Master of Science in Finance (MSF)

Master of Science in Finance Program Overview


The Finance Department at Florida State University welcomes a new class to its Master of Science in Finance (MSF) Program every summer. The three-semester, lock step Program consists of ten three credit hour finance courses and a Professional Development Series. The Program is slightly less than a calendar year in duration, starting in late June and ending in late April.

The Program is intended primarily for students who already have an Undergraduate Finance Degree and those that will complete the degree prior to entering the Program. It provides current finance majors at Florida State with an opportunity to obtain a high quality Graduate Degree in their chosen field of study without relocating, as prior business experience is not required for admission. Students with undergraduate degrees in related areas such as Mathematics, Statistics, Accounting, Economics, Actuarial Science, and other Business Disciplines will be considered for admission upon demonstrating a high level of competency in both their chosen field of study and in the prerequisites required for admission. A completed internship is required for admission for all without prior business experience.

The MSF Program utilizes a "hands-on" approach wherever possible, with the focus on practical applications in Finance. To facilitate such an approach, classes will be limited to approximately thirty students per year. Specific benefits derived from any Program of Study vary across individuals, but as a student who successfully completes the Program you can expect to:

  • solidify and expand on your current understanding of important financial concepts and analytical tools used in the financial decision making process
  • enhance your ability to model financial problems in an efficient and informative fashion that facilitates decision making
  • become proficient at analyzing and interpreting statistical evidence from financial research in an intuitive and economically meaningful fashion
  • improve your overall quantitative skills
  • improve both your oral and written communication skills in general through meaningful practice and feedback
  • develop skills that will help you effectively communicate results from financial analyses and studies to other interested parties with limited backgrounds in finance
  • hone your presentation skills
  • function more efficiently and effectively in group settings
  • become a more attractive applicant to prospective employers looking for someone with expertise in finance combined with good communication and interaction skills
  • have made considerable progress towards acquiring the CFA or CFP Certificates

Admissions

Admission to the MSF program is based on multiple factors as delineated below. The minimum requirements to be considered for admission are a 3.0 overall GPA, a 3.4 upper division GPA, a 530 on the GMAT, and a minimum TOEFL score of 600 on the written examination, 250 on the computer based examination or 100 on the internet-based examination, if applicable. The above grades and test scores do not guarantee admission. Given the limited class size, it is likely that most who are admitted to the program will have credentials considerably above the specified minimums. The following information is used in making the admission decision:

  • An excellent prior academic record, from accredited universities, to include grades and the trend and direction of grade performance.
  • High verbal and quantitative scores on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), as well as, the total GMAT score, taken within the past five years.
  • Three recommendation letters that speak specifically of the applicant's ability to successfully complete the MSF program
  • Applicant's statement of purpose for pursuing the MSF Program (1-2 pages).
  • A personal interview
The MSF Admissions Committee carefully reviews each applicant's grades and test scores in conjunction with letters of recommendations, prior universities and programs attended, the applicant's statement of purpose, and the personal interview. Decisions to admit students depend on the number and relative strengths of applications received each year.