荔枝视频

Oct. 15, 2025

New Haskayne program marks a western Canadian business education milestone

New Master of Finance degree launches in fall 2026
Mathison Hall
New master's degree will equip students to enter roles in hedge funds, pension funds, investment banking, fintech startups and more. Courtesy of Haskayne School of Business

Designed for recent graduates and early career professionals with strong quantitative backgrounds, the is set to launch a new next year.  

This is a milestone in graduate business education at the 荔枝视频. The 16-month program set to launch for the 2026鈥27 school year blends academic rigour with hands-on experience to prepare students for high-impact roles in finance, fintech and capital markets. 

鈥淭his program marks a pivotal step in advancing finance education in western Canada,鈥 says , PhD. 鈥溊笾κ悠碘檚 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.鈥 

Program advances finance education  

While Master of Finance programs are common in the east, Haskayne鈥檚 offering is the first of its kind in Alberta and one of the few in Western Canada. , PhD, associate dean of professional graduate programs and associate professor of finance, says the program was born out of a clear need. 

鈥淲e 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,鈥 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. 

鈥淲e鈥檙e dialled in with the business community and want to future-proof our students,鈥 says Pandes. 鈥淭he launch of this program is staying true to our commitment to impactful, future-focused learning.  

鈥淲e鈥檙e giving students the foundational and critical thinking skills to tackle challenges in a rapidly evolving financial sector.鈥 

The program also includes two semesters of professional development, helping students build networks and gain exposure to 荔枝视频鈥檚 financial ecosystem. 

Finally, international graduates will be eligible for a three-year post-graduate work permit, enhancing their career prospects in Canada. 

荔枝视频 as a fintech hub 

荔枝视频 is home to more than 150 fintech startups and 80 per cent of Alberta鈥檚 fintech firms. Pandes sees the city鈥檚 entrepreneurial spirit as a natural fit for the MFin program. 

鈥淲e have a very entrepreneurial framework in the province,鈥 says Pandes. 鈥淚t鈥檚 no surprise that fintech is growing rapidly here. 

鈥淥ur students will be well positioned to place in these firms and contribute to the sector鈥檚 evolution.鈥 

The program鈥檚 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. 

鈥淭here鈥檚 a hunger out there among professional firms for more prepared, rigorous graduates,鈥 says Pandes. 鈥淭his program is a unique opportunity to tap into 荔枝视频鈥檚 dynamic growth and create your own path.鈥

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 U荔枝视频鈥檚 graduate program offerings. 

鈥淢y advice to prospective students would be to come in with your eyes open,鈥 says Pandes. 鈥淓mbrace the opportunities available here at Haskayne and in 荔枝视频. It鈥檚 a vibrant city and school where you can truly launch your career.鈥 

To learn more about the program, visit the . 

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