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The two-semester Master of Science in Finance – Corporate Finance (MSFC) program emphasizes corporate financial decisions, such as capital budgeting, project and firm valuation, capital raising, securities issuance, payout policy, and enterprise risk management. This program prepares students for careers in corporate financial management, financial analysis, commercial and investment banking, private equity, venture capital, and consulting. 

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 various online and in-person orientation activities prior to beginning their fall semester at Olin. SMP Start is a set of online modules that introduce students 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. Orientation includes career sessions, which serve as catalysts for students to help them get started in their career search. 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 may have the opportunity to participate in SMP GO, during which they will acclimate to the Olin Business School culture and strengthen their English and business communication skills. 

Simultaneously, students will complete optional 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:

ACCT 5030Business Analysis Using Financial Statements1.5
ACCT 5031Advanced Business Analysis Using Financial Statements1.5
FIN 5232Mergers & Acquisitions1.5
FIN 5240Options and Futures1.5
FIN 5250Fixed Income Securities1.5
FIN 5270Financial Markets and Institutions1.5
FIN 5280Investments Praxis3
FIN 5320Investment Theory1.5
FIN 5340Advanced Corporate Finance I - Valuation1.5
FIN 5341Advanced Corporate Finance II - Financing1.5
FIN 5901Corporate Finance and Investments Industry Seminar0.5
FIN 5601Research Methods in Finance3
or DAT 5370 Data Analysis, Forecasting & Risk Analysis

Elective Courses

Students must choose three or more of the following elective courses:

FIN 5023Venture Capital Methods1.5
FIN 5025Private Equity - Methods1.5
FIN 5330Valuing Strategic Corporate Investments1.5
FIN 5342ACF3: Corporate Financial Strategy1.5
FIN 5360Financial Issues in Leasing1.5
MEC 5380Economics of the Organization1.5

Other Electives

MSFC students must complete 10.5 total credits of electives. In addition to elective courses listed above, additional approved elective courses are listed below.

ACCT 5680M&A Accounting3
FIN 5017Quantitative Risk Management3
FIN 5024Venture Capital Practice1.5
FIN 5026Private Equity - Practice1.5
FIN 5113Corporate Finance Practicum3
FIN 5241Derivative Securities1.5
FIN 5300International Finance1.5
FIN 5315ESG Investing1.5
FIN 5321Data Analysis for Investments1.5
FIN 5380Stochastic Foundations for Finance1.5
FIN 5400Real Estate Finance1.5
FIN 5503Endowments, Foundations and Philanthropy1.5
FIN 5504Hedge Fund Strategies1.5
FIN 5505Behavioral Finance1.5
FIN 5550Risk Management and Insurance1.5
FIN 5575Introduction to Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies1.5
MEC 5920Competitive Industry Analysis3
MGT 5110Law and Business Management1.5
MGT 5340Corporate Strategy1.5
MGT 5580Managing the Innovation Process1.5
MGT 5605Ownership Insights: Competitive Advantage of Family and Employee Owned Firms1.5
MKT 5770Marketing Strategy3
MKT 5590Creating & Managing Innovative New Products1.5
OB 5610Negotiation and Conflict Management1.5