- What is the difference between a Master in Finance (MSF) and an MBA degree?
- Who is eligible to apply?
- What kinds of positions will I be qualified for upon graduating and what companies recruit MSF students?
- What salary range can I expect upon completing the program?
- What is the procedure for completing my MBA at Owen after graduating with a Master in Finance?
- Can I complete both degrees at the same time?
- Are scholarships available?
- Can I work and complete the program?
- How will the courses prepare me for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam?
- What are the advantages of the Owen "Mod" system?
- Will I be included in Owen’s social structure (student clubs, cookouts, etc.)?
What is the difference between a Master in Finance (MSF) and an MBA degree?
The Master in Finance (MSF) program is shorter in duration and strictly focuses on increasing a student’s understanding of finance and financial markets. The MBA curriculum is more diverse and covers aspects of Operations, Marketing and Human and Organizational Performance that will not be dealt with in the MSF curriculum. Students who successfully complete their MSF degree, however, will be eligible to return to Owen and complete an MBA. (Back to Top)
Who is eligible to apply?
Master of Finance (MSF) applicants, at a minimum, should have completed an undergraduate program at an accredited school, and should have shown high academic and personal achievement. Scores on the GMAT and TOEFL (for applicants who are not native English speakers) should be competitive with other Vanderbilt graduate programs. Candidates with related work experience will receive additional consideration, although none is required. Applicants should also have a strong mathematical background to handle the rigors of the program. (Back to Top)
What kinds of positions will I be qualified for upon graduating and what companies recruit MSF students?
Students are hired by both corporations and a variety of financial institutions throughout the banking and investment industries. Please click here for more information about typical career paths of MS Finance students as well as companies that recruit our students.
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What salary range can I expect upon completing the program?
Salaries vary between industries and companies, as well as with job type, your previous work experience, and geographic region.
The average starting salary for the 2006 graduating class was $59,318, with 84% of the class having 0-2 years of prior work experience.
MSF graduates with significant professional experience generally earn a higher salary.
For comparison, the average salary for undergraduates in financial services positions is $43,950 (Undergraduate salary information based on top Financial Services employers - NACE Salary Survey 2005-06).
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What is the procedure for completing my MBA at Owen after graduating with a Master in Finance?
Successful MBA applicants will have an average of five years work experience. Master in Finance (MSF) graduates will need to apply to the Owen MBA program and complete the remaining core classes and the distribution requirements in place at the time of enrollment.
Can I complete both degrees at the same time?
No, MS Finance and MBA are distinct full-time programs and are not meant to be completed together. You must apply separately for each program. (Back to Top)
Are scholarships available?
A limited number of scholarships are available. They will be awarded based on academic and personal achievement and all applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. (Back to Top)
Can I work and complete the program?
No. It would be difficult for students to maintain regular, full-time employment while enrolled in the MSF program. Classes take place during normal business hours, and the workload combined with the challenging nature of the class material will require considerable time outside of class. (Back to Top)
How will the courses prepare me for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam?
Course work will be highly beneficial to those planning to sit for the first two levels of the CFA exam, and students will be encouraged to seek additional certifications, such as the CFA. (Back to Top)
What are the advantages of the Owen "Mod" system?
The module system allows MSF students to take a wider variety of courses. The Owen Graduate School of Management has been operating on the "mod" scheduling system for several years now with a high degree of success. (Back to Top)
Will I be included in Owen’s social structure (student clubs, cookouts, etc.)?
Owen’s active student body offers a number of opportunities to get involved outside of the classroom, and MSF students will have access to a number of clubs that deal both with professional development and personal enjoyment.
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