Master of Finance

The Master of Finance delivers the specialized skills and expertise needed to succeed in the fast-growing, complex asset management industry. Cutting-edge knowledge of best practices and ethics as well as a full range of strategies is essential to thrive in the industry. Master of Finance students choose between two asset management specialty areas, Alternative Investments and Real Estate. Isenberg’s MF equips you with the skills to create and grow wealth, manage risk, and distinguish yourself in the field. The Master of Finance program makes you a highly desirable candidate for some of the high-paying finance internships and careers.MF students learn to apply real-world solutions and practices through a rigorous, progressive curriculum, team-based learning, small classes, and hands-on problem-solving, including real-time data analysis using Bloomberg terminals. Isenberg professors and faculty partners teach critical thinking and investing while focusing on all key aspects of asset management such as financial analysis, derivative strategies, hedge funds, private equity, risk management, venture capital, sustainable finance, emerging markets, real estate, and more. Students will complete a 10-course curriculum (30 credits) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Our degree program is designed for working professionals as well as recent college graduates. Prior business education is not required to be admitted into the program but undergraduate degrees in sciences, engineering, mathematics, economics, or business are recommended.All applicants are required to have:A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized academic institution of acceptable standing and accreditation.Strong evidence of quantitative skills is required.GMAT/GRE Waivers AvailableA GMAT/GRE waiver is granted for an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. To be considered for the GMAT/GRE waiver, leave the application test score section blank. If you are a working professional and don’t meet the GPA qualification, waivers may be considered for individuals with professional work experience.Personal StatementA personal essay should be one to two pages in length, and include information about your past and current academic and professional history, your future goals and reasons for pursuing the Master of Finance, and other pertinent details that will help us evaluate you as a candidate.Resumé/CVWork experience is not a requirement for admission to the Master of Finance program, but will enhance your application. Your resume should outline your work history. Recent college graduates should include any internship experience, as well as community service, student and civic club membership, and athletics.Graduate School Short Essay Please take the time to answer all parts of the following question. 600 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but do not feel obligated to do so. At UMass Amherst, no two students are alike. Our communities and groups often define us and shape our individual worlds. Community can refer to various aspects, including shared geography, religion, race/ethnicity, income, ideology, ability, sexuality, gender, and more. Please choose one of your communities or groups and describe its significance. Explain how your experience in this community or group would enable you to enrich the following: 1. Your department/program/our campus 2. Your field/discipline Official TranscriptsPlease submit your transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, undergraduate and graduate, where nine (9) or more credits were earned. Unofficial transcripts uploaded to the 'Additional Materials' page of your application are acceptable. Upon admittance, official transcripts will need to be submitted, either electronically or in paper format, directly by each institution's Registrar to the Graduate Student Service Center. Review the instructions on this page for instructions on submitting official transcripts.Current UMass Undergraduate Students: You are not required to submit a transcript from UMass Amherst.Letters of RecommendationYour two letters of recommendation should be from individuals who know you on a professional level and well enough to provide specific examples and details regarding your past performance and competencies. Two professional references are encouraged, but one academic and one professional reference is acceptable.GMAT/GRE Waiver AvailableGMAT/GRE Waivers Available: A GMAT/GRE waiver is granted for an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. To be considered for the GMAT/GRE waiver, leave the application test score section blank. If you don’t meet the GPA qualification, waivers may be considered for individuals with professional work experience.InterviewBy invitation, candidates will meet with members of the admissions committee to discuss their professional and academic experiences.