Finance Specialization: Financial Risk Management and Compliance, M.S.

A Master of Science degree in Finance with a specialization in Financial Risk Management and Compliance prepares students for rewarding positions in the risk management and compliance functions of financial institutions and corporate treasuries.  The curriculum addresses the tools and techniques for managing multiple sources of risk, including counterparty credit risk, market risk, operating risk, and regulatory risk. This program of study includes the subject matter required for the Financial Risk Manager (FRM®) certification administered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), as well as the Professional Risk Manager (PRM™) designation administered by the Professional Risk Manager’s International Association (PRMIA). 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 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 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 710Counterparty Credit Risk Management (Pre-Requisite FINC 603)3
FINC 740Operational Risk Management3
FINC 750Market Risk and Liquidity Risk Management (Pre-Requisite FINC 603)3
FINC 772Analysis of Debt Investments (Pre-Requisite FINC 603)3
FINC 774Analysis of Derivatives and Alternative Investments (Pre-Requisite FINC 603)3
FINC 720Regulation and Compliance3
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
FINC 507 Corporate Financial Management 3
FINC 525 Financial Modeling 3
ACCT 559 Analysis of Financial Statements 3
 Credits9
Term 3
FINC 710 Counterparty Credit Risk Management 3
FINC 740 Operational Risk Management 3
FINC 772 Analysis of Debt Investments 3
 Credits9
Term 4
FINC 750 Market Risk and Liquidity Risk Management 3
FINC 774 Analysis of Derivatives and Alternative Investments 3
FINC 720 Regulation and Compliance 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 Risk Management and Compliance 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. Evaluate the tools, techniques, and systems for managing multiple sources of financial-risk-market, liquidity, counterparty credit, operational, and regulatory risk.