Professional Science Masters in Biotechnology
The PSM in Biotechnology at Saint Mary's is a two-year, 40-credit hybrid program de...
M.S. in Finance
Moraga, California
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The M.S. in Finance at Saint Mary's is an intensive 12-month hybrid program, starting in Fall (August). It's structured to allow students to pursue a graduate degree while working full-time, with online classes typically held on two weekday evenings and in-person sessions on alternate Saturdays. The program's objective is to equip graduates with the strategic financial skills demanded by global employers, with a strong emphasis on quantitative techniques used in financial analysis, including those required by the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) exams. The program can also count towards an accelerated MBA at Saint Mary's for those looking to broaden their business acumen.
STEM-Designated: Yes, the Master of Science (M.S.) in Finance at Saint Mary's College of California is a STEM-designated program. This designation is highly beneficial, especially for international students holding F-1 visas, as it allows them to apply for a 24-month extension to their Optional Practical Training (OPT) period. This provides a total of up to 36 months of temporary work authorization in the U.S. post-graduation, offering significant opportunities for professional experience and career development in the American financial sector. The STEM classification highlights the program's strong quantitative and analytical foundation.
AACSB Accredited: Saint Mary's College of California's School of Economics and Business Administration, which houses the M.S. in Finance program, is proudly accredited by AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). This is a prestigious global accreditation, achieved by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. AACSB accreditation signifies the highest standard of quality in business education, assuring students and employers of the program's academic rigor, relevance to industry needs, and commitment to fostering ethical and impactful financial professionals.
Curriculum: The M.S. in Finance curriculum is comprehensive and quantitatively focused, designed to provide a deep understanding of financial markets, instruments, and analysis techniques. Key courses include Accounting Concepts and Principles, Quantitative Methods in Financial Analysis (covering statistics, regression, and time series analysis), Programming for Finance (with Python and SQL for financial modeling, risk-return analysis, and simulations), Corporate Finance (covering valuation, risk and return, capital budgeting, and capital structure), Financial Statement Analysis, and Investments and Equity Analysis (covering securities markets, portfolio theory, and portfolio management). The curriculum effectively prepares students for all three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Finance program at Saint Mary's College emphasizes applied research and hands-on use of financial data and proprietary financial management software. While it may not strictly involve a traditional academic research thesis for all students, the program's focus is on equipping graduates with practical skills in financial analysis and modeling. Coursework frequently involves building robust financial models, conducting risk-return analyses, and performing Monte Carlo simulations and portfolio optimization. The program's design, including a CFA Exam Preparation workshop, reinforces an applied, industry-relevant approach to financial research and problem-solving.
Industry Engagement: Saint Mary's College maintains strong ties with the finance industry, particularly within the dynamic Bay Area. The M.S. in Finance program benefits significantly from this engagement, with an expert faculty composed of seasoned investment professionals and academics from the region. This ensures that the curriculum is current, relevant, and directly applicable to the challenges and opportunities in the financial sector. The program provides exposure to guest speakers who offer insights into current industry issues and fosters networking opportunities within the Bay Area's investment community, preparing graduates for seamless integration into the professional world.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Finance program at Saint Mary's College inherently integrates a global perspective by focusing on financial markets and principles that operate on an international scale. Courses cover topics such as global securities markets and international business financing, preparing students to navigate the complexities of cross-border financial transactions and diverse economic environments. The program attracts a diverse student body, fostering an environment where various cultural and financial viewpoints enrich classroom discussions and collaborative learning. Furthermore, the STEM designation is particularly valuable for international students, allowing them extended opportunities to gain professional experience in the U.S., which enhances their global competitiveness and ability to contribute to the international finance landscape.
Location
Moraga, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 47940
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.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Saint Mary's College of California is dedicated to making high-quality education accessible and affordable for students from around the world. To support this commitment, the college offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
International Excellence Scholarship: This competitive award recognizes exceptional international students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and global leadership. Students selected for the International Excellence Scholarship may receive additional financial support beyond standard merit scholarships. Selection is based on a holistic review of the application, essays, and achievements.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While financial aid for international students is limited, some need-based assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to communicate directly with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to explore all available options.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: International students applying to graduate programs at Saint Mary’s such as those in business, education, and leadership may be eligible for program-specific scholarships, graduate assistantships, or departmental funding. These awards often help offset tuition costs and may include opportunities for on-campus employment or research assistant roles.
Saint Mary's College of California's Master of Science (M.S.) in Finance is a highly focused and quantitatively rigorous STEM-designated program designed to prepare graduates for impactful careers within the financial industry. Located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, a global financial hub, the program's strong emphasis on financial analysis, investment management, and risk assessment, coupled with its AACSB accreditation and CFA exam preparation, makes its graduates exceptionally competitive.
Financial Analyst: This is a cornerstone role where graduates evaluate financial data, assess market trends, and provide insights and recommendations for investment decisions for corporations, investment firms, or individual clients. They often prepare financial models and reports.
Investment Banker: Graduates can work in investment banking firms, advising corporations and governments on complex financial transactions such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), capital raising (IPOs, debt issuance), and restructuring. This role demands strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of financial markets.
Portfolio Manager / Investment Manager: These professionals manage investment portfolios for individuals, institutions, or funds. They make decisions on asset allocation, security selection, and risk management to achieve specific investment objectives.
Risk Manager / Financial Risk Analyst: With a strong foundation in quantitative methods, graduates can identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks within organizations. This involves analyzing market risk, credit risk, operational risk, and implementing strategies to ensure financial stability and regulatory compliance.
Corporate Finance Analyst / Manager: In corporate settings, graduates work within a company's finance department, focusing on capital budgeting, financial planning, treasury functions, corporate valuation, and supporting strategic financial decisions that drive business growth.
Wealth Management Advisor / Private Banker: These roles involve providing comprehensive financial planning and investment advice to high-net-worth individuals and families. They help clients manage their assets, plan for retirement, estates, and taxes, and achieve their financial goals.
Credit Analyst: Graduates can work for banks or other lending institutions, assessing the creditworthiness of individuals or companies applying for loans. They analyze financial statements, cash flow, and industry trends to determine lending risk.
Treasury Analyst / Manager: In corporate treasury departments, these professionals manage a company's liquidity, investments, and financial risk. They are involved in cash management, foreign exchange, and capital market activities.
Financial Systems Analyst / FinTech Specialist: Combining financial knowledge with technology, graduates can work on developing, implementing, and optimizing financial software systems, data analytics platforms, or blockchain applications within the rapidly evolving FinTech sector.
Financial Regulator / Examiner: Graduates can work for government agencies (e.g., SEC, Federal Reserve) or regulatory bodies, ensuring that financial institutions comply with laws and regulations designed to maintain market integrity and protect investors.
