Gatton College of Business & Economics

Finance - MS

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The University of Kentucky's Master of Science in Finance (MSF) degree prepares students for a professional career in the finance and banking industries. The program is CFA Institute affiliated and prepares students for CFA exams. The MSF is also a STEM  program, hence international students are eligible for 3 years of OPT after graduation. The program is designed to provide rigorous and focused training in finance, broaden opportunities in your career, and sharpen skills for the fast-changing and competitive world of modern finance. Job candidates with MSF degrees are highly desired in finance-specialized industries, particularly investment banking and asset management companies such as mutual funds, hedge funds, and pension funds. They are also sought after by corporate treasury departments. The job opportunities in these industries are substantial, intellectually stimulating, and high-paying.   A PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance & Quantitative Methods is also available from the University of Kentucky's Gatton college of Business and Economics.

Master's Program

The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) degree at the University of Kentucky offers students a program of advanced study in finance. The program supports the goal of preparing students for leading roles in an innovation-driven economy and global society by providing them with the specialized training needed in the finance industry, which is an information- and innovation-intensive industry of global scope. The program also supports the goal of increasing the intellectual, social, and economic capital of Kentucky and the world beyond its borders by growing the financial expertise available in the state. Such expertise is increasingly important at the local, state, national, and international levels as these economies become increasingly integrated. The MSF courses also prepare students to take CFA exams if students choose to do so. Specifically, the program’s objectives are to:

  • Gain first-hand asset management experience by managing $5,000,000 of real money
  • Help students develop communication and technology skills expected in the finance profession;
  • Enhance the finance knowledge of students entering the finance profession;
  • Enable students to develop both leadership skills and teamwork in researching finance issues;
  • Enhance students’ creative problem-solving skills and ability to think logically and analytically. 

Master's Application Requirements

  • CV
  • The GRE or GMAT are NOT required for admission into this program. 

Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.

  • Application Deadlines:
  • Domestic Students:
    • Fall: July 22
    • Spring: December 9
  • International Students:
    • Fall: April 15
    • Spring: September 15

PhD Program

To be considered for the PhD in Business Administration Concentration in Finance & Quantitative Methods, the applicant must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School and Gatton College of Business and Economics. Click Here for more information.