Pace University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines core finance theory with hands-on applications to financial decision-making. Core topics typically include corporate finance, investment analysis, securities valuation, fixed income, derivatives and risk management. Quantitative and technical modules cover financial modelling, econometrics/financial statistics, and spreadsheet/database applications for finance.

Students then choose from electives that may include portfolio management, international finance, financial institutions, mergers and acquisitions, fintech and data analytics for finance. Many pathways include a capstone project, applied practicum or internship that tasks students with solving real-world problems for firms, non-profits or in simulated trading environments.

Classes emphasise practical tools used by practitioners: building discounted cash flow and leveraged buyout models, constructing and rebalancing portfolios, pricing derivatives, stress-testing balance sheets and preparing client-facing analyses. The programme often makes use of a trading lab and industry-standard data sources for empirical work.

Typical structure

• Core finance courses that establish fundamental theory and quantitative techniques.
• Elective modules to tailor training toward corporate finance, asset management, risk or financial advisory.
• Capstone, practicum or internship for applied experience and employer engagement.
• Options for full-time, part-time or accelerated study to accommodate career-stage and professional commitments.

Entry requirements

• A recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline; degrees with quantitative content are advantageous.
• A competitive undergraduate academic record. Specific GPA expectations are set by the university and considered alongside the overall application.
• Application materials: academic transcripts, a current CV or résumé, a personal statement outlining career goals and reasons for choosing the programme, and one or more letters of recommendation.
• Some applicants may be asked to submit GMAT or GRE scores; the school may waive this requirement for candidates with strong quantitative backgrounds or relevant professional experience.
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants (for example, TOEFL or IELTS) unless exempted under the university’s policies.
• Relevant professional experience can strengthen an application, particularly for part-time or executive-format study tracks.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles across the financial services sector and corporate finance functions. Common career paths include financial analyst, corporate finance associate, investment analyst, portfolio manager, risk analyst, treasury analyst, wealth or financial planning advisor, and roles in fintech and financial consulting.

The programme’s emphasis on practical skills and industry engagement supports transition into banking, asset management, insurance, corporate treasury, financial advisory firms and technology firms delivering financial services. Internship and capstone opportunities also help students develop employer networks and demonstrable experience for competitive entry-level and mid-level positions.

Why study at Pace University

• Strategic New York City location: proximity to major financial institutions and a dense employers’ market creates plentiful internship and recruiting opportunities.
• Industry-focused curriculum delivered by faculty with academic and practitioner experience, reinforced by guest lecturers from the financial community.
• Access to practical learning resources such as the university trading lab, market data platforms and applied research projects that mirror workplace tasks.
• Smaller class sizes that enable personalised feedback, teamwork and closer interaction with faculty and career services.
• Flexible study options suitable for full-time students and professionals seeking part-time or accelerated study to balance work and education.
• An active alumni network in finance that can support mentoring, internships and job placement as students prepare to enter the market.