Master of Science in Finance
The MSF prepares early- and mid-career professionals seeking careers in financial management, capital markets, banking, corporate treasury, investment management and related fields. Students gain deep skill in financial analysis and valuation for decision making in all aspects of business investment, financing and operating activities, so that graduates are prepared to fully engage in organizations ranging from small and medium enterprises to major corporations.
The MSF is 36-credit program with up to 6 credits of accounting and finance prerequisites potentially waivable. After completing or waiving prerequisites, the MSF comprises a 15-credit core curriculum plus 15 elective credits, all of which can be completed in six semesters or less. Delivery is nearly 100% online asynchronous.
Financial management, correctly practiced, is vital to the long-run growth and success of every business organization. Individuals possessing knowledge and skill in the principles and practice of finance and who adhere to values of transparency, integrity and accountability are in demand. In a survey of more than 1900 North American CEOs and CFOs, more than 90% of respondents believe that corporate culture is important to the attainment of mission and vision.[1] In addition, 43% of respondents believe the finance function positively influences the effectiveness of corporate culture by exemplifying accountability, integrity and transparency; 30% believe finance provides analytical tools for superior execution; and 24% believe finance focuses employees on long-term objectives.
Learning Goals and Methods in the MSF Program
| Knowledge Area | Related Learning Goal |
| Valuation | Students will demonstrate an understanding of the determinants of long-term value creation in business decisions. |
| Technical and Analytical Skills | MSF graduates demonstrate the technical and analytical skills in financial analysis and valuation necessary for decision making in all aspects of business investment, financing and operating activities. Graduates are prepared to fully engage in organizations ranging from small and medium enterprises to major corporations. |
| Communication Skills | MSF graduates demonstrate communication skills expected for successful careers financial management, capital markets, banking, corporate treasury, investment management and related fields. |
| Core Values | MSF graduates demonstrate understanding of and appreciation for the core values of transparency, honesty and accountability which promote ethics and integrity in business practice. |
Graduation Requirements for the MS Finance
| STAT 501 | Statistics Fundamentals* | 1.5 credits |
| ACCT 515 | Accounting for Decision Makers* | 3 credits |
| FINC 501 | Finance Fundamentals* | 1.5 credits |
| FINC 530 | Financial Management | 3 credits |
| ACCT 615 | Financial Statement Analysis | 3 credits |
| FINC 613 | Corporate Finance | 3 credits |
| FINC 617 | Financial Markets and Institutions | 3 credits |
| Capstone Project in Finance | 3 credits | |
| Electives | 15 credits | |
| Total credits | 36 credits |
*These courses may be waived depending on previous coursework.