M.A. in English
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at UNCW is a flexible and student-centered program...
M.S. in Finance & Investment Management
Wilmington, North Carolina
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The UNCW MSF is an accelerated, 30-credit hour program that can be completed in as few as 12 months. It is the first program of its kind in North Carolina and is offered both fully online and on campus to accommodate working professionals and individual needs. The primary objective is to equip students with a deep understanding of financial markets, investment strategies, and corporate finance, aligning closely with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute's Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK). This alignment is a key advantage, as it enhances the likelihood of graduates passing the CFA exam, widely recognized as the premier investment management credential globally. The program prepares students for roles in portfolio management, security analysis, risk management, corporate finance, and private wealth management.
STEM Designated: The M.S. in Finance & Investment Management at UNCW is a STEM-designated program. This classification is particularly beneficial for international students on an F-1 visa. It allows them to apply for a 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension after their initial 12 months of post-completion OPT. This provides a total of up to 36 months of practical work experience in the U.S. after graduation, significantly enhancing their professional development and career opportunities in the highly analytical and technology-driven finance sector.
Curriculum: The MSF curriculum is rigorously structured to cover essential areas of finance and investment. Core courses typically include "Quantitative Investment Analysis," "Ethics in Investment Management," "Corporate Finance," "Derivatives & Risk Management," "Equity Investments," "Economics for the Finance Professional," "Fixed Income Analysis," "Financial Reporting & Analysis," "Portfolio Management & Wealth Planning," and "Alternative Investments." This comprehensive coursework ensures that students gain a thorough understanding of financial theory and its practical application. The program's close alignment with the CFA CBOK means students are exposed to the gold standard in investment management education.
Research Focus: While primarily a professional master's degree, the UNCW MSF program incorporates an applied research focus. Students are trained in advanced quantitative methods and financial analysis, which are critical for informed decision-making in the financial world. The curriculum requires students to analyze financial data, evaluate market trends, and understand economic indicators, which are all components of applied financial research. Faculty members, many of whom are CFA charter holders, bring real-world industry experience into the classroom and guide students in understanding and applying industry ethics and guidelines. This emphasis on analytical rigor and evidence-based decision-making prepares graduates to conduct robust financial research in their professional roles.
Industry Engagement: The UNCW MSF program boasts strong industry engagement, designed to prepare graduates for immediate impact in the finance sector. The program's alignment with the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program provides a direct link to industry best practices and a globally recognized professional standard. Students are often eligible for CFA program scholarships, further cementing this connection. The curriculum is developed with input from finance professionals, ensuring its relevance to current industry demands. Graduates are prepared for senior positions in various financial segments, reflecting the program's commitment to producing highly skilled and employable finance professionals. The university also offers initiatives like NYC Experience trips and coaching from experienced professionals, connecting students directly with the finance industry.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Finance & Investment Management at UNCW inherently incorporates a global perspective by aligning with the CFA Institute's globally recognized curriculum. Finance and investment markets are inherently global, and the program's comprehensive coverage of equity, fixed-income, derivative, and alternative investments, alongside economics for financial professionals, prepares students to analyze and operate within international financial landscapes. Discussions on financial reporting and analysis, risk management, and portfolio management naturally extend to global contexts. The program equips graduates to understand and navigate the complexities of cross-border financial transactions, international market dynamics, and global economic trends, fostering a mindset essential for success in today's interconnected financial world.
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 24198
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 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to support and attract talented international students. These scholarships aim to make education more affordable while recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNCW provides merit scholarships for international students based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These awards can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable for multiple years based on maintaining good academic standing.
International Student Scholarships: Specific scholarships are available exclusively for international students, such as the International Student Scholarship which rewards outstanding academic performance and leadership qualities. Eligibility and award amounts vary each year, encouraging prospective students to apply early.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UNCW offer scholarships targeted to students within their programs, including international students. These scholarships recognize excellence in fields such as business, marine science, and the arts, and often require separate applications or nominations.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: UNCW encourages international students to explore additional funding options through external organizations, governments, and private foundations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on locating and applying for these scholarships.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Finance & Investment Management (MSF) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) equips graduates with specialized, advanced knowledge and analytical capabilities vital for success in the dynamic global finance industry. This STEM-designated program, with its close alignment to the CFA Institute's curriculum, positions graduates for highly competitive roles requiring a deep understanding of financial markets, investment strategies, and corporate finance.
Portfolio Manager: These professionals are responsible for managing investment portfolios for individual clients, institutions, or mutual funds. They design and implement investment strategies, select assets, and make decisions to achieve optimal returns aligned with risk tolerance and financial objectives.
Security Analyst (Equity, Fixed Income, or Research): Graduates conduct in-depth research and analysis of various financial securities (stocks, bonds, derivatives) to assess their investment potential. They evaluate market trends, company performance, and economic data to provide recommendations to portfolio managers or clients.
Wealth Manager/Financial Advisor: These roles involve providing comprehensive financial planning and investment management services to high-net-worth individuals, families, or institutions. They develop customized financial plans, offer investment advice, and coordinate various financial affairs to grow and preserve wealth.
Risk Manager: Graduates identify, assess, and mitigate potential financial risks within an organization, such as market risk, credit risk, or operational risk. They implement risk management strategies to protect the organization's assets, reputation, and financial stability, often in banks, investment firms, or large corporations.
Corporate Finance Analyst/Manager: Within corporations, these professionals manage the financial activities of the company, including capital budgeting, financial forecasting, valuation, and managing relationships with investors and creditors. Roles can include financial analyst, finance manager, or treasurer.
Investment Banker: Investment bankers advise companies and governments on complex financial transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), initial public offerings (IPOs), and debt and equity offerings. This is a demanding but highly rewarding career often found in major financial institutions.
Quantitative Analyst (Quant): Quants use advanced mathematical, statistical, and computational methods to develop and implement complex financial models for pricing securities, managing risk, and developing trading strategies, particularly in hedge funds and investment banks.
Hedge Fund Analyst: Graduates work for hedge funds, conducting intensive research and analysis to identify unique investment opportunities and develop sophisticated trading strategies, often focusing on alternative investments.
Financial Systems Analyst/FinTech Specialist: With a strong analytical foundation and understanding of financial markets, graduates can work at the intersection of finance and technology, designing, implementing, and optimizing financial software systems, trading platforms, or blockchain solutions.
Chief Investment Officer (CIO): While a senior-level role typically requiring significant experience, the UNCW MSF program directly prepares graduates for the foundational knowledge needed to eventually become a CIO. A CIO oversees an organization's entire investment strategy, managing its asset portfolio and making critical decisions to maximize returns while minimizing risks.
