The University of Kentucky’s Master of Science in Finance prepares students for a professional career in the finance and banking industries. This science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program focuses on analytics and data science related skills in courses through Python, Tableau and more.
This 30-credit-hour program gives students first-hand asset management experience by managing $5 million of real money and access to real-time financial information in our state-of-the-art Seale Finance Learning Center. Students will access real-time financial information from sources including Bloomberg Terminals and Capital IQ.
I love how numbers can tell a story. I chose UK because of the MS in Finance program. It's forward-thinking. It makes me future-proof.
The Master of Science in Finance program is a 30-credit-hour program that consists of 10 courses that can be completed in as little as 2 semesters or more.
Most classes are scheduled during the day with no classes on Fridays.
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The John Maze Stewart Department of Finance and Quantitative Methods has been accepted into the CFA Institute University Recognition Program every year since 2012. The Master of Science program has been included in the CFA Institute University Recognition Program since 2017. This status is granted to institutions whose degree programs incorporate at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK).
Students are provided with a solid grounding in the CBOK*, and are prepared to sit for the CFA exam. Each year, the CFA Institute allots 13 scholarships to finance students. (MSF or undergraduate). Students with scholarships will be able to access CFA preparation materials for free and take CFA exams at a significantly lowered rate.
The majority of our MSF students finish the program in one year. However, some MSF students can finish the MSF program in more than a year. International students in the program must take at least nine credit hours per semester in order to maintain the full-time student status (may apply for reduced course load in the last semester).
The Seale Finance Learning Center equips students with everything they need (Bloomberg Terminals) to compete and succeed in the finance industry.
The Graduate Center (GC) offers comprehensive career support services to all Gatton College of Business and Economics MBA and MS students. Students receive assistance in everything needed to launch a successful career during and after graduation, from resume development and job searches to LinkedIn profile buildout and interview preparation.
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As you hone your career search as a student in the MS Finance program, you can also expect to receive guidance and networking from our faculty who bring their own extensive experience in industry into the classroom.
The MSF program offers a great pivot if you've already been in a career, or maybe already have a business degree but want to focus on finance. It's a wonderful opportunity to grow.
The MSF program is a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program. This means international students are eligible for three years of Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. OPT is a period during which undergraduate and graduate students with F-1 (non-immigrant student visa) status are allowed to work on a student visa and receive practical training to complement their education
The MSF program works closely with the John Maze Stewart Department of Finance and Quantitative Methods and the Gatton college to place our students in order for our students to have a successful career in Finance. For more placements click the button below.
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Commercial Analyst
Truist
Data Transformation Analyst
S&P Global
Wealth Management Specialist
Merrill Lynch (Bank of America)
At the University of Kentucky, members of our Master of Science in Finance community make positive contributions to their chosen fields and fellow members of the cohort. Our program builds a tight-knit group of individuals who accompany each other on this journey. The ideal candidate is thoughtful and driven with the desire to develop further their leadership skills and the initiative to expand their tool belt on a timeline that best suits them.
For a more detailed understanding of our specific admissions requirements, schedule a 1:1 session with our team. We look forward to answering any questions you may have while guiding you through this process.
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* Round 3 is the Final Deadline for International Students
** Round 4 is the Final Deadline for Domestic Students
Complete an online application and submit the application fee. An application is considered complete/ready for review once all supporting documents** have been received by the University of Kentucky Graduate School.
This program starts in late August for Fall semester and early January for Spring semester. Applicants must complete the program specific application requirements to be considered for admission into the degree program. Incomplete files will not be reviewed.
Once the application is complete, it will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee within 3-4 weeks of admission.
**Please note the MSF program does not require letters of recommendation.
Spring admission is considered if either one of the following two conditions is met:
Applicant plans to finish the program in more than two semesters.
Applicant's undergraduate major is finance with a GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 (out of 4.0).
Completion of the application does not guarantee admission into the MSF program. Applicants will be evaluated primarily based on their undergraduate grade point average (GPA) and their TOEFL/IELTS scores.
Disclaimer: Applicants for fall 2025 who apply prior to March 1, 2025 will only need to submit their transcripts and resume. Fall 2025 applicants who apply after March 1, 2025 will have the option to submit the additional materials listed below.
Minimum undergraduate GPA requirement is 2.75 (out of 4.0)
Undergraduate Transcript
English Proficiency waivers accepted. English Proficiency waivers can be offered to candidates who earned their bachelors' degrees from other U.S. universities and/or institutions that will document that all of their instruction was in English.
Minimum TOEFL score is 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based). The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. The minimum DUOLINGO is 115, plus an online interview. The TOEFL Institution Code for the UK Graduate School is 1837.
For International Students, you have the option of completing the program in a flexible format in 2, 3, or 4 semesters.
International candidates in the program must take at least nine credit hours per semester in order to maintain the full-time student status. Candidates may apply for a reduced course load the last semester.
For more information, consult our International FAQ
Now that you know the admission and application requirements, you are ready to start your application to the Master of Science in Finance Program. You can save your progress and return to your application as needed until you are ready to submit it.
Not quite ready and need more detailed understanding of our requirements?
Schedule an info session today!
We look forward to answering any questions and guiding you through this process.
Tuition is based on a credit hour system to allow additional flexibility. Students may select to start the program in the Spring semester and extend the program for as long as necessary to complete the entire 10 courses.
Master of Science in Finance students need 30 credit hours to graduate.
All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships based on their academic performance, such as GPA, GMAT/GRE scores, and other factors. The scholarships are very competitive and typically cover only partial tuition costs.
The MS-Finance program does not offer assistantships.
Cost of Attendance
Tuition and Fees
Many UK students utilize the comprehensive resources available from the UK Office of Student Financial Aid, including federal student loan programs.
The University of Kentucky’s Tuition Assistance Programs offer a valuable benefit for eligible employees pursuing graduate business degrees. These programs significantly reduce or eliminate tuition costs, making advanced education more accessible and financially sustainable.
Students can find tuition refund policies, deadlines, amounts, and other important information on the Student Account Services website.
Individual appointments are available for assistance with our team of financial aid counselors
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The University of Kentucky Graduate School provides various funding opportunities for graduate students through fellowships, assistantships, and support funding.
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