Master of Business Administration (Financial Services)

The FS program has been developed in response to industry demand. It specifically addresses theneeds of individuals who are working full-time, may be resident outside major communities withuniversities, and require materials that are available in a format providing for a process of self-directedstudy within the limitations of individual schedules. These needs are addressed while still providing ahigh level of academic standards, and having the student interact with the professor and other studentsfor a period of time which is similar in duration to that spent in class by full-time MBA students.This innovative degree program is primarily designed for upper-middle managers and juniorexecutives in the financial services sector. They are leaders who rely on people, financial resources,and technology to achieve results; managers who constantly face challenging decisions. A high calibreof students entering the program is ensured through a review of past academic performance as well asjob performance at the management level, references, and a review of each applicant’s personalresume. Once accepted by Dalhousie University, a student must complete the requirements for theMBA (FS) degree within seven years.The individuals selected for entrance to this program are expected to contribute to the development oftheir fellow students through their sharing of management experiences. The academic personnelinstructing each course provide the additional knowledge base, analytical skills and problem-solvingcapacity necessary for them to develop and expand participants’ existing management skills.SBA courses are offered via a distance education format consisting of seventeen weeks of distancestudy and assignments followed by a three-to-five-day intensive learning session. The capstonecourse, Strategic Leadership and Change, is taken after all other relevant courses are completed andconsists of eight weeks of distance study and assignments followed by a one-week intensive learningsession conducted at Dalhousie University. Students must be able to integrate their new knowledgeinto everyday responsibilities, on a course-by-course basis, in their existing positions and as theircareers progress.During the period students spend with the distance portion of the materials in each course, they submitassignments that are marked and returned with detailed feedback. In addition, students have access toa university professor by phone, fax, and e-mail, Internet conference boards and chat rooms.5