Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Science in Finance Program

The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program at DePaul University is designed to provide students with specialized skills and prepare them for a wide range of roles in the finance industry. The program is built for real-world finance careers, with a hands-on, market-aligned curriculum that includes financial modeling, risk analysis and management, valuation techniques and tools, investment analysis and strategy, and corporate finance.

Program Snapshot

• Duration: As little as 15-18 months
• Format: In-person
• Location: Downtown Chicago
• Start term: Fall and Winter

Program Facts

• MSF alumni go on to work for companies like J.P. Morgan, Capital One, Amazon, and other prominent organizations.
• Alumni take roles as financial advisors, senior investment and risk analysts, investment banking analysts, and other positions.

Why Study Finance at DePaul?

The DePaul MSF is built for real-world finance careers, with a curriculum designed by benchmarking against many programs across the US, with input from students and alumni, and in consultation with the Finance Advisory Board. The program provides:

Tool Mastery

• Hands-on experience with Bloomberg Terminals for market research and real-time data
• Python for financial modeling and automation
• AI tools relevant for finance
• Advanced Excel for valuation, forecasting, and scenario analysis

Real-World Application

• Case-based projects
• Analysis on local companies
• Simulations that mirror real business challenges

Specialized Electives

• Customize the MSF with high-demand courses like Risk Management, Equity Research, Behavioral Finance, Financial Analytics, and more

Gain Certifications That Signal Readiness

The MSF program is a CFA Institute University Affiliated program, which means the curriculum equips students with the knowledge needed in their pursuit of the CFA charter. With an appropriate selection of electives, students will also be prepared to take the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) exam. Students can graduate with three Bloomberg certifications, proving they can navigate the tools global institutions use to drive strategies and evaluate risk.

Where This Degree Can Take You

The program prepares students to stand out on the job market, graduating with a portfolio of applied projects and industry-recognized certifications that give hiring managers confidence in their readiness to deliver results. Earning an MSF from DePaul opens a wide range of high-demand roles, including:

• Financial analyst
• Investment analyst or portfolio manager
• Risk analyst or risk manager
• Equity research analyst
• Corporate finance specialist
• Commercial banker or credit analyst
• Alternative investments analyst

Learn From—and With—Chicago's Finance Leaders

Courses are taught predominantly by full-time faculty who actively consult, publish in academic journals, and advise in the financial sector. They bring real-world relevance into the classroom, drawing from their scholarly and advisory work. Students will also benefit from:

Guest Speakers

• Executives from Chicago-based organizations share how they approach investing, valuation, risk, and capital strategy in their day-to-day work.

Finance-Focused Events

• Through the Kellstadt Finance Association (KFA), students connect with alumni and industry leaders at exclusive events designed to build their network.

Capstone Experience

• Apply knowledge to a real-world finance challenge, delivering analysis and recommendations to industry professionals for feedback.

Support That Extends Beyond Graduation

At DePaul, success doesn't stop at graduation. Students have access to a robust network and dedicated resources that continue long after they earn their degree, including:

• DePaul's Career Management Center
• Faculty with industry ties
• Alumni Network That Opens Doors

Admission Requirements

To apply for the MSF program, students must:

• Submit their online application and the required application fee
• Submit an essay explaining their interest in the program and their professional goals
• Submit a resume that summarizes their work experience and educational background
• Submit their official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions they have attended
• Test optional – GMAT/GRE Scores (submission is optional)
• Letters of recommendation are optional for this program
• International student admission requirements

Degree Requirements

The MS in Finance program requires a minimum of 48 credit hours, subject to the prerequisite requirement. Students complete the Master of Science in Finance by taking six core courses and six elective courses in addition to the program prerequisites. Candidates are expected to demonstrate competency in principles of financial accounting, economics, and statistics prior to enrollment in the program.

Core Courses

• FIN 555: Financial Management
• FIN 617: Tools of Financial Analytics
• FIN 523: Investment Analysis
• FIN 524: Financial Statement Analysis
• FIN 553: Advanced Corporate Finance
• FIN 662: Derivatives Valuation

Elective Requirement

Six elective courses are required. At least three of these required electives must be Finance courses. The other three required elective courses are considered free electives and may be satisfied in one of the following ways:

• Another finance course
• A graduate course in Accounting, Computer Science, Data Science, Data Analytics, Economics, Mathematics, or Real Estate

Recommended Electives

• Courses in Accounting: Introduction to Fraud Examination, Advanced IT Auditing, Forensic and Investigative Accounting, Forensic Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation
• Courses in Computational Methods: Introduction to Programming, Monte Carlo Algorithms
• Courses in Data Science: Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Fundamentals of Data Science, Data Visualization
• Courses in Economics: Game Theory and Strategy, Business Strategy, Strategy and Antitrust, Business Models and Innovation Strategy, The Business of Health
• Courses in Real Estate: Real Estate Investment and Finance, Real Estate Capital Markets and Finance, Advanced Real Estate Analysis with ARGUS, Institutional Real Estate Investment

Satisfactory Completion of Degree Requirements

Satisfactory completion of the college residency requirement, the 6 required courses, and 6 elective courses. All courses for credit toward the degree must be completed within six calendar years after the candidate's first term of enrollment in the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.