The growth and demand for highly trained, competent professionals in the dynamic field of finance is greater now than ever before. Our STEM-designated, Master of Finance program teaches how to apply quantitative methods to the complex discipline of finance with an emphasis on building job-ready skills.
This program is rigorous and practical featuring a comprehensive study of real-world corporate and investment risk measurement and management. You’ll become proficient in the theoretical principles, processes and practices of modern finance, and learn to apply them in real-world scenarios.
You’ll gain the ability to gather, assess and communicate financial data to guide business and investment decisions, and graduate prepared to sit for industry exams.
Positive Job Outlook
Professionals with a Master of Finance had the best job prospects by mid-career salary out of all master’s degrees in the U.S. in 2019, and are expecting significant job growth from now until 2026 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale.com.
According to U.S. News and World Report’s Best Business Jobs list, job outcomes of this program including financial manager, financial analyst and financial advisor careers are among the top 15 best business jobs, with average annual starting salaries above $80,000 and a median salary of more than $125,000 by mid-career.
Graduates in finance from CSU’s College of Business reported high job placement rates.
Common career outcomes include positions in: commercial or investment banking, financial management, financial planning and advising, portfolio management, corporate finance and risk management, financial analysis and more.
STEM Designation
The Master of Finance program meets the federal definition of a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program as it emphasizes technical skills combined with options for scientific coursework.
Benefits for International Students
International Master of Finance students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) that allows them to work for 12 months in the United States after completing the degree program. The STEM designation of the Master of Finance program makes students eligible for an additional 24-month OPT extension. With up to 36 months more time to work and network in the U.S., international students can build a valuable set of professional skills and contacts that can help them with their career endeavors.
Additionally, the Master of Finance program offers students the chance to participate in Curricular Practical Training. CPT connects students with off-campus job, training and internship opportunities. These off-campus opportunities align with the student’s course requirements and help them complete their degree.
Finance Technology Lab
Hands-on experience with industry tools in our world-class finance lab is essential to your practical learning. In our finance lab, we introduce quantitative methods and resources in financial modeling and decision-making while demonstrating the latest tools. You’ll learn VBA, R and Stata and analyze real-time data using our 16 Bloomberg terminals.
Students in our Master of Finance program manage a $400,000+ stock portfolio using the tools and techniques learned throughout the program. The fund is called “The Veterans Fund” because the returns earned are used to fund veterans’ scholarships. This is just one way we use real, experiential preparation to ensure that you graduate ready to take on the world of finance.
High Pass Rates on Industry Exams
The practical experience and AACSB-accredited curriculum also prepares you to take industry exams. Our students report high pass rates on the Chartered Finance Analyst CFA® exam and the Financial Risk Manager FRM® exam. Some students have used the Master of Finance as a stepping stone to an academic career by going on to Ph.D. programs after graduation.