M.S. in Finance and Risk Management

The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) welcomes international students and has specific entry requirements for postgraduate programs. 

1. Academic Requirements: For admission to postgraduate programs at CU Denver, international students are typically required to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent. This corresponds to approximately 75% and above.

2. English Language Proficiency: The accepted English language proficiency tests and their minimum score requirements are as follows:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum overall score of 6.5 is generally required, with no individual band (listening, reading, writing, speaking) score falling below 6.0.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based test (iBT) is typically required.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 60 is usually required.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 110 is generally required.

The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) recognizes the importance of providing financial assistance to international students and offers various scholarships to support their education. 

1. International Freshman Scholarships: CU Denver offers scholarships specifically for international freshmen students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements. These scholarships are merit-based and awarded based on the students' high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other criteria. The university provides partial tuition scholarships, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of attending CU Denver.

2. International Merit Scholarships: CU Denver provides merit-based scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria. The amounts awarded can vary and are renewable for up to four years for undergraduate students and up to two years for graduate students, depending on the specific scholarship.

3. International First-Year Student Scholarships: CU Denver offers scholarships to international first-year students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years and provide partial tuition coverage. The university considers factors such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other criteria when awarding these scholarships.

4. College/School-Specific Scholarships: Many of CU Denver's colleges and schools offer scholarships specific to their respective academic disciplines. These scholarships are available to international students pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, engineering, health sciences, arts and media, and more. Eligibility criteria and award amounts vary depending on the specific scholarship and college/school.

5. Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship offered by CU Denver to a limited number of international undergraduate and graduate students. It is a highly competitive scholarship that recognizes exceptional academic achievements, leadership skills, and a commitment to global engagement. The scholarship provides significant financial support to recipients.

6. Other External Scholarships: In addition to CU Denver's scholarships, international students can explore external scholarships and funding opportunities. Various organizations, foundations, and governments offer scholarships specifically for international students studying in the United States. The university's Office of International Affairs provides resources and guidance to help students explore and apply for these external scholarships.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and award amounts may vary each year.

Graduates of the M.S. in Finance and Risk Management program have a range of career opportunities in the finance industry.  

1. Risk Analyst: Graduates can work as risk analysts, assessing financial risks and developing risk management strategies for organizations. They analyze market trends, evaluate portfolio performance, and make recommendations to mitigate risk.

2. Financial Analyst: Graduates can pursue careers as financial analysts, providing insights and recommendations on investment decisions, financial planning, and budgeting. They conduct financial research, analyze financial statements, and prepare reports for decision-makers.

3. Risk Manager: Graduates can work as risk managers, overseeing the identification and management of risks within organizations. They develop risk management policies, implement risk control measures, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

4. Quantitative Analyst: Graduates can work as quantitative analysts, utilizing mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data and develop investment strategies. They work with large datasets, develop financial models, and provide data-driven insights.

5. Portfolio Manager: Graduates can pursue careers as portfolio managers, responsible for managing investment portfolios on behalf of clients or organizations. They make investment decisions, monitor portfolio performance, and adjust strategies based on market conditions.

6. Financial Risk Consultant: Graduates can work as financial risk consultants, providing advisory services to clients on risk management strategies, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting. They assess risks, develop risk mitigation plans, and help clients navigate complex financial landscapes.

7. Financial Planner: Graduates can work as financial planners, assisting individuals and organizations in creating financial plans, managing assets, and achieving financial goals. They provide guidance on investment strategies, retirement planning, and risk management.

8. Credit Risk Analyst: Graduates can specialize in credit risk analysis, assessing the creditworthiness of borrowers, and developing strategies to manage credit risk. They evaluate credit applications, monitor credit portfolios, and make recommendations on lending decisions.

9. Financial Compliance Officer: Graduates can work as financial compliance officers, ensuring organizations adhere to financial regulations and compliance standards. They develop and implement compliance programs, conduct audits, and provide guidance on regulatory requirements.

10. Financial Technology (Fintech) Specialist: Graduates can pursue careers in the emerging field of financial technology, leveraging technology and data analytics to drive innovation in the finance industry. They work on projects related to financial modeling, algorithmic trading, or the development of fintech solutions.