It has been a quite while since I last wrote about the University of Kentucky Masters in Finance program and in that time a lot has changed.. I’ve been seeing a lot on LinkedIn about the degree and the program seems to be run incredibly well, which is great to see and something I know all of you will have an interest in. Below is an overview of the program as a whole as well as admissions timing and requirements. Enjoy!
Overview
The program is a 10-month, 30 credit hour MSF program. The program is STEM Certified, provides students real world experience managing $5MM in capital in the student management investment fund. The degree also has a focus on analytics and data science related skills in courses through Python,Tableau, and MS Excel. The MSF degree is also part of the CFA Institute University Recognition Program.
Students select 5 classes in the spring and fall (a total of 13 classes are offered). For those looking to finish the degree at a slower pace, the program can be completed in longer than a year. Keep in mind that international students must take at least 9 credit hours a semester.
Tuition for the program is broken down two ways: Resident and Non-Resident
- Kentucky Resident (with at least one on campus class) – $29,244
- Non-Resident (with at least one on campus class) – $40,104
Admissions
Deadline to apply for Fall 2021 admission is April 30 for international students and June 30 for domestic students. Students applying for this upcoming admissions cycle need to submit a GMAT/GRE score. Application requirements are pretty standard, but there are some nuances with the GMAT/GRE requirements. Below is from the KU website:
“The GMAT/GRE exams may be waived by the MSF Admissions Committee as part of the graduate test requirement for the Master of Science in Finance program. Sole discretion of any GMAT/GRE waiver remains with the MSF Admissions Committee and any waiver granted does not guarantee acceptance. The following criteria may be considered for waivers:
- If the applicant has been awarded a Masters, Doctorate, or a terminal degree such as in Law, Dentistry, Medicine or Pharmacy Doctorate, or presently enrolled in such programs and in good standing
- If the applicant has an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher
- If the applicant has professional work experience or has obtained additional professional certifications. Special considerations will be given to experience, position(s) held, tenure, professional responsibilities and specific accomplishments in finance. Combined with career experience, additional considerations will be given to those who have demonstrated prior academic achievement. Professional certifications include CPA, CFA, FRM, professional trainings/courses and/or credentials.
I think this is pretty interesting. Many students who apply for an MSF either have previous experience or another masters. This should be a great benefit for many of you considering this program. Also, please consider the below:
Minimum Test Scores & Additional Considerations
- The minimum undergraduate GPA requirement is 2.75.
- We accept either TOEFL or IELTS or DUOLINGO: minimum TOEFL score is 550 (paper-based) 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based). The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. Minimum DUOLINGO is 115 plus an online interview.
- Minimum GMAT is 550 and minimum GRE is 300.
Career Outcomes
On the homepage, the program boasts a 74% placement rate and average starting salary of $64,375. This is great. Below is a list of firms that have hired recent Kentucky MSF graduates.
- Nūrtūr Holdings
- Stantec
- Gordon Brothers
- Unified Trust
- PWC
- U.S. Treasury Department
- Fifth Third Bank
- Citizens Bank
- AT&T
This is only a handful of firms, but I thought it was a nice selection. You can find more names on the school’s website.
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I will work on getting a student review or more placement information for everyone. All in all, I am incredibly impressed with this program and am excited to learn more. Keep checking back!
Here is a link to the University of Kentucky Masters in Finance Program
