USC Marshall MS in Finance: Fees, Class Profile, and Career Insights

USC Marshall MFin Class Profile

USC Master of Finance program attracts a diverse group of students with varying backgrounds and experience levels. The full-time Masters in Finance USC class typically consists of around 70 students with an average age of 24 and 2 years of work experience. The part-time and online MFin programs attract mid-career professionals with an average of 5-7 years of work experience.

Acceptance Rate

As of now, USC does not publicly disclose an exact acceptance rate for the MS in Finance program.Applicants are encouraged to apply early to improve their chances and access scholarship opportunities.

Program and Curriculum

The USC Master of Finance program curriculum is a 36-unit curriculum that is a combination of a broad array of required core and elective courses. The USC Marshall MS in Finance curriculum provides a detailed foundation in finance and flexibility to pursue individual interests. 

Core Curriculum

• FBE 506 Quantitative Methods in Finance
• FBE 529 Financial Analysis and Valuation
• FBE 555 Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management
• FBE 531 Corporate Financial Policy and Corporate Governance
• GSBA 510 Accounting Concepts and Financial Reporting
• GSBA 511 Microeconomics for Management
• GSBA 548 Corporate Finance
• GSBA 542 Communication for Management

Electives

Some electives choices that MSF students can choose from:

• Venture Capital and Private Equity
• Entrepreneurial Finance: Financial Management for Developing Firms
• Applied Finance in Fixed Income Securities
• Hedge Funds
• Trading and Exchanges
• Business Law and Ethics
• Law for Structuring, Financing, and Managing Businesses
• Management of Financial Risk
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Behavioral Finance
• Theory of International Trade
• Economics of Urban Land Use: Feasibility Studies
• Introduction to / Intermediate / Advanced Financial Analysis: Practicum (only 1 level is approved)
• Advanced Real Estate Law
• Mortgages and Mortgage-Backed Securities and Markets
• Real Estate Finance and Investment
• Special Topics

Extra Activities for USC Marshall MS in Finance

 The USC Master in Finance program not only offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in finance but also provides various extracurricular activities to enhance their educational experience and professional development.

• Business of Entertainment Association (BEA)
• Entrepreneur & Venture Management Association (EVMA)
• Graduate Marketing Association (GMA)
• Graduate Real Estate Association (GREA)
• Healthcare Leadership Association (HLA)
• High Tech Association (HTA)

USC Marshall MFin Eligibility and Requirements 

While applying for the Masters in Finance USC Marshall, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. Not just that, there are many other documents are required to submit while applying. Here is a brief detail on eligibility and required documents for the USC Master of Finance -

Application Criteria

• Applicants may apply only once they have completed at least 64 total units of undergraduate course work, excluding AP, IB, or transfer units earned prior to graduation from high school.
• Applicants may apply in their junior (recommended) or senior year but no later than the semester prior to beginning graduate course work.
• Applicants do not need to submit GRE, GMAT, or other graduate entrance exam scores, but should have at least a 3.0 cumulative USC GPA at the time of application.
• Non-Marshall majors must have a final grade in BUAD 306: Business Finance or BUAD 308: Advanced Business Finance before submitting an application.

Documents required for USC Marshall MS in Finance

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, from a regionally accredited institution
• Application for admission with a $155 application fee
• Official transcripts of all colleges and universities attended
• A professional résumé
• Official GMAT or GRE score(s)
• International students only: TOEFL or IELTS score(s) (If applicable)
• Kira Interview (Invitation Only)
• Letters of recommendation are neither required nor accepted

USC Marshall MFin Deadlines

USC Marshall MS in Finance programs, there are multiple deadlines throughout the year, with specific dates varying depending on the desired start term. It is recommended to submit applications well before the deadline to ensure consideration for admission and scholarships.

Employment And Placement

The school has a strong track record of employment outcomes for its USC Marshall MS in Finance graduates. According to the latest employment report, 97.1% of the class of 2021 secured employment within six months of graduation, with an average base salary of $80,879. Graduates went on to work for top companies in the finance industry, including investment banks, asset management firms, and private equity firms. USC Finance Masters program also provides students with access to a robust career services network and resources.

The USC Marshall Master of Finance (MFin) program prepares graduates for successful careers in a variety of sectors, equipping them with specialized knowledge and skills in finance that are highly sought after by employers providing MFin Jobs. With its strong industry connections and location in Los Angeles, USC Marshall MFin graduates are well-positioned to secure roles in diverse sectors of the economy.

Alumni Info

The Masters in Finance USC Trojan Family is a diverse, global network of hundreds of thousands of alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, donors, partners, friends, and fans. This unique, genuinely supportive community is among the most loyal anywhere. The term “Trojan Family” is more than a phrase: “It represents a promise, a commitment to support that is lifelong and worldwide.”

Some Famous Alumni

• Chris DeWolfe (American Entrepreneur)
• Marc Benioff (CEO of Salesforce.com)

Application Essay

USC Marshall MS in Finance application essays -

Essay 1
Please introduce yourself. Why do you want to get a USC Master of Finance degree? How does your prior education and experience fit in with our program? How do you think an MS Finance degree will enhance your career?

Optional Essay
Please add any additional information that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider in evaluating your application. (Please do not exceed 250 words).

Letter of Recommendation

USC Finance Masters (MFin) program requires applicants to submit three letters of recommendation (LORs). The LORs should come from individuals who can speak to the applicant's academic or professional qualifications and potential for success in the program. It is recommended that at least one of the LORs comes from a current or former supervisor.

The USC Marshall MS in Finance LORs should highlight the applicant's strengths and potential contributions to the program, as well as provide insight into their work ethic, leadership abilities, and analytical skills. Applicants should choose recommenders who know them well and can write strong and personalized letters.

Interview Questions 

USC Marshall MS in Finance interview questions -

SET 1
Q: Tell me about yourself. (Expect follow-up questions) 
Q: Tell me an example of when things didn’t work out as you planned. 
Q: Tell me about a time when you were pushed to your limits at work. 
Q: To you, what does teamwork mean? 
Q: What are your strengths and weaknesses? 
Q: Tell me about a time you worked with someone who had a different background from your own. 
Q: Please tell me about a time you took initiative. 
Q: If I spoke to your boss, what 3 words would he use to describe you? 
Q: Tell me one thing about you that is not mentioned anywhere else in your application 
Q: Is there anything you wished I had asked you?

SET 2
Q: Can you share a professional achievement that you are proudest of?
Q: Choose one professional experience where you succeeded at something and talk about what the outcome was.
Q: Tell me about a professional experience when you considered the perspective of someone different from you.
Q: Which of our values speaks to you and why?
Q: How can USC Marshall help you on this journey? What is some of the resources are things you’re looking forward to.
Q: Which other schools have to apply to?
Q: What are your short- and long-term career goals? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Q: Tell us about a challenging situation that you faced. How did you resolve it?

What Makes USC MFin Unique

USC Marshall is among the best MFin colleges in USA. There are several unique points that set USC Marshall's Master of Finance (MFin) program apart from other finance programs:

Specialized Tracks: The school offers specialized tracks within the Masters in Finance USC program, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals. The tracks include Corporate Finance, Investment Management, and Financial Analysis and Valuation.

Experiential Learning: The MFin program at USC Marshall emphasizes experiential learning opportunities, such as case studies, simulations, and real-world projects, to provide students with practical skills and knowledge.

Renowned Faculty: USC Marshall's faculty includes world-renowned experts in finance, accounting, and economics, who bring their cutting-edge research and industry experience to the classroom.

Global Perspective: USC Master of Finance program has a global focus, with opportunities for students to study abroad and participate in international consulting projects.

Strong Alumni Network: USC Marshall has a strong alumni network, with MFin graduates working in top finance positions around the world, providing valuable networking opportunities and career support for current students.

Useful Links

Conclusion

USC Finance Masters program is an excellent option for students looking to enhance their financial knowledge and skills and advance their careers. With a diverse and collaborative learning environment, specialized tracks, renowned faculty, and experiential learning opportunities, the Masters in Finance USC program prepares students for success in various finance roles.