MSc in Finance

Prepare to meet the market’s finance needs.

Lerner College recognizes that financial management is key to both asset management and asset creation in every industry. The master of science in finance program covers both quantitative and qualitative aspects of financial decision making, including risk management, capital budgeting, investments, financing, and corporate governance. Emerge ready to meet the growing demand for principled financial experts capable of practical, hands-on business problem-solving.

Program Highlights

The Lerner M.S. in finance curriculum is based on the financial theory and empirical methods employed by professionals practicing corporate finance, financial security valuation, financial modeling, portfolio management, financial services management, financial risk management, and corporate governance. The program explores essential theories and cases of best practice across:

• Financial forecasting
• Time value of money techniques
• Operating and financial risk
• Costs of capital
• Methods of valuation

These important tools and concepts reveal how corporations make financial decisions that maximize shareholder value. You will gain a nuanced grasp of short- and long-term capital investment, the risks and rewards of mergers and acquisitions, and how to deal with financial distress.

Program Requirements

Prerequisites

Students are expected to have had the equivalent of MATH 221 – Calculus and MATH 230 – Finite Mathematics with Applications. Also, students will need basic computer skills equivalent to MISY 160 – Business Computing: Tools and Concepts. As an additional prerequisite, incoming students are expected to acquire fundamental finance and accounting concepts in ACCT 800 – Financial Reporting and Analysis and FINC 850 – Financial Management. These prerequisite courses can be waived for students who have work experience or prior coursework in the area.

Courses (30 credits)

• FINC 870 – Theory of Financial Decision Making
• FINC 871 – Workshop in Finance: Seminar
• FINC 872 – Workshop in Finance: Empirical Research
• ECON 803 – Applied Econometrics I
• ACCT 820 – Financial Statement Analysis
• FINC 851 – Corporate Financial Analysis
• FINC 861 – Financial Modeling and Valuation
• FINC 852 – Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management
• FINC 856 – Financial Engineering and Risk Management
• FINC 855 – Capital Markets & Financial Institutions

Elective Courses (6 credits)

Elective courses can be any pre-approved 800-level FINC, ACCT, ECON, STAT, FREC or MATH course. Students are not limited to these courses and, with the approval of the program director, other graduate courses can be used to satisfy elective requirements.

Program Format Options

Choose from five paths through the master’s in finance program, each suited to your specific current job position, career and salary goals, and life situation.

M.S. Accelerated Program

If you already hold a B.S. in finance, you can complete the M.S. in finance in one year of intensive study (fall and spring semester, Winter and Summer sessions). This program is for you if you have excellent quantitative skills and can devote your full-time efforts to your coursework.

Full Time

The full-time program offers more flexibility than the accelerated program and usually takes 18 months to complete. You can choose from a wide choice of elective courses and perhaps pursue an internship.

Limited Part-time Program

If your work schedule is flexible, you can complete the M.S. in finance on a part-time schedule while working by taking some courses in the daytime. Some courses may also be offered in the evening.

Dual MBA/M.S. in Finance Program

Our dual MBA/M.S. in finance program combines the strategic business skills of the MBA with the in-depth study of finance.

B.S. + M.S. Accelerated Degree Program

With the accelerated B.S. in finance + M.S. in finance, you can complete the necessary 145 credit hours needed to earn both the B.S. and M.S. in finance, in less time and with fewer credits than if completed separately.

Career Opportunities

Your M.S. in finance degree can prepare you for a variety of career options and goals, from Wall Street to Main Street and business centers around the world.

Corporate finance positions can be found in companies of all sizes, from large, international entities to small start-ups. Additional corporate finance positions include financial analysts, treasurers, and internal auditors.

• Corporate finance

Help large and mid-sized companies secure and manage the capital necessary to run the enterprise while maximizing corporate value and reducing financial risk. Oversee financial statements, developing forecasts, creating models, studying potential acquisitions and developing capital spending programs.

• Investment banking

Help clients acquire capital by creating and issuing debt and equity securities. Play a key role in facilitating financial reorganizations, mergers, and acquisitions.

• Investment research

Examine and evaluate a firm’s financial statements and economic trends. Produce reports and models used by banks or large investors to make portfolio recommendations and decisions.

• Private wealth management

Serve a base of high net worth clients by providing comprehensive and personalized financial planning services such as investment and risk management strategies.

• Real estate finance

Produce information that helps a company or client locate, purchase, develop and sell buildings and properties.

• Advisory services and consulting

Conduct expert and independent analysis on matters such as asset valuation or financial issues required for litigation.

Industry-Proven Faculty

Lerner finance faculty bring deep applied research knowledge, extensive corporate experience, and wide-reaching association memberships and networks — all of which can lead you to fresh insights on a changing global economy and industry. Faculty expertise includes such areas as:

• Corporate finance
• Valuation
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Corporate Governance
• International Finance
• Pensions
• Initial Public Offerings