Academics

Program Format

Classes are offered in person and online. The program can be completed entirely on campus or in a hybrid format. Or, students can change formats semester-by-semester, to adapt to needs and schedule.

Schedule

Students can pursue their MSF at a full-time or part-time pace. Full-time students graduate in three semesters (12 months) and part-time students finish in four or more semesters (15+ months). If circumstances change, students can easily transition between full-time and part-time schedules.

Our program was designed to be flexible and career-friendly: Classes are offered during the day, in the evening, and online so you can customize your schedule. All required classes are offered in the evening and online so students can maintain full-time jobs.

Students can get started in fall (August) or spring (January).

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Curriculum

Our core curriculum lays a strong foundation in Finance. Elective courses expand on this foundation and allow you to specialize your path of study.

The MSF curriculum consists of 30 total credits, including 16.5 core credits. We recommend students make an appointment with an academic advisor once admitted to map out a course of study that will align with their needs and class schedules. This will help ensure students are meeting key degree requirements while accomplishing their education goals.

Core Courses

Course Number: ACCTG 6610

Credits: 3

Description: This course is designed to make you an effective reader and interpreter of financial statements. Most of you have put in considerable time learning how to prepare financial statements. But, the knowledge base and skill set you have developed to become an effective preparer are not the same as those that you need to become an effective reader. Ergo, this course.

Being able to effectively read and interpret financial statements is a crucial part of becoming a successful businessperson. The reason for this is simple: Successful businesspeople attract investors; investors want a return on their invested capital; and, financial statements are the primary source of information about what this return has been and will be. With this in mind, we begin the course by learning how to calculate and interpret return on invested capital (i.e., ROIC), its components, and other key performance indicators (i.e., KPIs). Understanding how to calculate and interpret KPIs is important, however, KPIs are only as good as the accounting numbers underlying them. Hence, in the second part of the course, we focus on how to evaluate accounting quality and, if necessary, make accounting adjustments that improve the informativeness of the reported numbers and the KPIs that are based on these numbers.

Course Number: FINAN 6220

Credits: 3

Description: Theoretical aspects of modern corporate finance. Optimal capital structure in different market environments, dividend policy, conflict of interest between groups involved in decision making, and issues of asymmetric information and signaling.

Course Number: FINAN 6360

Credits: 3

Description: Examine stocks, bonds, derivatives, and financial markets. Analytic treatment of portfolio selection and measurement of investment performance.

Course Number: FINAN 6850

Credits: 1.5

Description: This class prepares graduate students for placement and career development in Finance. The skills to be applied include communication effectiveness, professional presentations, interpersonal relations, and public speaking. Course objectives include increased understanding of your strengths and weaknesses as a communicator and enhancing your effectiveness as a professional in the finance field.

Course Number: FINAN 6380

Credits: 3

Description: The course transitions students from understanding finance theory to implementing financial models based on real data and using statistics, probability and econometrics, quadratic optimization with matrix algebra, accounting, duration immunization and risk-neutral option modeling techniques. The models are built in Microsoft Excel through hands-on exercises in class and at home. The models covered include but are not limited to asset return calculations and statistics, efficient frontier and portfolio diversification theory, regression index models and investment performance analysis, discrete and closed-form option pricing models, bond valuation functions, duration matching and asset/liability management of pension portfolios, equity growth models, pro-forma accounting statement construction and leveraged buyout models. To ensure success, students coming to the class should have already taken an investments class or should be taking it concurrently.

Any 3 Credits From the Following:

Course Number: FINAN 6510

Credits: 1.5

Description: This course examines key statistical methods that underpin all major work in modern empirical finance. Students will review the statistical foundations of computational finance, including the concepts behind the major theories of portfolio optimization, risk management, and financial modeling. In the process, they will not only learn how to use statistical methods to solve actual problems, but also how to interpret the conceptual and practical meaning of the methods considered in the course.

Course Number: FINAN 6500

Credits: 3

Description: This course unites the power of computing and statistical analysis with the principles of finance. Students will first review the statistical foundations of modern computational finance, including the concepts behind the major theories of portfolio optimization, risk management, and financial modeling. Students will then employ Python programming skills and these essential data analysis concepts and techniques to relevant finance projects and problems. The focus of the course is very much practical. The learning objectives will be achieved by fusing problem-based learning and application of the Python programming language with the principal models of statistics and finance. The goal is to give students the opportunity to enhance their statistical and programming skills, while working on challenging and important problems relevant to a broad range of potential employers in finance.

Course Number: FINAN 6520

Credits: 3

Description: This course offers an introduction to programming for finance students without any previous programming knowledge. The goal of the course is to provide a broad understanding of the principles and techniques of programming for finance applications. Students will learn how to use “base” Python and the components of the SciPy ecosystem that are most widely used in the financial industry. The project-based, data-driven approach used in the course will improve students’ data analysis and programming skills, as well as their understanding of the modeling process, by providing a connection between the statistical and financial concepts covered in students’ other courses. By the end of the course, students will have acquired the experience and skill with programming to uniquely prepare them for future professional opportunities in finance.

Course Number: FINAN 6045

Credits: 1.5

Description: This course is for accounting and finance students that have advanced Excel skills and would like to take their skills to the next level by learning Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). The course assumes that students have little or no application development experience. The class will provide an introduction to creating macros in Excel using VBA. The course focuses on VBA skills that will enhance an accountant or finance professional’s use of Excel. These skills include, recording macros, building user defined functions, importing and manipulating data, automating routine tasks and building user forms.

Elective Courses

Course Number: ACCTG 6200

Credits: 3

Availability: Fall / Spring

Description: In this course students will gain an understanding of how to use accounting information for decision making within an organization. Students will learn about management accounting systems and their use in decision-making while considering the limitations and assumptions underlying these data. Students will learn the following fundamental principles: 1) Ways to identify and extract relevant information from management accounting systems as an input to decisions concerning resource allocation and performance evaluation. This will include the estimation of cost functions using accounting data. 2) Forecasting and budgeting procedures. This will include the evaluation of risk and uncertainty. 3) Performance evaluation of products, divisions and managers. This will include inter-departmental allocations, outsourcing considerations, productivity measures, and the choice of performance metrics for compensation purposes, and the rationale behind the balanced scorecard. 4) Multinational firms and special considerations involved in the global economy. This will include multinational transfer prices and tax considerations.

Course Number: ACCTG 6620

Credits: 3

Availability: Fall / Spring

Description: Use of financial statements to analyze business profitability, liquidity, solvency and valuation. Analysis focuses on developing an understanding of a company’s operating strategies, industry position, and related economic characteristics. In addition to the listed prerequisites, students are strongly encouraged to have also taken ACCTG 6610.

Course Number: ACCTG 6735

Credits: 3

Availability: Fall / Spring

Description: Master’s Level Course. We will analyze the role taxes play in the business world. Our analysis will include U.S. taxes as well as international taxes, focusing on the need for all businesses to remain economically competitive in a worldwide marketplace. The textbook provides a unique perspective by quantifying how and when taxes should be integrated into the decision making process. Over the course of the semester, we will explore investment opportunities, retirement planning, tailoring the choice of entity to the needs and opportunities available, shifting income or expenses between domestic and foreign jurisdictions, the effect of taxes on financial statement reporting, opportunities for sale or merger of the business, and planning to minimize estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes.

Course Number: FINAN 6010

Credits: 1.5

Availability: Fall

Description: The course provides students the unique opportunity to hear, first-hand, from professionals across the financial industry. Examples of fields presented include investment banking, trading, portfolio management, equity research, real estate, private equity, and others. Through a series of guest speakers, the class explores various post-graduation career paths and available opportunities. The goal is to help students obtain a clear understanding of the positives and challenges in each field, and then learn the important characteristics and requirements needed to secure the desired job and excel in their chosen path.

Course Number: FINAN 6080

Credits: 3

Availability: Spring

Description: Through the use of case analysis, this course provides students with an opportunity to learn the principles, theories and processes relating to personal financial management. While anyone could benefit from the course, it is most suitable for those preparing for a career as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), an attorney or individuals planning to advise on the financial affairs of individuals, families and small business owners. Topics include personal balance sheet assessment, understanding and improving cash-flows, debt analysis, budget creation, goal identification, investment analysis, retirement Income forecasting, education funding analysis, insurance planning, the impact of income tax, estate planning and small business owner issues.

Course Number: FINAN 6023

Credits: 3

Availability: Fall

Description: This course will be taught using cases and guest speakers to review real-world financial decisions and the tools and logical approaches that are appropriate. It will center on problem solving and draw in the realities of working in a company setting.

Course Number: FINAN 6040

Credits: 3

Availability: Fall / Spring / Summer

Description: This course explores the more advanced tools in Microsoft Excel that are applicable to the Finance profession. The course will cover Shortcut keys, Financial Modeling, Pivot Tables, Advanced Functions, What-Ifs, Scenarios, and Databases. Students will develop advanced Excel skills through a combination of participating in demonstrations of Excel tools and applying the skills they learn by using them to solve real world finance problems using Excel.

Course Number: FINAN 6045

Credits: 1.5

Availability: Fall / Spring

Description: This course is for accounting and finance students that have advanced Excel skills and would like to take their skills to the next level by learning Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). The course assumes that students have little or no application development experience. The class will provide an introduction to creating macros in Excel using VBA. The course focuses on VBA skills that will enhance an accountant or finance professional’s use of Excel. These skills include, recording macros, building user defined functions, importing and manipulating data, automating routine tasks and building user forms.

Course Number: FINAN 6225

Credits: 3

Availability: Fall / Spring

Description: Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) includes financial planning, financial performance reporting, and modeling, among other financial analysis activities within a corporation. FP&A professionals support HR, marketing, operations, accounting, and other departments. FP&A groups provide critical financial information used by the CFO or other executives to improve corporate decision-making.

Course Number: FINAN 6240

Credits: 3

Availability: Fall

Description: This course will cover practical methods for measuring and managing investment risk in multi-asset portfolios. Risk will be explored at the portfolio level and across individual asset classes including public equity, government debt, corporate debt and structured products, hedge funds, venture capital and private equity, real assets, currencies and commodities. Other topics include stress testing, China’s capital markets, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risk. This course will give students practical applications for managing investments at pensions, endowments, foundations, family offices, and other institutional portfolios.

Course Number: FINAN 6300

Credits: 1.5

Availability: Fall / Spring / Summer

Description: This course focuses on key topics when funding a startup company and/or fueling its growth such as valuation, equity and debt financing, analyzing risk in early stage companies, the fundraising process, investment psychology, deal structure, due diligence, the road to acquisition/IPO, trends and the fundraising ecosystem.

Course Number: FINAN 6310

Credits: 3

Availability: Fall

Description: This course is a deeper treatment of the concepts of FINAN 6300. It involves case discussions and analysis of companies seeking financing, the making of a successful fundraising pitch, components of risk, strategies around equity and debt financing for startups and growth companies, venture capital industry norms & trends, due diligence, capital structures, legal and financial considerations. It draws on industry experts and case studies involving real companies in various stages of growth.

Course Number: FINAN 6315

Credits: 3

Availability: Spring

Prerequisites: C- or better in FINAN 6040

Description: This course focuses on the process of acquiring and reinvigorating an established firm by looking at the world of management buy-ins (MBI’s) – acquisitions of existing companies by small management teams from outside the company. Through a series of cases, classroom exercises, and a project, students will learn to search for target firms, conduct due diligence, develop valuation techniques, and understand deal structure and financing of the acquisition. Ultimately, the course provides students with the skills to source, evaluate, acquire, and add value to companies. The course will also interest participants who are considering an entrepreneurial or real estate option at some point during their careers.

Course Number: FINAN 6320

Credits: 3

Availability: Summer

Description: This course will explore concepts in private equity from the perspective of the general partner, limited partner investors and the underlying fund investment companies. The class will utilize case studies and guest lecturers from industry. The course will seek to explore concepts around partnership structures, legal/deal terms, investor commitment pacing models, private equity’s role as an asset class in a well diversified portfolio, manager selection, the current state and trends within Private Equity, basic deal due diligence and private equity strategies for creating value. Students will gain perspectives across Buy Out, Special Situation, Growth Equity and Venture Capital strategies.

Course Number: FINAN 6400

Credits: 3

Availability: Spring

Description: This course provides students with a practical introduction to the fixed income market. Focusing in particular on interest rate products such as bonds, swaps, futures and forwards. The objective is to understand the principles driving this market. In particular we will focus on the pricing and hedging of interest rate products, paying close attention to trading strategies. Topics include: arbitrage-based pricing; yield, duration and convexity of bonds; swaps both single and multiple currency; building yield curves; using the yield curve to price and hedge instruments; bond futures; understanding factors that go into making trades and offsetting risk. This course will also emphasize various mathematical tools used to price and hedge a wide variety of interest rate products.

Course Number: FINAN 6410

Credits: 3

Availability: Fall

Description: This class provides a “hands on” approach to financial markets through 10 trading sessions. Students gain invaluable experience while trading in different roles across different market structures. Once basic trading proficiency and understanding of markets is acquired, the class moves to exploring trading strategies and the usage of technology to implement them. Both quant and high-frequency trading strategies will be covered. Familiar topics from other finance classes are discussed, starting from the very basics up to more advanced topics, but through the lenses of the data generated from the classroom trading sessions. This data proves remarkably similar to the data one observes in large markets but with the benefit of having greater knowledge about individual incentives and the ‘fundamentals’ of the classroom economy. This approach allows for deeper analysis and a greater understanding of markets. The topics covered include Behavioral Finance, Prediction Market, Lending Markets, Market Bubbles and Crashes, Capital Asset Pricing Model, and High Frequency Trading.

Course Number: FINAN 6450

Credits: 3

Availability: Spring

Description: This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the hedge fund industry. The course will cover the history of the industry, its current state and outlook, and will cover strategies used by hedge fund managers, the asset classes they trade and the instruments they use to create their positions. We will discuss some of the most successful managers as well as some that failed and the lessons learned. The course will consider the perspectives of the hedge fund manager, investors, employees and other industry participants. The course will include guest lectures from industry professionals, readings, case studies, team projects and individual presentations.

Course Number: FINAN 6500

Credits: 3

Availability: Fall / Spring

Description: This course unites the power of computing and statistical analysis with the principles of finance. Students will first review the statistical foundations of modern computational finance, including the concepts behind the major theories of portfolio optimization, risk management, and financial modeling. Students will then employ Python programming skills and these essential data analysis concepts and techniques to relevant finance projects and problems. The focus of the course is very much practical. The learning objectives will be achieved by fusing problem-based learning and application of the Python programming language with the principal models of statistics and finance. The goal is to give students the opportunity to enhance their statistical and programming skills, while working on challenging and important problems relevant to a broad range of potential employers in finance.

Course Number: FINAN 6590

Credits: 3

Availability: Spring

Description: This class covers financial analysis, valuation, strategy, and accounting issues related to mergers and acquisitions and other major corporate events during the lifecycle of firms (e.g., raising capital, share repurchases, leveraged buy-outs). The course content is relevant for all business students who are interested in understanding how companies grow and maximize long-term value for their stakeholders. The knowledge and skills you will learn can be applied in a wide array of careers in finance, accounting, consulting, entrepreneurship, or corporate strategy.

Course Number: FINAN 6600

Credits: 3

Availability: Fall

Description: This course is designed to partially review and supplement the information required by the Association of Investment Management and Research’s (AIMR) for their Chartered Financial Analyst (registered trademark) Level I exam. The Level I exam focuses on tools and concepts that apply to investment valuation, portfolio management and includes an overview of the processes of asset valuation and portfolio management. Subject areas including financial statement analysis, macro- and micro-economics, quantitative methods of investment analysis and management, financial markets and instruments, and corporate finance will be covered with particular emphasis on those areas that are not covered thoroughly in other MS Finance classes. The course will be taught by an investment management professional and various guest lecturers.

Course Number: FINAN 6610

Credits: 3

Availability: Spring

Prerequisites: C- or better in FINAN 6600

Description: This course is designed to partially review and supplement the information required by the Association of Investment Management and Research’s (AIMR) for their Chartered Financial Analyst (registered trademark) Level I and II exams. The Level I and II exams review the material covered in FINAN 6600 with additional emphasis on industry and company analysis, specific equity and fixed income securities analysis, the ability to estimate expected investment return and risk, to compare alternative investment choices, to make investment recommendations, and to apply the AIMR Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct from an organizational and compliance perspective. The course will be taught by an investment management professional and various guest lectures.

Course Number: FINAN 6715

Credits: 3

Description: This is an experiential course that will explore innovations with potential to improve housing affordability in Utah and the United States as a whole. The course is a collaboration with Ivory Innovations and will provide support to the Ivory Prize. Seminar discussions will cover US and local housing policy in depth, particularly as it relates to affordability.

Course Number: FINAN 6760

Credits: 3

Availability: Fall / Spring

Description: This course provides students with an in depth understating of debt financing for real estate investment and development projects. The various debt vehicles used to finance real estate projects are covered along with deal underwriting from the debt investor’s perspective. Topics covered include cash flow modeling, ratio analysis and project-level discounted cash flow. Students will also be introduced to the prevailing methods used to underwrite investment and development deals.

Course Number: FINAN 6770

Credits: 1.5

Availability: Fall

Description: Economic theories of value as applied to income properties, factors influencing real-property values, appraising real property, framework for real estate investment decisions and rate of return analysis.

Course Number: FINAN 6775

Credits: 1.5

Availability: Fall

Description: This class exposes students to leaders in real estate from a variety of different backgrounds, product types, and industries. This is facilitated through a weekly guest lecture series in which industry leaders visit campus. Students are expected to research the guest/industry prior to the lecture and follow-up with a reflection paper addressing what they learned and how it could affect their future.

Course Number: FINAN 6795

Credits: 3

Availability: Summer

Description: This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of real estate investment trusts (REITs), through a combination of lectures, case studies and guest speakers. topics will include the organizational structure and tax benefits provided to REIT’s, as well as the financial reporting, legal and dividend requirements to maintain REIT status. Investment decisions and capital allocation strategy will be taught through case studies and real world exercises. the course will also provide a deep dive into the capital structure for REITs, including various debt and equity instruments commonly used. Other topics throughout the semester will include development of partnerships, ancillary income streams, negotiations, asset management and business ethics.

Course Number: FINAN 6810

Credits: 3

Availability: Fall / Spring

Description: The Fixed Income course is a three hour per week seminar-style class with an experiential learning component. Each week, students research and read about a different area of the fixed income market, study quantitative methods used in it, complete Excel exercises, and then participate in a discussion in class. The emphasis is on questions and the open-ended discussion, not tests or lectures. The experiential component focuses on building in Excel using Bloomberg plug-ins a live risk management system for bonds, and using that system to simulate purchasing, maintaining and divesting a portfolio of corporate bonds. Each week, the class acts as an investment committee to make purchase decisions. The markets and techniques covered are: a general overview and the terminology of government, muni, corporate and international markets, coupon-to-zero bootstrap and yield curve construction, modified duration and bond portfolio management, corporate spread, rating and default analysis, Libor and futures markets, mortgage-backed securities and prepayments, credit default swaps and CDOs, private equity leveraged lending. Students are admitted to this course on a case-by-case basis.

Course Number: STRAT 6760

Credits: 3

Availability: Fall / Spring

Description: Entrepreneurship requires leadership. This class is designed to familiarize students with the current challenges and trends of growing a business in today’s economy. Students learn not only through lectures and readings, but also from frequent presentations by distinguished entrepreneurs and business leaders who share their real-world experiences. This business elective has no prerequisites and is open to all majors at the University of Utah.

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Degree Requirements

Students must complete 16.5 core credits and 15 elective credits.

Candidates for graduate degrees are required to maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA in coursework counted toward the degree. A grade below C- is not accepted by the University toward a graduate degree.

If your GPA drops below the 3.0 threshold then you will need to meet with your Academic Advisor to map out a course plan moving forward.

We require students to demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Excel. This requirement may be fulfilled by completing one of the following options:

  • Pass FINAN 4020 or equivalent prior to starting the MSF program.
  • Pass the Excel Skills Assessment. (You may schedule the assessment with an advisor.)
  • Take FINAN 6040 as an MSF student. (This class will count as elective credit.)

Students must take a comprehensive exit exam to satisfy the Master of Science degree requirement. A master’s thesis is not required.

Students must take the exit exam during a semester they are enrolled in courses. The exit exam is offered twice each spring and fall semester. Summer graduates must pass the exam prior to starting the summer semester. For further details regarding the examination policy please visit the Registration Policies page.

Specialization Opportunities

Specialization opportunities can help students advance their career with niche knowledge and skills.

Areas of Focus

Students can specialize their education by selecting elective credits within an area of focus. Although it is completely optional, this tailored approach has proven to be a valuable asset for many graduates seeking to set themselves apart and specialize in a specific field of finance.

  • ACCTG 6735 Business Tax Strategies (3)
  • ACCTG 6200 Value & Management Accounting (3)
  • ACCTG 6610 Reading and Interpreting Financial Statements (3)
  • ACCTG 6620 Business Valuation and Analysis (3)
  • FINAN 6240 Risk Management for Multi-Asset Investors (3)
  • FINAN 6300 Venture Capital (1.5)
  • FINAN 6310 Advanced Venture Capital (3)
  • FINAN 6320 Perspectives in Private Equity (3)
  • FINAN 6445 Alternative Investments (1.5)
  • FINAN 6780 Real Estate Appraisal & Investing (3)
  • FINAN 6910 Hedge Funds (1.5)
  • FINAN 6240 Risk Management for Multi-Asset Investors (3)
  • FINAN 6255 Investment Banking (3)
  • FINAN 6910 Corporate Credit Analysis (3)
  • ACCTG 6620 Business Valuation and Analysis (3)
  • FINAN 6045 VBA for Excel (1.5)
  • FINAN 6240 Risk Management for Multi-Asset Investors (3)
  • FINAN 6400 Financial Engineering (3)
  • FINAN 6500 Programming for Finance (3)
  • FINAN 6023 Financial Management & Decision-Making in a Corporation (3)
  • FINAN 6225 Cases in Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis (3)
  • FINAN 6380 Financial Modeling (3) Summer session
  • ACCTG 6200 Value and Management Accounting (3)
  • FINAN 6910 Corporate Credit Analysis (3)
  • FINAN 6255 Investment Banking (3)
  • FINAN 6445 Alternative Investments (1.5)
  • FINAN 6800 Student Investment Fund [2 semester commitment] (3)
  • FINAN 6600 CFA Level I Part 1 (3)
  • FINAN 6610 CFA Level I Part 2 (3)
  • FINAN 6810 Fixed Income Investing (3)
  • FINAN 6720 Real Estate Financial Modeling (3)
  • FINAN 6730 Real Estate Analytics (1.5)
  • FINAN 6760 Real Estate Finance (3)
  • FINAN 6780 Real Estate Appraisal & Investing (3)
  • FINAN 6785 Real Estate Capital Markets (1.5)

Graduate Certificates

MSF students can pair their degree with a graduate certificate to diversify their skill set.

In today’s data-driven world, finance operations are completed faster, smarter, and more accurately based on analyses of past data and future performance predictions. Knowledge of business analytics is becoming a new standard in the finance industry, and advanced data skills can help you increase your job and salary potential. Start by earning a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics (GCBA) with your MS Finance degree.

Common Finance + Analytics Job Titles
  • Financial analytics manager
  • Quantitative finance analyst
  • Financial reporting analyst
  • Finance BI analyst
  • Public finance analyst
How to Apply

Students can apply for the GCBA as soon as they are admitted to the MSF program.

Additional Information

For more information visit the GCBA page or meet with an admissions advisor.

Completing a Graduate Certificate in Information Systems (GCIS) with an MSF gives students the opportunity to increase skills in both finance and technology. There is great demand for technological knowledge in the world of finance. This knowledge paired with skills in data-management, system analysis, and networking allow students to keep up with real-time data, make calculated decisions, and enhance financial information exchanges.

Common Finance + Information Systems Job Titles
  • Business analyst
  • Financial analyst
  • Financial systems analyst
  • Technical finance analyst
  • Financial security analyst
How to Apply

Students can apply for the GCIS as soon as they are admitted to the MSF program.

Additional Information

For more information visit the GCIS page or meet with an admissions advisor.

Pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Real Estate (GCRE) can help you apply advanced finance skills to the world of real estate development. It’s estimated that by 2040, the Mountain West will double in population to more than 30 million people with nearly 20 million jobs. Professionals with both finance and real estate expertise will play a leading role in the development and redevelopment of the region.

Common Finance + Real Estate Job Titles
  • Real estate analyst
  • Development associate
  • Development associate
  • Project manager
  • Real estate financial analyst
How to Apply

Students can apply for the GCRE as soon as they are admitted to the MSF program.

Additional Information

For more information visit the GCRE page or meet with an admissions advisor.

Concurrent Degrees

An MSF can be completed concurrently with another graduate degree for a robust, multifaceted education.

Students can pursue a Master of Accounting (MACC) concurrently with a Master of Science in Finance (MSF). Learn the financial industry on both a micro and macro level. These programs will also give you the leadership skills you need to succeed.

Credit Hour Breakdown

  • MSF Credits: 30
  • MAcc Credits: 30
  • Total credits: 60

Completion Time:

  • Full-time students can complete the program in 6 semesters.
  • Part-time students can complete the program in 10 semesters.

Learn More About MAcc

Students can pursue an MBA concurrently with an MSF. Accelerate your career in finance management by combining both degrees. You’ll exit the program with a world-class education and the quantitative skills needed to immediately advance your career.

Completion Time

The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and Master of Science in Finance (MSF) concurrent degree program prepares healthcare administrative careerists for positions in the healthcare industry’s finance sector. Program graduates work in various positions, including but not limited to financial management, revenue cycle management, managed care, as well as financial and data analytics.

Credit Hour Breakdown

  • MSF Credits: 30
  • MHA Credits: 34.5
  • Total credits: 64.5

Completion Time:

  • Full-time students can complete the program in 6 semesters.
  • Part-time students can complete the program in 10 semesters.

Learn More About MHA

Students can pursue a Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) concurrently with a Master of Science in Finance (MSF). Students interested in pursuing the financial side of commercial real estate learn about commercial banking, real estate asset management, real estate investment analysis, or corporate real estate management.

Credit Hour Breakdown

  • MSF Credits: 15
  • MRED Credits: 30
  • Credits cross-counted in both programs: 15
  • Total credits: 60

Completion Time:

  • Full-time students can complete the program in 6 semesters.
  • Part-time students can complete the program in 10 semesters.

Learn More About MRED

Students can pursue a Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) concurrently with an MSF. Designed to provide students with the necessary skills to compete in the rapidly growing market for data science professionals, an MSBA is a perfect complement to the quantitative-intensive MSF degree. Students who complete both degrees are well-suited for a professional role in financial analytics.

Credit Hour Breakdown

  • MSF Credits: 30
  • MSBA Credits: 33
  • Total Credits: 63

Completion Time

  • Full-time students can complete the program in 6 semesters.
  • Part-time students can complete the program in 10 semesters.

Learn More About MSBA

Students can pursue a Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) concurrently with a Master of Science in Finance (MSF). With technical skills quickly becoming required in the finance industry, students who choose the concurrent program will graduate ahead of the industry curve. Students who complete both degrees will have the financial and technical knowledge needed to create advanced financial models.

Credit Hour Breakdown

  • MSF Credits: 30
  • MSIS Credits: 30
  • Total Credits: 60

Completion Time

  • Full-time students can complete the program in 6 semesters.
  • Part-time students can complete the program in 10 semesters.

Learn More About MSIS

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