MS Financial Analytics Program Details

Master of Science in Financial Analytics is a STEM-designated program for students and professionals who want to advance and develop their knowledge of financial issues and meet the requirements for CFA certification.  

Eligibility

Applicants to this program:

  • Have earned a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university and earned a 2.75 GPA or higher.
  • Newly admitted students who do not have a major or minor in Finance are required to complete FIN 501 during the Summer session before formal admission in the Fall semester. Students need to successfully complete FIN 501 with a grade of B or better.

Program Features

Affiliated University with CFA Institute; scholarships awarded to offset CFA exam fees

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute has recognized CSU as a University Affiliate, an elite classification certifying that our Master of Finance curriculum aligns with CFA standards. 

  • STEM-designated program
  • Small to medium class sizes (25-35)
  • Dedicated program advisors that work with you through your program
  • CFA Test preparation package integrated into the program
  • Social networking events at CFA Society of Los Angeles and CFA Society of Orange County, as well as Toastmasters, alumni mixers, and more

Beach Investment Group - B.I.G.

The CSULB Beach Investment Group (B.I.G.)

  • B.I.G. students manage three separate portfolios totaling more than $1,000,000.
  • Team-oriented, presentation-intensive environment.
  • CSULB B.I.G. alumni have gone on to work at prestigious investment firms, including Goldman Sachs, PIMCO, Wilshire Associates, Western Asset Management, and the Capital Group.

Essential Resources

  • Bloomberg Terminal: Students are encouraged to use the Bloomberg Terminals for their research and class-related activities. We offer the ability to become Bloomberg-certified at no additional cost.
  • Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct (The Code and Standard) during their time in the MSF program.
  • CSULB College of Business participates in Barron's in Education. Students get free access to Barron's, one of the nation’s premier financial resources.
  • CFA Competitions: Students in the program could participate in the following competitions:

Orientation

  • Get to know faculty, fellow students, and alumni of the program
  • Develop skills needed to hit the ground running in the program:
    • Teams and team-based learning
    • Harvard case discussion method
  • Enhance Excel skills

Graduate Business Career Services

  • Online Career Assessment with Career Leader software helps you clarify your goals.
  • Customized 1-on-1 career coaching.
  • Mock interviews to improve interviewing skills.
  • Resume coaching and Resume Book, which exposes your resume to hundreds of potential employers.
  • Mentorship program matches you with alumni from our business community.
  • Company visits to introduce you to potential employers.
  • To learn more, visit our Graduate Business Career Services

Enrollment Cycle

Fall Admittance. Please review Admission Information for General Application Requirements for the program