Key Takeaways
Program Overview: The UC San Diego MS Finance (MFin) program is a specialized graduate degree program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of finance and its applications. The program is offered by the Rady School of Management, which is part of the University of California, San Diego. The MFin program at UC San Diego MS Finance is a one-year, full-time program that focuses on developing analytical and quantitative skills in finance.
Class Profile: The UC San Diego MS Finance 2023 class profile boasts an average work experience of approximately 3.8 years. Students demonstrate strong quantitative aptitude with an average GMAT score of 700 and a solid academic background reflected by an average undergraduate GPA of 3.46. The cohort is relatively young, with an average age of 23 years.
Tuition Fees: The total tuition and fees for the UC San Diego MS Finance program amount to $78,880 for the academic year. Including living expenses and other fees, the overall estimated cost of attendance is approximately $114,375
Average Salary and Employment: The program boasts a 90% employment rate within three months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $90,000, highlighting its strong emphasis on quantitative and analytical skills.
Introduction
Are you looking to advance your career in finance and explore new opportunities? The MS Finance program at UC San Diego might be the perfect fit for you. Known for its rigorous curriculum and strong industry connections, this program attracts a diverse group of students eager to excel in the finance sector.
The program equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to thrive in today's competitive financial landscape. Whether you aim to work in corporate finance, investment banking, or financial consulting, the MS Finance program at UC San Diego offers a solid foundation to achieve your career goals.
| Program Length | 1 year |
| Program Deadline (Fall 2025) | The application for the Fall 2025 program will open late summer 2024 |
| Application Fee | $155 |
Class Profile of UC San Diego MS Finance
The class profile of UC San Diego's MS Finance program provides valuable insights into the cohort's background and the program's competitive nature. With a diverse group of students, the profile reflects a robust academic and professional foundation. Below are some key highlights of the current class:
| Average GMAT | 700 |
| Average Work Experience | 3.8 |
| Average Age | 23 |
| Undergraduate Majors Represented |
Accounting/Finance: 46% Business/Management Science: 12% Computer Science: 3% Economics: 23% Engineering/Science: 3% Maths/Statistics: 8% Other: 2% Social Science: 1% Humanities: 1% |
| Class Size | 146 |
| Women | 45% |
UC San Diego MS Finance Rankings
UC San Diego's Master of Finance program offers a solid education and valuable career opportunities, making it a strong choice for prospective students. Below is a table detailing its recent rankings and key features:
| Rankings | Position |
| U.S. News & World Report | 78 |
| QS World University Rankings | 131-140 |
| Times Higher Education (THE) | 33 |
Eligibility & Requirements for UC San Diego MS Finance
To apply for the UC San Diego Master of Finance program, prospective students must meet specific eligibility criteria and fulfill certain requirements.
- Online Application
- Official Transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Quantitative Background
- Recommendations
- Statement of Purpose
- GMAT or GRE Scores
- TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Score
- Application Fee of $155
For better analysis of Eligibility, please refer UC San Diego Admission Requirements
UC San Diego Student Experience
Fees and Financing
Understanding the fees for the Master of Finance program at UC San Diego is crucial for prospective students. Below is a table outlining the tuition costs and other related expenses for the program:
| Cost of Attendance | Academic Year (33 weeks) and Summer 2024 (5 weeks) |
|---|---|
| Academic Year and Summer Tuition and Fees | $78,880 |
|
Living Expenses Food & Housing for students with dependents Food & Housing for students without dependents |
$26,691 (Students with Dependents will be given a separate housing allowance in their cost of attendance) |
| Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment7 | $0 (Included in each term’s fees and provided to each student) |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $1,892 |
| Transportation Expenses | $2,248 |
| UC San Diego Health Insurance Fee | $4,664 |
| MoF Basic Cost of Attendance Totals for CA and Non-California Residents | $114,375 |
Program and Curriculam UC San Diego MS Finance
This one-year program offers rigorous, hands-on training designed to prepare you for immediate contribution in environments that highly value quantitative and analytical skills. You'll be equipped to develop innovative solutions to the complex challenges of the financial industry, guided by the same world-class faculty who have developed some of the most widely-used empirical models globally.
Core Curriculum: Investment Analysis, Advanced Financial Risk Management, Financial Econometrics and Empirical Methods, Collecting and Analyzing Financial Data
Electives: Financial Accounting, Business Forecasting, Behavioral Finance, Valuation in Corporate Finance, Real Estate Finance, Financial Statement Analysis, etc.
Employment Upon Graduation
The employment and placement outcomes for graduates of the UC San Diego Master of Science in Finance program can vary based on several factors, such as the specific industry, job function, and individual career goals of each graduate. However, the program aims to prepare students for a range of finance careers in areas such as investment banking, corporate finance, asset management, and risk management.
After completing the MS Finance program from UC San Diego, you will be well-positioned for top hiring opportunities at leading companies such as Equity Methods LLC, CITIC Securities Co. Ltd, JP Morgan Chase & Co, StepStone Group, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Haitong International Securities Group Limited, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, and Crowe LLP.
| Accepted Employment Within Six Months of Graduation | 80.5% |
| Average U.S. Salary (Range of salaries in the United States is $40,000-$140,000) |
$78,696 |
| Average Signing Bonus | $7,065 |
| Top Three Industries |
Financial Services: 51.0% Accounting Services: 1.2% Technology: 11.2% |
| Top Three Functions |
Financial Analyst Financial Reporting Associate Management Trainee |
UC San Diego MS Finance SOP and Interview
When applying for the MS Finance program at UC San Diego, it is essential to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) as part of your application. This SOP is a critical component of the application process and plays a significant role in presenting your candidacy effectively. Therefore, it is important to craft a compelling and well-articulated SOP to enhance your application.
The question aksed for the SOP by UC San Diego is as follows:
Your Statement of Purpose should be no longer than 500 words, double-spaced, 12-point font. Tell us why you think that you are a good candidate for the Master of Quantitative Finance program and how you expect the specific features of the program at Rady to benefit your future career.
Interview Questions for UCSD MFin
Q1. What is your immediate post-graduation goal? (Please include desired employment industries, functions, and geographic regions in your answer.
Q2. What are your long-term career goals?
Q3. How is a Master of Finance degree going to help you achieve those goals at this point in your life?
Q4. Thinking back to a recent project/assignment, describe how and to what extent you have used a programming tool to solve a problem. Please state which programming tool was used in this example.
What Makes UCSD MS Finance Unique:
The UC San Diego MS Finance program is unique for several reasons:
- Interdisciplinary curriculum: The program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in finance, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a wide range of industries. To achieve this, the curriculum is interdisciplinary and draws on courses from other departments, such as economics, engineering, and computer science.
- Focus on quantitative skills: The program emphasizes the development of strong quantitative skills, including financial modeling, data analysis, and programming. This focus on quantitative skills is increasingly important in the finance industry, where data-driven decision-making is becoming more prevalent.
- Real-world learning: The program takes a practical approach to learning, with a focus on applying theoretical concepts to real-world situations. Students have the opportunity to work on real-world projects and case studies, giving them the experience and skills needed to succeed in their careers.
- Small class sizes: The program has a small cohort size, which allows for personalized attention and interaction with faculty members. This close-knit community fosters a collaborative learning environment and provides students with opportunities to network and build relationships with their peers and industry professionals.
- Location: UC San Diego is located in one of the most vibrant and dynamic regions in the country, with a strong and growing finance industry. The program takes advantage of this location by providing students with access to a wide range of industry professionals, networking events, and internship opportunities.
Overall, the UC San Diego MS Finance program's interdisciplinary curriculum, focus on quantitative skills, real-world learning, small class sizes, and location make it a unique and compelling option for students interested in pursuing a career in finance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the UC San Diego MS Finance program is an excellent choice for students seeking a rigorous, interdisciplinary education that emphasizes practical, real-world skills. With its focus on quantitative analysis, small class sizes, and location in a vibrant and growing finance industry, the program provides students with the tools, resources, and networking opportunities needed to succeed in a wide range of finance-related careers. The program's emphasis on real-world learning and hands-on experience also sets it apart, providing students with the opportunity to work on real projects and gain practical skills that are highly valued in the finance industry.
