Solve complex financial problems with a Master of Science in Finance

11 Apr 2019

Careers in finance are both challenging and lucrative, and an advanced degree will put you in position to compete for some of the most competitive jobs on the market.

The University of New Hampshire’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics is launching a new Master of Science in Finance program perfectly positioned for international students. With a STEM designated focus on mathematical finance, students graduating from the MS in Finance program can apply for a 24-month OPT STEM Extension to their 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) period, allowing you to work in the United States for up to 36 months after graduation with no additional visa requirement.

The program will enroll its first class summer 2020 but interested applicants who may need to complete prerequisites can start taking classes in January 2020 (see below for who can apply). Globally-known for its high national ranking in The Princeton Review, UNH’s Paul College has long been a trusted choice for aspiring professionals. It is one of only 5 percent of business schools worldwide to hold AACSB accreditation, the gold standard for the highest quality programs.

Source: University of New Hampshire, Peter T. Paul College of Business

Why choose UNH’s MSF Program

Whether you want to boost your career or explore finance for the first time, earning an MS in Finance at UNH can prepare you for jobs that rely on strong quantitative and analytical skills. You’ll learn from faculty with nationally recognized research and real-world business experience, like Associate Professor of Finance Yixin Liu. You will study on one of the safest university campuses in the United States, on the east coast of the country with the financial hubs of Boston and New York City an hour and five hours train trip away, respectively.

The MS in Finance at UNH will allow you to carve out solutions to complex financial challenges faced by businesses today, including risk analysis, risk management, compliance, investment management, and fintech implementation and integration.

“We teach the theory and the practice of traditional finance, but we also challenge students to develop their creativity and critical thinking skills to understand asset allocation strategies, assess risk in a world of uncertain future payoffs, and evaluate capital budgeting techniques,” says Senior Lecturer in Finance Richard Kilbride. “Our MSF graduates develop the skills they need to apply real-world solutions to global challenges related to corporate finance, risk management, forecasting, and risk analysis, making them more attractive to employers looking for candidates with deep skill sets.”

The curriculum has been designed by Paul College’s accounting and finance faculty in consultation with the department’s Advisory Board to assist students in furthering careers in finance and in preparing for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam.

What defines the UNH MS Finance program

Source: University of New Hampshire, Peter T. Paul College of Business

UNH’s MS in Finance program is a 33-credit, 11 course, full-time program that can be completed in 12-18 months. Core courses cover topics in corporate finance, investments, computer programming, financial theory, financial reporting and analytics.

Designed to develop the highest levels of skill in financial modeling, investment analysis, valuation, problem-solving, and the communication of complex financial information, students can choose specialized training in one of three non-mandatory options: investments, financial analytics, or a student-designed track. Students also will develop a strong understanding of the ethical considerations and professional standards necessary in the field of finance and will be well-prepared for a variety of roles, including in corporate finance, asset management, investment banking, and start-up enterprises.

Classes include traditional in-classroom instruction plus innovative hybrid courses that combine classroom with online components.

Admission to the program

Admission to the program is highly selective and based on several factors, including prior academic record, standardized test scores, essays, and recommendations. Students with a bachelor’s degree from any major can apply for the MS in Finance program but should have strong motivation and good quantitative skills. All admitted candidates must have completed a series of prerequisite courses.

Admissions may be offered to students without these courses who will then be required to take the prerequisite courses prior to beginning the standard course of study. These courses include introductory financial management, principles in macro (or micro) economics, and business statistics or calculus.

Source: University of New Hampshire, Peter T. Paul College of Business

Join the Paul College community

What differentiates Paul College from its competitors is a small and welcoming community that is part of a dynamic research university.

“We encourage students to get involved in all aspects of the university experience and achieve at the highest levels both in and out of the classroom,” Dean Deborah Merrill-Sands says. “Our relationship with our students continues on past graduation and our alumni are active and life-long members of our Paul College community.”

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