Major map:
Finance
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.)
Learn how to get the most out of your degree and prepare for your future career.
The Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.) degree is a four-year direct-entry program. The first two years provide you with general business knowledge; all students take an introductory course in each of the major specializations before selecting a major in the middle of year two.
Finance is the science of funds management, with a focus on saving, lending, and investing money. The field of finance deals with the concepts of time, money, and risk, and how they are interrelated. The major is well positioned to provide students with specialized financial knowledge and the necessary management skills to be competent financial managers. Learn how people should invest their money and how companies will perform in the future based on the past.
Not a USask student?
Learn more about studying finance at USask and apply for admission.
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
COMM 100.3 | Business Communication
COMM 101.3 | Introduction to Business
COMM 104.3 | Foundations of Business Statistics
COMM 105.3 | Introduction to Organizational Behaviour
COMM 121.3 | Business Mathematics
COMM 204.3 | Introduction to Marketing
COMM 211.3 | Human Resource Management
COMM 229.3 | Personal Financial Management
You choose
- Two courses (6 cu) to fulfill your 100-level non-COMM elective requirement
Academic tips
- Explore information about your program in the course and program catalogue
- Consider joining an Edwards Learning Community
- Meet with an academic advisor for help choosing your courses and planning your degree
- Visit the student Learning Hub for help developing your academic skills
- Maintain a minimum yearly average of 60% to advance to the next year of the program
- First year marks matter – major acceptance is based on your cumulative average to the end of Year 1 and term 1 of Year 2
- Apply for Edwards scholarships, awards and bursaries
- Check out the Rawlinson Centre for Indigenous Business Students
- Read Edwards weekly e-newsletter “The Latest” sent out every Monday during the academic year
What will I learn?
- Be a business professional ready to build nations
- Understand areas of finance theory, corporate, securities, risk, insurance, venture capital, planning, modeling, investments and portfolio management
- Train to compete and succeed in the financial marketplace
- Gain the skills required to be ready to pursue a professional designation (Chartered Financial Analyst - CFA) upon graduation
- Optional learning opportunity to participate in experiential learning through the Dembroski Student-Managed Portfolio Trust working with equity markets in real-time with real money
Gain relevant experience
- Consider a study abroad experience to earn credit toward your degree
- Get familiar with the Edwards School of Business PAWS page to find opportunities and gain relevant experience as an Edwards undergrad
- Consider enrolling in an experiential learning course
Create local and global connections
- Visit the USask Community Centre to make connections and build community
- Get involved in your campus community through student groups, campus rec, and USask events
- Get to know your faculty and their research interests
- Consider joining a club; visit the Edwards Business Students’ Society (EBSS) website for a full list
- If you are interested in international business, attend an International Business Minor information session
- Get involved with the Edwards International Students’ Society to meet classmates from all over the world
- Consider joining the Indigenous Business Students' Society
Get career ready
- Check out Edwards Career Services and meet with a career advisor to receive guidance and access resources related to achieving your career goals
- View the Edwards School of Business tab within CareerLink to review resources and the calendar of career events as well as part-time summer and job postings
- Build an amazing resume and prepare for upcoming interviews with Edwards Skills First
- Take a career assessment to learn more about your strengths, personality, interests, and values
- Develop your LinkedIn profile to begin building your professional brand
- If you are new to Canada, participate in the Edwards International Career Development Program. Information will be emailed to eligible students in November
- Access USask Career Services for additional support with career exploration and job search
Featured courses
- COMM 363.3 Intermediate Corporate Finance
- COMM 367.3 Security Analysis and Evaluation
- COMM 461.3 Corporate Finance Theory
- COMM 467.3 Portfolio Theory and Management
- COMM 471.3 Applied Investment Management
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
COMM 201.3 | Introduction to Financial Accounting
COMM 203.3 | Introduction to Finance
COMM 205.3 | Introduction to Operations Management
COMM 207.3 | Statistics for Business Decisions
COMM 210.3 | Introduction to Managerial Accounting
COMM 213.3 | Management Information Systems
ECON 111.3 | Introductory Microeconomics
ECON 114.3 | Introductory Macroeconomics
You choose
- Two courses (6 cu) to fulfill your non-COMM elective requirements
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
COMM 304.3 | Introduction to Business Law
COMM 306.3 | Ethics and Strategic Decision Making
COMM 347.3 | Indigenous Business in Canada
COMM 363.3 | Intermediate Corporate Finance
COMM 367.3 | Security Analysis and Evaluation
You choose
- Two courses (6 cu) from the Finance Major Electives
- One course (3 cu) from any level non-COMM elective OR 300-level or higher COMM elective
- Two courses (6 cu) as free senior electives (200-level or higher non-COMM OR 300-level or higher COMM)
Academic tips
- Review your B.Comm. Degree Audit Report or meet with an academic advisor to ensure your degree is on track
- In Year 2, complete the 200-level COMM course of the major you are planning to declare for in the Fall term
- Attend a Program Planning Session to learn more about your program options
- Access the Program Planning Guide to familiarize yourself with the process
- Attend a Major Feature Session to learn about the B.Comm. majors
- If you are interested in completing a research project alongside a faculty member, apply for the Honours Program by April 30th
- If you are interested in the combined B.Comm/JD program contact an academic advisor
- Apply for Edwards scholarships, awards and bursaries
Add to your major
Choose from a variety of options to complement your major.
- International Business Minor (minor)
- Computing (certificate)
- Ethics, Justice and Law (certificate)
- Indigenous Governance and Politics (certificate)
- Politics and Law (certificate)
- Sustainability (certificate)
Gain relevant experience
- Explore opportunities to study abroad
- Become a peer mentor with the Student Learning Services
- Volunteer for Open House to tell prospective students all about Edwards
- Apply for a case competition or a conference coordinated by the EBSS
- Apply for funding for a competition or conference through the Edwards Co-Curricular Fund
- Tryout for a JDC West Business Case Competition Academic Team
- Attend the Edwards Formal hosted by the EBSS
- Consider attending a workshop ran through Edwards Experiential Learning Initiative (EELI) or Edwards InVenture: Entrepreneurship In Action
Create local and global connections
- Engage with your community through volunteering and Co-Curricular Record activities
- Meet with new people and grow your cultural understanding through Building Bridges and the Global Connections Network
- Consider joining a club; visit the Edwards Business Students’ Society (EBSS) website for a full list
- Consider attending a conference abroad; funding opportunties may be available through the Hanlon Centre
- Engage with business professionals at the #EdwardsConnects Career Fair in January
- Grow your network by joining CPA Saskatchewan with a student membership
Get career ready
- Check out Edwards Career Services and meet with a career advisor to receive guidance and access resources related to achieving your career goals
- Check out all the career resources and information available through the Edwards Career Services Canvas resources page
- Develop your Career Action Plan. Book a career development appointment with an Edwards career advisor to get your Career Action Plan started
- Take the CareerLeader assessment through Edwards Career Services to recognize how your interests, motivators, and skills relate to your future career success and satisfaction
- View the Edwards CareerLink Events Calendar for upcoming workshops, employer information sessions and additional professional development opportunities
- Discover job opportunities, explore career options, and meet professionals at USask Career Services events and career fairs
- Apply to the Co-op Education Program and gain 8 months of paid work experience in your area of study. Attend a Co-op info-session for more details
- Research careers and related professional associations – consider signing up for a student membership to access additional resources
- Take a look at job postings on CareerLink – new postings are added daily!
- Expand your professional network on LinkedIn
- Book your appointment to get your picture taken using Edwards Professional Self-Serve Photo Station to use for your LinkedIn profile
- If you are new to Canada, participate in the Edwards International Career Development Program. Information will be emailed to eligible students in November
USask Student Competencies
USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:
- Engaging in our intercultural society
- Nuturing successful relationships
- Leveraging technology
- Adaptive design and problem solving
- Communicating meaningfully
- Cultivating well-being
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
COMM 401.3 | Business Strategy
COMM 447.3 | Entrepreneurship and Venture Development
COMM 461.3 | Corporate Finance Theory
You choose
- Three courses (9 cu) from the Finance Major Electives
- Four courses (12 cu) as free senior electives (200-level or higher non-COMM OR 300-level or higher COMM)
Academic tips
- Apply for Edwards scholarships, awards and bursaries
- Complete the Graduation Survey and Employment Census
- Update your PAWS contact information upon graduation
Consider applying to a graduate program
- Accounting (M.P.Acc.)
- Business Administration (M.B.A.)
- Finance (M.Sc.)
- Marketing (M.Sc.)
Gain relevant experience
- Consider running for a leadership position with the USask Students' Union (USSU) or the Edwards Business Students' Society (EBSS)
- Apply for funding for a competition or conference through the Edwards Co-Curricular Fund
- Consider becoming a tutor – watch for opportunities in “The Latest” e-newsletter at the beginning of each term
Create local and global connections
- Stay connected with Edwards Alumni and Friends
- Join the USask Alumni and Friends community
- Consider attending a conference abroad; funding opportunities may be available through the Hanlon Centre
Get career ready
- Check out Edwards Career Services and meet with a career advisor to receive guidance and access resources related to achieving your career goals
- Check out all the career resources and information available through the Edwards Career Services Canvas resources page
- Develop your Career Action Plan. Book a career development appointment with an Edwards career advisor to get your Career Action Plan started
- Edwards Career Services provides resume books to interested employers. For more information, including how to participate, email: careers@edwards.usask.ca
- View the Edwards CareerLink Events Calendar for upcoming workshops, employer information sessions and additional professional development opportunities
- Learn about how to search for a job in Canada
- Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflective of your career goals
- Book your appointment to get your picture taken using Edwards Professional Self-Serve Photo Station to use for your LinkedIn profile
- If you are new to Canada, participate in the Edwards International Career Development Program. Information will be emailed to eligible students in November
USask Student Competencies
USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:
- Engaging in our intercultural society
- Nuturing successful relationships
- Leveraging technology
- Adaptive design and problem solving
- Communicating meaningfully
- Cultivating well-being
Possible destinations
People with a finance degree take their knowledge and skills into many different industries and occupations. Note that some of the career paths listed here require further education and training.
Designations
Students who major in finance may opt to pursue a professional designation after completing a B.Comm. degree.
The CFA Institute is the global association of investment professionals that sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. The organization administers the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) Program which is considered the investment profession's most rigorous credentialing program.
The Edwards School of Business participates in the CFA Institute's University Affiliation program and has been acknowledged as incorporating at least 70 percent of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) into its curriculum.
Graduates of the Edwards School of Business wishing to proceed toward full professional recognition as a CFA can apply to become a charterholder. The extent of the credit granted depends on the courses selected for the degree and the level of performance achieved.
If you are considering a career in investment you should consult with the Edwards Student & Faculty Services Office before registration.
USask alumni career paths
- Actuarial Analyst
- Analyst, Public Equities
- Assistant Controller
- Auditor/Examiner
- Business Development Analyst
- Chief Information Officer
- Commercial Associate
- Compensation & Benefits Analyst
- Director of International Monetary and Financial Policy
- Equity Research Associate
- Financial Advisor
- Investment Banking Analyst
- Junior Treasury Analyst
- Mutual Fund Representative
- Pension Analyst
- Personal Banking Officer
- Portfolio Analyst
- Relationship Manager
- Senior Credit Solutions Manager
- Small Business Advisor
- Specialist, Economic Intelligence
- Territory Manager
- Trading Analyst
- Wealth Associate
What really stood out for me in my time at Edwards is all of the real life experience I received. From working with local companies on problems they were having to investing in the stock market, every year I had a chance apply what I was learning outside of the classroom!
—Colton, Bachelor of Commerce '15 in finance
Where do USask alumni work?
- Accenture
- Affinity Credit Union
- BMO Capital Markets
- Business Development Bank of Canada
- Cameco
- Canada Revenue Agency
- Canpotex
- Cargill
- CIBC
- Concentra
- Correctional Services of Canada
- Farm Credit Canada
- Federated Co-operatives Ltd.
- First Nations Bank of Canada
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Imperial Oil
- National Bank Financial
- Nutrien
- Raymond James
- RBC
- Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority
- SaskPower
- Scotia Wealth Management
- Scotiabank
- Star Produce
- Sunrise Foods
- TD Canada Trust
- University of Saskatchewan
- Westcap Mgt. Ltd.
Recent graduates with a bachelor of commerce degree in finance earn, on average, $55,744 (Edwards School of Business B.Comm. 2023 Employment Statistics).
"This degree is so flexible in the sense you can choose a path within finance. If you enjoy investments and the stock market, you have the resources to prepare for your CFA. If you prefer personal finance and insurance, you can shift your focus to classes that support that vision. Overall, your degree will include a standard set classes that prepare you for the business world - how to write a paper, how to present and articulate, and so much more."
—Robbin, Bachelor of Commerce '18 in finance
"I chose to study finance for the skills and knowledge of managing my own finances, as well as the many possible in-demand career paths in an essential function to any business."
—Brayden, third-year finance student