Master of Science in Finance

The MS in Finance (MSF) program at the GW School of Business produces leaders in the field of finance. The program focuses on risk management, financial engineering, banking, corporate finance, and portfolio analysis and management. It has been designed to combine quantitative and computer skills with financial theory and applications. We are proud to announce that the MSF program now qualifies as a STEM program.

Credits

The MSF program is a full-time, 48 credit-hour program. Students with very strong backgrounds in a particular subject area can petition to waive a required course, replacing it with an elective as approved by the program director. All courses are four credits and a full semester long (14 weeks). The summer term is mandatory for MSF candidates, and all its four-credit courses are a full semester (12 weeks).

Duration

Students can complete degree requirements in the following time frames:

• Intensive Track (12 months) - Students take four classes per semester to complete the degree in 12 months, including a summer session. The intensive track is available only for students who can devote their full time and attention to the degree program.
• Regular Track (24 months) - The regular track, for working professionals, paces classes over 24 months, including two summer sessions.

Class Profile

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Read Alumni Comments

GWU’s MSF program expanded my horizons in finance. I was able to hone quantitative analytical skills, master the fundamentals of financial theories, and understand the constraints and limits of financial models and circumstances under which they are applicable. These qualifications have proven to be critical for financial professionals as the current financial crisis unfolds. I am glad to see how freely I leverage those analytical skills in portfolio risk management in daily work.

Shenghua Si • Quantitative Risk & Analytics, The World Bank Treasury

With its world class faculty, staff, and rigorous curriculum, the MSF program truly provides a challenging environment allowing top notch students from diverse backgrounds to optimize their learning experience. Striking a practical balance, from quantitative methods and finance theory to business law and programming, overcoming any real world challenge is possible. After the MSF, your enviable skills will be quickly recognized enabling you to rise through the ranks to leadership positions.

John Maalouf • Multifamily Underwriter, Freddie Mac

The George Washington University’s Master of Science program provides a substantial foundation in finance, econometrics and international business for those persons seeking to build their careers in the finance profession. Seasoned, highly accessible faculty with current private & public sector experience provide intensive treatment of quantitative and qualitative methods particularly in the analysis of financial institutions, corporate finance and accounting, and fixed income and derivative products. The skill sets that can be developed by motivated, persevering students are of immediate relevance to professional settings.

Martin C. Mitsoff • VP, Research & Strategy, Legg Mason Wood Walker, Inc.

The George Washington University’s MSF program, besides its convenient location, provided me with broad based and cutting edge skills in many areas of Finance and Banking, to complement my economic background and many years of professional experience.

Salomon Samen, Ph.D • Sr. Economist, The World Bank

Aside from exposure to the academic fundamentals of financial theory, the MSF Program provides a great deal of practical applications and simulations, ranging from floor trading to derivatives investment and hedging exercises. This emphasis on real-world applications, I believe, is what provides MSF students and alumni the needed edge in all aspects of their professional careers.

Faris H. Hadad- Zervos • Country Officer, The World Bank

The skills that I developed in the MSF program are essential in my new position. I am grateful for the rigorous program, which allows me to have a competitive edge in the financial community.

Cliff Booth • Managing Dir. & Head of Financial Institutions, Investment Banking, Janney Montgomery Scott

Learn About Careers in Finance

MSF graduates find employment at the most prestigious financial institutions including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo, among others. Moreover, GWSB's unique location in Washington, D.C. offers MSF graduates the opportunity to be employed at prominent and attractive international financial organizations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the International Financial Corporation, and the Inter-American Development Bank. Furthermore, our graduates find employment with many government agencies such as the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Department of Treasury or with private financial corporations like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

In order to facilitate employment for program graduates, we are actively engaged in collaboration with a variety of financial institutions through faculty, alumni and administration in:

• Posting job openings
• Setting up interviews
• Creating demand for MSF graduates

Additionally, we maintain a database of resumes accessible to potential employers, organize career workshops to prepare students in their job search and interviews, and collaborate with the F. David Fowler Career Center on a variety of career services. Finally, as a member of the International Association of Financial Engineers (IAFE), we organize trips to New York City to participate in the Financial Mathematics Career Fair.

To further promote internships and full time employment, each year the MSF program creates a resume book of a collection of current students’ resumes who are seeking new career opportunities.

Read Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Explore Related Programs

• Master of Science in Applied Finance (MSAF)
• Master of Science in Finance (MSF) - China Program
• Master of Science in Finance (MSF) - 4+1 Combined Degree Program

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Course Requirements

Students must successfully complete the following course and program requirements and achieve at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average at the time of graduation to be eligible for the Master of Science in Finance degree.

Additional Requirements for Specific Degree Programs

Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degrees

This degree may be combined with a bachelor's degree through GWSB's new 4+1 Program, which enables students to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree in five years. 4+1 Program options, eligibility and degree paths are outlined on the 4+1 Program page. Please contact the MSF program director for eligibility.

MBA/Master of Science in Finance

For students pursuing a MBA and a Master of Science in Finance Joint degree program, all requirements for both degrees must be fulfilled. Applicants must apply to both programs simultaneously, meet the admission standards of both programs and be admitted to both programs in order to be eligible for the joint degree. Applicants are considered for Fall entry only. Admission standards are high for both the MBA and the MSF. The joint program is rigorous and intensive, particularly if completed within the two-year option. If admitted to both programs, students would complete the MBA core during the 1st year. This would satisfy MSF prerequisite requirements in calculus, economics, financial accounting, managerial finance, and statistics. Existing students interested in the joint degree will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA)/Master of Science in Finance (MSF) joint degree program is a unique opportunity to deepen your education in the fields of finance and business by combining the finest of both programs. With today’s job market, the demand is shifting towards having a quantitative background with an ability to understand markets, policies, and strategies.

Admissions

Admission to the MSF program is highly competitive and enrollment is limited. Students operate in two cohorts throughout the academic year.

Due to the rolling admissions policy, it is highly recommended that candidates submit applications early. The candidate’s major and trend in grades, personal achievements, and letters of recommendation also affect the admission decision. This program seeks social, ethnic, cultural and geographical diversity in its student body.

Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with credit hours in:

  • Advanced Mathematics (6; three credits must be Calculus)
  • Microeconomics (3)
  • Macroeconomics (3)
  • Financial Accounting (3)
  • Managerial Finance (3)
  • Statistics (3)

  Additional coursework, degrees, and/or work experience in these five areas are considered favorably in the selection process.

• Strong academic performance
• Demonstrated professional interest in finance

Admissions Process

Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for this program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. We also offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree, from scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements.

Application Requirements

To be considered complete, the following must be included in the application:

• Completed online application form
• Application fee (non-refundable)
• Current résumé uploaded through the online application system
• Three letters of recommendation from a professional and/or academic reference
• Statement of Purpose: In no more than 500 words, describe how this program fits into your professional life and your career objectives.

Additional Application Requirements

• Upload copies of your transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, whether or not the program was completed or the credit appears as a transfer credit on another transcript. Note that admitted students will be required to submit official, sealed transcripts with proof of bachelor’s degree. There is no need to submit them at the time when you first apply.
• The GRE or GMAT test is not required for this program — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. Learn more about our test-optional policy on the How to Apply page. GW School of Business applicants interested in taking the exam can benefit from 10% off any Kaplan GMAT or GRE preparation course. Use discount code GWUSB10.

International Applicants

Applicants who require a visa to study in the United States must also fulfill additional requirements in order to be considered for admission to a graduate program at the School of Business. Please visit our How to Apply page for further details.

Qualifications

Admission to this program is competitive. Applicants must present a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and meet the entrance requirements of the School of Business.

The review process considers each of the following areas on its own merit and candidates should show significant achievement in each area to be considered a strong prospect for admission.

• The ability to excel academically in an environment that will demand strong technical, analytical, and communication skills.
• Evidence of maturity to integrate educational opportunities into personal and professional goals.
• Management and leadership potential and strong communication skills.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and are considered for fall and spring semester admissions. We strongly encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible for the strongest consideration.

Admissions Process

Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for this program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them.

Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates seeking financial assistance and international students requiring visas are encouraged to apply early. Only completed applications, with all required materials, will be considered for admission.