MS-Finance Frequently Asked Questions
How does the MS-Finance degree differ from an MBA degree?
What are the pre-requisites for the MS Finance degree?
When is the earliest I can apply for the program?
When is the application deadline?
Can full-time students begin studies begin the program in the Spring semester?
Do I need an undergraduate degree in Finance to be accepted into the program?
How quantitative is the MS-Finance program?
Do I need to take the business background courses before I apply to the program?
Do I need work experience in order to qualify for admission?
Do I need to take the GRE or the GMAT?
What is the minimum GRE/GMAT score?
What is a ‘good’ GRE/GMAT score?
I took the GRE/GMAT a few years ago. Will I have to re-take the test?
What is the minimum TOEFL score?
Do I need to take the TOEFL?
Are there any scholarships or graduate assistant positions available?
What does the admissions committee look for?
How many classes does a student take a semester?
How long does it take to complete the degree requirements?
Can I earn the MS-Finance degree as a part-time student?
Can I work on Campus?
Is it possible to do a joint MS-Finance / MBA program or MS-Finance and another MS?
How do I apply for this program?
How does the MS-Finance degree differ from an MBA degree?
The MS-Finance program is for professionals who have a strong interest in finance and a desire to pursue a career as a finance professional. In contrast, the MBA degree is meant for individuals with leadership aspirations which require general management skills. The MS-Finance program has a narrow focus on finance rather than the broad exposure to all aspects of business, including finance, accounting, economics, marketing and management supplied by the MBA curriculum.
What are the pre-requisites for the MS-Finance degree?
The MS-Finance requires a background in basic financial principles and some economics, accounting, and statistics. Students who can demonstrate competence in these areas may waive the pre-requisites. A grade of B or higher in equivalent coursework will satisfy this standard. Students with relevant work experience may also be able to waive some or all of these courses.
When is the earliest I can apply for the program?
One year before the start of the program.
When is the application deadline?
August 1 is the final deadline for admission. We encourage you to apply early as applications are considered on a rolling basis until the final deadline or until all program slots are filled. Space is limited. Applications will be considered after this date only under special circumstances. Note that the priority deadline for financial aid is March 15 of each year.
Can full-time students begin the program in the Spring semester?
No. At this time the full-time MS-Finance program is structured requiring a Fall semester start date for completing degree requirements within two semesters. Pre-term classes may be taken during the summer prior to the Fall start date.
Do I need an undergraduate degree in Finance to be accepted into the program?
No. We consider applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds
How quantitative is the MS-Finance Program?
We strive to produce graduates of the MS-Finance program who are technical professionals with sound business knowledge. Therefore, the MS-Finance program at UC is a primarily a quantitative program. It focuses on the core aspects of financial theory such as asset pricing, risk management, valuation, and capital budgeting. As such it requires greater technical sophistication than most other business disciplines. That being said, the MS-Finance is not a ‘computational finance" or ‘financial engineering program that emphasizes advanced programming skills or solving problems via numerical methods. However, there are opportunities to take highly technical courses from the business analytics, computer science and mathematics departments at UC.
Do I need to take the business background courses before I apply to the program?
No. However, if you have completed courses in these subjects as part of your undergraduate program, they may be waived.
Do I need work experience in order to qualify for admission?
No. There is no specified minimum work experience requirement.
Do I need to take the GRE or the GMAT?
Either test is acceptable. If you wish to pursue the dual degree option, then you must take the GMAT. We will never waive the GRE/GMAT requirement, unless the person has a terminal degree (PhD).
What is the minimum GRE/GMAT score?
There is not a minimum specified score. However, to be competitive you should have a GMAT score above 600. In making the admission decision, we carefully examine the overall profile including your undergraduate performance, your GMAT or GRE scores, your work experience, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular involvement in making the admission decision. So, the GRE/GMAT score is just one of the data points we use in making the admission decision.
What is a "good" GRE/GMAT score?
We consider the verbal and quantitative scores separately. Keeping in mind that we consider the applicant’s overall profile and that the GRE/GMAT score is only one piece of information available to the admissions committee, a rough guide is the following. A GRE/GMAT score is generally considered ‘good’ for an MS-Finance program if the quantitative score is at or above the 85th percentile.
I took the GRE/GMAT a few years ago. Will I have to re-take the test?
Scores are only valid for five (5) years. If you took the test more than five (5) years ago, you will need to re-take the test.
What is the minimum TOEFL score?
The minimum acceptable TOEFL score for admission is 250 for the computer-based test or 600 for the paper-based test or 100 for the internet based test.
TOEFL is required for all international students whose native language is not English (please check isso.uc.edu for a list of countries with TOEFL waivers). If you already have a degree from the United States, the TOEFL requirement may be waived.
Are there any scholarships or graduate assistant positions available?
Yes. Please note that we do not award full scholarships (tuition waiver) to any student. We expect students to join the program because they value the outstanding education we provide and the exceptional career opportunities that are available to graduates of this program. The amount of financial aid available varies annually, as does the competition for it. In addition to having excellent credentials, timeliness of the application is important. The priority application date for financial aid is March 15.
What does the admissions committee look for?
We look for an academic background demonstrating strong intellectual capability; clear professional goals in the finance industry; references that support your professional goals and intellectual abilities; and strong verbal and quantitative GMAT scores.
How many classes does a student take a semester?
We recommend that full-time students take 5-6 courses (15 credits) per semester. The program is designed to be completed in two semesters by taking 5 courses each semester. Note that International students are generally required to carry a full load in order to maintain their immigration status.
How long does it take to complete the degree requirements?
The program is designed to be completed in 2 semesters for full-time students. Students who have not satisfied the pre-requisites will need to satisfy those prior to beginning the program.
Can I earn the MS-Finance degree as a part-time student?
Yes. Of course, the pace at which part-time students will progress towards their degree will vary with their individual situations. Part-time students will take approximately two (2) years. By taking an average of 6 hours per semester a part-time student can finish the program in five (5) semesters. If classes are taken during the summer as well, a part-time student could begin during the fall semester and finish during the second spring semester (about 20 months). Students who have not satisfied the pre-requisites or take fewer hours per semester will take longer.
Since UC is an urban setting, there are numerous opportunities to work on or around campus. We cannot however guarantee that you will find such employment since you will have to apply and interview for these positions.
Is it possible to do a dual MS-Finance / MBA program or MS-Finance and another MS?
Yes. The typical program duration is 21 months. In order to be admitted to the dual degree program, you must apply to both programs of interest and secure admission to both programs. You can also apply for the dual degree after joining the MS-Finance program and also complete the MBA or second MS after graduation from the MS-Finance program if you happen to remain in the Cincinnati area.
How do I apply for the MS-Finance program?
You can apply using the on-line graduate application for admission at grad.uc.edu.
