The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program, offered by the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business , prepares students for careers in finance units of non-financial firms. The program emphasizes the knowledge necessary to succeed in corporate finance roles. It teaches students to develop an evidence-based mindset and apply technical finance concepts to corporate financial planning & analysis problems. The course work is structured to combine accounting and finance knowledge, as well as provide experience with the relevant technology and prepare well rounded professionals for careers in corporate finance roles. In addition to technical and analytical skills, the program emphasizes the development of communication skills, professional development, and career readiness.
The 30-unit MSF program offers two tracks depending on the academic pace desired by the students. The full-time track allows students to complete the MSF within 12 months and the part-time track allows students to complete the degree within 24 months. This program accommodates professionals with demanding life and work schedules. The MSF program is taught using a hybrid delivery format combining online and in-person class sessions. Classes meet evenings and Saturdays in eight-week sessions year-round. In-person class sessions are held on the SJSU campus. The MSF is open to candidates who graduated with business or nonbusiness majors.
Admissions Requirements
MSF candidates must meet all of the university admission requirements.
To be fully accepted into classified standing, the following conditions must be met:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in the U.S. or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree earned from a recognized institution if the degree was earned outside of the U.S.
- A preferred GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
- An English language proficiency examination if the previously earned degree was from an institution in which the principal language of instruction was not English. The university’s minimum entrance score for the TOEFL is 213 (computer-based) or 80 (internet-based). The minimum score required on the IELTS is 6.5, and the minimum PTE score is 53.
- A personal statement of one to two pages explaining how an MSF would help to achieve the applicant’s career objectives.
- A resume detailing the candidate’s professional and academic experiences.
- (Optional) Two letters of recommendation.
- The GMAT or GRE are not required but strongly recommended for applicants with GPAs less than 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Scores at the 50th percentile in both the quantitative and verbal sections of either exam are considered competitive.
Prerequisites for Clear Admission
Students must complete the following SJSU courses or their equivalents:
Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy
A student must maintain an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 at all times, otherwise she or he will be placed on academic probation and required to raise the overall GPA above the 3.0 minimum during the subsequent semester (failing to do so will result in disqualification from the program).
The student must complete with a grade of C or better at least 9 units towards the degree, and meet all other university requirements, including GWAR, before being advanced to candidacy.
Requirements for Graduation
University Graduation Requirements
Students must complete all residency, curriculum, unit, GPA, and culminating experience requirements as outlined in the Graduation Requirements section of the Graduate Policies and Procedures .
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement
At SJSU, students must pass the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement . This requirement is satisfied by taking BUS 220A .
Culminating Experience
The culminating experience will take place in the capstone course BUS 270D - Case Studies in Corporate Finance . The course focuses on the study of corporate finance problems integrating finance theory and business practice. Topics include assessing financial condition; valuation, cash flow and capital budgeting analysis; and decision-making pertaining to working capital, capital expenditures, capital allocation, capital structure, payout policy, IPOs, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and corporate governance. The students are assigned a complex case study based on publicly available data which integrate accounting & financial knowledge, technology, and corporate strategical considerations. Students may propose themselves a case study based on actual private or publicly available data, conditional on the approval of the course instructor and program director. Students work on the case study and write a report in a professional format summarizing their analysis and findings. An oral presentation is also required.
