Financial Planning (Post-Degree Diploma)
Domestic Applications
INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS
Please visit the International Application Deadline page to find out when applications may be available.
Overview
The Post-Degree Diploma in Financial Planning builds your knowledge of financial planning, taxation and investing that you’ll need in order to become a Certified Financial Planner. You’ll take finance courses in financial services marketing, Canadian securities, wealth management and more. In your second semester, you’ll create a professional financial plan using four of the six financial components you’ve learned through your education. When possible, cases will be sourced from current clients.
Two ways to get a practical education
Get essential career training that will prepare you for your future career with the Career Boost Program.
Complete projects in the modern workplace with the Business Internship Program.
Excellent job prospects
According to the Job Bank of Canada, over 23,000 job openings are expected between 2022 and 2031 in Canada.
Get licensed as a Qualified Associate Financial Planner or Certified Financial Planner
Completion of certain finance courses (listed in program requirements) satisfies the FP Canada Core and Advanced Curriculum requirements allowing you to challenge the Qualified Associate Financial Planner (QAFP) and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification exams. Note that full certification also requires completion of relevant work experience as well as the FP Canada Introduction to Professional Ethics program and the Professional Education program.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:
- General College Admission Requirements
- Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada or an equivalent credential from an approved institution of a different country. Any applicant who earned their credential in a language other than English must meet the Douglas College English language proficiency requirement.
Cost
Calculate your tuition and see the approximate cost of taking your program at Douglas College with the tuition & fee estimator. See costs broken down into categories including tuition fees, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass and more.
For more information, refer to the tuition fee charts.
Program Requirements
Graduation Requirements
- Successful completion of minimum 30 credits.
- 70% (21 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College.
- Effective September 2024: Up to 50% (15 credits) of coursework used towards a previously received credential can be used to meet graduation requirements (see the Credentials Awarded Policy). Any credit course from the same level or higher may be used to replace a course that has already been taken. Contact the Financial Services Coordinator if advice on substitutions is required.
- A minimum average grade of C+ or 2.33 GPA in the program is required to graduate.
- Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: four (4) years
Course Requirements:
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| Required Courses | ||
ACCT 1235* |
Principles of Introductory Financial Accounting I and II (see note (1) below) | 3.00 |
| CSIS 1190 | Excel for Business | 3.00 |
| Personal Finance I (CFP) | 3.00 | |
|
Select one of the following two options: (see note (2) below) |
||
| FINC 2340* | Corporate Finance | 3.00 |
| Introduction to Corporate Finance | 3.00 | |
| Required Courses | ||
| FINC 3390* | Security Analysis (CFP) | 3.00 |
| ACCT 3370* | Income Tax I (CFP) | 3.00 |
| FINC 3300 | Personal Finance II (CFP) | 3.00 |
| Select three courses from the following options: | ||
| BLAW 3730 | Corp. and Financial Plan. Law | 3.00 |
| ACCT 3470 | Income Tax II | 3.00 |
| MARK 3500 | Financial Services Marketing | 3.00 |
| FINC 4370 | Financial Planning Capstone (CFP) | 3.00 |
| FINC 4360 | Portfolio Management Techniques | 3.00 |
| Total Credits | 30.00 | |
Notes
- Students who take ACCT 1110 and ACCT 1210 instead of ACCT 1235 will have to complete an extra course for the credential.
- ECON 2298 may substitute for FINC 2340 or FINC 2345 if already taken.
*A minimum grade of "C" is required for this course because it is a pre-requisite to further courses.
The courses listed below satisfy the FP Canada™ Core and Advanced Curriculum requirements leading to QUALIFIED ASSOCIATE FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (QAFP™) and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification.
Program Guidelines
Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.
Career Pathways
Career opportunities include:
- Associate Advisor
- Bank Customer Service Associate
- Bank Teller/Banking Call Centre
- Bookkeeper
- Budget Analyst Intern
- Credit Counsellor
- Compliance Officer
- Estate/Trust Administrator
- Financial Advisor
- Trainee Financial Planner
- Loan Processor
- Mobile Mortgage Specialist
- Mutual Fund Sales Representative