UMass Boston

Finance MS

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Develop advanced financial skills, launch your career.

The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program at UMass Boston provides students with the opportunity to develop the advanced financial skills and knowledge required for success in today's rapidly changing global financial environment. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including financial theory, risk management, and investment analysis, and emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning through internships, case studies, and simulations. Plus, it's available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats.

The MSF program participates in the CFA® Institute University Affiliation Program. This participation signals that our curriculum is closely tied to the practice of investment management and is helpful to students preparing for the CFA exams. On an annual basis, our program awards as many as 10 CFA student scholarships.

Our MSF program is STEM-designated. This means that international students who graduate from the program can extend their 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) period by an additional 24 months, allowing them to work in the United States for up to three years after earning their MSF degree.

In the MSF program, you will:

  • Analyze and interpret financial statements, develop financial models, and make informed financial decisions
  • Learn to assess and manage risk, including market, credit, and operational risks, to mitigate financial losses
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of financial theory and practices, as well as the ethical considerations and legal frameworks that underpin the finance industry

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Career Possibilities

Provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions as a financial analyst. Assess and analyze potential risks that may negatively impact a company's financial position as a risk manager. Or, help companies and governments raise money by underwriting and selling securities as an investment banker. These are just a few of the possibilities an MSF offers.

Become a(n):

  • Financial Analyst
  • Portfolio Manager
  • Risk Assessment Professional
  • Financial Planner
  • Investment Banker
  • CFO

Info Sessions

Interested in learning more? Speak to program staff and get your questions answered at College of Management graduate programs info session.

Attend an Info Session

Plan Your Education

How to Apply

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

  • Official GMAT or GRE score (currently waived)
  • Statement of intent essay: This statement is your opportunity to show the graduate admissions committee why you wish to pursue graduate study, as well as your specific interest and goals.

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: April 1 (priority deadline) or June 15 (final deadline) for fall, October 1 (priority deadline) or December 1 (final deadline) for spring

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Estimate Your Program Cost: Get a feel for your expected program costs using the Graduate Program Cost Calculator.

Program Cost Information: For more detailed information on costs, please visit the Bursar's website.

Curriculum

Required Courses (15 Credits)

  • MBA AF 623 - Financial Modeling 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 625 - Options: Theory and Applications 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 628 - Portfolio Analysis and Investment Management 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 634 - Financial Engineering and Risk Management 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 636 - Applied Econometric Analysis of Business Data 3 Credit(s)

Electives (12 Credits)

Complete four from below.

  • MBA AF 611 - Intermediate Accounting 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 616 - Financial Statement Analysis/Advanced Accounting 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 621 - Adv Corporate Finance 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 622 - Global Portfolio Investment Management 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 624 - Managing Mutual Funds 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 626 - International Financial Management 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 631 - Sustainable Finance and Impact Investing 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 632 - Asset Management Practicum 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 690 - Master’s Thesis Option Research Colloquium 3 Credit(s)
  • MBAMGT 698 - Practicum 1-3 Credit(s) - must have an employment offer letter
  • MBAMS 640 - Computer & Info Syst 3 Credit(s)

Capstone Course (3 Credits)

  • MBA AF 632 - Asset Management Practicum 3 Credit(s)

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Graduation Criteria

Complete 30 credits from ten courses including five required courses, four electives, and one capstone course.

Pre-/corequisite courses:

  • MBA AF 601 - Economics for Managers
  • MBA AF 610 - Accounting for Managers
  • MBA AF 620 - Financial Management
  • MBAMS 600 - Mathematical Analysis for Managers

Capstone: Completion of a written paper as part of MBA AF 632.

MBA AF 632 may be completed up to two times, in separate semesters, both as an elective and as the required capstone course.

Statute of limitations: Seven years.

Contact

Graduate Program Director Yijia Zhao
yijia.zhao [at] umb.edu
(617) 287-7720

College of Management Graduate Programs
gradcm [at] umb.edu

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