Finance (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Finance, offered by the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, develops students’ abilities to provide solutions to the increasingly diverse and complex financial challenges of modern organizations. The program can be completed in one year of full-time study by students with undergraduate preparation in business, economics, and/or STEM fields and is open to others after appropriate foundation coursework. Designed to develop the highest levels of skill in financial modeling, investment analysis, evaluation, problem-solving, and communication of complex financial information, the program offers specialized training in one of three non-mandatory options: investments, financial analytics & fintech, or a student-designed track. Students will also develop strong understanding of ethical considerations and professional standards necessary in the field of finance and will be well-prepared for a variety of roles including corporate finance, investment banking, and start-up enterprises.

All admitted candidates must have completed certain foundation courses.  These courses can be completed prior to entry or as part of the Master of Science in Finance program.  These courses include:

The Master's of Science in Finance (MSF) curriculum requires students to take a minimum of 10 classes (a total of 30 credits), from which 8 are required core classes and 2 are electives. Students may choose to specialize their MSF degree in the Financial Analytics & Fintech option or the Investments option by completing an additional elective in that specialized area for a total of 11 classes (33 credits). 

Student-designed option electives 

Students can design their own option and choose their electives after obtaining the consent and approval of the MSF Director or director's designee.

Non-option student electives

Students who prefer not to declare an option can choose any elective offered by the M.S. Finance program. However, without a study plan pre-approved by the MSF Director or director's designee, a student may only take one non-finance elective.

Accelerated Master's Overview

Accelerated Master’s programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor’s degree. Accelerated master's programs are designed to provide students with an efficient and cost-effective pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree or graduate certificate, enhancing career opportunities and long-term earning potential. 

Accelerated Master's Highlights

• Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master’s degree or graduate certificate early.
• Master’s degree program students: Earn up to 12* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s degree and the graduate certificate.
• Students complete the bachelor’s degree, and then officially matriculate into the master’s or graduate certificate program to complete the remaining required graduate-level coursework.

*Some exceptions apply. 

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

• A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.*
• A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
• Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).*

*Some exceptions apply.

Accelerated Master's Requirements

• Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
• Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
• Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor’s degree in most programs.
• See the Accelerated Master’s Catalog Policy and Accelerated Master’s Website for additional information and a list of programs. Note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher-grade expectations) compared to the general policy.

Finance (M.S.) Accelerated Option

This graduate degree program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the following undergraduate program(s): 

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate knowledge of core content areas of finance.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to articulate advanced issues in finance and apply them in a business context.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the preparation and usage of financial statements.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to solve complex financial problems.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the ethical dimensions of decision making in a global business environment.
• Students will demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills in business decisions and environments.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to extract, cleanse and analyze financial data using statistical software or programming tools.