Specialized Master in Finance

Program Structure

The Specialized Master in Finance (SMF) program totals 30 credit hours over two semesters.

Throughout the academic year, courses are offered in one of two formats: 14-week semester courses (typically 3 credit hours per class) or 7-week session courses (typically 2.5 or 1.5 credit hours per class). The program is offered fully in-person and on-campus. There are two seven-week sessions in each 14-week semester.

All students will be required to complete a three-week intensive pre-term training prior to the start of the fall semester. Once the school year begins for Fisher’s SMF program, most courses will last 7 weeks, allowing you to experience a wider variety of coursework. Typically, SMF students do not take more than 15 credit hours per semester. However, students may take a maximum of 18 total credit hours per semester if needed.

Students will also be encouraged to pursue the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Financial Risk Manager (FRM) professional designations and can customize their program of studies to prepare themselves for these examinations.

CORE CLASSES - 15 CREDIT HOURS

Required coursework will give you in-depth training in financial and quantitative analytical skills, develop your teamwork and communication skills, and introduce you to principles of ethical and professional conduct. For example, you'll take an intensive full-semester course to provide you with an expanded focus on financial software applications and excel modeling. In the second half of the autumn semester, a Core Capstone Project course provides in-depth training by allowing you to select a path between Corporate Finance and Investment Management to work on a customized project using real company and market data. The SMF core classes enhance your foundational knowledge, as well as your career potential.

ELECTIVES - 15 CREDIT HOURS

Our curriculum’s flexibility allows you to select elective coursework that supports a specialization track. You can develop a deeper understanding of a specific area by pursuing a track (Corporate Finance, Investment Management, Risk Management or Real Estate) or take a variety of courses from our wide portfolio of electives to broaden your knowledge to fit your career goals. Upon consultation with the program's Academic Director, you can broaden your understanding of business-related topics in areas outside finance, such as Data Analytics, Strategy, Urban Planning, Public Policy or Environmental Studies.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Throughout the year you will take part in two action-based projects: a core capstone team project in autumn and a Finance Consulting Practicum in spring. These experiences, combined with team projects in several other courses, are designed to spark innovation and sharpen both analytical and soft skills.

Outside of the classroom, you will strengthen your understanding of finance and broaden your professional network through our Applied Finance Speaker Series, and our affiliations with the Columbus CFA Society and Fisher’s Risk Institute and Center for Real Estate. Through these partnerships, you will participate in field trips and case competitions, and engage in an open dialog with seasoned professionals across the University and the community.

PREPARATION FOR PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION

As a CFA Institute partner, the Specialized Master in Finance (SMF) program covers 70% of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK).

FISHER'S CAIA ASSOCIATION PARTNERSHIP

Fisher's Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association partnership provides students with expanded access to educational tools, and a network of professionals in the hedge fund, private equity, real estate, endowment and more. Discover the benefits.