FAQs

Unlike an MBA in Finance, the MSFA program is targeted at individuals who are looking to build up expertise in a specific field - investment management and financial analysis. MSFA students seek to increase their knowledge to compete and be successful in the financial profession. They receive training in all the areas deemed crucial by the investment management profession and embodied in the Chartered Financial Analyst CFA® designation by the CFA Institute®. The MSFA curriculum is structured around the areas of knowledge and skills necessary for this designation. MSFA students thus receive training in areas essential for practicing financial analysts and investors.

Financial Engineering is primarily focused on pricing Derivative instruments using sophisticated math (stochastic calculus) and computer programming (C++). It is an extremely narrow and technical degree with limited career options. Financial engineers typically hold undergraduate degrees in physics or electrical engineering, as opposed to one that is finance-related. Financial Analysis prepares graduates for a broader set of careers in finance. A curriculum incorporating economics, accounting, math and statistics produces students with keen insight into how the world, and financial markets work. MSFA graduates become Industry Analysts at investment firms, work in Mergers and Acquisitions at an investment bank, manage mutual funds or hedge fund investments, and advise high net worth clients and institutions on their investment strategies.

USF MSFA graduates work in professions such as equity analyst, bond analyst, portfolio manager, investment advisor, private wealth manager, securities trader, financial risk manager, compliance officer, investment banker, and venture capital investments, among others.

Yes. As a CFA Program Partner, the USF MSFA program provides a coordinated, sequential approach to the tools and knowledge covered by the annual CFA exams by incorporating 70% or more of the CFA Candidate Body of Knowledge in the curriculum.

The MSFA curriculum is structured to provide students with the knowledge they need to take the exams of the CFA Program. Students are encouraged to take these exams while enrolled in the MSFA program or shortly after graduation. Significant self study or a CFA Exam Prep course are highly recommended to help prepare students for the CFA Program exams.

No. however, MSFA students who plan to take one of the exams while enrolled in our program are encouraged to do so. CFA exam prep courses provide additional support for subject matter not extensively covered in the MSFA curriculum.

No, however, most MSFA students do take at least one level of the CFA Exam while enrolled or shortly after graduation.

Though the USF MSFA is a CFA Program Partner, passing the exams is never guaranteed. In addition to the MSFA coursework, considerable self-study and/or a CFA exam prep course may be necessary for a student to prepare adequately for the form and specific content of any of the CFA exams.

The MSFA typically spans four consecutive semesters over about 18 months. Students complete five courses per semester.

All MSFA classes are taught at the USF Downtown San Francisco Campus. Typically, courses are held three days during the week. The schedule of classes may vary each semester, and from year-to-year.

The Full-Time MSFA typically enrolls 50-60 students.