We are currently not accepting applications for the Master of Finance program at this time. We are still allowing minors in Finance with any of our other programs. Please check back later for updates.

Program Objective
The objective of the MSBA program is to provide a background for business leadership in the area of financial management.

Prerequisites and Foundation Courses
In addition, students must complete the prerequisite courses listed below or have equivalent undergraduate credit. We now offer graduate survey courses in place of most undergraduate prerequisites. These are especially designed for non-business undergraduates and may be taken before or during the MSBA program.

Course Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 30 hours of course work at the graduate level, 24 semester hours of which must be in courses exclusively for graduate credit. The MSBA Program consists of two options, thesis and non-thesis. Both options require a 9 hour minor field. The thesis option requires a 15 hour major in Finance or related disciplines and 6 hours of thesis. The non-thesis option requires a 21 hour major in Finance or related disciplines. Students must also pass an end-of-program oral examination. The Finance major core is structured around the following core courses:

Students may also take up to 6 hours of Special Topics or Directed Individual Study with approval of the major professor. "Related disciplines" courses in EC, ACC, AEC, MA, ST, BIS, BQA, or FO may be substituted with approval of the major professor. No more than 6 hours may be below 8000 level.

A minor field, consisting of 9 hours, may be selected from either inside or outside the College of Business and Industry with the approval of the student's major professor. In addition, elective hours must be approved by the student's major professor.

A printer friendly program of study is available for finance majors. Information about about how to work towards a dual program or a minor in finance can be found here.

Admission Requirements
Applicants for the MSBA in Finance should hold a bachelor's degree from a fully recognized four-year institution of higher learning that enjoys unconditional accreditation by appropriate regional accrediting agencies. All general requirements stated in the Graduate Bulletin must be met.

Applicants for the MSBA Program in Finance must have minimum grade-point average of 3.00/4.00 or higher over the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work and a minimum score of 500 on the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). When a student is deficient in one of the criteria cited, an admission criteria score (ACS) of 1100 or more is required. To calculate the ACS the following formula is used: (last 60 hours GPA)*200 + (GMAT score). However, reasonable minimum levels must be achieved in both the applicant's GPA and GMAT scores.

International applicants not holding degrees from U.S. institutions must submit with their applications a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) report, from a test administered within the last two years, of 575 or higher, in order to be considered for regular admission.

Unclassified Admission
Unclassified admission is available to students through the Office of Graduate Studies for those desiring graduate-level study for purposes other than an advanced degree. Only nine semester hours of credit earned while unclassified may subsequently be applied to a degree program in business.

Applicants opting for unclassified admission must have a minimum undergraduate grade-point average of 3.00 out of a possible 4.00. The above admission requirements must be met (including completion of the GMAT with a 500 or higher) before full admission into the program.

Transfer Credit
Up to six hours of graduate transfer credits may be accepted toward fulfilling the requirements for the master's degree, provided the credits have been earned in a recognized institution and are considered pertinent to the student's graduate program. These credits are considered part of the student's program and must adhere to the six-year time limit restriction. Please note, however, that "C" grades are not acceptable, nor are extension credits from other institutions.

Contact
Students planning to pursue an MSBA degree in Finance or desiring more information about the program should contact Dr. Michael Highfield in the Department of Finance and Economics at 662-325-1984 or m.highfield@msstate.edu.

College of Business and Industry

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