Students in front of WVU College of Business and Economics
Students in front of WVU College of Business and Economics

M.S. in Finance

The West Virginia University is a CFA® Institute Partner School through the M.S. Finance program.  Program graduates are prepared to sit for examination for the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and graduates boast a high pass rate on all three testing levels.

The M.S. Finance program is ideal for potential candidates with undergraduate degrees in accounting, finance, engineering, mathematics, physics, geology, or economics, or those with industry experience and the drive to be successful. M.S. Finance graduates, especially those earning the Chartered Financial Analyst credential, enjoy careers with leadership positions across the gamut of financial positions. This includes investment banking positions, portfolio management, financial analyst, fund management, and corporate finance positions, among others.

The optional area of emphasis in Energy Finance prepares graduates for leadership careers in the energy sector. This area of emphasis is part of West Virginia University's Shale Gas Initiative and offers B-School graduates entre' into the energy sector and Energy Sector geologists, engineers, and other practitioners the business acumen for energy sector advancement into leadership and decision-making positions.

MBA as a gateway to M.S. Finance or M.S. Finance-Energy Area of Emphasis

If you are an academically qualified student with a quantitative background such as engineering, business, mathematics, or computer science but don't have a finance or accounting background, you have two options:

  • You can complete the 14-month MBA program, and then stay the following fall semester to take four additional finance courses." This leads to an MBA with an Emphasis in Finance, which is awarded in December." This is the ideal option for students who seek careers in management fields which require a thorough understanding of finance.
  • You can be admitted into the MBA program, then apply to the M.S. in Finance program during your spring semester. "With this option, you will earn both an MBA and an M.S. in Finance in two years."

CFA Institute Recognition

The WVU College of Business and Economics MS in Finance program has been accepted into the CFA Institute University Recognition Program. This status is granted to institutions whose degree programs incorporate at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK), which provides students with a solid grounding in the CBOK and positions them well to sit for the CFA exams.

AACSB Accreditation

Degree programs at the WVU College of Business & Economics are accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the top accrediting organization for business schools."

Affordable

MS Finance at WVU provides an excellent education at a very affordable cost.