Skip to main content

Master of Financial Data Analytics (MFDA)

Build the financial expertise and technical skills to turn data into informed decisions. The MFDA brings together finance, information technology and data analytics, giving students practical tools, including AI programming and applications, to tackle complex financial problems and pursue careers across the financial industry.

The program welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds, including business, economics, finance, mathematics, computer science, information technology and other quantitative fields.

As a GARP Academic Partner, the MFDA helps students build the knowledge needed to prepare for Part I of the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification exam.

“Sound financial decisions depend on understanding markets, evaluating risk and interpreting evidence. The MFDA combines a strong foundation in finance with practical skills in data analytics and AI, preparing students to assess complex financial problems and make informed decisions.”

Karolina Krystyniak, PhD, CFA
Graduate Program Director, MFDA and MBAI

What you’ll learn

Financial Management

Analyze financial statements, value securities and evaluate investment and financing decisions.

Investments and Financial Markets

Explore financial markets and develop the skills to evaluate securities and investment portfolios.

Risk Management

Assess financial risk and understand how derivatives support risk management strategies.

Financial Data Analytics

Apply statistical and econometric methods to financial data to inform investment and risk decisions.

Programming and Artificial Intelligence

Develop skills in programming, data processing and machine learning to analyze data and build predictive models.

Applied Problem Solving

Put your knowledge into practice through an applied financial data analytics project or internship.

What Our Students Are Saying


Jessica Brandhorst
Coming from a background in accounting, the MFDA program presented an exceptional opportunity for me to deepen my understanding of emerging technologies and expand on my accounting education and experience by integrating finance, data analytics, and artificial intelligence competencies. Jessica Brandhorst MFDA student


Eduardo Mota
The most valuable part of the MFDA program is how effectively it integrates in-depth financial theory with modern data science and technology. Beyond teaching financial concepts, the program prepares us to use programming, statistics, and financial modelling to solve real-world industry problems. Eduardo Mota MFDA student


Rhichard Koh
Courses like Financial Derivatives Securities and Financial Risk Management pushed me to actually build things (pricing models, hedging strategies, risk frameworks) rather than just study them on paper, which made the material stick and gave me real talking points for interviews. Rhichard Koh MFDA student


All of my lecturers were great, and they took the time to explain hard to understand concepts and would even spend extra time on a topic as soon as a concern was raised. Orrane Francis MFDA student

What are the study requirements of the program?
  • The standard length of this program is 16 months (4 semesters).
  • 2-3 courses per semester.
  • Experiential component - choose between the Applied Financial Data Analytics Project or the Financial Data Analytics Internship
What are the start dates for the program?
 September (Fall) and January (Winter)
What is the delivery method?
 In person
What is the application process?

View application information and deadlines.

In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate studies, MFDA applicants must meet the following program-specific requirements:

  • While applicants may hold any four-year undergraduate degree (or its three-year equivalent from a recognized institution in countries where it is the accepted practice), preference is given to applicants whose undergraduate degree is in business, economics, finance, information technology, computer science, computational modelling, engineering, mathematics, statistics, physics, actuarial science or other quantitative fields.
  • Minimum overall academic standing of a B (GPA: 3.0 on a 4.3 scale or 73 to 76 per cent), with a minimum B average in the last two full-time years (four semesters) of undergraduate work or equivalent. Work experience, successful completion of CFA Level I, or a strong GMAT/GRE score can be used in lieu of the GPA requirement.
  • A statistics course is required. Linear algebra and calculus are highly recommended.
  • For applicants whose degree was not taught in English, an IELTS score of 7.0 or TOEFL score of 100 is required.
  • A curriculum vitae (CV) including the applicant’s education, employment, teaching and research experience, and publications, if any.
Is this a STEM program?

Yes, the Master of Financial Data Analytics (MFDA) is a STEM program. The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Canada for the program is 307104 – Financial Analytics.

Is there a part-time option?

A part-time option is available for domestic students.

  • Approximately 24 months
  • The option to choose between a comprehensive capstone project or internship.
  • Between 6-10 hours of group study/self-study per week. 
Academic partnership

GARP Academic Partner

The Master of Financial Data Analytics (MFDA) prepares students for the Part I Exam of the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) professional certification. Recognized in every major global market, the FRM is a leading certification for risk management professionals.

“GARP is very pleased to welcome Ontario Tech to the GARP Partnership for Risk Education. The Master of Financial Data Analytics offered by the Faculty of Business and Information Technology is a dynamic, rigorous program. Its interdisciplinary nature affords students a strong theoretical background in the principles of finance, as well as the opportunity to enhance their data analytic skills. Graduates of this program will be well-positioned to pursue the FRM designation and to assume strategic roles within the global risk management profession.”

William May, Global Head of Certifications and Educational Programs — GARP

You can view all of our Graduate Faculty here!

Members of the Program Advisory Committee (PAC):

Learn more about our tours and events.

Connect classroom learning with practice through access to professional financial platforms and databases, including:

  • CRSP and Compustat through Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS)
  • IBES
  • SDC
  • S&P Capital IQ
  • Datastream
  • LSEG Workspace

Build practical trading and portfolio management skills using StockTrak, a virtual trading platform. Apply financial concepts, explore investment strategies and manage simulated portfolios while developing skills relevant to careers in finance.


Apply Now

Apply Now

Courses

Courses

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fees

FAQ

FAQ

International Applicants

International Applicants