M.S. in Finance

The Master of Science in Finance at the University of Illinois at Chicago is a comprehensive graduate program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills essential for success in the dynamic field of finance. This program is tailored for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of financial principles, develop analytical expertise, and enhance their career prospects in various sectors, including banking, asset management, corporate finance, and financial consulting. The curriculum combines rigorous coursework with experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Students will engage with subjects such as investment analysis, financial modeling, risk management, corporate finance strategies, and financial markets. The program emphasizes quantitative methods, fostering proficiency in financial data analysis, programming, and decision-making tools. With a strong focus on current industry trends and challenges, the curriculum prepares graduates to navigate complex financial environments and provide innovative solutions. The university's faculty comprises experienced professionals and researchers dedicated to mentoring students and advancing financial knowledge. Additionally, the program offers flexibility through part-time options and online coursework, accommodating working professionals and international students. Graduates of the M.S. in Finance at UIC are well-positioned to pursue careers in various financial institutions, or to continue their education through doctoral studies or professional certifications. The program also emphasizes ethical financial practices and responsible decision-making, ensuring that students uphold the highest standards in their professional endeavors. Overall, the University of Illinois at Chicago’s M.S. in Finance provides a rigorous, practical, and versatile education designed to meet the evolving needs of the global financial industry.

• FIN 510 Investments
• FIN 520 Corporate Finance
• FIN 570 Quantitative Methods in Finance
• FIN 512 Portfolio Analysis
• FIN 516 Theory and Structure of Options and Futures Markets
• FIN 530 Money and Banking
• FIN 531 Capital Markets
• FIN 542 International Finance
• FIN 551 Financial Decision Making I
• FIN 571 Empirical Issues in Finance
• FIN 594 Special Topics in Finance
• FIN 596 Independent Study in Finance
• ACTG 50 Financial Accounting I
• ACTG 516 Financial Statement Analysis
• ACTG 585 Corporate Valuation and Accounting Information
• IDS 572 Data Mining for Business
• IDS 582/ECON 537 Business Research and Forecasting I
• IDS 583/ECON 538 Business Research and Forecasting II

Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Transcripts for all undergraduate and any graduate work must be submitted to the Liautaud Graduate School of Business Program Office. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

• Baccalaureate Field No restrictions.
• Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study.
• Tests Required GMAT or GRE. The score must be from a test administered within five years of the requested date of entry. The writing assessment is required. The Graduate College per se does not require a standardized test, but most graduate programs at UIC, including this one, require the results of either the GMAT or the GRE and look at these scores as part of the overall credentials of the applicant. The expectation for a GMAT score is 600.
• Minimum English Competency Test Score
  • TOEFL 585 (paper-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 20, Listening 20, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based), OR,
  • IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores, OR,
  • PTE-Academic 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.
• Letters of Recommendation Two required.
• Personal Statement Required.
• Other Requirements FIN 500, ACTG 500, IDS 570, and ECON 520, or the equivalent course work. Deficiencies can be addressed by taking these courses at UIC, thus increasing the time to complete the degree.

Graduate Assistantships

Students who enrolled for eight or more credit hours during the fall and spring semesters are eligible to apply for a graduate assistantship. These on-campus job opportunities provide students with a partial tuition waiver and a stipend that varies in amount according to the time worked. They also provide valuable work experience in areas related to their degree program. Students are responsible for finding their own assistantships, just as one would find a job.

Partial Tuition Waivers

Funding awards are based on academic merit. Students do not need to apply separately for a waiver. You will be notified during the admissions process if you are being considered for a scholarship or a partial tuition and service fee waiver.

We also offer the Liautaud Scholars program for highly qualified full-time MBA students, a program that includes merit-based scholarships providing tuition remission. Ask an admissions representative to learn more about the program.

The Master of Science in Finance at the University of Illinois at Chicago is a comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare students for careers in various areas of finance, including investment banking, asset management, corporate finance, financial planning, and risk management. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, equipping graduates with the analytical tools necessary to succeed in the dynamic financial industry. Students can expect to take a diverse set of courses such as Financial Markets and Institutions, Investments, Corporate Financial Strategy, Derivatives, and Financial Risk Management. The curriculum often includes opportunities for hands-on learning through case studies, internships, and research projects, fostering real-world experience.

The program is tailored for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of financial theories and their applications in today's complex markets. It offers specializations or elective courses that allow students to focus on particular areas of interest within finance, such as quantitative finance or financial analytics. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and academics with extensive industry expertise, providing mentorship and industry insights that enhance the learning experience.

Students in the MS in Finance program benefit from access to the university’s extensive resources, including state-of-the-art trading labs and financial databases. The program typically requires a full-time commitment, with a duration of around one to two years, depending on the student's course load and track. Admission is competitive and usually requires a strong academic record, GRE or GMAT scores, and relevant work experience or a background in finance, economics, or related fields.

Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue careers at leading financial institutions, corporate finance departments, and consulting firms. They often gain the skills necessary for career advancement, certification exams such as the CFA, and participation in professional networks and associations. The university also offers career services and networking opportunities through its Career Development Center, helping students to secure internships and full-time positions.

Overall, the MSc in Finance at the University of Illinois at Chicago combines rigorous academics with practical training, facilitating students' transition from academic environments to successful professional finance careers. The program's strong industry connections, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive curriculum make it a valuable choice for aspiring finance professionals seeking advanced education in a vibrant urban setting.