Patrick O’Meara, assistant professor of accounting and finance; Anthony Williams, COO of Canadian Institute of Financial Planning; Mario Racco, local and regional councillor; and Dr. Mark Frascatore, dean of the Holzschuh College of Business Administration, announced the new partnership at NU’s Vaughan campus.

Niagara University in Ontario has added three new programs intended to prepare students for jobs in the high-demand industries of financial planning, disaster/emergency management and national security, and criminal justice.

“These initiatives underscore our dedication to developing the future workforce for our binational region," said the Rev. James Maher, C.M., Niagara University president. “Our cross-border presence gives our students a unique opportunity to gain a global perspective, which is invaluable in today's interconnected world."

In partnership with the Canadian Institute of Financial Planning®, NUO is offering a comprehensive course in personal finance, designed to prepare students for the qualifying exams required to earn the Chartered Financial Planner® designation.

The CIFP aims to enhance the professional standards of financial planning, financial advising, and retirement services through comprehensive educational programs and is an approved credentialling body under the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario’s Financial Planning Title Protection framework.

Niagara University in Ontario’s course covers essential topics necessary for success on the Chartered Financial Planner exams and in Canada's banking, investment advisory, and insurance industries. Through the use of relevant case studies and leveraging professional experiences, the course will delve into areas such as investment strategies, retirement planning, taxation, and risk management.

Niagara University in Ontario is also launching two new master’s degree programs.

The Master of Arts in Disaster/Emergency Management and National Security program is an interdisciplinary program designed to empower the next generation of leader practitioners in the fields of disaster and emergency management, as well as national security, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to address urgent societal challenges.

The program is uniquely positioned to train students to respond effectively to a wide range of crises, from natural disasters to attacks on critical infrastructure. Through a combination of cutting-edge theoretical tools and practical skills development, graduates will be prepared to analyze and address the complex threats facing societies in the 21st century.

One of the distinguishing features of the program is its binational perspective. With campuses in both Canada and the United States, Niagara University offers students exposure to best practices from both countries, helping them develop a global view of emergency management and national security.

NUO’s new Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration program offers an innovative, comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for leadership roles in various criminal justice-related fields and tailored to each student's educational and professional goals.

Emphasizing a student-centered approach, the program integrates experiential and applied learning opportunities to ensure graduates are well-equipped to tackle the complex challenges of the criminal justice system. With a focus on critical thinking, analytical skills, and decision-making abilities, students will be prepared to address issues associated with law enforcement, court systems, victimization, and more.