University of South FloridaMS in Finance

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Financial Analyst

Investment Banker

Financial Advisor

Bank Manager

Money Manager

Financial Manager

Loan Officer

Insurance Specialist

Portfolio Manager

Financial Planner

Investment Analyst

Risk Manager

Treasurer

Finance is a dynamic industry that is reshaped frequently as the result of rapidly changing information technologies, government legislation, and stakeholders’ demands. The Master of Science in Finance is a specialized degree that provides a practical approach for individuals who aspire to become leaders in finance. The program provides a solid foundation in the applications and understanding of financial concepts that are infused in innovative, dynamic business decisions.

The MSF program prepares graduates for careers in investment analysis, portfolio management, banking, corporate financial management, financial services, and risk management. The program is ideal for people who aspire to hold senior-level jobs in the financial industry. The curriculum also provides the foundation necessary to successfully obtain professional certifications such as the CFA, CFP, CFM, CTP, and ChFc.

Why a Master’s Degree in Finance?

It is not necessary to possess an undergraduate degree in business to be considered for admission to the MSF program. For students who possess good quantitative skills and understand fundamental financial concepts, the program is comprised of 30 hours of coursework. Students who have minimal backgrounds in business might be required to take up to an additional 10 hours of “tools” courses to acquire basic business concepts.

Full-time students who are not required to complete tool courses can finish the program in three semesters; part-time students can finish in six semesters.

About the Program

“ I chose to pursue my MS in Finance from USF to further develop my knowledge and skillset and to advance in my professional career in the financial industry.

“- Scott Casimiri ‘16 MS in Finance

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Coursework

Tools Courses* (10 credit hours)

The MS degree provides students with advanced training in finance ensuring the necessary skills to lead a successful career in the financial services industry.

“- Daniel Bradley, Finance Professor

“• ACG 6026 - Accounting Concepts for Managers • ECO 6005 - Economics Concepts for Managers • FIN 6406 - Financial Management • QMB 6305 - Managerial Decision Analysis

*Tools courses can be waived, with the permission of the program director, if the student earned an A or B in these courses or equivalent courses at an AACSB accredited institution within five years of entering the MSF program.

To satisfy the 15 hours of electives, students can complete any of the graduate courses offered in the Department of Finance or approved graduate courses offered in the Economics Department. (A list of approved course will be posted each year.) Students can satisfy up to six credit hours of electives by taking graduate courses offered in other departments and colleges as long as the courses are approved in advance. Suggested finance and economics electives include:

• FIN 6246 - Advanced Money and Capital Markets • FIN 6605 - International Finance • FIN 6537 - Financial Options and Futures • FIN 6804 - Theory of Finance • ECO 6115 - Microeconomics • ECO 6405 - Mathematical Economics I• ECO 6505 - Public Finance• ECO 6120 - Economic Policy Analysis

Core Courses (15 credit hours)

Elective Courses (15 credit hours)

Each student is required to complete the following courses:

• FIN 6416 - Advanced Financial Management • FIN 6465 - Financial Statement Analysis • FIN 6515 - Investments• FIN 6934 - Financial Modeling and Analytics• FIN 6425 - Financial Policy

Leadership, teamwork, communication skills and organizational change are emphasized in the MSF program. Much of the curriculum is delivered through case studies, class discussion, exercises, group projects, video-taped role playing, simulations, and prominent guest speakers from the local business and non-profit community. Because teamwork is a key element of the program, students participate in group projects and other team-building exercises. Courses include writing, presentation, and critical thinking skills.

Muma College of Business • 4202 E. Fowler Ave., BSN 3403, Tampa, FL 33620

Phone: (813) 974-3335 • Email: bsn-mba@usf.edu • Web: business.usf.edu

• GMAT score of 550 or higher, or an equivalent GRE score• Undergraduate upper-level GPA of 3.0 or higher• Work experience is desirable, but not required• International students from non-English-speaking countries must have a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the written test, 213 on the computer-based test, or 79 on the Internet-based test

Admission Requirements

USF and the Muma College of Business offer a number of scholarships, graduate teaching assistantships, tutoring opportunities, and Student Excellence Grants to Tampa students. Please visit the USF Financial Aid website at www.usf.edu/finaid for other sources of financial assistance.

How to Apply

Financial Assistance

Applications are submitted online at grad.usf.edu and are evaluated as they are received. Admissions decisions are usually made within four weeks. Non-USF transcripts must be submitted with application. Application deadlines are

Please contact International Services at global.usf.edu/is for more information on international requirements.

Domestic: June 1International: June 1

Domestic: October 15 International: September 15

SpringFall