Financial Analysis (4+1), BSBA/MS

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The MSFA program 4+1 would allow a USF undergraduate to obtain the MSFA degree in one year instead of 18 months as well as reducing the tuition expense. A student would earn the MSFA degree in one year after completing the four years of undergraduate studies.

A Finance undergraduate is required to have at least a cumulative 3.3 GPA at the time of application (during their junior year). The undergrad student must take calculus, ECON 311 and ECON 320 (one of these courses also will count for their finance degree). A student would have the prerequisites for the two Economics courses as part of the Finance major.

ECON 311 - Intermediate Microeconomics will substitute for MSFA 710 - Microeconomics for Finance and ECON 320 - Econometrics will substitute for MSFA 736 - Econometrics . BUS 305 andBUS 331 (finance requirements) will substitute for MSFA 714 - Corporate Finance . This is the only substitution of a Business undergrad course(s) for a MSFA course.

So, a student will do the standard finance major with only two additional requirements: take calculus and an additional Econ course. In addition, depending on scheduling the undergrad could take one or two MSFA courses during their senior year.

An undergrad student graduating in May would start the MSFA program the same month and obtain the MSFA degree the following May. An undergrad student graduating in December would start the MSFA program in January and obtain the MSFA degree in December.

The target group is USF undergraduate business majors. This program will be promoted on the USF undergrduate business website and by USF finance professors. This program requires no additional resources. No additional classes and teaching is required. Students in the 4+1 program will be advised by the finance department chair and the MSFA program director.

Mission Statement & Program Goals

Mission Statement

The Financial Analysis (MSFA) Program is built on the strengths of the University of San Francisco in econometrics, financial analysis, and investment management.

The Masters of Science in Financial Analysis is designed to train students as professional financial economists and financial analysts. It is a unique program that provides quantitative training in statistics, economics, finance, and accounting to individuals working in the financial industry. High-level theory is combined with practical tools and skills valued by the financial industry. Each course in the program has a set of well-defined learning outcomes and tests associated with it.

The MSFA program has the following goals:

Provide an interdisciplinary approach to the study of financial markets and the analysis and valuation of financial assets.
Utilize quantitative methods and analytic tools of economics, statistics, finance and accounting to provide both theoretical and applied knowledge for students interested in analyzing or managing portfolios of financial assets.
Prepare students to meet the demands of the financial industry for high standards of ethical behavior and comprehensive knowledge of financial regulations.
Assist with preparation for the CFA exams.