MS Finance Application Deadlines & Requirements

Select the year in which you plan on entering the program. International students based abroad are only eligible to apply for the full-time program option (spring or fall enrollment).  

Ensure your resume clearly lists the dates of any professional (ex: full-time role, internships, co-ops), volunteer, non-profit or any other leadership experiences. There is no formatting requirement, however, please review your resume for any grammar mistakes. It should be no longer than two pages.  

An unofficial transcript (or degree audit) is required from each institution attended, including in-progress coursework, even if from the University of Cincinnati. These documents must show a complete record of your courses and grades. Uploading an unofficial transcript is recommended, but an official transcript may also be sent. Your application will not be reviewed until all transcripts are received.

International Applicants: You must have a U.S. bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or an international equivalent before starting the program. While NACES course-by-course evaluations are not required, one may be requested in certain cases. Your unofficial transcripts must be translated into English. If your grading scale isn't on a four-point scale, you will be asked to translate in the application process. For international three-year bachelor’s degrees, use the free WES degree equivalency tool to confirm U.S. equivalency. 

At the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business, we value thought-driven leaders. With this in mind, please upload a personal statement expressing the following:

• How will the MS Finance program prepare you to meet your career goals?
• How does your background prepare you to be successful in the program?
• What short- or long-term career goals do you have?
• Optional: Is there something in your resume or application that needs a brief explanation? Areas in this field may include academic outliers, career breaks, completion of additional coursework, etc.

Formatting: We recommend the personal statement be between 250 and 500 words, double-spaced.

Please select two recommenders who will be able to discuss your professional performance, academic performance and work style. This can include previous supervisors, faculty members or mentors. Letters of recommendations must come directly from the listed recommender on your application.

IMPORTANT: Your application will not move forward in the review process until we receive both letters of recommendation.

The GMAT and GRE are currently optional, however, we will consider the scores in the application process, if submitted. The admissions committee accepts the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores.  

Test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Please send all test scores to the following address:

Graduate Admissions

University of Cincinnati

PO Box 210091

Cincinnati, OH 45221-0091

• U.S. Residents: $65
• International: $70

If your native language is not English, you must demonstrate your proficiency in English. This includes submitting an IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo test score.

Please reference the Graduate College website for information on the minimum score needed to be eligible for the program.