Self-support, offered through the College of Extended and Global Education

The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program provides post-baccalaureate students pursuing a career in investments with a high-quality master-level education in the field of investment. The objective is to educate post-baccalaureate students to be experts in investment analysis and portfolio management. The Master of Science in Finance is open to all qualified students regardless of undergraduate major.

The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) 4:1 Option (blended) is a variant of the regular MSF program. It provides CSUSB undergraduate students in the BA in Administration program with a concentration in Finance with a route to a graduate degree. The 4:1 Option (blended) provides a seamless process whereby students can progress from undergraduate to graduate status by allowing for the transfer of credit for 3 courses (9 units) from the finance concentration to the MSF program. Admission to the MSF 4:1 Option (blended) is by invitation from the Department of Accounting and Finance.

Admission to the MSF Program

Admission to the MSF (Master Science in Finance) program is based on a holistic review of the entire application package, evaluating academic preparation, professional potential, and alignment with focus on financial analytics. In addition to the general university requirements, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

1. Bachelor's degree and GPA: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with at least GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale may still be considered if they have STEM designated undergraduate degree or demonstrate at least 1 year of relevant professional experience in finance, data analysis, technology, or related fields.  
2. Statement of Purpose: Submit a 500-750 word statement outlining your career goals, how the MSF program's curriculum will help the applicant to achieve his or her goals and to gain any relevant quantitative or analytical experience. And the applicant needs to highlight his or her interest in financial analytics.
3. Resume: Provide a current resume detailing academic background, professional experience, internships, skills, and extracurriculars. Quantitative or technical experience is highly regarded in evaluation. 
4. Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions are required. The department will evaluate quantitative readiness based on coursework in areas such as statistics, calculus, linear algebra, programming, or economics. A minimum of one undergraduate course (or equivalent professional training) in statistics is preferred. If deficiencies are identified, applicants may be admitted conditionally and required to complete a bridge course prior to enrollment.
5. Recommendation Letter: A letter of recommendation is encouraged but not required. For applicants with non-finance backgrounds or lower GPAs, it is recommended to highlight quantitative strengths in the letter.    
6. Standardized Tests: No GMAT or GRE required, aligning with the program's emphasis on practical analytics skills over test scores.
7. English Proficiency for International Students:  International applicants whose primary language is not English and who have not completed three years of full-time study at an English-medium institution must submit scores from TOEFL (minimum 550/PBT, 213/CBT, 79-80/IBT), IELTS (minimum 6.5), or Duolingo (minimum 110), taken within the past two years. Completion of Level 4 of CSUSB's Intensive English Program also satisfies this requirement.
8. Optional Portfolio: Applicants may submit a portfolio of quantitative work (e.g., a research project, financial model, or data analysis sample) to strengthen their application, particularly for those from non-traditional backgrounds.
9. Upcoming CSUSB graduates (MSF 4:1 Option): CSUSB undergraduates meeting the MSF 4:1 criteria (detailed below) may apply directly;  contact the MSF Director or department chair for details.

Admission to the MSF 4:1 Option (Blended) Program

This accelerated pathway allows eligible CSUSB undergraduates to begin MSF coursework in their senior year, reducing time to degree completion. In addition to the university requirements, invitations are based on:

1. Academic Standing: Must be a CSUSB undergraduate with junior standing or higher.
2. Residency Units: Completed at least 12 upper-division units in residence at CSUSB.
3. Coursework: Completed FIN 3001 and FIN 3002 with a GPA  of 2.75 or higher across these two courses or instructor's recommendation;
4. Graduation Timeline: Not in the semester of baccalaureate degree completion.
5. Overall GPA: Minimum CSUSB GPA of 2.75, or by the MSF Director’s or department chair’s consent.

Accepted 4:1 students receive conditionally classified status. Status become fully classified upon the bachelor's degree completion. Graduate assistantship may be available for qualified students on a competitive basis.

Advancement to Candidacy

To be advanced to candidacy, a student must have:

1. Achieved classified standing;
2. Completed at least 15 semester units of applicable graduate-level course work at the university, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0;
3. Completed an approved graduate program plan in consultation with an MSF advisor after achieving classified status;
4. Secured the approval of candidacy from the MSF Graduate Director and the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Requirements for Graduation

1. A minimum of 33-semester units of acceptable graduate-level work, as shown in the "Degree Requirements" with a grade point average of 3.0 in all course work taken after admission to conditionally classified or classified status, and grades of "C" (2.0) or better in all courses in the program;
2. Successful completion of an integrative comprehensive examination (FIN 6980). Successful completion means students correctly answer at least 80% of the comprehensive exam questions. Students with a grade point average below 3.0 will not be permitted to take the examination. A “no credit” (NC) designation will be entered on the student’s transcript if he/she fails the examination. Students who do not receive a passing grade may repeat the examination, one additional time only, with the written approval of the MSF Graduate Coordinator. Only students who are currently classified, have been advanced to candidacy, have completed their core classes, and are not on probation may take the examination.
3. Successful completion of FIN 6985 (MSF Portfolio) which includes preparation and submission of a portfolio of course work. The portfolio includes a reflective essay showing how the portfolio demonstrates the accomplishment of essential goals for the program. Students register for this 0-unit course after advancement to candidacy.
4. Successful completion of FIN 6980 meets the culminating experience requirement and successful completion (a grade of "B" (3.0), or better);
5. At least 24-semester units completed at California State University, San Bernardino.

Degree Requirements (33 units)

(Program Code: FINA)

FIN 5780	Financial Analytics I	3
FIN 5790	Financial Analytics II	3
FIN 6771	Ethical and Professional Standards	3
FIN 6772	Quantitative Methods for Finance	3
FIN 6773	Financial Market and Environment	3
FIN 6774	Financial Statement Analysis I	3
FIN 6776	Advanced Corporate Finance	3
FIN 6777	Portfolio Management	3
FIN 6778	Global Equity Investment	3
FIN 6779	Fixed Income	3
FIN 6780	Derivative and Alternative Investment	3
FIN 6985	MSF Portfolio	0
Culminating Experience (0)		0
Total Units		33

Culminating Experience (0 units)

FIN 6980	Finance Comprehensive Examination	0
Total Units		0