Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.S. in Finance
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Finance at UB is an 18-month, 36-credit program that focuses on equipping students with essential skills in finance, economics, and money markets. The program offers several specialized tracks to cater to diverse career interests within the finance sector, including Financial Risk Management, Financial Risk Management/Fintech, Quantitative Finance, and Quantitative Finance/Fintech. Students also have the option to pursue collaborative dual degrees, such as MS Finance/MS Real Estate Development. This structure ensures that students can tailor their learning to specific career paths, gaining both broad financial knowledge and specialized expertise.
STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Finance program at the University at Buffalo is STEM-designated under the Financial Mathematics classification. This is a significant advantage for international students, as it allows for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension of 24 months beyond the initial 12 months, totaling up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This designation underscores the program's strong quantitative and analytical rigor, appealing to students interested in data-driven financial roles.
Curriculum: The 36-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Finance program includes a core set of required courses (21 credits) and elective courses (12 credits), along with a capstone experience (3 credits). Core courses typically include "Investment Management," "Financial Derivatives," "Fixed Income Securities," "Financial Policies and Strategies," and "Management of Financial Institutions." Depending on their chosen track, students will take specific required and elective courses. For example, the Quantitative Finance/Fintech track includes courses like "Quantitative Methods in Finance," "Financial Modeling," and various FinTech electives such as "Financial Technology (Fintech) Lab" and courses in predictive analysis, data visualization, and distributed computing. Electives allow for further specialization in areas like financial statement analysis, business valuation, international finance, and experiential projects.
Research Focus: While the M.S. in Finance is primarily a professional master's degree, the curriculum incorporates rigorous analytical and quantitative methods, which are foundational to financial research. The program's specialized tracks, particularly "Quantitative Finance" and "Fintech," align with current research trends in financial modeling, risk management, and the application of technology and data analytics in finance. Faculty members in the School of Management actively engage in research across various finance sub-disciplines, contributing to the academic depth of the program. Students may have opportunities to engage in supervised research or experiential projects, which can involve analyzing real-world financial data and applying theoretical concepts.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Finance program at UB is highly focused on preparing graduates for successful careers in the financial services industry. The curriculum is designed to provide practical tools and analytical skills that are directly applicable to the demands of employers. The School of Management emphasizes opportunities for "Action Learning" and "Career Preparation." The program aims to help students build important skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership, and provides access to experienced finance professionals for advice and mentoring. UB graduates are recruited by a diverse range of financial institutions, consulting firms, and corporations, indicating strong industry connections and a favorable employment outlook.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Finance program at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing the interconnectedness of global financial markets and the international nature of finance. Courses such as "Multinational Banking in Finance" and "International Finance Management" directly incorporate global financial concepts and challenges. The program's engagement with FinTech also often involves understanding global technological trends in financial services. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body, enriching the learning environment with varied cultural viewpoints and different approaches to financial problems from around the world. This exposure prepares graduates to work effectively in multinational financial institutions and contribute to the global economy.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Graduates with an M.S. in Finance from UB are well-prepared for a diverse range of roles in the financial services industry and corporate finance, particularly in areas requiring strong analytical and quantitative skills.
Financial Analyst: Conduct financial analysis for companies, investment banks, or asset management firms, evaluating investment opportunities, company performance, and market trends.
Portfolio Manager: Manage investment portfolios for individuals, institutions, or mutual funds, making decisions on asset allocation, security selection, and risk management.
Risk Manager: Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks for financial institutions, corporations, or investment funds, often specializing in market, credit, or operational risk.
Quantitative Analyst (Quant): Apply mathematical and statistical methods to financial data to build models for trading, risk management, or pricing complex financial instruments.
Investment Banker: Advise corporations and governments on mergers, acquisitions, and capital-raising activities, including underwriting debt and equity.
Corporate Finance Analyst: Work within a company to manage financial planning, budgeting, capital allocation, and financial reporting.
Financial Derivatives Trader/Analyst: Specialize in trading or analyzing complex financial instruments like options, futures, and swaps, often using quantitative models.
Fintech Specialist: Work at the intersection of finance and technology, developing and implementing innovative financial products, services, or platforms (e.g., blockchain, AI in finance).
Credit Analyst: Assess the creditworthiness of individuals or companies to determine the risk of lending money, crucial for banks and other financial institutions.
Treasury Analyst: Manage a company's liquidity, investments, and financial risks, including cash flow forecasting and foreign exchange management.
