The George Washington University MSF program seems to be one I have written about and forgotten over the years. I frankly cannot believe it since I absolutely love the Capitol and this is a very well known university. I think the program has been updated some as the website and logo look new to me. Either way, since it has been a long time since I posted on this program and my original post is sorely lacking, I will use this as a comprehensive program overview to properly cover the degree on my site.
Overview
This is a 48 credit hour, STEM designated Masters in Finance program that can be completed in either 12-months (full time) or 24-months (part time), depending on class load you can handle/prefer. The program has been designed to combine quantitative and computer skills with financial theory and applications and students who have previous experience or a strong background in a specific area can ask to waive that particular requirement and substitute an elective instead.
The MSF is a cohort designed program which lays out a set list of classes that students will take together, lock step. Pros to this kind of program is you get a very close bond with your classmates and because MSF students are all taking a specific class, the level of material being taught tends to be higher than if the class was blended. The con is you can’t really customize your curriculum.
Class Profile
This is the incoming class profile for the 2024 MSF program.
- Average GPA – 3.3
- Average Age – 25
- Average Work Experience – 3 years
- International – 70%
- Countries Represented – 15
- Male / Female – 64% / 36%
When I first wrote about the program the average age was 28 with significant work experience. The MSF was much more in line with an MBA profile than one you would see at other Masters in Finance programs. This looks much more like MSF’s that other schools have now. Please note that the FAQ page says they are looking for a minimum of 2 years work experience so this would not be the ideal option for a fresh graduate.
The part time program will obviously skew towards more experienced individuals in the DC area, but the full time option is going to have more recent graduates. I would imagine the full time class size is currently much larger than the part time option.
Admissions
Standard application package – transcripts, resume, 3 letters of reference and statement of purpose. GMAT/GRE are not required, but can potentially strengthen your application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until May 31st. Scholarships and grants are on a first come basis so early is beneficial.
Tuition is $2,250 per credit hour (48 credit hours total). This comes out to $108,000 in tuition which is expensive compared to other programs. I do know GWU is a pricy university and the location is right in the district. Definitely something to consider when comparing or considering programs. Keep in mind, the university has a number of fellowships, assistantships and other scholarships to help reduce the cost of attendance.
MSF China
This program is jointly offered by Renmin University of China International College and is designed for Chinese students in particular. Graduates will receive an MSF degree from GWSB and students associated with Renmin University of China International College will also receive a certificate in financial training from RUC-IC.
Careers
I could not find a placement report or list of graduates, but the main site has the following:
“MSF graduates find employment at the most prestigious financial institutions including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo, among others. Moreover, GWSB’s unique location in Washington, D.C. offers MSF graduates the opportunity to be employed at prominent and attractive international financial organizations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the International Financial Corporation, and the Inter-American Development Bank. Furthermore, our graduates find employment with many government agencies such as the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Department of Treasury or with private financial corporations like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.”
I am sure this program will do well placement wise at the university is well known and regarded, especially within the DC finance scene.
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Glad that I checked in with this one as there has been a lot changed since I first wrote about the program. Highly recommend taking a look at this one if you are looking for a DC based MSF or focused on working in government/international finance. I’ll see if I can find out more for on this program.
Here is a link to the George Washington University MSF Program
