Why We Stand Out
$120K
Average salary with this degree
according to Glassdoor.com
12 Months
Complete the program in as little as 12 months!
Delivery
Online and Face to Face options available
CFA Exam
We offer a curriculum based on the CFA Body of Knowledge
Our Program Paves the Way For Every Individual
Our program caters to working professionals who aspire to advance their careers.
What Makes This
Program Different?
The Master of Science in Finance & Investment Management (MSF) program is the only program of its kind in North Carolina. Offering both online and a face to face modality to students.
Designed to prepare you for senior positions in portfolio management, security analysis, investment banking, risk management, corporate finance, or private wealth management, this program is tailored to closely align with CFA Institute's Candidate Body of Knowledge (CFA® CBOK).
Transform Your Future with a Master’s in Finance
Advance your career in the finance industry with a Master of Science in Finance (MSF) from UNCW. Our program prepares you for the CFA exam and provides a strong foundation in investment management, ethics, and professional standards. With flexible online courses and a STEM designation, the MSF program accommodates busy professionals and offers valuable networking opportunities. Enhance your professional reputation and increase your earning potential with UNCW’s MSF program.
While exploring UNCW, I was attracted to the accelerated structure of the MSF degree (7 week courses) as well as the ability to complete all coursework online. The program was presented to be well rounded and was the only one of its kind offered in NC. I feel worthy to take on any tasks professionally now and I know I graduated from the best MSF program in the country.
FAQs
For which careers will the MSF program prepare me?
Some careers this program will prepare you for are: equity analyst, fixed income analyst, portfolio analyst, portfolio manager, chief investment officer, wealth manager, financial planner, and financial risk manager.
What does it mean that the MSF is part of the CFA Institute University affiliation program?
CFA Institute, the global professional body for investment managers, recognizes the MSF program for embedding at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) into the MSF curriculum.
This program also provides MSF students with scholarships to the CFA Program and assurance their course of study is aligned with the skills demanded by employers.
What is the CFA Program and why is it important?
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program is the premier globally recognized professional designation for investment managers. It is not a license but rather a signal of competence and ethical understanding sought by employers. It develops proficiency in quantitative methods, asset valuation, portfolio management, and wealth planning. The CFA Program is typically completed by those with backgrounds in finance, accounting, economics or business.
Will the MSF program help me prepare to earn the CFA designation?
Yes. The MSF curriculum is designed around the CFA Body of Knowledge. Most MSF professors use the CFA Program curriculum in their classes, and many are CFA charterholders who are very familiar with the program.
Do I need to start the program at a specific time with a cohort?
No. There are six different points each year that you can begin the program. F2F students seeking to satisfy an F-1 visa requirement have only 2 or 3 entry points.
When are classes offered?
MSF classes are 7 weeks long. There are two terms of 7-week classes during the traditional Fall and Spring semesters. There are two 7-week terms during the summer, as well.
Are the online classes synchronous or asynchronous?
The MSF program is a fully online program. All classes are offered asynchronously to accommodate our students' various schedules and locations. Most of the online classes are offered in an in-person format, as well, allowing F-1 visa holders to apply for a 24-month extension for Optional Practical Training.
Does the program need to be completed in a year?
No. MSF students have the opportunity to complete the program in a year but can enter and exit the program as they wish depending on their life circumstances.
How many classes are required per term to complete the program in a year?
MSF students can complete the program in a year by taking two classes per 7-week term. That amounts to four classes in each of the Fall and Spring semesters as well two classes over the summer.
Are scholarships available?
A very limited number of small scholarships and assistantships for the MSF program are available. More significantly, the MSF program offers CFA Program scholarships valued at approximately $1,200.
Students may also complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov to be considered for federal aid, state need-based aid, and institutional need-based scholarships and grants.
Is the MSF program STEM designated?
Yes. The MSF is STEM designated. It is also accredited by AACSB.
What Else Does the Program Entail?
You will build a working familiarity with the CFA® Institute's Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct and Asset Manager Code of Conduct and Research Objectivity Guidelines.
Benefit from advanced tools that deepen your understanding of methods applied by investment professionals.
With This Degree Graduates Can Become:
With this program, our graduates have a variety of potential career opportunities.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re ready to take your next step in your Finance and Investment Management journey, contact us at csbgrad@uncw.edu or call us at (910) 962-2055.