The Master of Science in Finance Program (M.Sc.) offered by the Department of Finance and Management Science, Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan provides students with a theoretical background in contemporary finance issues and a strong foundation in empirical methods. The program can be used as a platform for students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. and it equips students with a competitive advantage in jobs that have a significant research component.

The two-year program features seminars and lectures in a small class size setting. A thesis is required in the second year. Due to the research intensive nature of the program and individual student supervision at the thesis stage, enrolment is limited. Only a handful of universities across North America offer programs that have a similar focus on financial research at the Master’s level.

The Finance faculty are interested in a number of different areas of research including venture capital, banking, corporate and international corporate finance, emerging markets, financial econometrics, asset pricing, personal finance, fixed income securities, credit risk, risk management, derivatives and investments. Students may choose their own research topic and are not restricted to the above fields.

Graduates from the program have obtained excellent jobs, or gone on to higher studies, upon completion of the program. The following are comments about the program from recent graduates:

"As an investment banker I'm involved in advising on mergers, acquisitions and corporate financings.  Having the M.Sc. Finance degree on my resume was essential in setting me apart from other applicants when seeking an investment banking position.  The industry is extremely competitive and typically receives hundreds of applicants for only a few positions nationwide.  The finance and research intensive nature of the program was a defining highlight of my resume and quickly differentiated me from undergraduate and MBA applicants.  Once in the industry, the M.Sc. program prepared me well for the practical aspects of corporate valuations and capital markets perspectives."

Scott Barron (M.Sc. 2002), Investment Banking
Global Energy & Power Group
TD Securities

"The first year of course work introduced me to the theoretical and empirical framework established by the finance academia.  In the second year of the program, the extensive research that is required for the thesis portion allowed me to apply and expand upon the knowledge I gained in the first year.  It is through the process of preparing your thesis that I found to be the most rewarding and beneficial to personal development.  The program provided me with the analytical tools and knowledge base that is crucial in all areas of applied finance.  I would recommend the M.Sc. program to students who are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or to those students who are looking to further their undergraduate education and obtain a more advanced skill set than an undergraduate or MBA degree can offer."

Luke Schmidt (M.Sc. 2007), Analyst
Real Estate & Mortgage Investments
Greystone Managed Investments Inc.