MS in Finance

Build CFA-aligned finance expertise in the Washington, D.C. region, where global business, policy, and financial decision-making intersect.

Prepare for finance careers in corporate finance, investments, risk management, banking, portfolio management, and financial analytics through flexible online, in-person, and evening course options.

George Mason University’s STEM-designated Master of Science in Finance, offered by the Costello College of Business, helps students from a range of academic and professional backgrounds develop graduate-level finance expertise for real business and investment challenges. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., the program connects students to a region shaped by global business, policy, government, consulting, and finance while preparing them for careers across corporate finance, investments, risk management, banking, portfolio management, and financial analytics. 

The MS in Finance is CFA Institute Affiliated and designed to connect graduate coursework with professional finance practice. Students complete a 33-credit curriculum, including core finance coursework and a required capstone that applies finance concepts to real-world business and investment decisions. Flexible evening course options allow full-time students and working professionals to complete the program 100% online, in person, or hybrid.

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Finance is a 33-credit program completed through 11 structured finance courses, including CFA ethics coursework and an applied investment fund capstone course.

The curriculum provides graduate-level preparation in corporate finance, investments, banking, global financial markets, portfolio management, financial risk management, capital budgeting, corporate governance, and financial instruments.

Students build advanced quantitative, analytical, and programming skills using industry-standard tools such as MATLAB, Python, SAS, and R. Throughout the program, students learn to evaluate complex financial challenges, analyze global markets, and make ethical, data-informed financial decisions.

The program concludes with an applied capstone course in which students manage a live investment portfolio. Working as an investment management team, students evaluate portfolio performance, analyze financial data and securities, manage investment risk, and present recommendations that reflect the real-world responsibilities of professional asset management. 

Student Outcomes

The MS in Finance prepares students for finance-focused roles across corporate finance, investments, risk management, banking, portfolio management, consulting, government, and financial analytics. Graduates may pursue positions such as financial analyst, corporate finance analyst, investment analyst, portfolio analyst, risk analyst, credit analyst, valuation analyst, treasury analyst, banking analyst, capital markets analyst, financial data analyst, or finance consultant.

Build Career-Ready Finance Experience

Students use coursework and the applied investment fund capstone to build examples of finance work that reflect real-world professional practice. In the capstone, students work as an investment management team to evaluate portfolio performance, analyze financial data and securities, manage investment risk, and present recommendations connected to live portfolio management.

Career Support for MS in Finance Students For Life

Your career support continues after graduation, helping MSF alumni navigate career growth, transitions, and new opportunities in any field.

Through the Costello College of Business Office of Career Services, MS in Finance students and alumni receive guidance tailored to graduate business and finance career paths. Career advisors help students connect their coursework, CFA-aligned preparation, analytical skills, and applied investment experience to the job search process, including: 

• resume and cover letter writing 
• LinkedIn profile development 
• interview preparation 
• networking strategies 
• job board navigation 
• offer evaluation 
• and long-term career planning

Students also receive support in communicating experience with financial modeling, investment analysis, portfolio management, risk analysis, and tools such as MATLAB, Python, SAS, and R. Career advisors can help students discuss their financial decision-making, ethical judgment, analytical approach, and applied capstone experience during interviews and career conversations. 

Costello MS in Finance students and alumni build careers across banking, capital markets, corporate finance, investment management, risk, consulting, public-sector finance, infrastructure, and financial analytics. Employer examples identified through public professional profiles include organizations in financial services, aerospace and defense, construction and infrastructure, government, transportation, and higher education.

Employer names do not imply endorsement of the program by the organizations listed.

MSF Program News

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions, call us at (703) 993-8006.   

Admissions and Program Fit

Can I apply to the MS in Finance without a finance background? 
Yes. Applicants do not need an academic or professional background in finance to apply to the MS in Finance program. Students from a range of academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, especially those with quantitative, analytical, business, economics, accounting, mathematics, engineering, or related experience.

Are GMAT or GRE scores required for the MS in Finance? 
GMAT and GRE scores are not required for applicants to the MS in Finance program.

Is the MS in Finance a good fit for students with a quantitative background? 
Yes. Students with quantitative, analytical, technical, business, economics, accounting, mathematics, engineering, or related backgrounds may be a strong fit for the MS in Finance because the program emphasizes financial analysis, data-informed decision-making, investment analysis, risk management, and quantitative finance skills.

Is the MS in Finance designed for working professionals? 
Yes. The MS in Finance offers flexible evening course options and can be completed 100% online or in person, making it accessible for working professionals as well as full-time students.

Format, Length, and Flexibility

How many credits is the MS in Finance? 
The MS in Finance is a 33-credit graduate program completed through 11 structured finance courses.

When can I start the MS in Finance program? 
Students may begin the MS in Finance program in the fall or spring semester.

Is the MS in Finance offered 100% online? 
Yes. Students can complete the MS in Finance 100% online.

Is the MS in Finance offered in person? 
Yes. Students may complete the MS in Finance in person at George Mason University’s Fairfax, Virginia campus, located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C.

Can I complete the MS in Finance part time or full time? 
Yes. The MS in Finance offers part-time and full-time enrollment options, allowing students to choose a pace that fits their academic, professional, and personal commitments.

How long does it take to complete the MS in Finance? 
The MS in Finance can typically be completed in one to two years, depending on whether a student enrolls full-time or part-time.

STEM Designation, CFA Affiliation, and International Students

Is the MS in Finance STEM-designated? 
Yes. George Mason University’s MS in Finance is a STEM-designated graduate program.

What does STEM designation mean for international students? 
Eligible F-1 students who complete a STEM-designated degree and meet federal requirements may qualify for up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training in the United States, including the STEM OPT extension.

Is the MS in Finance CFA-affiliated? 
Yes. George Mason University’s MS in Finance is a CFA-affiliated master’s program, connecting the curriculum to professional finance concepts used in investment analysis, portfolio management, ethics, financial reporting, and financial decision-making.

Is George Mason University’s MS in Finance the first and only CFA-affiliated master’s in finance program in Virginia? 
George Mason University states that its MS in Finance is the first and only CFA-affiliated master’s in finance program in Virginia. This distinction connects the program to professional finance standards while helping students build skills relevant to investment analysis and portfolio management.

Curriculum and Applied Learning

What will I study in the MS in Finance program? 
Students study corporate finance, investments, banking, global financial markets, portfolio management, financial risk management, capital budgeting, corporate governance, financial instruments, and data-informed financial decision-making.

What tools are used in the Costello College of Business MS in Finance curriculum? 
Students build quantitative, analytical, and programming skills using industry-standard tools such as MATLAB, Python, SAS, and R.

Does the MS in Finance include a capstone course? 
Yes. The MS in Finance includes a required applied student-managed investment fund capstone course.

What happens in the MS in Finance capstone course? 
In the applied capstone course, students manage a live investment portfolio and work as an investment management team. Students evaluate portfolio performance, analyze financial data and securities, manage investment risk, and present recommendations connected to real-world portfolio management.

What is the difference between an MBA and an MS in Finance? 
An MBA develops broad business leadership and management skills across areas such as strategy, finance, marketing, operations, and organizational leadership. The MS in Finance is more specialized, focusing on finance, investment analysis, valuation, portfolio management, risk management, banking, and financial decision-making.

What is the difference between an MS in Finance and a quantitative finance program? 
An MS in Finance usually provides a broader professional finance education across areas such as corporate finance, investments, valuation, banking, risk, and portfolio management. Quantitative finance programs are typically more specialized and may place heavier emphasis on advanced mathematics, programming, stochastic modeling, financial engineering, and quantitative methods.

Careers and Outcomes

What jobs can I pursue with an MS in Finance? 
Graduates may pursue finance-focused roles such as financial analyst, corporate finance analyst, investment analyst, portfolio analyst, risk analyst, credit analyst, valuation analyst, treasury analyst, banking analyst, capital markets analyst, financial data analyst, and finance consultant.

What finance career paths does the MS in Finance support? 
The MS in Finance supports career paths across corporate finance, investments, portfolio management, risk management, banking, capital markets, consulting, government, public-sector finance, and financial analytics.

Is the MS in Finance a good option for students interested in investment management? 
Yes. The MS in Finance is a strong option for students interested in investment management because the program is CFA-affiliated and includes an applied capstone experience connected to live investment portfolio management.

Is the MS in Finance a good option for students interested in financial analytics or risk management? 
Yes. The MS in Finance builds quantitative, analytical, and programming skills while preparing students to evaluate financial data, analyze risk, and support data-informed financial decisions across organizations.

Rankings, Cost, and Value

Is George Mason University’s MS in Finance ranked? 
Yes. George Mason University’s MS in Finance is ranked in the QS Business Master’s Rankings 2026: Finance. The program was ranked #48 nationally and #23 among U.S. public universities.

Is George Mason University’s MS in Finance one of the best finance master’s programs in Virginia? 
George Mason University’s MS in Finance is a strong option for students comparing finance master’s programs in Virginia and the Washington, D.C. region. The program is STEM-designated, CFA-affiliated, offered 100% online or in person, and includes an applied capstone connected to live investment portfolio management.

How much does the MS in Finance cost? 
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the base tuition rate for the MS in Finance is $1,025 per credit for Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland residents and $1,400 per credit for out-of-state and international students. The MS in Finance is a 33-credit program. A mandatory student fee is also assessed per credit. Tuition, fees, and other charges are subject to change and annual increases.

Is the MS in Finance an affordable finance master’s program in the Washington, D.C. region? 
The MS in Finance offers a regional tuition rate for Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland residents. For students comparing finance master’s programs in the D.C., Virginia, and Maryland market, George Mason University offers a public-university value option with STEM designation, CFA affiliation, flexible delivery, and applied investment experience.

Do Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland residents qualify for a regional tuition rate? 
Yes. Students with a Virginia domicile receive in-state tuition, and residents of Washington, D.C., or Maryland qualify for the regional tuition rate for Costello College of Business graduate programs. For the 2026–2027 academic year, that rate is $1,025 per credit for the MS in Finance.

Are scholarships available for MS in Finance students? 
Yes. Candidates applying to Costello College of Business master’s programs are reviewed for scholarship consideration during the application review process. Scholarship availability, eligibility, and award amounts may vary by program, term, and applicant profile.

Can I use financial aid for the MS in Finance? 
Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may be eligible to apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Students should review George Mason University’s financial aid resources for eligibility requirements, deadlines, and next steps.

Can employer tuition assistance help pay for the MS in Finance? 
Yes. Many working professionals use employer tuition assistance or reimbursement benefits to help pay for graduate education. Students should check with their employer’s human resources or benefits office to confirm eligibility, annual limits, reimbursement rules, and documentation requirements.

Can military benefits be used for the MS in Finance? 
Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, guardsmen, and dependents may be able to use military education benefits toward the MS in Finance. George Mason University’s Office of Military Services can help students understand available benefits and eligibility requirements.

Where can I find the most current MS in Finance tuition and financial aid information? 
Tuition and fees are updated annually and are subject to change. Students should visit the Graduate Tuition and Financial Aid page for the most current Costello College of Business tuition rates, fees, scholarships, financial aid, military benefits, and other funding options.