Master of Science in Financial Analytics

How do I apply for this program?

Apply using the online graduate application.

What are the application requirements?

• Application requirements can be located in the catalog at this link. 

What are the application deadlines?

The university application deadlines can be found here. 

What if my application is late by a few days after the deadline?

The application will be available until the university deadline. After the deadline, prospective students may apply for the next available term and then contact the Graduate Office to request that the application be considered for the previous term. Acceptance is not guaranteed, but staff will do everything possible to consider applications for the first-choice term. 

Can I send my application information to the school for an evaluation before I apply?

The assistant director and academic director of the program welcome queries but cannot review application materials and 'pre-admit' students to the program before the complete application is submitted and reviewed by the admissions committee.

What is the minimum accepted GMAT/GRE score?

To be considered for admission, the minimum GMAT score is 550 (or equivalent GRE score). Applicants with lower GMAT or GRE scores may be admitted if the application as a whole convinces the committee that the applicant warrants an admission to the major. 

I took the GMAT/GRE a few years ago. Will I have to re-take the test?

GMAT/GRE scores are only valid for five years.

Can I get the GMAT/GRE requirements waived?

To request consideration for a GMAT/GRE waiver, students must meet one of two options and upload the appropriate form to their application:

GPA waivers will be considered from applicants holding a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better from USF or one of its peer/aspirant universities.

CFA waivers will be considered for applicants who passed Level 1 of the CFA exam as evidenced by an attached letter from the CFA Institute.

Do I need to take the TOEFL? What is the minimum score?

International applicants from non-English speaking countries or who have not earned a degree from an English speaking country must provide proof of English proficiency. Please reference the application requirements section of this link. 

What code do I use to send test scores to USF?

The institution code for USF is 5828 and applies to all tests administered by ETS (GRE and TOEFL). For the GMAT, the school/program code is VP9-M4-86.

Are there any special application instructions?

All documents must be in a pdf format and attach them to the online application (do not send any hard copy documents). Once an admissions decision is made the USF Office of Graduate Studies will contact applicants for any required hard copies. Questions about the online application process should be directed to Graduate Admissions.

How does the application process work?

Applications are accepted by the USF Office of Admissions and are sent to the school for evaluation when the required documents have been attached to the online application. It's best not to submit your application until you have all documents ready. Once the applications are complete and the application fee paid, they are evaluated by the Muma College of Business as well as the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance and finally by the Office of Admissions who will contact you with an admission decision. This can take a few weeks to more than a month, depending on the number of applications received.

How can I check my application status?

Applicants may review admissions status online. Note that if the status reads that an application has been 'referred' to the school, this just means it has left the Office of Admissions. It is reviewed by several other departments before a final admission decision is made. 

I have questions about the online application, who should I contact?

Below are some common application questions. If you have other queries concerning the online application and required documents, they can be directed to the Graduate Studies Academic Program Specialist Le’Shelle Davis.

• What should I do if my GPA is not scored out of 4.0 points? Just estimate your GPA; staff evaluate transcipts and review grades.
• My credits are calculated differently, as I am an international student - what should I enter? Just estimate! Staff will not look at this field for international students.
• The application asks about a certification, do I need this? This refers to College of Education graduate students only. Our program does not require a certification.
• The Office of Graduate Studies websites mention sending hard copies. Should I do this? Please attach all required documents as PDFs to with the online application. Do not send any hard copies until after an admissions decision has been made.

Can I defer my admission if necessary?

Applicants can request a deferment of up to one year by contacting Academic Services Administrator Stacee Bender.

I just got admitted. What do I do next?

The program advisor will provide registration instructions once admissions have been finalized. In the meantime, applicants should complete any other requirements that are outstanding with the university such as immunizations, immigration, etc.

Can I transfer from another university's master's program?

Students who are interested in transferring to USF should apply using the same process as all other graduate applicants. If admitted, courses completed at another AACSB accredited school can be considered for transfer if the course is deemed to be equivalent and applicable to USF's degree program. Only grades of B or better are transferable.

How long will it take to complete my degree requirements? Can I complete the program in one year?

The program requires 30 credit hours of coursework and may be taken either full-time or part-time. USF course offerings are scheduled such that interested full-time students who have already taken all required prerequisites and are willing to take the required course load can complete the program in a year or less (fall and spring, or fall, spring and summer) of study. Part-time students can finish in six (or fewer) semesters.

Can I complete the program online?

No. This on-campus program includes a combination of on-campus and online coursework.

What courses are included in the MS in Financial Analytics program?

Program information can be found at the program page.

How many classes do students take each semester?

Students may choose to take any number of classes each semester, subject only to scheduling constraints. We however recommend that full-time students take three or four courses (9-12 credit hours) every semester. International student are required to carry at least nine credits in order to maintain their immigration status (except for summer and graduating semester). Students working full-time often choose to take fewer classes each semester to balance work and study.

Can students focus their electives on a specific career track?

Yes, finance and supporting business electives can be selected to prepare for a variety of career tracks including financial analyst, financial planner, and financial researcher. 

How much will the program cost?

Florida has one of the lowest costs nationwide of completing an academic degree. Total estimated program costs can be found at the web USF admission website or the Tuition and Fees web page.

Are there any scholarships or graduate assistant positions available?

Scholarship information can be found at the Office of Graduate Studies scholarship web page. A limited number of graduate assistantships are available. The assistantships include partial tuition waivers.

Are there part-time jobs available on campus?

Yes, these positions exist, though they become available on an irregular basis. MS Finance students have received part-time positions including TA positions.

Can I get practical training while in the program?

Co-Curricular Practical Training has very specific requirements. Students in the MSFA program may participate in an internship but would need to register for a cooperative internship course. These credits do not count towards the degree requirements. As of Fall 2024, the MSFA program is STEM designated and therefore students can apply for Optional Practical Training for up to 36 months. 

I'm an international student, where can I get help on the documents needed to attend USF?

Information for international students can be found at the Admissions Information for International Students website and the International Services website.

I have never traveled abroad before. What resources are available to make my initial arrival comfortable when I reach USF?

Following the American spirit of self-help, many student organizations on campus do their best to make your arrival and early days as pleasant as possible. Examples include the USF Friends of Internationals Ministry, a faith-based organization.