Master of Science in Finance
Online or Hybrid | Complete in 12–16 Months | Industry-Aligned
Create Innovative Solutions in All Facets of Finance
Merrimack’s M.S. in Finance (MSF) is a technical degree that provides strong foundational knowledge in a variety of finance topics.
In addition to being certification-ready in Bloomberg and FactSet, you’ll gain a working knowledge of Capital IQ and Morningstar. Students utilize industry-standard tools to navigate financial theory and insights while creating a portfolio of industry-aligned, relevant projects to showcase to employers.
Built for working professionals or recent college graduates with work experience interested in a career in finance, students emerge as strong analysts and financial managers ready to obtain in-demand certifications and credentials employers seek.
Quick facts:
- 100 percent online or hybrid.
- Tuition under $23,000 for most students.
- Complete in 12 months full time or 16 months part time.
- No GRE or GMAT required.
- Financial aid eligible.
Learn more about Merrimack’s M.S. in Finance.
What Can I Do With a Master of Science in Finance?
The specialty areas available for finance professionals are numerous and Merrimack’s M.S. in Finance readies you for a wide spectrum of financial roles and industries, including:
- Asset management
- Commercial banking
- Corporate treasury
- Derivative services
- Equities/investment research
- Financial and regulatory reporting
- Financial operations
Financial analyst
$99,890
Median annual salary
Financial risk specialist
$106,090
Median annual salary
Financial manager
$156,100
Median annual salary
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Master of Finance Coursework
Merrimack’s M.S. in Finance curriculum was developed in consultation with industry experts to ensure that you emerge a strong analyst ready to identify value-added opportunities, assess risk, navigate global challenges and effectively communicate insights across a wide range of industries.
Every student is on a unique professional journey and Merrimack’s curriculum is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop competencies in additional areas of business, dive deeper into technical aspects of finance, hone leadership skills and more.
Foundational Core (8 credits)
If you do not have an undergraduate degree in business/finance, the foundational coursework gives you the framework needed to succeed in the more complex finance courses. These courses will take the place of open electives.
- Essentials of Finance
- Foundations of Accounting (ACC 5050)
Finance Core (16 credits)
The program is intentionally designed to build a strong set of skills across a variety of finance concepts.
- Corporate Finance & Valuation (FIN 5410)
- Investments & Portfolio Strategies
- Quantitative Methods & Financial Modeling (FIN 5440)
- Financial Statement Analysis & Interpretation (FIN 5450)
Advanced Finance Electives (8 credits)
Students can choose eight credits that align with their professional goals. Current advanced finance electives include:
- Wealth Management (FIN 5460)
- Trends & Innovation in Finance (FIN 5420)
Optional Concentrations and Open Electives (0–8 Credits)
The remaining electives are used to supplement and complement your finance courses and can be utilized to expand your skills in business analytics or data science. However, you have the option to choose open electives that fit your goals and meet your needs.
Business Analytics
- Frameworks for Business Analytics (BAI 5100)
- Strategic Decision-Making using Business Analytics (BAI 5150)
- Leveraging Competitive Advantage with Business Intelligence (BAI 5250)
- Data Visualization & Storytelling (BAI 5200)
- Data Governance, Compliance & Ethics (BAI 5220)
Data Science
- Introduction to Data Science and Statistics (DSE 5001)
- R and Python Programming (DSE 5002)
- Predictive Modeling (DSE 6111)
Stand out With In-Demand Certifications
Merrimack’s M.S. in Finance curriculum covers topics across a range of certifications:
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Exam
- Financial Risk Manager (FRM) Exam
- Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) Exam
- Bloomberg Certification
- FactSet Certification
Mucci Capital Markets Lab
M.S. in Finance students are welcome on campus to hone their research and analytical skills at the Mucci Capital Markets Lab, featuring an array of Bloomberg terminals with real-time market data — open seven days a week.
Student Support Resources
Students in the Girard School of Business benefit from a dedicated success team. Support includes:
Support includes:
- 1:1 advising and mentoring from faculty and program staff.
- Access to LinkedIn Learning and Handshake.
- Professional development workshops.
- Math, writing and accessibility services through the Academic Success Center.
- Career services support through the O’Brien Center for Career Development.
It’s Easy to Apply Online
A complete application includes:
- Online application (no fee).
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Resume.
- Interview or personal statement.
- Contact information for one reference or one letter of recommendation.
GRE and GMAT scores are not required.
Tuition and Financial Aid
$679
per credit*
32
credits
$21,728
tuition
*Tuition is based on 2023–2024 academic year.
Tuition and fees are subject to change annually.
Additional program fees may apply.
Financial Aid
As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal loans. We strongly encourage all eligible graduate students to apply for federal financial aid, even if they don’t demonstrate an exceptional financial need.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Merrimack College’s FAFSA school code is 002120.
Employer Tuition Assistance
Merrimack accepts employer financial/tuition assistance. We also offer partnership discounts. Contact us or ask your employer whether your organization is an official partner with Merrimack’s online programs.
Key Dates and Deadlines
This program enrolls six times a year. Each term is eight weeks.
Merrimack College
Accolades and Accreditation
At Merrimack College, we’re proud of our long history of providing quality degrees to students entering the job market. Our faculty are more than just teachers. We are committed to helping you grow — academically, personally and spiritually — so that you may graduate as a confident, well-prepared citizen of the world.
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (No. 14)
- Regional Universities North (No. 33)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (No. 31)
- Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (No. 86)
(at schools where doctorate not offered) - Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 14)
- Best Value Schools (No. 47)
NECHE-Accredited
- Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
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