr.bc.ca
