Master of Science in Business: Finance

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is this an accredited degree I'll receive?
  2. Are the program professors Smith School faculty?
  3. What kind of access will I have to professors?
  4. How much of the program is done online?
  5. Are there electives?
  6. How can I learn more about the program?
  7. When do classes meet?
  8. Where are classes held?
  9. What are the required qualifications for admissions to the program?
  10. Do I have to take the GMAT or the GRE?
  11. What is the deadline for application?
  12. Who in my company should I talk to about sponsoring me and how do I explain the program benefits to my company?
  13. How much does the program cost?
  14. Is financial aid available?
  15. Can international students enroll in the MSB in Finance program?
  16. Can current MSB in Finance students apply to the MBA program and graduate with a dual degree in MBA/MSB in Finance?

Is this an accredited degree I'll receive?

Yes. The Smith School of Business is accredited by the AACSB (American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business) and your diploma will read Masters of Science in Business and Management.

BACK TO THE TOP

Are the program professors Smith School faculty?

Yes, the program is taught by many of the same world-class faculty who teach in Smith's top-ranked MBA programs, along with industry practitioners.

BACK TO THE TOP

What kind of access will I have to professors?

All professors will be available to meet during office hours and for scheduled appointments. They will also be available via email and phone.

BACK TO THE TOP

How much of the program is done online?

None of the course work is done online. All teaching happens in the classroom. Groups, however, may choose to work virtually between classes. Virtual team interaction and group collaboration are facilitated through an online course management tool.

BACK TO THE TOP

Are there electives?

Yes. Students are required to complete 18 credit hours as electives.

BACK TO THE TOP

How can I learn more about the program?

Please fill out the Information Request Form or attend an information session.

BACK TO THE TOP

When do classes meet?

Classes meet in the evenings during the week and on some Saturdays during the day. Completion of the program takes approximately 15 months. A typical class meets 6PM-10PM during the week. On Saturdays, classes meet at 8:30-12:30PM or 1:30-5:30PM. Please note that these are approximate times. Some classes may been earlier or later.

BACK TO THE TOP

Where are classes held?

Classes are held at the Washington, DC campus of the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Specifically, the campus is located at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. (1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004)

BACK TO THE TOP

What are the required qualifications for admissions to the program?

Go to the admissions page  for specific admissions requirements.

BACK TO THE TOP

Do I have to take the GMAT or GRE?

Yes. Because of the quantitative aspect of the program, you must submit the GMAT or GRE.

BACK TO THE TOP

What is the deadline for application?

Go to the admissions page for the most up to date information on deadlines.

BACK TO THE TOP

Who in my company should I talk to about sponsoring me and how do I explain the program benefits to my company?

Seek out support at the highest levels - not just your immediate supervisor - and be ready to point out the extra benefits of the Smith Finance Program.

BACK TO THE TOP

How much does the program cost?

The tuition is approximately $42,000 for the program.* This amount does not include books and additional course materials that are required to attend class.

*Tuition figures are subject to change and are at the discretion of the Smith School of Business.

BACK TO THE TOP

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid assistance is available through loans. Go to the University of Maryland’s Office of Financial Aid Web site for more information.

BACK TO THE TOP

Can international students enroll in the MSB in Finance program?

Yes. International students can enroll in the MSB in Finance program. However, students in the MSB in Finance program take only 6-9 credits per semester. Participants who require a student visa must enroll in at least 8 graduate level credits to be considered full time. International students who need to enroll in 8 graduate level credits can opt to accelerate the program and gain full time status. Full time students must complete the core requirements with the cohort. All classes are offered at the Washington, DC campus.

BACK TO THE TOP

Can current MSB in Finance students apply to the MBA program and graduate with a dual degree in MBA/MSB in Finance?

Yes. Students already in the MSB in Finance program may opt to apply to the MBA program, but must complete the entire MBA application process. If a student in the MSB in Finance program is admitted into the MBA program, he/she must take part in all pre-MBA program activities (i.e. orientation, workshops, etc.). Prospective students interested in the MBA/MSB in Finance are highly recommended to apply to the MBA program first.  

BACK TO THE TOP