UMass Boston

Finance MS

Master the skills to move markets.

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About the Program

Build your future in finance with skills employers need now. The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) at UMass Boston prepares you for success in a rapidly evolving global financial environment. The curriculum covers financial theory, risk management, and investment analysis, aligning closely with real-world investment practice and CFA® exam prep, with up to 10 CFA scholarships annually. Hands-on learning through internships, case studies, and simulations is central to the program. This STEM-designated program also offers extended OPT of up to 36 months for international students. Available online, in-person, and in hybrid formats, the MSF program gives you flexibility to learn on your terms.

Here’s your chance to:

  • Turn financial statements and data into actionable insights through modeling and analysis
  • Evaluate and manage financial risk across markets, credit, and operations.
  • Understand the financial principles, ethical responsibilities, and regulatory environment that guide modern finance.
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mean salary of alumni
UMass Boston Survey Data, 2020-2022
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full-time employed
UMass Boston Survey Data, 2020-2022
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of incoming students are working professionals
University Survey, 2025

Graduate student shaking hands with professor.

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Join an upcoming information session to learn more about the Finance MS and the application process.

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Career Possibilities

Explore a wide range of finance careers with an MSF degree. Whether you see yourself as a financial analyst, risk manager, investment banker, or in another finance role, this program equips you with the skills to thrive in a fast-moving industry.

Here’s where this degree can take you:

  • Financial Analyst
  • Portfolio Manager
  • Risk Assessment Professional
  • Financial Planner
  • Investment Banker
  • CFO
Example Employers of Program Graduates
UMass Boston Finance MS alumni launch careers at top companies in Boston and across the country, including:
State Street Global Advisors
Fidelity logo
Bank of America logo
John Hancock logo
Liberty Mutual logo
Santander bank logo
JP Morgan Chase
TD Bank logo

Student Stories

Prachi J.
The Curriculum at UMass Boston is very hands-on. I was working toward my CFA, and UMass Boston's affiliation with the CFA Institute aligned with my objectives. The faculty is friendly and always encouraging.
Prachi J. ‘22
Pruthvi B.
The Master’s in Finance program gave me hands-on experience with Bloomberg Terminal and my Master’s thesis, helping me secure an internship and full-time role at APG. I led projects in Private Equity and was recognized as 'Ambassador of Digitalization.' This program taught me to apply classroom learning to real-world finance and advance my career.
Pruthvi B. ‘16
Habeebur Rahman M
My time at the College of Management, UMass Boston was pivotal. It equipped me with the tools and insights to navigate the complexities of the business world. Grateful for the foundation it laid for my journey ahead.
Habeebur Rahman M. ‘24

Program Pathway Options

How to Apply

Deadlines: June 15 for fall, or December 1 for spring

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements.

Financing Your Education

Estimate Your Program Cost: Get a feel for your expected program costs using the Graduate Program Cost Calculator.

Program Cost Information: For more detailed information on costs, please visit the Bursar's website to learn more about Regular Session Tuition & Fees for in person courses and Special Price Tuition & Fees for online courses. Please refer to Financial Aid for more information on assistantships and other financial aid resources.

Program Details

Finance MS Application Requirements

  • Online application and application fee
  • GRE/GMAT not required
  • Current résumé highlighting professional and academic experience
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (United States bachelor's or equivalent required)
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation from professional or academic references
    • Applicants must provide the name and email address for (2) references as part of the online application. Those references will receive an email notification directing them to a secure site to submit their recommendation. If references prefer to type a traditional letter, it should be sent as a PDF attachment referencing the applicant's name, student ID number, and program of interest to GADocs@umb.edu.
  • Statement of intent essay explaining your goals and reasons for applying to the program
  • International applicants: additional documentation required

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Curriculum

Required Courses (15 Credits)

  • MBA AF 623 - Financial Modeling 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 625 - Options: Theory and Applications 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 628 - Portfolio Analysis and Investment Management 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 634 - Financial Engineering and Risk Management 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 636 - Applied Econometric Analysis of Business Data 3 Credit(s)
    Electives (12 Credits)

Electives (12 Credits)

Complete four from below.

  • MBA AF 611 - Financial Accounting and Reporting 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 616 - Financial Statement Analysis 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 622 - Global Portfolio Investment Management 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 626 - International Financial Management 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 631 - Sustainable Finance and Impact Investing 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 632 - Asset Management Practicum 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 640 – Accounting Data Analytics 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 642 – Machine Learning in Finance 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 651 – Fixed Income Securities and Analytics 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 690 - Industry Research Practicum 3 Credit(s)
  • MBAMGT 698 - Practicum 1-3 Credit(s) - must have an employment offer letter
  • MBA AF 641 - Financial Technology 3 Credit(s)

Capstone Course (3 Credits)

  • MBA AF 632 - Asset Management Practicum 3 Credit(s)

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Learning Outcomes

  • Proficiency with respect to the functional or technical knowledge and skills required for professional finance careers.
  • Knowledge and skills regarding professional integrity and ethics.
  • Problem identification and solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
  • Proficiency in the communications, teamwork, and leadership skills required for professional finance careers.

Graduation Criteria

Complete 30 credits from ten courses including five required courses, four electives, and one capstone course.

Pre-/corequisite courses:

  • MBA AF 601 - Economics for Managers
  • MBA AF 610 - Accounting for Managers
  • MBA AF 620 - Financial Management
  • MBAMS 600 - Mathematical Analysis for Managers

Capstone: Completion of a written paper as part of MBA AF 632.

MBA AF 632 may be completed up to two times, in separate semesters, both as an elective and as the required capstone course.

Statute of limitations: Seven years.

Contact

Graduate Program Director Xiaolu Xu
View Xiaolu Xu's Bio

Associate Director of Graduate Program Operations Stephanie Zuehlke
For all application questions, please email stephanie.zuehlke@umb.edu

Email Program Director

Accreditation

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Gain a Competitive Edge with CFA® Alignment.

UMass Boston’s MSF program is part of the CFA® Institute University Affiliation Program, connecting your coursework to real-world investment practice and CFA exam prep. Each year, up to 10 scholarships are awarded to support students on this path.

Graduating from a program tied to the CFA® Institute gives you a globally recognized credential, helping you stand out in finance and expand your career opportunities worldwide.

 

Program Faculty