The Master of Science in Finance adds a fifth year of study for Wisconsin BBA students pursuing any major, as well as for undergraduate economics students at UW–Madison. Upon completion of this program, students graduate with both a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance and a Master of Science degree. Students who have already completed an undergraduate degree from any institution may be interested in the Wisconsin MBA Program with a specialization in applied security analysis.
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The M.S. in Finance Program provides the foundation needed to launch a career in investment research and portfolio management. Students begin working toward their master’s degree in their senior year as an undergraduate. A research internship at an investment firm in the summer after the senior year adds relevance to the graduate-year curriculum, strengthens one’s résumé, and positions students to land attractive full-time job offers after graduation.
The program also helps equip students to take the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) Level I exam after the senior year and the CFA Level II exam following graduation.
The M.S. in Finance Program has an outstanding track record, with 100 percent of students being placed in internships and 100 percent accepting job offers within three months of graduation.
As a student in the M.S. in Finance program, you will have the opportunity to co-manage nearly $9 million in assets held in equity and fixed income portfolios. Working as a team with other Wisconsin M.S. in Finance and MBA students, you will define an investment philosophy and process to guide your investment decisions. Using the same tools as those used by professionals, you will have complete authority to direct assets into investments you choose.
The board members for the Hawk Center—many of whom are alumni of Wisconsin’s Applied Security Analysis Program—will serve as mentors and advisors as you develop strategies to optimize these investments. Quarterly presentations to the board members enable you to experience the dynamics of an actual client-manager relationship.
The program incorporates classes taught by actual practitioners who have extensive investment management experience. In these classes, you will develop analytical and communication skills, as instructors provide individual critiques of your models and reports. Class speakers have represented firms such as:
Students in the Applied Security Analysis Program can also experience two important financial centers firsthand. In an optional trip over the winter break, Wisconsin M.S. in Finance and MBA students visit leading investment firms in New York City and Boston. The trip provides an insider’s look at the various types of firms and careers that exist within the investment profession, as well as an opportunity to network with Wisconsin alumni and other professionals. Some of the travel costs are subsidized by the Hawk Center.
The faculty and staff of the Stephen L. Hawk Center for Investment Analysis will be available to you on a one-on-one basis to discuss admissions questions, provide academic advising, and get help mapping out an individual course plan. You actually begin preparing to enter the M.S. in Finance program during your junior year.
As a BBA or undergraduate economics student, you can take advantage of additional opportunities to build a strong a foundation for a successful career.
Students who participate in CMC and/or AEMR get a head start on the M.S. in Finance curriculum and gain a competitive edge that benefits their careers.
“The Applied Security Analysis Program gives students an unparalleled opportunity to take responsibility at the beginning of their career. Managing this magnitude of assets is a privilege most other college graduates won't enjoy until years later in their professional life. The learnings realized from a hands-on, risk-oriented program like ASAP are invaluable for accelerating your career trajectory.”
—Raefe Gross, MS in Finance ‘18 Frontier Markets Research Analyst, Frontaura Capital LLC
The M.S. in Finance Program is designed to provide the theoretical, analytical, and experiential education needed to begin a career in investment analysis. The curriculum requires a minimum of 27 credits in the graduate year. Students have the flexibility to customize their academic experience with elective graduate courses, which can be drawn from a number of business disciplines.
Your senior year as an undergraduate will include required electives in applied security analysis, as well as the courses you need to complete your BBA with a major in finance.
At least nine credits of electives must be taken in each semester of the graduate year.
This degree plan is subject to change based on course availability. The curriculum shown is representative of the course of study.
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