carroll school of management

msfMaster of Science in Finance

Globalization, new technologies, ever-evolving regulations, and novel financial instruments: the landscape of finance is constantly changing.

To succeed in this constantly evolving environment, industry professionals need a thorough grounding in the enduring principles that underlie financial markets.

By focusing on fundamental economic principles,

the MSF Program at Boston College prepares students

to navigate and manage unpredictable economic

landscapes. MSF students gain valuable experience

through case studies, internships, field study, and real-

world consulting projects. Classes are small, fostering

a strong sense of community and collegiality, and

students have remarkable access to some of the finest

teachers and researchers in the world.

program detailsThe MSF Program helps students deepen their

knowledge of finance, broaden their opportunities

within the industry, and become recognized

leaders in their fields.

It is designed to meet the diverse needs of

finance professionals at different stages of their

careers. It is also suited for recent undergraduates

beginning their careers in finance, and for math-

ematicians, economists, engineers, computer

scientists, and others who are considering a new

career in the world of finance.

schedUling options

fUll time

Cohort (accelerated) format » Students in the

accelerated program can complete the MSF in

one full year of study. Students progress through

the program as a cohort, fostering exceptional

camaraderie and creating a supportive network—

one that continues long after the program comes

to an end.

Quantitative track » Designed for full-time students,

the quantitative track MSF offers a thorough

grounding in technical and analytical skills. The

quantitative track consists of 11 courses, including

five doctoral-level courses, and can be completed

in three semesters.

part time

Self-paced option » The self-paced option meets

the needs of individuals who wish to continue their

careers while pursuing advanced study. While

course enrollment is flexible, self-paced students

typically complete the program in 20 months.

Master of Science in Finance

Jill Glaser, MSF ’04Equity Research Associate Analyst, Credit Suisse

“At PricewaterhouseCoopers I gained practical ex-perience in the field of accounting. Then I chose to invest a year in the Boston College MSF Program for broader exposure to financial markets and deeper knowledge of what drives the value of firms.

The curriculum provided a full understanding of corporate finance, capital markets, and invest-ments. The faculty drew on real-world examples to illustrate the material, and my classmates contributed knowledge from their diverse back-grounds, making the classroom discussions interesting and informative.

My experiences at BC proved to be invaluable as I started a career in equity research following completion of the program.”

Sample Curricula and Course Sequences

program reQUirementsAll candidates are required to complete the following

courses prior to beginning the program: accounting,

calculus, financial management, and statistics.

Economics, if not already completed, may be taken

as part of the MSF Program and is a requirement for

graduation. Prior to applying to the quantitative track

MSF Program, applicants must have the following

coursework: three semesters of calculus, one semes-

ter of linear algebra, and one semester of statistics.

» www.bc.edU/msf

fUll time

cohort (accelerated) msf

fall coUrses credits

Investments 3

Corporate Finance 3

Financial Econometrics 3

Management of Financial Institutions 3

spring coUrses credits

Theory of Corporate Finance 3

Two of the following: Fixed Income Analysis; Portfolio Theory; Derivatives and Risk Management

6

One Elective 3

sUmmer coUrses credits

Financial Policy 3

One Elective 3

total credit hoUrs/coUrses 30/10

QUantitatiVe tracK msf

first year, fall coUrses credits

Math for Economists 3

Statistics 3

Corporate Finance 3

Investments 3

first year, spring coUrses credits

Econometrics 3

Capital Markets 3

Derivatives and Risk Management 3

Fixed Income Analysis 3

second year, fall coUrses credits

Empirical Asset Pricing 3

Portfolio Theory 3

One Elective 3

total credit hoUrs/coUrses 33/11

part time

self-paced msf

first year, first semester* credits

Investments 3

Corporate Finance 3

first year, second semester credits

Financial Econometrics 3

Management of Financial Institutions 3

first year, third semester credits

One of the following: Fixed Income Analysis; Portfolio Theory; Derivatives and Risk Management

3

One Elective 3

second year, first semester credits

Theory of Corporate Finance 3

One of the following: Fixed Income Analysis; Portfolio Theory; Derivatives and Risk Management

3

second year, second semester credits

Financial Policy 3

One Elective 3

total credit hoUrs/coUrses 30/10

* Students who choose the self-paced option may begin the program in September or January.

applied learningExperiential learning is an integral part of the cur-

riculum for MSF students at Boston College. The

Curriculum in Investment Research and Manage-

ment (CIRM) Program, for example, offers a reality-

based curriculum that merges theoretical learning

with hands-on workshops. For qualifying students,

the program culminates in “live money” portfolio

management.

The School also offers off-campus opportunities

for graduate students to learn directly from industry

professionals. Our TechTrek course features visits to

Silicon Valley, Seattle, and New York City, allowing

students to tour some of the nation’s hottest tech

firms and meet with venture capitalists, CEOs, and

entrepreneurs. The International Management

Experience culminates in an international trip to

interact with business leaders and government

officials. And in the International Consulting Project,

students travel to countries such as China or Peru

to work with clients on specific business challenges.

Graduate students at the Carroll School fulfill

the University’s tradition of service by serving as

mentors, role models, or tutors in underserved

communities, or by providing pro bono professional

services to local nonprofit organizations. Numerous

student clubs, including the Graduate Management

Association and the Graduate Finance Association,

provide additional opportunities for students to gain

significant leadership experience as well as develop

their personal and professional interests.

» www.bc.edU/msfappliedlearning

dUal-degree programsThrough the Carroll School’s Master of Business

Administration/MSF and Master of Science in

Accounting/MSF programs, MSF candidates gain

additional skills and knowledge as well as a broader

perspective on the field of finance. Individuals

with advanced training in multiple disciplines also

enjoy a competitive edge. Candidates can complete

the requirements of dual-degree programs in signifi-

cantly less time than it would take to pursue each

program separately.

» www.bc.edU/msfdUaldegrees

» www.bc.edU/msffacUlty

Faculty

Pierluigi BalduzziProfessor; PhD, University of California, Los Angeles

David ChapmanAssociate Professor; PhD, University of Rochester

Thomas J. ChemmanurProfessor; PhD, New York University

Clifford G. HoldernessProfessor; MSc, London School of Economics; JD, Stanford University

Edith HotchkissAssociate Professor; PhD, New York University

Oguzhan KarakasAssistant Professor; PhD, London Business School

Darren KisgenAssociate Professor; PhD, University of Washington

Nadya MalenkoAssistant Professor; PhD, Stanford University

Alan MarcusMario J. Gabelli Endowed Chair and Professor; PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Alicia H. MunnellPeter F. Drucker Professor; PhD, Harvard University

Dmitriy MuravyevAssistant Professor; PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Helen Frame PetersProfessor; PhD, University of Pennsylvania

Jeffrey PontiffJames F. Cleary Chair in Finance and Professor; PhD, University of Rochester

Jun QianAssociate Professor; PhD, University of Pennsylvania

Jonathan ReuterAssistant Professor; PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ronnie SadkaProfessor; PhD, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

Philip E. StrahanJohn L. Collins, S.J., Chair in Finance and Professor; PhD, University of Chicago

Robert A. TaggartProfessor; PhD, Massachu-setts Institute of Technology

Jerome TaillardAssistant Professor; PhD, Ohio State University

Hassan TehranianGriffith Family Millennium Chair, Professor, and Chair-person of the Department; Director, Center for Asset Management; PhD, Univer-sity of Alabama

Jun QianAssociate Professor, Finance

“You can’t teach advanced finance out of a textbook because the field is constantly changing. A text written three years ago would look ridiculous today. In my classes, I incorporate case studies that examine real issues facing real companies.

I often include my own research into class discus-sions as well, especially of hot-button issues like CEO compensation and credit ratings. Doing so allows us to talk about these issues in greater depth.

Members of the finance faculty at Boston College are all deeply involved in research; at the same time, each of us pays close attention to teaching. For me, it’s an honor and a privilege to be here.”

Jun Qian’s research focuses on theoretical and empirical corporate finance and financial institutions. He is particularly interested in the global connections among financial contracts, laws and institutions, and economic growth. He also studies the development of financial systems in emerging markets. A research fellow at the Wharton Financial Institutions Center, he is a member of the American Finance Association and Western Finance Association.

fUll-time cohort (accelerated) msf Job placement data (2010–2012)

compensationEighty percent of salaries fall between $55,000–$85,000.

employment by indUstryConsultingConsumer Banking Consumer Goods/Retail

Financial ServicesInsuranceManufacturing

representatiVe list of hiring companiesBarclays CapitalThe Boston Company

Asset ManagementCanaccord GenuityCredit Suisse GroupDeloitte ConsultingDuff & PhelpsEuroConsultFidelity InvestmentsIM John HancockLoomis Sayles

Marvin Windows and Doors

NomuraPiper JaffrayPricewaterhouseCoopersProvidence Equity PartnersRBS Citizens, N.A.StaplesState StreetTowers WatsonUBS Wealth ManagementWilmington Trust

Data is not yet available for the quantitative track MSF. The first class matriculated in fall 2012.

part-time cohort (accelerated) msf entering class of 2013 profile*

academic profileAverage GMAT 606Average undergraduate GPA 3.1Average years of work experience 8.2

class compositionAverage age 31Age range 23–50Women 19%International students 6%

* Placement data not available for graduates of the self-paced MSF.

» www.bc.edU/msfcareers

fUll-time cohort (accelerated) msf entering class of 2013 profile

academic profileAverage GMAT 703Average GRE 1356Average undergraduate GPA 3.53Years of work experience 0–6

class compositionAverage age 24Age range 21–36AHANA (African American, Hispanic, 7%

Asian American, and Native American) Women 37%International students 78%

total international enrollment Includes: Canada, China, France, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Russia, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Vietnam

UndergradUate maJorsAccounting 5%Business/Commerce 15%Double major 27%Economics 7%Engineering 3%Finance 32%Humanities/Social Science 2%Math/Physical Science 2%Other 7%

Entering class profile data as of July 15, 2013.

Careers and the Alumni Network

MSF graduates typically go on to jobs in corporate

finance, asset management, and investment banking.

Boston College’s Career Strategies office provides

career guidance and support through workshops as

well as on-campus company information sessions,

industry lunches, and roundtables.

Graduates of the MSF Program join a loyal and

influential alumni network. Today, the Boston College

alumni community encompasses more than 162,000

individuals all over the world, including more than

35,000 graduates of the Carroll School.

Admission

The Boston College MSF Program seeks students with

outstanding potential for leadership and academic excel-

lence. While notable for the diversity of their individual

achievements, our students all present a consistent record

of taking initiative, leading change, and demonstrating a

desire to make an impact in the world.

how to applyEach candidate must complete an application for

admission, which includes transcripts of all academic

work, two essays, and two letters of recommendation.

Prior work or leadership experience as well as evidence

of management potential are significant criteria in the

admissions process.

All applicants are required to take the Graduate

Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate

Record Examination (GRE).

Applicants whose native language is not English must

take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL),

the Pearson Test of English (PTE), or the International

English Language Testing System (IELTS). All candidates

must be graduates of accredited colleges or universities.

» www.bc.edU/msfadmission

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t: 617–552–4488 | f: 617–552–8078 | e: bcmsf@bc.edU

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