Master of Science in Finance - Corporate Finance (MSFC)
Contact Info
In the 10-month Master of Science in Corporate Finance (MSFC) track, students gain a rigorous and comprehensive education in securities research, capital raising, derivative pricing and fixed income. Practicum projects in partnership with financial and non-financial firms are built into the curriculum, so all MSFC students gain hands-on experience with real-world clients.
The MSFC degree requires the completion of 30.5 credits, including 20 required credits and 10.5 elective credits.
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 501P | CFAR Practicum | 3 |
| FIN 524 | Options and Futures | 1.5 |
| FIN 524B | Derivative Securities | 1.5 |
| FIN 525 | Fixed Income Securities | 1.5 |
| FIN 527 | Financial Markets | 1.5 |
| FIN 528 | Investment Praxis | 3 |
| FIN 532 | Investment Theory | 1.5 |
| FIN 534 | Advanced Corporate Finance I — Valuation | 1.5 |
| FIN 534B | Advanced Corporate Finance II — Financing | 1.5 |
| FIN 553 | Corporate Finance and Investments Industry Seminar | 0.5 |
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 complete a minimum of 7.5 units of elective courses from the following list:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FIN 500Q | Quantitative Risk Management | 3 |
| 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 523B | Mergers & Acquisitions | 1.5 |
| FIN 530 | International Finance | 1.5 |
| FIN 532B | Data Analysis for Investments | 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 538 | Stochastic Foundations for Finance | 1.5 |
| FIN 539 | Mathematical Finance | 1.5 |
| FIN 549H | Special Topics: Real Estate Finance | 1.5 |
| FIN 550C | Endowments, Foundations and Philanthropy | 1.5 |
| FIN 550D | Hedge Fund Strategies | 1.5 |
| FIN 550E | Behavioral Finance | 1.5 |
| FIN 555 | Risk Management and Insurance | 1.5 |
| FIN 557E | Introduction to Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies | 1.5 |
| FIN 558E | ESG Investing | 1.5 |
| MGT 511A | Law and Business Management | 1.5 |
| MGT 562 | Critical Thinking Processes and Modeling for Effective Decision Making | 3 |
| MEC 538 | Economics of the Organization | 1.5 |
| MEC 592 | Competitive Industry Analysis and Strat Dev | 3 |
| MKT 523 | Sales Management | 1.5 |