Online MASTER OF SCIENCE in Finance
Admissions
From aspiration to achievement, we’re with you every step of the way.
We welcome students with a passion for finance, strong quantitative skills, and the drive to excel in a specialized online master's program. Throughout admissions, we work closely with you to bring your best self forward.
Application Strengths
- An academic background reflecting a strong intellectual capacity
- Clear professional goals in the finance industry
- References that support your study and quantitative skills
- GMAT/GRE requirement—waivers available for students with Finance, Accounting, or STEM degrees with a 3.3 GPA or above; CFA Level 1
- Solid English communication skills
Application Package Requirements
To expedite the processing of your application follow these instructions carefully. All information must be received for an application to be considered complete.
No work experience is required. All applicants should add eller.arizona.edu and grad.arizona.edu to their authorized email sites to avoid important mail regarding the application being tagged as junk mail.
Requirements
You must meet the minimum entrance requirements to apply for the one-year Master's in Finance program.
A B.S. or B.A. degree in a business-related field (finance, accounting, economics, etc.). Applicants are welcome from other fields, though additional coursework may be required in the summer before the program starts.
4-year bachelor's degree program; or, 3 year bachelor's degree program plus 1-2 year master's diploma program with degree awarded (Check your country requirements on the UA Graduate College website)
Minimum GPA: 3.00
No work experience is required, nor does it affect the application decision.
GMAT (or GRE) required. Waivers available for students with a Finance, Accounting, or STEM background and a 3.3 GPA or higher; CFA Level 1
English Proficiency TOEFL is required for international students if education has been in a non-English speaking country (preferred iBT score of 98 or better); IELTS is accepted (a score of 7.0 overall, with a 6.0 or higher in each section, is required)(Check your country requirements on the UA Graduate College website)
Complete the online application packet with materials as detailed below
Apply to the UA Graduate College
Full instructions and requirements are included in the online application.
Online Application Package Requirements
- Affidavit of Domicile (Arizona residents complete with application)
- Financial Guarantee (international students)
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- 2 Letters of Reference: Names and contact information
- Transcripts from all colleges/universities, except UA (including grade key if grades not based on 4.0 scale)
- GMAT (or GRE) results (School Code 4832)
- Alternatives to TOEFL (international students only; School Code 4832) accepted
Special note: The GMAT requirement will be waived if an applicant has a degree in Finance, Accounting, or STEM degree with a 3.3 GPA or higher, CFA Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 exam, or is a CFA Charterholder.
Submitting Official Transcripts
In addition to completing this online application, upon admittance, you are required to send Official Transcripts from all institutions.
E-transcripts can be sent directly from your university to transcripts@grad.arizona.edu.
Paper transcripts can be sent to:
Master's in Finance Program
Department of Finance
The University of Arizona
McClelland Hall, Room 315R
1130 E. Helen Street
Tucson , AZ 85721-010
International Applicants
The UA Graduate College website includes all of the information you should need to know as a prospective graduate student at The University of Arizona. See the package of information at International Student Information.
For University of Arizona international undergraduates looking to continue their education in an Eller Graduate program—June 1 is your final application deadline.
Application Deadline
The preferred application deadline for international applications is December 1, to allow time for visa processing, etc.
However, international applications may still apply by the February 1 deadline.
Requirements
You will find UA Graduate College bachelor's degree requirements (English proficiency and Minimum Degree) by country at https://grad.arizona.edu/tools/intladmissionsreqs/.
You must meet the minimum entrance requirements described above to apply for the Online Master's in Finance program, including completing the online application.
Information on Minimum Degrees
Information on acceptable Proof of English Proficiency
Information regarding Recognized Degrees and Transcripts and Degrees
Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose is your chance to describe your academic and professional goals in finance. It is your personal expression of what has led you to desire to attend the program and can include life and academic experiences.
As you write your statement, ask yourself, "Would I likely admit this person to graduate school?" Statements are generally one to two typed, double-spaced pages and can be addressed to the Finance Department Admissions Committee.
Opening
In the opening statement, describe generally why you are applying to the program.
Body
In the main body of the statement, describe your experiences and how they are a foundation for your work in the Master's in Finance program, how your interest in finance developed, and your undergraduate studies relate to the MMF program. Any academic achievements or specific learning experiences that demonstrate your interest in master's level study and research of finance should be developed.
Your statement will ideally illustrate your initiative and ability to develop ideas, the capacity to work through problems independently, and the determination to achieve your goals. You should clearly and honestly convey that you are qualified and motivated. Describe why you will be successful in the Master's in Finance program, in the coursework, with the master's project, and in working with the other students in the program.
Closing
In closing, briefly summarize why you believe you possess the experience and skills to be admitted to the program.
UA Graduate College
The UA Graduate College website includes all of the information you should need to know as a prospective graduate student at The University of Arizona. There is an additional page for international students:
Prerequisite Requirements
Students without extensive finance or accounting (senior-level) coursework may be required to take prerequisite coursework in the summer before starting the MSF program. Courses are offered in two hybrid modules (online and in-class) through the Finance Department and Eller Executive Education (EEE) in the summer (starting in late May) before starting the Master's in Finance program.
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite requirements are determined by the Finance Department Admissions Committee based on an individual applicant’s background, work experience, transcript, and chosen track within the MSF program. For students who can take courses before applying, recommended prerequisite courses can include:
ACCT200 taken at The UA within the last three years
ACCT400C taken at The UA within the last two years
FIN412 or equivalent
FIN421 or equivalent
“Please note that ACCT400C, FIN412, and FIN421 are open to Eller College finance majors only. All other students may be required to take the summer course module described below if they do not fit the prerequisite criteria.”
Summer Course Module Enrollment Option
For students who have not met the prerequisite requirements as determined by the Finance Department Admissions Committee before applying to the MSF program, an online module is offered through Eller Executive Education. This is a non-credit course so financial aid is not usually available.
Our module is required for entering students who demonstrate strong quantitative skills but haven’t yet gained the finance background and terminology developed in an undergraduate finance program or professional experience. This online course is designed to help students bridge the gap before beginning the online MSF program at Eller. Students are notified in their admissions decision as to whether they are required to take this prerequisite course.