I figure it is time for an refreshed overview of the American University Masters in Finance program. Lots have changed and this program, being in the heart of Washington DC, is always popular. I have posted about this MSF over the years and the degree has continued to evolve and mature. I will make an effort to stay on top of this program better in the future.
Overview
This program is 33 credit hours in length, comprised of 12 core classes and 21 electives, allowing you to customize the program to your liking. Offered either as full time (12 months) or part time option, the Kogod MSF gives students the flexibility to complete their degree as their schedule will permit. For international students, this is STEM designated which is essential. Classes are held on the DC campus so you can study at the gates of the nations capital.
Academically, the program is designed to prepares you for the CFA, CAIA, CFP, and FRM exams, all of which help advance your career. The university has a number of certificates that you can tack on to the MSF giving your education additional focus. The 12 credits that each certificate requires can be applied to your MSF or MBA which is an amazing benefit. Students can earn certificates in Analytics, Forensic Accounting, Islamic Finance, Real Estate, Taxation and Business Fundamentals.
Class Profile
- Average GPA – 3.31
- International – 42%
- Average Age – 26
- Average Work Experience – 1.3 years
- Women – 32%
Career Outcomes
The university provides some career information that I think it always helpful when assessing a programs merit. Placements look high and the list of firms hiring graduates makes sense as most of them have a strong presence in the DC or Northern Virginia area.
- 94% placement six months after graduation (employed or in graduate school)
A sampling of firms who have recently hired graduates include:
- Capital One
- Freddie Mac
- Sun Trust Bank
- TIAA
- The World Bank
- Cambridge Associates
- Merril Lynch
- Bloomberg LP
- Deloitte
- The Carlyle Group
Admissions
The application process is fairly standard. Resume, recommendations, essays, etc. GMAT and GRE are required, but you can get a waiver. The waiver process is simple – need to have one of the following:
- A minimum of three years of work experience in one of the finance industries.
- Successful completion of the CFA Level 1
- An undergraduate business degree with a minimum 3.25 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- A graduate business degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
Tuition for the 2023-2024 class year is $1,192 per credit hour or $63,426 for the degree. There are both merit and need based scholarships that students are automatically eligible for.
Admissions deadlines are as follows:
Fall 2023
| July 1, 2023 | All applications due at this time |
They have not updated things for the 2024-2025 class year, but Spring deadlines are usually early in October. Anyone interested in the program should start getting things ready now as they will have plenty of time during the summer to get everything together.
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Tons of great things going on with the American University MSF program. Love seeing the placement success and the ability to roll certificates into a graduate degree is a great benefit. Specialization can really make an application stand out. The program being located in Washington DC allows for incredible networking and internship opportunities and you are 3-4 hours from all the major eastern cities.
I’ll stay on top of this program better than I have historically. Stay tuned for more in the future.
Here is a link to the American University Masters in Finance Program
