Master of Science in Finance

The M.S. in Finance is a 36-credit, fully online program designed for students interested in developing and improving their professional competencies and skills in various finance related disciplines to increase their marketability. The curriculum is designed with a focus on international perspective and a strong commitment to the high ethical standards required in the finance field. It provides students with state of art skills and knowledge necessary to compete in the increasingly challenging business environment. Additionally, the curriculum is closely tied to professional practice and is well-suited to preparing students to sit for the CFA Institute® examinations*.

The program offers three concentrations (tracks):

  • Corporate Finance
  • International Finance
  • General Finance

and two Advanced Graduate Certificates+:

  • Financial Management and Analysis
  • Global Finance and Investment

The M.S. in Finance program is ideal for those working or planning to work in the following areas:

  • Commercial and retail banking
  • Investment firm
  • Security analysis, trading and brokerage
  • Portfolio and risk management
  • Corporate finance, venture capital and private equity
  • Corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions (M&A)
  • Insurance, financial services and consulting
  • Government financial auditors
  • Financial information systems
  • Financial data analysis

Program Delivery Method

This 36-credit hour program is delivered through online instruction, providing flexibility and convenience for working professionals and adult learners. Students may complete the program on a full-time or part-time schedule. Full-time students will enroll three courses per semester (term), and part-time students will enroll two or less courses per semester (term).

The program is designed to allow a student to complete the degree within 24 months if the student takes two courses each term (fall, spring, and summer). The time it takes to complete the degree will depend on how many courses are taken per term.

Prerequisites

To be considered for admission, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university or college, undergraduate-level courses or their equivalent in financial accounting (3 credits), macroeconomics/microeconomics (3-6 credits), statistics (3 credits), and management information systems (3 credits) or demonstrated equivalent experience.

Program Curriculum

The M.S. in Finance curriculum includes foundation courses, advanced core courses, elective courses, and a Capstone Course.

Foundation Courses (9 credits)

  • FSMA 6016 - Financial Management (3 credits)
  • FSMA 6010 - Quantitative Methods in Finance (3 credits)
  • FSMA 6015 - Financial Economics (3 credits)

Advanced Core Courses (12 credits)

  • FSMA 6020 - Investment Analysis (3 credits)
  • FSMA 6025 - Advanced Quantitative Methods in Finance (3 credits)
  • MGMT 6075 - International Financial Management (3 credits)
  • FSMA 7015 - Strategies of Financial Management (3 credits)

Electives (12 credits)

Students choose four elective courses to reflect their interests and to reinforce the individual focus of their degree. The elective courses are:

  • FSMA 6035 - Financial Risk Management (3 credits)
  • FSMA 6040 - Mergers and Acquisitions (3 credits)
  • FSMA 6045 - Money, Banking, and Financial Institutions (3 credits)
  • FSMA 6050 - Financial Analysis and Control (3 credits)
  • FSMA 6080 - International Accounting (3 credits)
  • FSMA 6095 - International Financial Law and Regulation (3 credits)
  • MGMT 6065 - Economics for Global Managers (3 credits)
  • FSMA 6055 - Financial Instruments and Derivatives (3 credits)

Based on the concentration (track) chosen, the four electives would be as follows.

Corporate Finance track

FSMA 6080, FSMA 6040, FSMA 6045, and FSMA 6050

Or International Finance track

FSMA 6080, FSMA 6095, FSMA 6065, and FSMA 6055

Or General Finance track

Under the guidance of their advisor, students may choose any four courses from the following:

FSMA 6035, FSMA 6040, FSMA 6045, FSMA 6050, FSMA 6080, FSMA 6095, MGMT 6065, and FSMA 6055

Capstone Course (3 credits)

  • FSMA 7020 - Global Financial Strategy (3 credits).

*Studying in this MS program does not guarantee acceptance into or passage of any of CFA Institute’s programs.

Integrate an Advanced Certificate into the M.S. in Finance Degree

In addition to the M.S. in Finance degree, you can earn Advanced Certificate(s) without any extra coursework.+

  • If you are in the Corporate Finance Track, you will be able to earn the Financial Management and Analysis Certificate.
  • If you are in the International Finance Track, you will be able to earn the Financial Management and Analysis Certificate and the Global Finance and Investment Certificate.
  • If you are in the General Finance Track, and you choose the following electives (12 credits), you will be able to earn the Financial Management and Analysis Certificate and the Global Finance and Investment Certificate:
    • FSMA-6080 International Accounting
    • FSMA 6095 International Financial Law and Regulation
    • MGMT-6065 Economics for Global Managers
    • Any one from FSMA-6035, FSMA-6040, FSMA-6045, FSMA-6050, or FSMA-6055

+Students must apply to an advanced certificate program.

For more information about this program and its course sequencing and descriptions, visit the Empire State University's Academic Catalog.