Business Administration Finance

MS

Why study Business Administration Finance?

The University of Cincinnati’s Master of Science in Finance is ranked 7th overall (4th among public institutions) among the best, most affordable programs in the nation by Master of Finance Degrees.

Designed for our world’s future financial leaders, the University of Cincinnati’s Master of Science in Finance program provides students the training in both the theory and application of financial concepts needed to succeed in the industry. Our nationally-ranked program is among the Top 10 best value programs in the country, allowing you to get the most out of your investment, while also putting your career at the forefront.

Admission Requirements

Application Requirements: 

  • Resume - Ensure your resume clearly lists the dates of any professional (ex: full-time role, internships, co-ops), volunteer, non-profit, or any other leadership experiences. There is no formatting requirement, however, please review your resume for any grammatical mistakes and it should not be longer than 2 pages.  

  • Transcript - An unofficial transcript (or degree audit) is required from each institution attended, including in-progress coursework, even if from the University of Cincinnati. These documents must show a complete record of your courses and grades. Uploading an unofficial transcript is recommended, but if you do not have access to your unofficial transcript, an official transcript may also be sent. Your application will not be reviewed until all transcripts are received.  

  • Essays - We recommend the personal statement be between 250 and 500 words, double-spaced. At the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business, we value thought-driven leaders. With this in mind, please upload a personal statement expressing the following: 

    • How will the MS Finance program prepare you to meet your career goals? 
    • How does your background prepare you to be successful in the program? 
    • What short- or long-term career goals do you have? 
    • Optional: Is there something in your resume or application that needs a brief explanation? Areas in this field may include academic outliers, career breaks, completion of additional coursework, etc. 

  • Letters of Recommendation - Please select two recommenders who will be able to discuss your professional performance, academic performance, and/or work style. This can include previous supervisors, faculty members, or mentors. Letters of recommendation must come directly from the listed recommender on your application. IMPORTANT: Your application will not move forward in the review process until we receive both letters of recommendation.  

  • Standardized Tests - The GMAT and GRE are optional. If you choose to submit scores, they must be sent officially from the testing agency.   

  • Application Fee - Applicants are required to complete the fee payment of $65 ($70 for international applicants) in order to complete their application. 

 

Lindner Master of Science in Finance graduates achieve a 92% placement rate within three months of graduation, earning an average starting salary of $85,901. Our alumni have been hired at successful companies and organizations such as:

  • Citibank
  • Goldman Sachs
  • EY
  • Fifth Third Bank 
  • Fidelity
  • United Nations

Whether your interest is in financial planning, investments, real estate, corporate finance, or risk management and insurance, our MS Finance program enables you to fast track your career. Recent graduates have accepted jobs in a wide variety of fields, including investment banking, corporate finance, wealth management, financial risk management, portfolio management, lending, financial planning and analysis, private equity, equity analyst, and real estate development.

The information provided is sourced from a third party, Lightcast. Their product, called Career Coach, combines extensive labor market data from Lightcast and the U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides insights on industry, occupation, compensation, and projected growth for each profession. Economic and workforce information is available for various geographic regions. Some careers may require additional training or education.

The degree of Master of Science in Finance is granted to those who satisfactorily complete the required course work, carrying a minimum GPA of 3.0 or more. The degree must be completed within five years of acceptance into the program.  All students must contract for graduation and be enrolled for at least one credit hour of study during the academic year of graduation.

English Language Proficiency Requirements:    

The following exams and minimum scores are accepted as proof of English proficiency: 

  • TOEFL: minimum score of 90 iBT    
  • IELTS: minimum score of 6.5 overall band    
  • Duolingo minimum score of 110 
  • See this page for qualified waivers    

Note: If you are an international student, please include your converted GPA using the WES iGPA Calculator in addition to your non-converted GPA and class (if applicable), as well as the country where you received your degree.    

If your bachelor’s degree is a three-year degree you must submit the free WES degree equivalency tool. 

Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in Graduate Programs Office

Application Deadlines

Fall 2025 

  • Final International Deadline: March 15, 2025 
  • Final Domestic Deadline: July 1, 2025 

Spring 2026

  • Priority & International Deadline: October 1, 2025
  • Final Domestic Deadline: November 15, 2025
The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The Carl H. Lindner College of Business holds AACSB accreditation. AACSB International business accreditation is an achievement earned only by programs of the highest caliber. Institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review. Less than one-third of U.S. business school programs and only 15% of business school programs worldwide meet the rigorous standards of AACSB International accreditation.

Contact Information

Graduate Programs Office
1319 Carl H. Lindner Hall
2906 Woodside Drive, PO Box 10211
Cincinnati, 45221-0211
(513) 556-7020
graduate@uc.edu

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Program Code: 22MAS-BAF-MS