Master of Science in Finance

Advance your finance career in a top MSF program.

Financial analyst. Investment banker. Portfolio manager. CFO. Whether you see yourself in one of these roles or a different career in finance, UIC Business’s Master of Science in Finance program helps you get there. STEM-designated, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)-accredited and steps from Chicago’s financial district, our master’s in finance program gives you an edge in advanced finance careers.

Program-At-A-Glance Heading link

Completion Time 1-2 Years
Credit Hours 32
Degree Type AACSB-accredited Master of Science in Finance
Course Delivery In-person
  • Flexibility Take your classes online, in-person or the right combination for your life.

  • Best Value Our No.1 Best Value ranking in Illinois gives you a high-quality education with an affordable investment.

  • Powerful Network Our convenient location and 52,000 strong network gives you access to the companies and alumni to help advance your career

Why Earn Your Master's in Finance at UIC Business? Heading link

A master’s degree in finance from UIC Business means opportunity. With comprehensive study, faculty mentorship, specialized tracks and practical experiences, UIC Business’s MSF program positions you for success in any aspect of finance.

  • Industry-Experienced Faculty
    Learn from faculty who bring real-world experience to the classroom, ensuring you receive both academic and practical insights.
  • A State-of-the-Art Virtual Trading Center
    Get experience with Bloomberg terminals, advanced industry software and academic research in our Market Training Lab.
  • A Fast-Paced and Flexible MSF Program
    Complete your master’s degree in finance in one year of full-time study or study part time — whatever works best for your schedule and commitments.
  • Graduate Student Organizations and Activities
    Participate in activities like investment challenge competitions against other universities and attend talks by Chicago finance professionals sponsored by the Graduate Finance and Investment Group.

Earning Your Degree Heading link

MSF Program and Curriculum

At UIC Business, you’ll develop expertise in financial concepts and practices, enriched with hands-on learning opportunities. Course topics for the master’s in finance degree include:

  • Investments
  • Corporate finance
  • International finance
  • Financial modeling
  • Money and banking

Financial Aid and Funding

Doctorate student receiving degree

Our master’s in finance programs provide you with a strong return on investment. To help keep our programs affordable, we offer several types of financial aid and funding, including graduate assistantships, merit aid and veteran benefits. Ask an admissions representative about the many options we offer to help you afford your MSF education.

 

Master of Science in Finance Concentrations Heading link

Tailor your master’s degree in finance to your specific interests and career goals. Choose from the following tracks:

Prepare for careers in financial management, corporate development, financial analysis and more with courses in financial strategy and corporate valuation.

Learn to manage investment portfolios and strategies, focusing on risk management and asset allocation.

Learn to navigate financial markets, manage risks and make informed trading decisions to maximize returns and safeguard investments.

Explore the dynamics of banking institutions and capital markets, preparing for careers in commercial and investment banking.

  • Financial Communication

    Build the essential communication skills you’ll need as a financial professional: clarity, focus, persuasion, writing, self-confidence and more.

  • Behavioral Finance

    Explore how psychological factors impact financial markets and investment behavior and learn about what motivates investors.

  • Securities Markets and Trading

    Gain insights into the operation and regulation of modern electronic financial markets with practical trading simulations.

Outcomes and Careers Heading link

94% of recent UIC Business MSF program graduates* were employed within six months of graduation and earned an average starting salary of $82,000.

 

*University of Illinois Chicago College of Business Administration 2022–23 Outcomes Report

Master’s in finance jobs can be found in almost every industry. Specific master’s in finance careers include:

  • Financial analyst
  • Portfolio manager
  • Risk manager
  • Corporate finance manager
  • Investment banker
  • Commercial banker
  • Treasury analyst
  • Quantitative analyst

Why UIC’s MSF Program? Hear From Our Alumni Heading link

Shivani Brahme, MSF '21

The MSF program is meticulously designed to be the perfect blend of concepts in finance and their applicability to the real world. The benefits of this program include the range of electives that allow you to tailor the program according to the career path you aspire. Faculty members have worked in the finance industry for years, and I have developed my professional skills by learning from them. Overall, my experience at UIC has been memorable and I have built valuable and long-lasting connections.

Shivani Brahme, Analyst, Goldman Sachs  |  MSF ’21

Applying to the Master of Science in Finance Program at UIC Business Heading link

At UIC, we have a holistic admissions process that considers undergraduate record, resume, letters of recommendation and more. GMAT/GRE test scores are optional but may increase your chances of admissions and scholarship funding. For applicants with non-business degrees, we strongly encourage you to take the GMAT or GRE to strengthen your application and demonstrate quantitative skills. There is no preference for which exam is taken.

 

Graduate Application Deadlines Heading link

Mar 15 2025

Summer 2025 Domestic

Saturday, 12:00 am–11:59 pm
Apr 1 2025

Fall 2025 International

Tuesday, 12:00 am–11:59 pm
Jul 1 2025

Fall 2025 Domestic

Tuesday, 12:00 am–11:59 pm

Master's in Finance Program FAQ Heading link

A master’s in finance (MSF) degree provides advanced knowledge of financial theory, markets and instruments to prepare you for advanced finance careers.

If you are looking to pursue a rewarding career in finance, a master’s in finance degree is worth it. Graduates with an MS in finance often go on to find rewarding and diverse career opportunities. In fact, 94% of 2022 MSF program graduates from UIC Business were employed within six months of graduation and earned an average starting salary of $82,000.

With a master’s in finance, you can pursue careers in various industries, including roles as financial analysts, portfolio managers and risk managers. You can also go on to positions in corporate finance, commercial banking and investment banking.