Finance Masters Program

Master of Science in Business Administration (MSBA)

The MSBA program in finance is designed to provide specialized and in-depth instruction in finance for those students who anticipate a career in finance or for those students who will pursue further graduate work. The program currently offers a range of courses that cover the main areas of finance: corporate, investments, and financial institutions and markets.

Objective:

The objective of the Program is to transmit knowledge and information so that graduates will be well qualified to assume professional positions in their respective area or to achieve further advancement in their career positions. Students selecting the thesis option will have the opportunity to develop research skills as they prepare a research oriented thesis in an area of interest. The thesis option will offer students an introduction to the research process in the field of finance and prepare them for further graduate work or a more analytical career position.

Outcome:

The desired outcome for graduates is that they assume a professional position that will lead to progressive advancement through their company or organization. Graduates should be well grounded in the main areas of finance. The thesis option graduate will have an understanding of the research practice and application in finance.

Requirements:

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution of higher education. Additionally, students must complete (or have completed) a common body of knowledge that includes core courses in business - accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing and statistics. Graduates of AACSB accredited business schools will likely have met these requirements; graduates of other programs may be required to complete additional preparatory coursework prior to full admission to the MSBA program. Admission is competitive and limited in terms of the number of candidates accepted each year.

Thesis Option:

Students enrolled in the MSBA program who choose the thesis option must complete a minimum of 26 semester hours of coursework plus four semester hours of thesis credit for a total minimum degree requirement of 30 semester hours. In accordance with Graduate School policy, students must register for a minimum of four semester hours of thesis credit but may have more. No more than five hours may be included as part of the degree plan. Students will take a comprehensive examination based on the coursework completed. Additionally, the candidate must demonstrate appropriate oral communication skills through a final presentation. Thesis option students will also have a final defense of their thesis.

Non-Thesis Option:

Students who elect the non-thesis option will complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework. The specific courses to be taken will be determined based on the individual background as well as the future goals of the candidate. The Plan of Study will be developed in consultation with the major professor. Candidates will complete a final comprehensive examination based on the courses they have taken. Additionally, they must demonstrate proficient oral and written communication skills.

Graduate Assistantships:

The Department of Finance has a very limited number of graduate research assistantships. Assistantships generally provide a partial tuition waiver and include a monthly stipend. These are quite limited and are awarded based on strength of academic credentials and funding availability.

Information Links:

Masters in Finance (MSBA-Finance) Application and Admissions Information

Masters in Finance Curriculum Model (including prerequisites)

For Admissions information, please contact:

Director MBA and MSBA-Finance Admissions
Auburn University College of Business
Lowder Business Building
415 W. Magnolia Avenue - Suite 503
Auburn University, AL 36849
Email: mbadmis@auburn.edu
Telephone: (334) 844-4060