Program Description

With its emphasis on both practical and theoretical knowledge — and the skillsets and expertise that all future finance professional must have — the Master of Science in Finance graduate program introduces students to core concepts used widely across all finance specializations and to preeminent faculty experts and industry leaders.

Offered by the Naveen Jindal School of Management at UT Dallas — one of the nation’s top ranked business schools according to U.S. News and World Report — the master’s program in Finance helps students develop:

• An in-depth understanding of finance, from its theoretical and technical aspects to its practical applications.
• The ability to make strategic financial decisions using appropriate data and models.
• The skills to analyze and scrutinize financial information in order to make sound, forward-looking financial decisions.
• A knowledge of technologies that enhance data analysis and strategic financial decision-making.
• Expertise in written and oral communication and experience with leadership opportunities.

The Finance master’s program has numerous program partners across the School of Management and is uniquely situated to provide students with the skills they need to succeed in the master’s program and beyond. The program is designed for students with or without a previous educational background in finance and no prior work experience is required.

The MS Finance Cohort Program: The purpose of this special program is to develop effective leaders in professional finance by adopting a holistic approach that focuses on knowledge of finance as well as communication and leadership skills. The program is designed for students with or without a previous educational background in finance and makes it possible for students to complete all degree requirements in 12 months. No prior work experience is required, and admission to the program occurs only in the summer semester.

Benefits

The Finance master’s program ensures that students gain a broad understanding of their discipline, apply their knowledge and analytical skills to create effective and novel solutions to practical problems and communicate and work effectively in collaborative environments.

Other benefits include:

• World-Class Faculty: The program is led by faculty of the Naveen Jindal School of Management who are widely cited experts in their respective fields, many of whom also have professional industry experience.
• Program Flexibility: The Finance program offers a choice of tracks and numerous electives. Full-time and part-time options are available.
• Cutting-Edge Skills: Students in the program master in-demand skills in financial analysis, financial modeling, and many other areas.
• Dual Degree Option: The double degree option allows students to share coursework between two degrees and take advantage of potential time and tuition benefits.
• Facilities: The School of Management building and Jindal School Addition provide students with more than 300,000 square feet of classroom, computer labs and study areas including specialized labs for financial trading, business communications, accounting and sales.
• Location: Situated in the greater Dallas region—recently rated by Forbes magazine as the #1 “Best City for Jobs”—UT Dallas provides students with easy access to employers and internship opportunities, not to mention a large and supportive alumni population.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Finance master’s program have gone to pursue careers as:

• financial analysts and planners
• budget and business analysts
• commodities traders
• credit analysts and managers
• insurance agents and underwriters
• international trade specialists
• investment bankers and loan specialists
• mortgage brokers, purchasing agents and real estate developers
• research analysts
• securities agents and stockbrokers
• treasurers, trust account administrators and trust investment officers

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Deadlines and Requirements

Please take note of all application deadlines and visit the Apply Now webpage to begin the application process. See the Finance program’s website for additional information.

Admission to the Finance master’s program occurs in Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Applicants should have:

• A bachelor’s degree from an institution in the United States, or its equivalent (all majors are considered). Knowledge of calculus is required. Applicants who have not satisfied this requirement may take OPRE 6303 (Quantitative Foundations of Business).
• A grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in both core and aggregate courses.
• Test Scores: A GRE/GMAT test score is not required, and students have the option to submit a test score if desired. A GRE/GMAT test score will only be used for admission purposes if one is provided by the applicant.
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit at least one letter of recommendation from an individual able to judge the candidate’s potential for success in the master’s degree program. The letter can be academic or professional.
• Admissions Essay: Applicants must submit an essay outlining their academic interests and professional goals.
• A resume.
• International applicants must submit a TOEFL score of at least 80 on the internet-based test. Scores must be less than two years old. See the Graduate Catalog for additional information regarding English proficiency requirements for international applicants.