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Masters of Business Administration - Financial Analytics
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug
Program Overview
The MBA with a Financial Analytics concentration at OCU is an accelerated 30-credit-hour program, offering one of the quickest pathways to a specialized graduate business degree. It's designed with flexibility in mind, with options for fully online delivery, making it highly accessible for working professionals. The program provides a broad foundation in corporate finance, investments, data analysis, programming, financial modeling, and risk management. It emphasizes hands-on learning through projects and case studies, preparing students to answer complex business questions and forecast financial scenarios effectively.
STEM-Designated: A significant advantage of OCU's MBA in Financial Analytics program is its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) designation. This designation is particularly beneficial for international students, as it allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the U.S. by an additional 24 months, totaling up to 36 months of post-graduation work authorization. This extended period provides invaluable opportunities for practical experience and career development within the U.S. financial analytics industry, enhancing the program's global appeal.
AACSB Accredited: Oklahoma City University's Meinders School of Business, which houses the MBA program, holds the prestigious AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation. This accreditation is a hallmark of excellence in business education, attained by a very small percentage of business schools worldwide. AACSB accreditation signifies that the program adheres to rigorous standards for curriculum quality, faculty expertise, student learning outcomes, and a commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that graduates receive a world-class business education.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MBA with Financial Analytics concentration is a robust blend of core MBA business principles and specialized financial analytics coursework. Core MBA courses typically include "Effective Leadership & Communication," "Accounting for Business Decision Making," "Business Strategy for Creating Value," "Managing at the Crossroads: The Global Economic Environment," "Strategic Marketing Decisions for Creating Value," "Financial Strategy and Decision Making," and "Ethical, Societal, and Legal Environment of Business." The Financial Analytics concentration delves into specialized subjects such as "Computational Finance & Financial Modeling," "Portfolio & Risk Management," and "Computer Programming for Data Scientists." The program also includes courses in "Data Analysis for Business Decisions," ensuring students develop proficiency in utilizing statistical and simulation software for financial applications.
Research Focus: Oklahoma City University's Meinders School of Business has a strong applied research focus, particularly evident in the areas of finance, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. The school is home to the Ronnie K. Irani Center for Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, indicating a dedicated commitment to advanced analytical fields. Faculty members, who often have both academic and industry experience, engage in research interests that directly inform the curriculum, including financial modeling, risk management, and the application of AI and machine learning in finance (FinTech). The program emphasizes experiential learning and encourages students to engage with real-world financial data and scenarios.
Industry Engagement: Oklahoma City University places a high premium on industry engagement to ensure its MBA in Financial Analytics program is highly relevant to the demands of the financial sector. The faculty frequently consists of industry professionals who bring current market insights and practical challenges into the classroom. The Meinders School of Business provides students with access to cutting-edge resources like the Bloomberg Finance Lab, offering hands-on experience with real-time financial data and analytics tools. The university actively fosters connections with local and regional financial institutions, offering networking opportunities, internships, and career placements that prepare graduates for immediate contributions to the industry.
Global Perspective: The MBA with Financial Analytics at Oklahoma City University integrates a global perspective by addressing how financial markets and economic principles operate on an international scale. Courses like "Managing at the Crossroads: The Global Economic Environment" provide insights into the complexities of a globalized economy. Furthermore, the program's STEM designation significantly attracts international students, fostering a diverse classroom environment. This exposure to varied global viewpoints and experiences in financial contexts prepares graduates to navigate international financial markets, understand cross-border investment strategies, and make informed decisions in a globally interconnected financial world.
Location
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 14190
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 83 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Oklahoma City University (OCU) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to attract and support talented international students. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and reward academic excellence, leadership, and artistic achievement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: OCU provides merit-based scholarships to international students who demonstrate outstanding academic records, leadership potential, and community involvement. These scholarships are automatically considered during the admission process, and amounts vary based on academic achievement and program of study.
Performance and Talent Scholarships: Students applying to OCU’s renowned performing arts programs, including music, dance, and theater, may be eligible for performance-based scholarships. These awards recognize exceptional artistic ability and provide financial support to help students pursue their creative passions at a professional level.
Transfer Student Scholarships: International students transferring from other accredited institutions may qualify for transfer scholarships. These awards acknowledge previous academic success and help make the transition to OCU more affordable.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: Graduate students, especially those in business, law, and healthcare fields, can access scholarships and assistantships that offer tuition remission and stipends in exchange for teaching or research support. These opportunities provide valuable experience and financial relief.
Oklahoma City University's MBA with a Financial Analytics concentration is a highly strategic program designed for professionals seeking to lead in the data-driven financial world. Its STEM designation is a significant draw, especially for international students, as it provides an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period. Furthermore, the program's AACSB accreditation ensures a top-tier business education, recognized globally for its rigor and relevance.
Financial Analyst: Analyzes financial data, prepares forecasts, and provides recommendations for investment decisions, mergers, acquisitions, and overall financial planning within corporations, investment firms, or banks.
Quantitative Analyst (Quant): Develops and implements complex mathematical and computational models for asset pricing (e.g., derivatives), risk management, and algorithmic trading strategies within investment banks, hedge funds, or asset management firms.
Risk Manager / Financial Risk Analyst: Identifies, assesses, and mitigates financial risks (market, credit, operational) within an organization. This involves using analytical models to evaluate potential losses and develop risk management strategies.
Portfolio Manager: Manages investment portfolios for individuals, institutions, or mutual funds, making strategic decisions on asset allocation, security selection, and risk management to maximize returns based on client objectives.
Investment Banker (Analyst/Associate): Advises companies on large financial transactions such as mergers & acquisitions, debt and equity issuances. This role heavily involves financial modeling, valuation, and market analysis.
Data Scientist (Financial Services): Applies advanced analytical techniques, machine learning, and programming skills to large financial datasets to uncover insights, build predictive models for fraud detection, credit scoring, or customer segmentation.
Treasury Analyst/Manager: Manages a company's liquidity, cash flow, investments, and financial risk. This role involves forecasting cash needs, optimizing banking relationships, and ensuring efficient capital utilization.
Credit Analyst: Evaluates the creditworthiness of individuals or corporations seeking loans or credit, using financial statements, market data, and analytical models to assess risk.
Financial Modeler: Specializes in building complex financial models in Excel and other software to project financial performance, evaluate investment opportunities, and analyze various business scenarios.
FinTech Product Manager: Works at the intersection of finance and technology, overseeing the development and launch of innovative financial technology products or services that leverage data analytics, AI, and blockchain.
