Finance (M.S.)

https://paulcollege.unh.edu/academics/ms-finance

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:

ADMN 570Introduction to Financial Management4
ECON 401Principles of Economics (Macro)4
or ECON 402 Principles of Economics (Micro)
ADMN 510Business Statistics4
or MATH 425 Calculus I

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). 

Core Coursework
ACFI 801Corporate Finance3
ACFI 802Investments3
ACFI 806Financial Modeling and Analytics3
ACFI 870Programming in Finance with Quantitative Applications3
ACFI 871Financial Theory3
ACFI 872Corporate Financial Reporting3
ACFI 873Cases in Finance3
ACFI 874Finance Experience3
Electives6-9
Total Credits30-33
Elective Options/Specialization Areas
Financial Analytics & Fintech Option
ACFI 810Big Data in Finance3
ACFI 811Investment Banking3
ACFI 896Topics3
Investments Option
ACFI 804Derivative Securities and Markets3
ACFI 805Financial Institutions3
ACFI 807Equity Analysis and Firm Valuation3
ACFI 811Investment Banking3
ACFI 812Alternative Investments3
(or other approved electives in finance, decision sciences, economics, or statistics)
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.

Our Accelerated Master of Science in Finance (MSF) option provides an opportunity for UNH undergraduate students to begin graduate study while completing a bachelor's degree—making you stand out among other job applicants with advanced skills and increasing your earning potential. Qualified students can begin earning graduate credit during their undergraduate programs, allowing them to maximize their time on campus and return on their educational investment.

Eligibility:

  • Current UNH undergraduate student with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
  • Apply before completing 90 undergraduate credits.
  • Acceptance into the Accelerated Master’s Program before taking 800-level courses.

Accelerated MSF Requirements:

  • Qualified students may complete up to 12 credits at the 800-level during their undergraduate studies, earning dual credit toward their B.S. and M.S. degrees.
  • Once a qualified student matriculates into the MSF program (after completing undergraduate degree), the student will take a minimum of 18 additional credits to complete the 30 credit MSF program requirement.
  • Students will be required to earn a B- or better in graduate courses to earn credits toward their degree.

Approved Dual Credit Electives 

To earn graduate credits, students need to enroll in the 800-level sections of approved dual credit courses. The 800-level sections require additional work beyond the requirements for the undergraduate versions. The following is the list of approved dual credit courses for the accelerated path in the MSF program:

ACFI 801Corporate Finance (unless FIN 701 already taken)3
ACFI 802Investments (unless FIN 702 already taken)3
ACFI 804Derivative Securities and Markets3
ACFI 806Financial Modeling and Analytics3
ACFI 870Programming in Finance with Quantitative Applications3
ACFI 872Corporate Financial Reporting3
Other approved 800-level electives

Within the accelerated option, Finance option students can complete both the BSBA and MSF in 4.5 years.  Please seek more details from the MSF Director and/or Finance Department Chair and apply for accelerated master’s admission before reaching 90 undergraduate credits.

  • 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.