Master of Science in Finance
Master of Science in Finance Program at a Glance
Whether you’re newly starting or looking to extend your reach, the Carlson School’s Master of Science in Finance program provides deep knowledge and intensive practical application for building a career in finance. With a curriculum combining expert instruction in finance theory with the quantitative and computational skills now driving the field, you’ll be prepared to hit the ground running in various finance careers.
- #12Â Master in Finance in the United States, QS World University Ranking (2023)
- 10 or 16Â months to complete
- 97% of 2022 graduates received employment offers within six months after graduation
A flexible format to fit your interest and goals
Offered by the top-ranked Carlson School, the MS in Finance program prepares you to turn complex financial information into business value. Choose an accelerated 10-month format and complete the program's 39 credits in three intensive semesters. Alternatively, you have the option of a 16-month plan that allows time to pursue an internship or simply study over a longer timeline.

(summer semester)

39 credits

Classes held during the day

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STEM-designated and an applied curriculum
The Master of Science in Finance curriculum provides you with foundational knowledge applicable to corporate finance, security analysis and portfolio management, investment and commercial banking, risk management, and more. You'll work with current databases and software to sharpen the kind of quantitative skills that are in high demand. The comprehensive curriculum includes an experiential learning component that challenges you to work in teams to analyze crucial issues surrounding a financial challenge, collect data, and present their findings to local industry professionals. Â
There are also four specializations to choose from to focus your studies:
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Invest in your future
The Master of Science in Finance program is an investment for your future career. Gain the skills and knowledge to pursue any area of finance from risk management to consulting and more. You'll increase your earning power and expand your network.Â
Tuition is calculated on a per-credit basis:
- Resident: $1,085 per credit
- Non-resident: $1,545 per credit
Merit scholarships of up to $18,000 and full-tuition scholarships are available.
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Connecting you to a thriving business community
Demand for finance professionals is strong, and the opportunities are as diverse as they are interesting. MS in Finance graduates now work at some of the world’s most well-known financial institutions. Piper Sandler, BNY Mellon, Citibank, Ameriprise Financial, and U.S. Bank have all hired from the program, as have consulting firms like Deloitte and Accenture. Our graduates build finance careers at companies in the U.S. and around the world.
Average starting base salary for Carlson School finance graduates.
97% of 2022 Carlson School MSF graduates accepted job offers within 6 months after graduation.
QS World University Ranking (2023) has ranked Carlson's MSF program 12th in the U.S.
What It's Like to be a MSF Student
Discover what it's like to be a student at the Carlson School of Management in the Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program.
Application Deadlines
Apply early and give yourself the best chance to join the Carlson School's MS in Finance program.
Application Deadlines
- November 1Â
Decision notification: December 6 - January 3Â
Decision notification: February 10 - February 1Â
Decision notification: March 15 - March 15Â
Decision notification: April 14 - April 15*Â
Decision notification: May 16 - May 15 - Domestic applicants onlyÂ
Decision notification: June 9
IMPORTANT: MS in Finance Program Orientation is required for all incoming students. Orientation for Summer 2023 will be held on June 28-29, 2023.
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*After the April 15th deadline, international applicants in the US will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please contact msf@umn.edu if you are interested in applying.
Stay Connected
If you have questions about the MS in Finance program, please contact msf@umn.edu or schedule a 1:1 Advising Appointment.