Finance Specialization: Financial Management, M.S.

A Master of Science degree in Finance with a specialization in Financial Management prepares students for rewarding careers as managers in corporate treasury and controller functions.  The curriculum offers a unique blend of accounting, corporate finance, management, and decision analytics. This program of study includes the subject matter required for the Certified Management Accounting (CMA®) certification administered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA®), as well as the Certified Treasury Professional® (CTP) designation administered by the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP). Students are encouraged to pursue one or both of these credentials along with their M. S. 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 the GMAT and attain a score of 560 (50th percentile) or better to continue in the MS or MBA 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
ACCT 502Accounting for Business Entities3
MGMT 515Behavioral Issues and Ethics in Management3
FINC 613Decision Analysis (Pre-Requisite FINC 603)3
ACCT 552Strategic Profitability Analysis: Accounting for Managers3
FINC 670Working Capital Management (Pre-Requisite FINC 607)3
FINC 673Investment Planning and Portfolio Analysis3
or FINC 740 Operational Risk Management
or FINC 776 Global Finance
or FINC 514 Introduction to Business Analytics and Data Science
Capstone Requirement (3 Credits): Required
FINC 779Capstone in Finance3
Total39

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
ACCT 559 Analysis of Financial Statements 3
FINC 507 Corporate Financial Management 3
FINC 525 Financial Modeling 3
 Credits9
Term 3
ACCT 502 Accounting for Business Entities 3
FINC 613 Decision Analysis 3
MGMT 515 Behavioral Issues and Ethics in Management 3
 Credits9
Term 4
ACCT 552 Strategic Profitability Analysis: Accounting for Managers 3
FINC 670 Working Capital Management 3
Elective Course 1 With guidance of an advisor, elective may be chosen from graduate course offerings in Accounting, Finance, Management and/or Marketing. 3
FINC 779 Capstone in Finance 3
 Credits12
 Total Credits39

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Finance with a specialization in Financial Management 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. Coordinate the critical accounting and financial skills needed to perform corporate treasury and other financial management functions.