Program Overview

Master's Degree (MS) in Finance

The University of Kentucky's Master of Science in Finance (MSF) degree prepares students for a professional career in the finance and banking industries. The program is CFA Institute affiliated and prepares students for CFA exams. The MSF is also a STEM program, hence international students are eligible for 3 years of OPT after graduation.

Program Overview

The program is designed to provide rigorous and focused training in finance, broaden opportunities in your career, and sharpen skills for the fast-changing and competitive world of modern finance. Job candidates with MSF degrees are highly desired in finance-specialized industries, particularly investment banking and asset management companies such as mutual funds, hedge funds, and pension funds. They are also sought after by corporate treasury departments.

Who is this program for?

A master’s program in finance is perfect for individuals interested in managing investments, analyzing markets, and optimizing financial strategies. Graduates often pursue careers as financial analysts, investment bankers, or portfolio managers, gaining expertise in corporate finance, risk management, and financial modeling.

Accreditation

The Gatton College of Business and Economics has been accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business since 1926. Similarly, the accounting programs within the Von Allmen School of Accountancy have been accredited by AACSB International since 1988 soon after AACSB began offering separate accreditation for accounting programs. Accreditation by AACSB has been earned by less than 5% of the world's business programs and demonstrates a commitment to ongoing continuous improvement to ensure that the institution will continue to deliver the highest quality of education to students.

Credential and Tuition

• Credential: MS
• Tuition / Credit Hour:
  • Resident: $980.50
  • Non-Resident: $1,397.50

Admission Requirements

Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.

Application Requirements

Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2026

• Round 1: 06/01/2025, Notification by July 3
• Round 2: 08/01/2025, Notification by Sept. 5
• Round 3: 09/01/2025, International Students must apply by Round 3, Notification by Oct. 3
• Round 4: 12/01/2025, Notification by Dec. 19

Fall 2026

• Round 1: 10/01/2025, Notification by Nov. 7
• Round 2: 12/01/2025, Notification by Jan. 9
• Round 3: 02/01/2026, Notification by March 6
• Round 4: 04/01/2026, Notification by May 1

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance is not explicitly stated in the provided context, but it is mentioned that degree requirements, course descriptions, and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.

Funding Options

As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program.