Designed for recent graduates and early career professionals with strong quantitative backgrounds, the Haskayne School of Business is set to launch a new Master of Finance (MFin) program next year.
This is a milestone in graduate business education at the University of Calgary. The 16-month program set to launch for the 2026-27 school year blends academic rigour with hands-on experience to prepare students for high-impact roles in finance, fintech and capital markets.
"This program marks a pivotal step in advancing finance education in western Canada," says Haskayne Dean Gina Grandy, PhD. "Calgary's reputation as a dynamic financial and fintech centre is growing, and the Master of Finance at Haskayne equips students with the analytical depth and hands-on experience needed to thrive in arduous settings across the sector."
Program advances finance education
While Master of Finance programs are common in the east, Haskayne's offering is the first of its kind in Alberta and one of the few in Western Canada. Dr. J. Ari Pandes, PhD, associate dean of professional graduate programs and associate professor of finance, says the program was born out of a clear need.
"We felt that there was a duty and obligation to have a dedicated Master of Finance program that can help the financial sector grow, the province diversify and also meet more broadly the needs of Western Canada," says Pandes.
The program is designed to meet market demand for finance professionals who can tackle increasingly complex challenges. With MSc/PhD-level theoretical depth, advanced modelling and project-based data work, students will be equipped to enter roles in hedge funds, pension funds, investment banking, fintech startups and more.
Program incorporates work-integrated learning
The curriculum includes 13 courses across finance, economics, ethics and professional development. Students will complete their degree with a hands-on internship or consulting project. These work-integrated learning experiences are designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world application.
"We're dialled in with the business community and want to future-proof our students," says Pandes. "The launch of this program is staying true to our commitment to impactful, future-focused learning.
"We're giving students the foundational and critical thinking skills to tackle challenges in a rapidly evolving financial sector."
The program also includes two semesters of professional development, helping students build networks and gain exposure to Calgary's financial ecosystem.
Finally, international graduates will be eligible for a three-year post-graduate work permit, enhancing their career prospects in Canada.
Calgary as a fintech hub
Calgary is home to more than 150 fintech startups and 80 per cent of Alberta's fintech firms. Pandes sees the city's entrepreneurial spirit as a natural fit for the MFin program.
"We have a very entrepreneurial framework in the province," says Pandes. "It's no surprise that fintech is growing rapidly here.
"Our students will be well positioned to place in these firms and contribute to the sector's evolution."
The program's unique positioning, striking a balance between Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)-style programs and highly mathematical finance degrees, makes it attractive to students seeking both rigour and practical relevance.
"There's a hunger out there among professional firms for more prepared, rigorous graduates," says Pandes. "This program is a unique opportunity to tap into Calgary's dynamic growth and create your own path."
Video Credit: Husaina Husain, Communications
Building the future of finance
With a cohort-based model and an anticipated mix of 60 per cent domestic and 40 per cent international students, the MFin program is set to become a highlight of UCalgary's graduate program offerings.
"My advice to prospective students would be to come in with your eyes open," says Pandes. "Embrace the opportunities available here at Haskayne and in Calgary. It's a vibrant city and school where you can truly launch your career."
To learn more about the program, visit the MFin website.
