Program Overview

Master of Finance

The University of Dayton Master of Finance program offers exceptional preparation for many fields, including banking, financial analysis, brokerage, wealth management, private equity, corporate finance, insurance, and international business.

AACSB Dual-Accredited

The program holds a designation held by fewer than 2% of business schools worldwide.

CFA-affiliated Program

The Master of Finance program includes a CFA preparatory course to help students prepare to take CFA Exam I.

Program Overview

Degree Information and Courses

The flexibility of the curriculum makes it possible for students to complete the program in 12-24 months. The program is a STEM-designated program, which provides a significant advantage for international students. Graduates can apply for a 24-month extension on their Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing them to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.

Curriculum

Thirty credit hours (18 from required courses, 12 from electives) are needed to graduate. There is no thesis requirement.

Duration of Study

Choose from one of the following options:

• Option 1: Fall start; graduate in 12 months (fall, spring, summer)
• Option 2: Fall start, graduate in 21 months (fall, spring, summer, fall, spring)
• Option 3: Spring start; graduate in 24 months (spring, summer, fall, spring, summer, fall)
• Option 4: Five-year Bachelor's Plus Master's program (B.S. and MFin degrees in five years)

Program Highlights

• Resources from Two Investment Centers: The program offers extensive resources for traditional investments and ESG investments. The Davis Center for Portfolio Management provides industry-leading financial analysis software, including Bloomberg, FactSet, and Morningstar Direct.
• STEM-Designated Program: The program is STEM-designated, which provides a significant advantage for international students.
• Experiential Learning: Students have access to leading financial data services like Bloomberg, FactSet, Morningstar, and industry-specific technology like Bloomberg terminals.
• CFA-affiliated Program: The UD Department of Economics and Finance is a member of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the online application, students should submit the following:

1. Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities
2. Letters of recommendation from professors or employers (optional)
3. A resume
4. GMAT or GRE score
5. A personal statement (optional)

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is preferred. Prerequisites are Principles of Economics, Calculus, Statistics, Accounting, and Business Finance.

Application Deadlines

• Spring 2026: December 12, 2025
• Summer 2026: Applications not accepted this term
• Fall 2026: July 24, 2026

GMAT/GRE Requirements

The minimum scores are:

• GMAT: 500 (19 verbal)
• GRE: verbal 149, quantitative 146

Requirement Waiver

The GMAT/GRE requirement can be waived if students meet all the requirements for one of the following options:

• Option one:
  • A bachelor's degree in engineering, science, computer science, mathematics, economics, finance, or business from an accredited college or university
  • A minimum 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate mathematics courses
• Option two:
  • A minimum of three years of technical work experience
  • A minimum 3.2 overall undergraduate GPA
  • B's or better in all undergraduate mathematics courses

Related Degrees and Programs

• Business Administration (MBA)
• Business Analytics (MBAN)

Tuition and Financial Aid

Financial aid may be available for degree-seeking graduate students. Graduate assistantships are available through the Department of Economics and Finance.