Master of Science in Finance - Wealth and Asset Management (MSFWAM)
Contact Info
In the 18-month Wealth and Asset Management track (MSFWAM), students gain the skills necessary to advise individuals, institutions, and firms in the growing wealth management industry. Consulting practica are built into the curriculum, so all MSFWAM students have the opportunity to work with financial firms related to wealth and asset management.
Our WAM track requires the completion of 39 credits and is STEM-designated for its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The curriculum includes 28.5 required credits and 10.5 electives focusing on advanced quantitative skills, providing students with a current and innovative approach to finance.
Orientation Programs
All Specialized Master’s Programs students kick off their degrees with a multipronged orientation program designed to prepare them for academic, personal and professional success.
Students will participate in SMP Start, orientation, and career orientation, and they will complete foundational courses during the summer prior to beginning their fall semester at Olin. SMP Start introduces everyone to the ins and outs of Washington University including policies and procedures, health and wellness, leadership opportunities and more. SMP Orientation Week includes workshops, events, and cohort overviews including introductions to faculty and advisors. This week is set up to help students with their final preparations before the start of their first semester. Finally, students complete Career Stamp, which serves as a catalyst for students to help them get started in their career search and preparation processes. These programs are packed with opportunities for students to bond with their program cohort and to connect with their peers in all of the Specialized Master’s Programs.
Students new to the United States and non-native English speakers may have the opportunity to participate in Passport, during which they will acclimate to the Olin Business School culture and strengthen their English and business communication skills.
Simultaneously, students will complete online, asynchronous foundation courses to bolster their background and maximize their academic preparation before the start of their degree program.
Required Courses
Students must complete the following courses:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 503 | Business Analysis Using Financial Statements | 1.5 |
| ACCT 503B | Advanced Business Analysis Using Financial Statements | 1.5 |
| FIN 500Q | Quantitative Risk Management | 3 |
| FIN 524 | Options and Futures | 1.5 |
| FIN 524B | Derivative Securities | 1.5 |
| FIN 525 | Fixed Income Securities | 1.5 |
| FIN 528 | Investment Praxis | 3 |
| FIN 532 | Investment Theory | 1.5 |
| FIN 532B | Data Analysis for Investments | 1.5 |
| FIN 534 | Advanced Corporate Finance I — Valuation | 1.5 |
| FIN 538 | Stochastic Foundations for Finance | 1.5 |
| MGT 537 | Financial Industry Platform for MSFQ and MSFWAM Students | 0 |
| MGT 560F | Professional Business Communication | 1.5 |
| DAT 560G | Database Design and SQL | 1.5 |
| DAT 561 | Introduction to Python and Data Science | 3 |
Students also choose one of the following courses:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FIN 560A | Research Methods in Finance | 3 |
| DAT 537 | Data Analysis, Forecasting & Risk Analysis | 3 |
Elective Courses
Students choose three or more of the following elective courses:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FIN 500W | Venture Capital Methods | 1.5 |
| FIN 500X | Venture Capital Practice | 1.5 |
| FIN 500Y | Private Equity — Methods | 1.5 |
| FIN 500Z | Private Equity — Practice | 1.5 |
| FIN 550A | Legal, Compliance and Taxation Aspects of Wealth Management | 1.5 |
| FIN 550B | Wealth Management - Practice | 1.5 |
| FIN 550C | Endowments, Foundations and Philanthropy | 1.5 |
| FIN 550D | Hedge Fund Strategies | 1.5 |
| FIN 550E | Behavioral Finance | 1.5 |
| FIN 558E | ESG Investing | 1.5 |
Other Electives and Experiential Courses
Students select one of the following options:
Option A:
- 1.5 experiential course credits plus
- 4.5 approved elective credits
Option B:
- 3 experiential course credits plus
- 3 approved elective credits
Experiential course options:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MGT 501V | Applied Problem Solving for Organizations | 1.5 |
| MGT 502V | Applied Problem Solving for Organizations | 1.5 |
| MGT 551E | Internship, Business and Application | 1.5 |
| FIN 501P | CFAR Practicum | 3 |
Approved MSFWAM elective courses:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FIN 523B | Mergers & Acquisitions | 1.5 |
| FIN 527 | Financial Markets | 1.5 |
| FIN 530 | International Finance | 1.5 |
| FIN 533 | Valuing Strategic Corporate Investments | 1.5 |
| FIN 534B | Advanced Corporate Finance II — Financing | 1.5 |
| FIN 534C | ACF3: Corporate Financial Strategy | 1.5 |
| FIN 536 | Financial Issues in Leasing | 1.5 |
| FIN 537 | Advanced Derivative Securities | 3 |
| FIN 539 | Mathematical Finance | 1.5 |
| FIN 549H | Special Topics: Real Estate Finance | 1.5 |
| FIN 552 | Fixed Income Derivatives | 1.5 |
| FIN 555 | Risk Management and Insurance | 1.5 |
| FIN 557E | Introduction to Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies | 1.5 |
| MGT 511A | Law and Business Management | 1.5 |
| MEC 538 | Economics of the Organization | 1.5 |
| MKT 523 | Sales Management | 1.5 |
| OB 561 | Negotiation and Conflict Management | 1.5 |
| DAT 500W | A/B Testing in Business and Social Science | 3 |
| DAT 560G | Database Design and SQL | 1.5 |
| DAT 562 | Text Mining | 1.5 |
| CSE 417T | Introduction to Machine Learning | 3 |
| CSE 502N | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |