Finance, Master of Science

STEM Visa Extension for International Students

The Master of Science in Finance is a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field of study. Students with an F-1 visa who complete this field of study may be eligible to receive a STEM-based optional practical training (OPT) extension. Contact the International Student and Scholar Services Offices at 718-990-6083 or [email protected] for additional information.

Tracks

Two tracks are available in the program, depending on your interests:

The Investment Management track is specifically designed for those who desire a career in asset management, such as advising or portfolio management. When taking this track, the MSF covers most of the body of knowledge that you will need to become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and the track is a great fit for individuals who would like to pursue the coveted CFA charter. Since the program is affiliated with the CFA Institute, students taking this track are eligible for awareness scholarships for the CFA. With six full-time faculty members who are charter holders, this track provides students with a hands-on, practical understanding of evaluating financial assets. In addition to the overlap with the CFA curriculum, the program provides rigorous academic and applied content beyond that required for the CFA.

The Financial Technology track also provides a sound theoretical foundation of financial knowledge but aims to also educate students on modern trends in the financial field. As technology is increasingly used in pricing assets (and risk) and conducting trades, this track provides students with an understanding of how technology can be used to enhance financial decision-making and processes.

Focusing on aspects of economics, financial reporting, finance, securities, and derivatives relevant to modern investment analysis, it brings together theories, practices, strategies, and methodologies designed to reflect the current state of the field of investment management and analysis. The body of knowledge to be mastered includes:

Applied Finance Institute

Fast Track Option

Peter J. Tobin College of Business students may apply for graduate study in their third year of undergraduate study. Students accepted to the program can take up to 12 graduate-level credits during their senior year, which can mean earning a bachelor's degree and master's degree in just five years, saving both time and money.

Limited scholarships and graduate assistantships are also available for Fast-Track programs in year five.

For more information, contact Senior Assistant Dean Sheila Russell.

Career Outcomes

St. John’s finance graduates often pursue work in Consulting and/or Financial Services with employers such as:

• AIG
• American Express
• Barclays
• Citi
• Deliotte
• EY
• FDIC
• Fisher Investments
• KPMG
• JP Morgan Chase
• Merrill Lynch
• Moodys
• Protiviti
• Synchrony Financial
• UBS
• Wells Fargo

Academic Scholarships

As a CFA Affiliated University with six CFA charter holders on faculty, we are eligible to award more than 20 CFA awareness scholarships to students in the program every year. This scholarship provides a program enrollment fee waiver and reduced exam registration fee. Learn more about available scholarships. 

Additionally, high achieving students admitted into the MS Finance are eligible for a select number of scholarships, based on the academic strength of their application.  These scholarships range from $5,000 to $10,000 and students selected for the scholarships will be notified by the Program Director.

Admissions

Application Requirements
All applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or the international equivalent prior to enrollment at the graduate level. In addition to the application form and non-refundable application fee candidates should submit the following:

• Statement of professional goals and resume which can be uploaded as part of the  application for admission
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate and professional schools attended. International Applicants to programs in Accounting and Taxation must have a Graduate Admissions evaluation completed by AEQUO.
• Official GMAT or GRE scores, taken within the last five years*
• Two letters of recommendation, obtained from professional or academic references
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for applicants whose native language is not English

*MS applicants may be eligible for a GMAT/GRE waiver with a cumulative 3.25 GPA or higher.  To be considered for the waiver, please submit the online application, all transcripts, and resume. International Students should also submit the foreign credit evaluation and TOEFL/IELTS scores.  Once complete, please email [email protected] to request waiver consideration.

For additional information, please contact:

The Peter J. Tobin College of Business
Office of Graduate Admission
8000 Utopia Parkway
Suite 114
Queens, NY 11439
718-990-1345
[email protected]

Department Faculty

Please see a list of our Economics and Finance faculty.