Master of Science in Finance

Western Michigan University's online graduate application system allows all students (domestic, international and readmission) to submit required information into one system. General application information for the University, as well as specific requirements for individual programs, are captured in this system. 

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Science in Finance, you must have:

Completed an undergraduate business degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent in courses in the areas of accountancy, economics, finance, math and statistics.

If you do not have undergraduate equivalent coursework, there are three options to fulfill these prerequisites:

• Current graduate or undergraduate course offerings at WMU, another university or community college.
• Taking and passing competency exams, if available.
• Online courses.

Approval for prerequisite proficiencies will be determined on a course-by-course basis.

Applicants must also submit one of the following:

• GMAT score
• GRE score

In addition to the admission requirements above, international applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency. Please visit International Student and Scholar Services for information on the proficiency tests WMU accepts.

The M.S.F. program consists of 30 credit hours of graduate coursework, with a quantitative emphasis in the majority of courses. The program has a core of required courses and three specializations from which to choose:

• Corporate financial planning and analysis
• Securities and markets
• Data analytics in finance

For specific course requirements, contact the Department of Finance and Commercial Law.

Accelerated timeline: The Master of Science in Finance can be earned in one year for those who have an undergraduate business degree by enrolling in four courses in fall, four in spring and two in the summer semesters. In addition, the WMU Master of Business Administration can be earned by completing an additional 24 credit hours.

For further information, contact Barb Caras-Tomczak, graduate student advisor.

Email Barb Caras-Tomczak.

The M.S.F. provides expert instruction in the quantitative skills that will set you apart with employers and prepare you for leadership roles. In addition to highly experiential and relevant instruction, you will have access to facilities that will give you a competitive advantage in finance.

• The Greenleaf Trust Trading Room: Use the Bloomberg Terminal to research market movements in real-time and immerse yourself in the technology that investment professionals use.
• The Sanford Center for Financial Planning and Wellness: The center provides financial literacy resources and coaching to the campus and greater West Michigan community, and offers programming related to both financial literacy and personal financial planning.

A research assistantship is an appointment in which a graduate student engages in research under a faculty member’s supervision. For instance, the faculty member might be a principal investigator on a grant or contract. In addition to a stipend, assistants receive benefits such as tuition remission, a parking permit and increased library privileges.