Why Earn a Master of Science in Finance Online at Etown SGPS?
Earning a Master of Science (M.S.) in Finance at Elizabethtown College's School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS) is a strategic move for professionals in the finance industry. The program's online format, coupled with its accelerated one-year or flexible two-year options, caters to the busy schedules of working individuals. It offers in-depth specialization in either Financial Planning and Wealth Management or Investments and Portfolio Management, providing the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in various financial roles and prepare for key certifications.
Etown's M.S. in Finance is an CFP Board® registered program in financial planning.
Program Outcomes:
- Build professional skills and essential competencies with the advanced knowledge and analytical tools needed in today’s financial markets.
- Obtain the required coursework to be eligible for the CFP® examination.
- Gain foundational knowledge to prepare for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) or Financial Risk Management (FRM®) certification exams.
Online
Program Format
What Career Opportunities Could I Have With an Master of Science in Finance Degree?
The M.S. in Finance at Elizabethtown College prepares students for a range of high-demand careers in the finance sector. The program offers specialized tracks: the CFP® Professional track, registered with the CFP Board®, for those aiming to become Certified Financial Planners, and a CFA track designed to help students pass the CFA Level 1 and 2 exams. Graduates can pursue careers in wealth management, banks, corporate finance, investment companies, financial advisory firms, and hedge funds, with roles ranging from financial analysts and investment bankers to CFOs and portfolio managers.
Understand Tuition Costs and Explore Scholarship Opportunities
The M.S. in Finance is priced at $675 per credit. Scholarships and financial aid are available to make your Etown SGPS education even more affordable. Below are just a few of the scholarships and programs available to students:
- Alumni Scholarship: 15% tuition discount, available to Elizabethtown College alumni.
- Affinity Partner Scholarship: 15% discount, offered to employees of organizations partnered with Etown SGPS.
- Jay Fellowship Referral Program: This is a referral program that benefits both current students/alumni and prospective students. When a student or alum refers a new student, both the referrer and the referred student receive a complimentary credit for their program of interest.
Tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change annually.
Tuition & AidOnline Master of Science in Finance Requirements and Concentrations
The Master of Science in Finance from Elizabethtown College requires 30 credit hours of academic work. Concentrations are available in Financial Planning and Wealth Management (CFP® Professional Track) and Investments and Portfolio Management (CFA Track). Degree candidates must take at least 24 credits from Elizabethtown College. Depending on your educational and professional background, one or two foundations courses may be required.
The M.S. in Finance offers two tracks to completion, a full-time one-year program and an accelerated part-time option taking 2+ years:
- The full-time, one-year track enables qualified candidates the opportunity to complete the program in one year.
- The accelerated part-time track allows busy candidates the flexibility they need to manage a work, life, and graduate school balance. Candidates in this track usually complete the program in two years but have the flexibility to extend that timeframe and step in and out of the program as life requires.
Choose One of Two Tracks:
Courses within the Financial Planning and Wealth Management track are registered with the CFP Board® which provides eligibility to and prepares students for the CFP® exam. All 18 credits earned through the our CFP® Certification Financial Planning Education Program can stack and transfer into our Master of Science in Finance. Etown's MSF program is an CFP Board® registered program in financial planning.
Courses in the Investments and Portfolio Management track are uniquely designed by incorporating the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge, providing a solid foundation for students to pass the CFA Level 1 and/or level 2 exam.
Application Requirements & Process
To enter our Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program, you will need to:
- Possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (waivers possible based on work experience and other factors).
- Minimum of three years of professional leadership/management experience (can include undergraduate experience).
- Show a commitment to devote considerable time to coursework in an accelerated program.
- Contact or meet with our admissions staff for guidance and to find out more information.
-
Complete the graduate application via the online portal which includes the submission of a $50 nonrefundable application fee, which is waived for Elizabethtown College graduates.
- You will need to request official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions you have attended and upload your current resume.
- Additionally, prepare a 1-2 page essay outlining your professional goals, your current approach to leadership and management, and how you intend to apply the graduate degree to your long-term professional life.
- The application process also requires two recommendations; one must be from your current supervisor, and the other can be from someone who can vouch for your professional and academic capabilities. Detailed instructions for these recommendations are provided within the admissions portal. Rest assured, these recommendations will be kept confidential and only used as part of your application assessment.
-
International students interested in applying to the program are required to submit several specific documents as part of their application process.
- This includes the College Board Certification of Finances form, which is essential for assessing financial readiness.
- Additionally, a copy of the photograph page of your passport must be provided for identity verification. Standardized test scores from exams such as the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, EIKEN, PTE, or Cambridge English are also necessary, unless your bachelor’s degree was taught in English.
- Finally, transcripts must be evaluated by the World Education Services (WES) to ensure that your academic credentials meet the program's standards.
- After submitting your application, the SGPS Team will review it and make an admissions decision.
- If accepted, you will receive an initial offer letter via the applicant portal, which you must accept to proceed with matriculation.
- If there are any questions or concerns, the admissions team will contact you for further discussion.
Etown seniors, alumni, and employees may be able to take advantage of our two-step, fast-tracked application process.
