Mizzou Launches Online Master of Science in Finance Degree

A new online graduate program is connecting working professionals, recent graduates and even senior business students to a competitive degree in Finance. The Master of Science in Finance (MS Finance) is available completely online, enabling both working professionals to gain academic qualifications while also connecting college seniors with a Master’s in as little as six additional months of study.

Classes begin in August 2018, and the program is 100 percent online, although students with access to Columbia have the option of taking up to 45 percent of their course work on campus. 

“Establishing the MS Finance online means we can connect our academic offerings to an expanded group of students and professionals. The MS Finance develops strong analytical skills and financial decision-making ability; its availability online improves access and helps more of our students meet their academic and career goals,” said Dan French, online MS Finance director and Jeffrey E. Smith Missouri Professor of Finance.     

Strong student outcomes

Ajay Vinzé, Dean of the Trulaske College of Business, said students in the online MS Finance program should expect the same quality programs and services offered to business students on campus. “Because of our world class professional development opportunities and career services, our students are launching and advancing impressive careers. MS Finance participants will join the ranks of our remarkable alumni by accessing the same nationally recognized programming.”

Significant demand exists for individuals with a specialized finance master’s degree, and the MS Finance can open new opportunities for graduates of the program. Program participants will benefit from Business Career Services, which boasts a placement rate in excess of 92 percent with more than 1,000 companies recruiting its students.

The 4+½ Program: Leaving Mizzou career ready

The MS Finance 4+½ Program allows undergraduate students at Mizzou to begin MS Finance course work during their senior year and receive the MS Finance degree in as little as one semester plus one summer session after finishing their bachelor’s degree. Students must meet a series of GPA and credit-hour requirements to qualify.

“Accessibility was an important part of our conversation when we established the degree,” said Dr. French. “The 4+½ Program is a great example of how we can maximize a student’s time to help them reach their goals faster.”

Convenience for busy students

Students may complete the program full-time or part-time by taking classes fully online or in combination with on-campus classes. All program participants participate in a one-week study abroad experience with costs covered by the program.

The program is currently accepting applications for the fall 2018 semester. For more information about the program, visit MSFinance.missouri.edu.