Master of Science in Finance Program
At The George Washington University School of Business

Degrees Awarded and Program Duration
Master of Science in Finance (MSF)
1 year (intensive program) or 2 years (regular program)

Program Size
130 students

Contact Information

Nada M. Salem
Administrative Director
Tel: 202-994-1576
Fax: 202-994-8926
E-mail: finance@gwu.edu
Website: http://www.gwu.edu/~msf/

Program Description
It is not just a DEGREE… It’s a NEW OPPORTUNITY... It’s a NEW LIFE! It is a Program that Opens New Doors to Success…

The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) Program was established in 1993 and has earned a reputation of producing leaders in the field of finance. It is part of The George Washington University’s School of Business that was established in 1928 and is accredited by the AACSB-The International Association for Management Education. This program, which builds upon a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration, economics and other quantitative disciplines, emphasizes the theoretical foundations and quantitative methods in financial management. Compared to the MBA, the MSF provides a broader and deeper exposure to finance with more limited work on general management topics.

Course of Study: Students can choose to follow one of two 48-credit-hour programs: intensive or regular. The intensive program has to be completed in three consecutive semesters, including one summer. Classes are held Thursday and Friday evenings and all day Saturdays. The regular program has to be completed in six consecutive semesters, including two summers. Classes are held all day Saturdays for the first year and Thursday and Friday evenings the second year.

Typical Graduate Career Paths
Graduates from the MSF Program are employed by investment houses, the banking industry including central banks, insurance companies, in addition to international and government agencies.

Areas of Specialization
Risk management, banking, financial engineering, investment, real estate, fixed income, and corporate finance.

Prerequisites and Entry Process
Prerequisites:

• A bachelor's or master's degree in business administration, economics and other quantitative disciplines from a regionally accredited college or university
• GMAT (preferred) or GRE
• TOEFL or IELTS (for international students from countries where English is not an official language)
• 2 years of full time work experience after completion of undergraduate studies (preferable)

In addition to: 6 hours in economics; 6 hours in mathematics, including calculus; and 3 hours each in financial accounting, managerial finance, and statistics.

Appropriate prerequisite courses are generally offered at GWU in the fall and spring semesters and during summer sessions.

How to Apply: Because there is a rolling admissions policy, early submission of application is suggested. Only when the file is complete, will it be referred to the admission committee for evaluation.

All applicants must furnish the following:

• Original transcripts from their undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) institutions
• GMAT or other graduate level exam (GRE) scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose

Enrollment is limited to about 60 students who then operate as two cohorts throughout the academic year.

The application fee is $60. We will accept applications until May 31st.

If you want to join the program, please apply online: https://app.applyyourself.com/?ID=GWUGRAD

and send all supporting documents to the following address:

MS in Finance Program
School of Business, The George Washington University
2201 G Street, NW # 501
Washington, DC 20052

USA

Program's Unique Features

1. Excellent Ranking and Quality Leader in the Field of Financial Education: In 2004, Global Derivatives, an online financial publication, ranked GW MSF program No. 12 among quantitative finance master’s programs. This program is regarded in the industry as a quality leader in the field of financial education, enabling students to fully prepare for careers as financial experts.
2. Great Employment Prospects: MSF Graduates are employed institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse First Boston, Citibank, Metlife, Bear Stearns, Wachovia Bank, the International Finance Corporation, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and FBR.
3. Outstanding Faculty: MSF courses are taught by internationally recognized GWU faculty who have substantial professional experience working with both private and public organizations. Their work has appeared in major journals.
4. Strong International Alumni Society: MSF student body is cosmopolitan and diverse; it includes graduates from Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Cornell, Columbia, NYU, and the University of Pennsylvania. The 2006 entering class included students from twenty countries; students with an average of more than 5 years of full-time work experience; a male-female ratio of 49/24; and 27 percent of the class already holding a master's or Ph.D. degree. MSF students learn a lot from each other and, together, create a very strong alumni society.
5. Strategic Program Location: The program location in the nation's capital is a great attraction to students. Besides, since it is next door to the White House, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Federal Reserve, etc., students have benefited, on a regular basis, from lectures by leaders in industry and government.
6. Exceptional Research Facilities: A spacious, fully equipped computer/AV laboratory, exclusively available to MSF degree candidates, contains extensive and technologically advanced database collections and software to support graduate studies. Students have full remote and on-campus access to these databases on the university's central computers as well as access to other major research collections (such as Datastream and Compustat) available in the Gelman library. The lab is open 24/7 and support with various software packages is constantly provided. In addition to the MSF lab, all GW students benefit from an excellent wireless computing network and a state-of-the-art trading lab.
   

Other Information

Cost of Study: In 2006-07, tuition is $989.00 per credit hour, or $47,472 for the entire program. A $250.00 nonrefundable enrollment fee is required upon acceptance.

Living and Housing Costs: On-campus housing is available to graduate students. Off-campus living expenses near the University are estimated at $1,200.00 per month. An excellent public transportation system of subways and buses serves the District of Columbia (DC), Maryland and Virginia. The Foggy Bottom main campus is easily accessible by metro. Total cost of living expenses average about $14,400, depending on individual lifestyle.

Financial Aid: A select number of graduate scholarships and assistantships are available each year through the program. Awards are merit based and made according to a student's qualifications, academic achievement, and GMAT scores. Need-based and other loan programs are available to graduate students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance at the University. In addition, the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships offers different kinds of awards.