UVIC Finance Option Requirements

The Finance option at the University of Victoria (UVic) offers a specialized path within the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) program, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in financial analysis, investment management, corporate finance, and other related fields. Successfully completing the Finance option involves meeting specific course requirements in addition to the core BCom curriculum.

Core BCom Requirements

Before delving into the Finance option specifics, it’s important to remember that all BCom students must fulfill the general BCom requirements. These typically include courses in accounting, economics, marketing, organizational behavior, quantitative methods, and business law. Consult the UVic Calendar for the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of core requirements.

Finance Option Specific Courses

The Finance option requires students to complete a set of specialized courses designed to build a solid foundation in finance principles. These courses usually cover topics like:

• Financial Management: This introductory course often covers fundamental concepts such as time value of money, capital budgeting, risk and return, and financial statement analysis.
• Investments: This course introduces students to the world of investments, including stocks, bonds, derivatives, and portfolio management techniques.
• Corporate Finance: This course explores the financial decisions made by corporations, such as capital structure, dividend policy, and mergers and acquisitions.
• Financial Modeling: This provides hands-on experience building financial models to support business decision-making.
• Electives: The Finance option usually includes a selection of elective courses that allow students to specialize in a specific area of finance, such as international finance, risk management, or real estate finance. Examples of electives might include courses on derivatives, alternative investments, or advanced corporate finance topics.

Course Sequencing and Prerequisites

It’s crucial to pay attention to the course sequencing and prerequisites. Many upper-level finance courses require successful completion of introductory courses. Carefully planning your course selection to meet these prerequisites is essential to ensure you can complete the option within your desired timeframe. Check the UVic Calendar for prerequisite information for each course.

GPA Requirements

While the general admission requirements for the BCom program apply initially, maintaining a satisfactory GPA is crucial throughout your studies, especially in core business courses and finance-specific courses. A minimum GPA may be required to declare the Finance option and to remain in good standing within the program. Failure to maintain the required GPA could result in being removed from the Finance option.

Advising and Further Information

Students interested in pursuing the Finance option are strongly encouraged to meet with an academic advisor in the Gustavson School of Business. Advisors can provide personalized guidance on course selection, career planning, and other aspects of the program. The UVic Calendar is the definitive source of information on program requirements, course descriptions, and academic regulations. Always refer to the official UVic Calendar for the most accurate and current information. The university website also provides updated details about the program and may have FAQ sections to address common questions.