Frequently Asked Questions
Please visit the MSF program FAQs for additional details.
MSF FAQs
What is the difference between a “concentration” and a “specialization”?
A concentration is transcriptable, meaning it will appear on your transcript. Specializations are suggested grouping of courses to help give you a guide for particular areas of interest. Specializations are not on your transcript. You will receive a PDF letter from the department at graduation indicating that you completed a “specialization” in your area of focus. Both of these are only offered if you complete all requirements.What concentrations do you offer?
We offer three concentrations: Accounting, Data Analytics in Finance, and the newly added Quantitative Finance. See curriculum.
What areas can I specialize in?
You can select courses in these areas as a specialization:
- Asset Management
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics and Fintech
- Quantitative Finance
- Finance Research (PhD specialization)
Please remember the specialization will not appear on your transcript, only the courses.
I heard I can take classes in other department. Is this true? And how many courses?
The MSF curriculum indicates that you are required to take four core classes in Finance (16 credit hours) and 12 hours of additional Finance electives. This leaves 12 (or more) credit hours that you can choose classes from a related discipline including Accounting, Economics, Math, and more!
When are classes held for the MSF program?
Fall and Spring semesters offer a majority of our MSF coursework. You can expect courses to normally be held twice a week, usually between Monday and Thursday for approximately an hour and twenty minutes each. Most classes are during the day, however sometimes they might be offered in the evenings.
Are the same courses offered every semester?
No. Gies has a vast number of finance course offerings, however not all are offered every semester. Take some time to review the curriculum to find your key courses. Then go into Course Explorer to review the previous course offerings to get an idea for when it might be offered again.
*Note: FIN offers one online MSF course during summer, FIN 535 Wealth Management
How will the MSF prepare me for the CFA examinations?
Gies is a CFA partner school, so our curriculum aligns with the CFA requirements. The MSF curriculum provides very good preparation for CFA Level II and III examinations.
I have a question that isn't listed here. What do I do?
If you have a question that you cannot find the answer to, please email msf-advising@business.illinois.edu for assistance. If it's not an MSF-specific question, you can still email us and we will do our best to connect you to the right resource on campus.
General Graduate Student FAQs
How are graduate classes different than undergrad classes (in the US)?
Graduate classes require a lot more active in-class participation as the classes are smaller. Graduate classes are more project-oriented compared to undergraduate classes. Graduate classes also focus a lot more on real-life applications.
What are the best resources students should take advantage of?
- Office hours
- Career Services
- Calm study places such as Lincoln International Atrium on weekends and Siebel Center for Design
- Participating in workshops for leadership and networking
Where are the best places to study?
- Funk ACES Library - quiet, not busy, close to BIF, usually empty and you get a nice view of the McFarland Bell Tower and hear the chimes. It also has discussion rooms.
- Main Library
- Grainger Engineering Library
- Siebel Center for Design
- BIF Atrium
- Directory of study spaces at the library
What advice would graduate student alumni give?
The time will pass in a blink and there is so much to do. Do not focus on getting a 4.0. Use some time to pursue research or a project outside your curriculum. Do not miss any cultural events and attend at least one game of each kind!