Key Takeaways
Program Overview: The USC Masters in Finance is a comprehensive 16-month program, starting each summer and spanning three academic terms. It’s structured to deepen your finance knowledge and expand your professional skills rapidly.
Class Profile: The program enrolls approximately 70 students each cohort, with an average age of 24 years and about 2 years of prior work experience, ensuring a dynamic learning environment with diverse perspectives.
Tuition Fees: The program requires a financial commitment, with detailed tuition fees available directly from the program’s office, ensuring transparency and planning for prospective students.
Average Salary and Employment: The program boasts strong employment outcomes, with 97.1% of graduates securing positions within six months post-graduation. The average starting salary reported is $80,879, reflecting the high value placed on the USC MFin degree in the finance industry.
Introduction
USC Masters in Finance is designed for students who want to earn a graduate degree over a short time of three terms, beginning coursework in the summer and finishing the following May. The USC Finance Masters primary objective is to help individuals in gaining the necessary skills and knowledge to make sure that they can explore the various realms of finance and thus advance their careers.
| Program Length | 16 month |
| Program deadline | December 1, 2023 February 1, 2024 |
| Application Fees | $155 |
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.
| Class Size | 70 |
| Average Age | 24 years |
| Average Work Experience | 2 years |
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for USC Masters in Finance program is highly competitive, with an average acceptance rate of around 10-15% for the full-time program. The USC Finance Masters program seeks to admit candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic and professional achievements, leadership potential, and a passion for finance. Applicants should submit a strong application and meet the program's admissions criteria to increase their chances of acceptance.
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 Masters in Finance curriculum provides a detailed foundation in finance and flexibility to pursue individual interests.
Core Courses
These core courses cover a wide range of topics, including financial analysis, investment management, corporate finance, and risk management, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in various finance-related roles. Here are some core courses typically offered in the USC Master of Finance program:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Accounting Concept & Financial Reporting | This course covers fundamental accounting principles and practices essential for understanding financial reporting. |
| Microeconomics for Management | This course provides an introduction to microeconomic theory and its applications in managerial decision-making. |
| Corporate Finance | This course explores the financial management of corporations, focusing on capital budgeting, capital structure, dividend policy, working capital management, and risk management. |
| Quantitative Methods in Finance | This course introduces quantitative methods and techniques used in financial analysis and decision-making. |
| Financial Analysis and Valuation | This course emphasizes financial statement analysis and valuation methodologies for assessing the performance and value of companies. |
| Investment Analysis & Portfolio Management | This course examines investment theories, strategies, and techniques for managing investment portfolios. |
Electives
The USC Marshall Master of Finance (MFin) program offers a diverse range of elective courses that allow students to customize their academic experience and deepen their expertise in specific areas of finance.
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Venture Capital and Private Equity | This course delves into the principles and practices of venture capital and private equity investment. |
| Entrepreneurial Finance: Financial Management for Developing Firms | This course focuses on financial management strategies and techniques tailored to the needs of entrepreneurial ventures. |
| Applied Finance in Fixed Income Securities | This course explores the characteristics, valuation, and risk management of fixed income securities. |
| Hedge Funds | This course examines the structure, strategies, and performance evaluation of hedge funds. |
| Trading and Exchanges | This course provides an overview of financial markets, trading mechanisms, and exchange operations. |
| Business Law and Ethics | Topics include contract law, business organizations (e.g., corporations, partnerships), employment law, intellectual property rights, ethical decision-making frameworks, corporate social responsibility, and compliance with legal and ethical standards. |
| Law for Structuring, Financing, and Managing Businesses | This course focuses on legal aspects related to structuring, financing, and managing businesses. |
| Management of Financial Risk | This course examines techniques for identifying, measuring, and managing financial risks faced by businesses. |
Extra Activities for USC Masters 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 -
Eligibility
- 4-year Bachelor's degree OR Master’s degree (for 3-year Bachelor's degree holder) earned at an institution recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC)
- Official semester-by-semester mark sheets (preferred) /consolidated mark sheets from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Official diploma(s)/degree certificate(s)
- Academic transcripts
Documents required for USC Masters in Finance
- Completed online application
- Four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent
- Official academic transcripts
- Official GMAT/GRE scores
- Required essay
- One letter of recommendation is required (two are recommended)
The application fee for the direct application is $155.
USC Marshall MFin Deadlines
USC Masters 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.
| Deadline | Deadline Dates |
| Round 1 | December 1, 2023 |
| Round 2 | February 1, 2024 |
Employment And Placement
USC Master of Finance program is designed to prepare students for MFin Salary. The school has a strong track record of employment outcomes for its USC Masters 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.
Top Sectors Hiring
Top 3 Sectors
- Investment Banking
- Research
- Accounting/Auditing
Top Sectors Hiring Berkeley Hass MBA Graduates
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.
| Consulting | Finance | Others |
| EY | All Point Financial | Founder Securities |
| Deloitte | Acacia Mortgage Corp | Houlihan Lokey |
| KPMG LLP | Citigroup | HSBC |
| Encore Capital Group | China Agricultural Bank | Keck Medicine USC |
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 Masters 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 Masters 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 Masters 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.
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.
