Prospective MSF Students

The SJSU Master of Science in Finance program provides you with a world-class curriculum taught by cutting-edge, experienced finance faculty. You'll take advantage of the interactive courses, flexible schedule, and a network of top-tier students in the Silicon Valley which enable you to enhance collaboration and learning experience. 

Our program offers corporate finance courses in the areas of: 

Financial Modeling and Data Visualization
Financial Planning and Analysis 
Financial Derivatives in Corporate Finance
Business Valuation

Attend an MS Finance Information Session!
Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 6:00 – 7:00pm
Sign up here!

To contact the Lucas Graduate School of Business with general questions, to learn more about our programs, or admission requirements, please email: lucas-school@sjsu.edu or complete this survey.

Apply to LGSB

The MS in Finance program offers admission once per year in Fall. Please use our step-by-step application process for domestic and international applicants. 

Apply to MSF today to begin a rewarding, in-demand corporate finance career while helping organizations achieve their financial goals. Visit CalState.edu/apply. 

Request Information

To receive program updates complete this request for information form. 

Admission Requirements

• What are the admission requirements for the MS in Finance program?

  • A 4-year 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.  For foreign degree - World Education Service (evaluation) is required.

    A preferred GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.

    Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.

    A personal statement of one to two pages explaining how an MSF can help to achieve the applicant’s career objectives.

    A resume detailing the candidate’s professional and academic experiences.

    Optional: 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.

    Optional: Up to two Letters of Recommendation.

    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.

• GMAT/GRE (Optional)
  • 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.
• What are the prerequisites for the MS in Finance program?

  • Fundamentals of Finance (at SJSU this course is BUS1 170).

    Statistics (at SJSU this course is BUS2 90).

    If you need to complete Statistics you can find equivalent courses* at California colleges or take them online through Straighterline.

    If you need to complete Fundamentals of Finance (BUS1 170), the course will be offered over the summer at SJSU to help you fulfill the prerequisite, based on available seatings. 

    Both prerequisites must be completed with a grade of B or higher by July 25.

• What are the application deadlines?  

  • The MS in Finance program admits once per year. 

    CSU application (Fall admission only) 

    Domestic applicants (not requiring a visa)
    Fall applications open October 1 - May 1
    Application deadline: May 1
    Document deadline: May 20

    International applicants
    Fall applications open October 1 - April 1
    Application deadline: April 1
    Document deadline: April 20

Program Overview

• What are MS in Finance program learning objectives?

  • 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. 

• What is the pace of the program? 

  • The Master of Science in Finance program consists of 30 units.

    Course sessions will be scheduled in eight week sessions with a hybrid mode of offerings: including but not limited to Zoom sessions, in-person, weekend, or evening class sessions – a convenient format for working professionals.

    Sample course schedule
    Curriculum

    We offer courses year-round in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. Students will have the flexibility of pursuing the degree track that best suits their schedule:

    Full-time track (12 months)

    Students in the full-time track can expect to take 12 units in the Spring, 14 units in the Fall, and 4 units in the Summer.

    Part-time track (21 months)

    Students in the part-time track in year one: 6 units in the Spring, 6 units in the Fall, and 3 units in the Summer.

    Students in the part-time track in year two: 6 units in the Spring, 9 units in the Fall, and 0 units in the Summer.

• How much does the MS in Finance program cost? 

  • Full-time: Estimated tuition costs are $20,000-$21,000 for California residents and $32,000-$33,000 for non-residents and international students.

    Part-time: Estimated tuition costs are $25,000-$26,000 for California residents and $36,000-$38,000 for non-residents and international students.

    The range of fees is dependent on the program pace (full-time, or part-time).

• Is the MS in Finance program open to international students? 

  • Yes. Prospective students should contact the SJSU International Student and Scholar Services.

• Who can I contact to learn more? 

  • To contact the Lucas Graduate School of Business with general questions, to learn more about our programs, or admission requirements, please email: lucas-school@sjsu.edu or complete this survey.