University of Massachusetts Boston

What you'll study

This master’s combines core finance theory with practical tools used in industry. Typical modules cover corporate finance, investment analysis and portfolio management, fixed income and derivatives, financial statement analysis, and financial modelling. Quantitative and supporting subjects include applied econometrics for finance, risk management, and quantitative methods for decision-making. The programme also includes coursework in ethics and regulatory aspects of financial services, and often culminates in a capstone project or practicum that applies classroom learning to a real-world problem or client engagement.

• Corporate Finance: capital budgeting, capital structure, payout policy and valuation techniques.
• Investments and Portfolio Management: asset pricing models, portfolio construction, performance measurement.
• Fixed Income and Derivatives: valuation and hedging with bonds, options and futures.
• Financial Modelling and Data Analysis: spreadsheet modelling, forecasting, use of statistical software for financial data.
• Risk Management: market, credit and operational risk concepts and measurement.
• Financial Statement Analysis: interpreting accounting information for decision-making.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any discipline, though degrees with quantitative content (economics, finance, mathematics, engineering) are advantageous. Admissions typically consider prior academic record, a current résumé, a personal statement outlining objectives and experience, and one or more letters of recommendation. Standardised test requirements (GRE/GMAT) may be optional for some applicants or waivable based on professional experience or prior academic performance; applicants should check the programme’s admissions guidance for current policy.

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt. Where quantitative preparation is limited, applicants may be advised to complete prerequisite coursework or bridge modules in statistics, calculus or introductory finance prior to or during the early part of the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles across the financial services sector and in corporate finance. Common job titles include financial analyst, investment analyst, portfolio manager, risk analyst, treasury analyst, and financial consultant. Alumni find employment with commercial and investment banks, asset management firms, insurance companies, corporate finance departments, consulting firms, and public-sector finance offices. The programme’s applied focus and capstone experience also prepare graduates for career switches into finance from other fields and for further study such as professional certifications (CFA, FRM) or doctoral research.

Why study at University of Massachusetts Boston

UMass Boston offers this programme within a regional public research university located close to Boston’s financial district, providing convenient access to internship and networking opportunities with a wide range of employers. The College of Management emphasises practitioner-informed teaching, small class sizes, and flexible scheduling including evening and part‑time study to accommodate working professionals. Students benefit from career services, employer engagement events, and connections to the wider Boston finance ecosystem, alongside a diverse student body and faculty with both academic and industry experience.