Finance, MS

Contact

Ton Barkley, Professor of Practice, 334 Whitman School of Management, 315-443-8107, tbarkley@syr.edu

Program Description

The MS in Finance challenges students to develop a thorough understanding of the global framework of finance and proceed to concentrate their efforts in selected areas of the discipline, such as corporate finance or investments. The preparation afforded to students desiring in-depth knowledge of finance must be commensurate with the increased complexity of the financial environment, as exemplified by greater opportunities and risks, larger array of products and financial management strategies, and greater degree of competition in the market for properly trained graduates. The Whitman School provides this knowledge through excellent and diverse year-round programs offered by an outstanding faculty.

The MS in Finance places emphasis on attracting highly qualified students from around the globe and building a challenging program with an excellent reputation. Upon completion of the program, graduates will have an understanding of the field of finance and the ability to use the appropriate theory and methodology to excel in today’s global financial environment.

The Whitman MS in Finance can be completed with 30 credits (as little as one year) by students with academic backgrounds in finance, economics, accounting, and business. Students without academic backgrounds in these areas should expect to take up to an additional nine hours of foundation courses as part of the program. The MS in Finance program advisor reviews each student’s academic background and designs a program personally suited for the student.

Accreditation

The Whitman School has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) since 1920.

Admission

Students are required to take the GMAT as part of the application process. Applicants will be considered for the program based on their GMAT score, previous academic experience, work experience, professional references, and personal statements.

Students entering the program should have appropriate background in accounting, economics, finance, and quantitative methods. If necessary, students will register for one or more of the available refresher courses.

Financial Support

Merit-based financial support is awarded based on a student’s admission application. These awards are highly competitive and are available to both U.S. and international full-time students. Students may apply for several loan programs to cover the cost of attendance. (Federal Direct Loan, ProgramFederal PLUS Loans, Alternative Loan Programs) Part-time students must be enrolled for at least six credits (half-time status) to be considered for loan programs.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Be able to create optimal (efficient) portfolios of stocks

2. Value investments in projects and companies using advanced DCF-related approaches

Degree Requirements and Learning Objectives

The core of the program consists of 30 credit hours, of which 18 to 21 must be in finance. Students must take Corporate Financial Policy and Strategy, Investment Analysis, Financial Management, and three to four additional courses in finance. They are also required to take a course in either Regression Analysis or Time Series Analysis. The remaining courses may be taken in related areas (such as statistics, accounting, economics, reals estate and international business). Available electives include International Financial Management, Emerging Markets, Fixed Income Securities, Derivatives, Distress Investing, Value Investing, and Securities Markets.

International Programs

In addition to the course work offered in Syracuse, students have the opportunity to participate in various international programs. The London Summer Program offers internships with prestigious international firms. The Shanghai Summer Program provides a unique view into the world of the important Asian markets.

Total Credits Required 30

Finance Courses 18-21 credits

Required (12 credits)

FIN 751 - Corporate Financial Policy & Strategy 3 credit(s)
FIN 756 - Investment Analysis 3 credit(s)
FIN 855 - Financial Management 3 credit(s)
MAS 766 - Linear Statistical Models I: Regression Models 3 credit(s) or
MAS 777 - Time Series Modeling and Analysis 3 credit(s)

Total Credits Required 30

Finance Courses 18-21 credits

Required (9 credits)

FIN 751 - Corporate Financial Policy & Strategy 3 credit(s)
FIN 756 - Investment Analysis 3 credit(s)
FIN 855 - Financial Management 3 credit(s)

Additional Finance (9-12 credits)

FIN 600 - Selected Topics 1-6 credit(s) Corporate Restructuring, Derivatives
FIN 657 - International Financial Management 3 credit(s)
FIN 660 - Fixed Income Securities 3 credit(s)
FIN 666 - Value Investing 3 credit(s)
FIN 673 - Control Investing 3 credit(s)
FIN 761 - Financial Modeling 3 credit(s)

Courses from Related Fields 9-12 credits

Regression and Time Series Analysis
Accounting
Economics
International Business
Real Estate

Learning Goal 1:

Our graduates will understand finance in the context of global environment, businesses and securities.

MSFs will be able to critically analyze the global financial and regulatory environments and implications of changes therein.
MSFs will be able to assess the structure, conduct and performance of the financial sector, and the importance of key decisions made by investors and financial managers.
MSFs will be able to employ appropriate methods in the valuation and use of securities such as stocks, bonds and derivatives.

Learning Goal 2:

Our graduates will achieve an in-depth knowledge in the major areas of finance: (i) corporate finance, (ii) investments and financial markets, and (iii) risk management and quantitative finance.

MSFs will be able to analyze corporate financial policies and strategies, and understand the processes involved in valuation methods for project investments, initial public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, and divestitures.
MSFs will be able to evaluate stand-alone investments as well as their treatment in the context of a well-diversified portfolio.
MSFs will understand how global financial markets operate in terms of their dynamics and regulatory environment.
MSFs will be able to appropriately employ methods and techniques in measuring, mitigating and managing risk.

Learning Goal 3:

Our graduates will be able to think critically in evaluating strategies and employing relevant tools.

MSFs will be able to use up-to-date methods in the asset valuation, asset management, and corporate financial planning processes.

Learning Goal 4:

Our graduates will be proficient in quantitative analysis.

MSFs will be able to understand the framework and applications of financial models.
MSFs will be able to use software for financial modeling and applied statistics.

Transfer Credit

Students can transfer a maximum of 6 credits of elective coursework. The credits must be graduate level taken from an AACSB accredited business school. A grade of “B” or higher is needed to transfer in the credits. The grade itself does not transfer.

Satisfactory Progress

Students are required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to meet degree requirements.