The purpose of the M.S. in finance program is to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to be innovative, well-informed and experienced finance professionals. The curriculum is based on the financial theory and empirical methods employed by professionals practicing corporate finance, financial security valuation, financial modeling, portfolio management, financial services management, financial risk management and corporate governance. In addition, students are expected to leverage the educational opportunities afforded by the Michael and Rosann Geltzeiler Trading Center for hands-on training with real-time financial data feeds. As a result, students will obtain training and experience valued by corporations, financial service firms, consulting firms and government agencies. Additionally, if desired, students may tailor their program to enhance progress through a subsequent doctoral degree program. The 30-credit degree program may be completed in nine months by a full-time student, admitted in the fall semester with a strong background in finance in the accelerated program, or within 18 months in the regular full-time program.
The Finance degree is a STEM-designated degree program and provides international students 24 months of OPT (Optional Practical Training) in addition to the original 12 months. (Learn more)
A dual degree in the MBA and M.S. in finance programs is available to graduate students.
Applicants can also be considered for admission conditionally via ELI-CAP (English Language Institute-Conditional Admissions Program).
The finance program also offers a 4+1 program that provides the opportunity for talented students to complete a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in finance in less time and less cost as six credits of graduate-level finance courses in the senior year may be dual counted toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees. Total credits required for both degrees is 145 rather than 151.