Frequently Asked Questions

How is the MAIR program different from an MBA?

Unlike an MBA, the MAIR Program is specifically designed for people entering the investor relations field. MAIR students seek to increase their knowledge to compete and be successful in investor relations. They receive training in all the areas deemed crucial by the investor relations profession and embodied by the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI). The MAIR program encompasses four major topics: Communications, Marketing, Legal, and Finance. Additionally, students in the program master many of the topics tested in the Level I Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) exam. Completing and passing of this exam can enhance the credibility of an Investor Relations Officer, both within and outside the company.

What types of professions do MAIR students pursue?

Students graduating from the MAIR program will most likely become Investor Relations professionals, either within a company or for an agency. Other professions include Corporate Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer.

How long is the program?

The MAIR program is one year long. It begins and ends in August.

Will the MAIR program ensure I pass the CFA® exams?

The MAIR program is an academic degree program. It is not related to the CFA exams or the CFA Institute directly, nor is it simply a CFA Review course. Students who complete the MAIR program will have learned the material tested on the Level I CFA exam, however, considerable self-study is necessary for any student to prepare adequately for the form and specific content of any of the exams.

When and where are classes held?

Classes are held weekdays, evenings and Saturdays in four hour blocks. Students receive 12 hours of instruction every week. Classes are held at USF's San Francisco Downtown Campus.

What is the cost of the MAIR program?

Please visit the Financial Aid/Tuition page.

Is financial aid available?

All U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for the Federal Student Loan program, unless a student has defaulted on a previous student loan. Financial Aid Discounts may be available to firms that commit to a minimum of three students in any cohort. The MAIR Program offers a small number of merit-based scholarships available for select applicants. There is no separate application for these scholarships; all international and U.S. applicants are equally considered for this aid during the admission review.

When are the admission deadlines?

The MAIR program starts once a year in August (fall admission). The priority application date is March 1 (this date is particularly important to international applicants who need sufficient time to obtain a U.S. student visa). The final application date is June 10. Priority consideration for admission is given to applications completed and received before these dates. Applications are accepted throughout the year and students are admitted on a rolling-admissions basis beginning January 15 until the cohort (class) for the fall program is filled. Applicants admitted after the cohort enrollment is full will be placed on a waiting list. Click here to request an MAIR application packet.

What are the basic requirements for the MAIR Program?

The MAIR program requires that a student have completed fundamental courses in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Accounting, and Probability and Statistics to be eligible for unconditional admission. Students without one or more of these courses may be granted conditional admission subject to completing the missing required Foundation courses prior to beginning the program.

Who is the typical student in the MAIR Program?

The typical student in the MAIR program has at least one year of corporate level business experience and a strong desire to communicate with finance professionals. There is no specific industry from which students come. Incoming students wish to gain the experience necessary to communicate strategy and financials to senior level executives and professionals in the financial field.

Is there a GRE or GMAT requirement?

No, there is no GRE/GMAT requirement for MAIR.

How many students are accepted into each year's cohort?

Up to 15 students start in the MAIR Program each year.

Are internships offered in conjunction with the MAIR Program?

Internships provide students with the opportunity to apply knowledge gained in their studies to real-life situations, while still in a learning environment. During the last semester of the program, it is highly suggested that a student obtain an internship. In that time period, only eight hours of instruction per week are required leaving ample time for students to intern at Bay Area companies.

What are the differences between the MAIR Program & the MSFA Program?

Investor Relations Officers and Financial Analysts sit on different sides of the table. The MAIR program is geared towards those who explain the company strategy and financials to those (the MSFA students) who take the information and create financial models deriving the future value of the company. Students in the MAIR and MSFA Programs share finance classes together and are able to build collegial and professional relationships that carry into future positions.

What foundational background is required to apply for the MAIR?

The typical student in the MAIR program has at least one year of corporate level business experience. It is also strongly suggested that students have taken foundation courses in economics, financial accounting, math, and probability and statistics prior to starting the MAIR Program. Students with undergraduate degrees in Economics, Business, Finance or Accounting usually have enough courses as part of their major to satisfy the Foundation requirements. Students outside of these majors generally do not have the necessary Foundation courses, often in Economics and Financial Accounting. Such a student may be admitted conditionally to the MAIR Program but will be required to complete the missing Foundation courses before beginning the MAIR program at USF.