Finance Specialization: Financial Analysis, M.S.

A Master of Science degree in Finance with a specialization in Financial Analysis prepares individuals for rewarding career progression in the fields of securities analysis and investment management.  The program of study develops the ethical framework and analytical skills to evaluate investment products, navigate financial markets, and manage the portfolios of individual and institutional clients.  In pursuing these competencies, the Financial Analysis specialization incorporates the curriculum of the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) Program administered by CFA Institute, where NJCU is an affiliated university. Students are encouraged to earn the globally recognized CFA credential along with their MS in Finance degree.

Admission Requirements:
 

  • The completion of a Bachelor's degree.
  • A cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0
  • Students whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 may be considered for admission and matriculation with the following conditions:
    • Business undergraduate majors with a GPA below 3.0 must take must take the GMAT and attain a score of 560 (50th percentile) or better to continue in the MBA or MS program
    • Non-business majors must take GMAT and attain a score of 560 (50th percentile) or better to continue in the MBA or MS program
  • Meet all minimum requirements of the Graduate Studies Office including: completed application; transcripts; recommendation letters; essay; resume; and test results as required. An interview may be requested.
  • Additional requirements for international students include: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test results, and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), or World Education Services (WES) evaluation of international transcripts.
  • Up to nine graduate course credits in applicable content from other institutions may be accepted with approval of the School of Business.

To apply for graduate study go to the Graduate Application web page
For more information about the GMAT exam go to GMAT.  
For more information about the TOEFL exam go to TOEFL
Update on Graduate Requirements and Test Waiver Request, click here

CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS

Core Program (18 Credits): Required
ACCT 501Financial Accounting I3
FINC 504Quantitative Methods for Business Decisions3
FINC 506Managerial Economics3
FINC 507Corporate Financial Management3
FINC 525Financial Modeling3
ACCT 559Analysis of Financial Statements3
Financial Analysis Specialization (18 Credits): Required
FINC 673Investment Planning and Portfolio Analysis3
FINC 770Ethical and Professional Standards in Investment Management (Pre-Requisite FINC 603)3
FINC 771Analysis of Equity Investments3
FINC 772Analysis of Debt Investments (Pre-Requisite FINC 673)3
FINC 774Analysis of Derivatives and Alternative Investments (Pre-Requisite FINC 673)3
FINC 775Advanced Portfolio Management (Pre-Requisite FINC 673)3
Capstone Requirement (3 Credits): Required
FINC 779Capstone in Finance3
Total 39

Sample Degree Maps are based on full-time status. Full-time for graduate learners is defined as taking nine credits or more in a term. Term is defined as an academic time period during which the school holds classes. It may refer to scheduled fall, winter intersession, spring, or summer sessions. This is a sample degree map and sequence for required course work. Individual plans may vary based on specific learner needs. 

Traditional Full-time Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Term 1Credits
ACCT 501 Financial Accounting I 3
FINC 504 Quantitative Methods for Business Decisions 3
FINC 506 Managerial Economics 3
 Credits9
Term 2
FINC 507 Corporate Financial Management 3
FINC 673 Investment Planning and Portfolio Analysis 3
ACCT 559 Analysis of Financial Statements 3
 Credits9
Term 3
FINC 770 Ethical and Professional Standards in Investment Management 3
FINC 771 Analysis of Equity Investments 3
FINC 772 Analysis of Debt Investments 3
 Credits9
Term 4
FINC 525 Financial Modeling 3
FINC 774 Analysis of Derivatives and Alternative Investments 3
FINC 775 Advanced Portfolio Management 3
FINC 779 Capstone in Finance 3
 Credits12
 Total Credits39

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Masters of Science in Finance with a specialization in Financial Analysis program, students will be able to:

  1. Identify ethical issues and understand the implications of social responsibility for sustainable business practices.
  2. Evaluate information and apply critical thinking skills to identify solutions and inform business decisions.
  3. Utilize technology, apply quantitative methods and interpret data to solve business problems.
  4. Integrate knowledge of core business concepts and collaborate productively as part of a team.
  5. Work effectively in a diverse environment and understand how global and cultural issues effect the organization and its stakeholders.
  6. Compose clear and concise forms of written communication to effectively convey ideas and information associated with business topics.
  7. Communicate business concepts effectively through oral presentation.
  8. Use finance theories/concepts, techniques and models for qualitative and quantitative analysis.
  9. Communicate complex financial information and analysis effectively both in speaking and writing.
  10. Apply financial knowledge/skills and an ethical compass to guide business decisions in academic simulations or real-world professional environments.
  11. Synthesize the finance concepts and analytical methods in a variety of applications for effective portfolio management and wealth planning.