Core Courses
MSF 500 Introduction to Finance
4 credits
This course is designed to be a “boot camp”, equipping students coming from varied backgrounds with the set of fundamental concepts, theories, and tools used throughout the program. Examples of basic concepts include the time value of money, rudimentary bond pricing, risk versus return, interpretation of financial statements, cash-flows analysis, and an introduction to capital structure.
MSF 501 Investments
4 credits
This class provides an understanding of capital markets and asset classes, advanced measures of risk and the relationship between risk and return, portfolio theory, the CAPM and multi-factor models, advanced bond pricing and the term-structure of interest rates.
MSF 502 Corporate Finance
4 credits
This course discusses key issues in financial management using both analytical and case study illustrations. Topics include the valuation of public and private companies; cost of capital estimation; investment complications, such as taxes, inflation, risk, project interdependencies, and financing-investment interactions; leasing; mergers; spin-offs and carve-outs.
MSF 503 Data Analytics in Finance
4 credits
This class provides an in-depth review of commonly used empirical methods in finance. Equal time is reserved for the formal discussion of a method’s theoretical foundation and its practical implementation, including common mistakes and solutions to frequent problems encountered.
MSF 504 Advanced Corporate Finance
4 credits
This course studies the theory of corporate finance and explores how it’s applied in the financial decision making of a firm. The study of these decisions will involve understanding how capital markets function and learning how to evaluate the performance of a company, business, or department based on financial models.
MSF 505 Advanced Investments
4 credits
This class focuses on the nature, problems, and process of evaluating particular securities, as well as the portfolio construction process and administration. Special attention is directed to the risk and rate of return aspects of securities, portfolios, and total wealth.
MSF 506 Fintech and Applications
4 credits
This course explores cutting-edge technologies transforming the financial sector. Students gain insight into blockchains, AI, digital payments, and other emerging tools, learning how to innovate financial services, manage risks, and harness data for smarter, faster decisions in today’s digital economy.
MSF 517 Career Development Workshop
2 credits
This workshop is a weekly seminar that invites speakers to discuss topics of leadership, business ethics, financial service industries, and career development.
MSF 518 Capstone Project I
2 credits
This course is the first in a two-quarter sequence, designed to apply the concepts covered throughout the program to a real-world setting. The projects are often based on the needs of local firms, giving students the chance to work closely with professionals in the corporate sector and finance industry, build relationships with potential employers, and gain insights into the practical challenges of finance. Students will work in a team that requires critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
MSF 519 Capstone Project II
2 credits
Students will continue the execution phase for their capstone project. Project development must demonstrate both a technical component as well as an application of material covered in the program. Students will prepare a final document that demonstrates the clear connection between the concept and topics covered in the program. Students will also prepare a final presentation, in whatever format the instructor sees fit.
Elective Courses
MSF 507 Behavioral Finance
4 credits
This course explores the psychological factors that influence financial decision-making and market outcomes. By examining investor biases, cognitive errors, and emotional influences, students develop strategies to manage irrational behaviors, refine risk assessment, and optimize portfolio and investment decisions.
MSF 508 Asset Management
4 credits
This course provides a review of the asset management industry and its participants. Concepts include the exploration of end investor’s objectives, preferences and biases as basis for allocating client assets across an entire portfolio. As a practice in applying theory, students will development an investment strategy while addressing problems in implementing that strategy from a practitioner’s perspective.
MSF 509 Sustainable Finance
4 credits
This course equips students with the expertise to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into decision-making. Students will develop skills in responsible investment strategies, ESG risk assessment, and sustainable business innovation to drive long-term value and positive societal impact.
MSF 510 Alternative Investments
4 credits
This course provides an examination of the market for alternative investments. Topics include the investment strategies employed by hedge funds and private equity firms, the risk-return tradeoffs of those strategies, and the legal and economic environments in which alternative investment firms operate.
MSF 511 Banking and Financial Systems
4 credits
This class examines the role of banks and nonbank financial institutions in the financial system. Topics include the asset choices of banks and nonbank financial institutions and the problems in the management of financial institutions with an emphasis on commercial banks.
MSF 512 Real Estate Finance
4 credits
This class provides an introduction to valuing, financing, and investing in real estate with an emphasis on those features that distinguish real estate from other investments. Topics include the various valuation techniques, lease structures, loan options, equity partnerships, risk management, and taxation.
MSF 513 Competing in Global Economy
4 credits
This class examines the global environment for business and the challenges facing managers in this environment. The class explores the implications of the common phrase “think global – act local.”
MSF 514 Machine Learning in Business
4 credits
This class equips students with advanced data-driven tools to solve complex financial problems. Through hands-on exploration of predictive modeling, algorithmic trading, and risk management, students learn to leverage big data and cutting-edge algorithms for more effective, forward-looking decision-making in modern finance.
MSF 515 The Arrhythmia of Finance
4 credits
This class provides students the opportunity to develop and practice analytic skills that can help students better understand the risk and volatility in financial markets. The subject matter of the course lies at the intersection of conventional finance and the limits of human understanding.
MSF 516 Accounting Foundations
4 credits
This class provides students with essential financial reporting concepts and analytical tools needed to interpret corporate financial statements. Students develop proficiency in analyzing balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements to support financial decision-making and valuation. The course emphasizes accounting principles most relevant to finance professionals.