Doctor of Audiology
USD's Au.D. program is a comprehensive four-year post-baccalaureate curriculum that...
Master of Business Administration - Finance
Vermillion, South Dakota
INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug
Program Overview
The MBA in Finance at USD provides an in-depth understanding of financial markets, corporate finance, investments, and risk management. It aims to develop highly skilled professionals capable of making sound financial decisions, analyzing complex financial data, and leading financial strategies for organizations. The program focuses on applying theoretical financial concepts to real-world scenarios, preparing graduates for diverse roles within the finance industry. It is offered in various flexible formats, including full-time on campus, part-time hybrid, and fully online, catering to the needs of both traditional students and working professionals. The Beacom School of Business holds AACSB accreditation, signifying a high standard of business education.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MBA in Finance is structured to provide a strong foundation in core business disciplines alongside specialized finance courses. Students typically delve into subjects such as corporate finance, investment analysis, portfolio management, financial institutions and markets, and international finance. The program emphasizes the development of financial decision-making skills through case analysis, real-world simulations, and project assignments. Students gain practical experience by analyzing economic trends, industries, and individual companies. Courses may also cover financial reporting, quantitative analysis for management decisions, and ethical considerations in finance.
Research Focus: Faculty within the Beacom School of Business, particularly in the Accounting and Finance division, are actively engaged in research and scholarship relevant to the finance industry. While the MBA program itself is practitioner-oriented, the curriculum is informed by cutting-edge research in areas such as corporate finance, investments, financial planning, banking, mergers and acquisitions, and international finance. The Beacom School of Business provides resources like the Farber Financial Markets Center, which offers students access to real-time financial data, trading simulations, and Bloomberg terminals, facilitating practical application and engagement with financial markets. The research focus is on leveraging current financial theories and analytical tools to solve practical financial problems and contribute to industry best practices.
Industry Engagement: The University of South Dakota's Beacom School of Business cultivates strong ties with the financial industry. This engagement is evident through initiatives like the Financial Management Association (FMA) student chapter, which provides students with opportunities to interact with top financial firms and distinguished alumni in major financial hubs like New York City, gaining invaluable real-world exposure. The Beacom School of Business also offers student-centered initiatives such as Coyote Business Consulting, allowing students to gain practical experience by working with real businesses. These connections help ensure that the curriculum remains relevant to industry demands and provide students with valuable networking opportunities and career pathways in the financial sector.
Global Perspective: The MBA in Finance at USD recognizes the increasingly interconnected nature of global financial markets. While grounded in U.S. financial principles, the curriculum integrates discussions on international finance, global economic trends, and the complexities of conducting financial operations across borders. The program aims to prepare graduates to navigate diverse regulatory environments, understand global investment opportunities, and manage international financial risks. The AACSB international accreditation of the Beacom School of Business further reinforces the global relevance and high quality of its finance education, preparing graduates for success in both domestic and international financial careers.
Location
Vermillion, South Dakota
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12800
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $38
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.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and make quality education at USD more accessible to talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: USD awards merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships recognize outstanding high school or previous college performance and are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
International Student Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically tailored for international undergraduate students and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Eligibility is typically based on a combination of academic excellence and the completion of the admission process by specified deadlines. Many of these scholarships are automatically considered upon application, so no separate application is required.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, USD provides graduate assistantships and fellowships that offer financial support alongside valuable professional experience. These opportunities often include tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work within the university.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain USD academic departments and colleges offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or fine arts. These scholarships often reward exceptional talent and dedication within those disciplines.
An MBA with a specialization in Finance from the University of South Dakota (USD) equips graduates with the analytical rigor and strategic financial knowledge to thrive in a competitive global market. The program's blend of core business education with specialized finance training opens doors to a diverse range of high-level positions across various industries.
Financial Analyst: This is a foundational role where graduates evaluate financial data, assess investment opportunities, build financial models, and provide insights to guide strategic business decisions for companies, investment firms, or banks.
Investment Banker: Highly sought after, investment bankers advise corporations and governments on complex financial transactions like mergers and acquisitions (M&A), initial public offerings (IPOs), and debt issuance. This role demands strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
Portfolio Manager: Responsible for managing investment portfolios for individuals or institutions, Portfolio Managers develop investment strategies, select assets (stocks, bonds, real estate), and monitor performance to maximize returns while managing risk.
Corporate Finance Manager: Within a corporation, these professionals oversee the company's financial health, including budgeting, forecasting, capital expenditure decisions, and managing cash flow to ensure long-term financial stability and growth.
Risk Manager: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks (market risk, credit risk, operational risk) is the core function of a Risk Manager. They develop and implement strategies to protect an organization's assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
Credit Analyst: Working primarily in banking or financial institutions, Credit Analysts assess the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses seeking loans or credit, evaluating financial statements and market conditions to determine risk.
Wealth Management Advisor: These professionals provide comprehensive financial planning and investment advice to high-net-worth individuals and families, covering areas like retirement planning, estate planning, taxation, and investment strategies.
Treasury Manager: Focused on managing an organization's liquidity, cash flow, and financial assets, Treasury Managers optimize financial resources, invest surplus funds, and manage foreign exchange risk in multinational corporations.
Financial Consultant: Often working for consulting firms or independently, Financial Consultants provide expert financial advice to businesses, helping them improve financial performance, manage capital, or restructure debt.
Equity Research Analyst: Specializing in specific industries or sectors, Equity Research Analysts conduct in-depth research on companies, analyze financial statements, and produce reports with investment recommendations (buy, sell, or hold) for institutional investors.
