Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

This master’s combines core finance theory with applied skills used by practitioners in banking, asset management, corporate treasury and advisory services. Typical modules cover:

• Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation – accounting for managers, ratio analysis, discounted cash flow and relative valuation techniques.
• Corporate Finance – capital budgeting, capital structure, dividend policy and working capital management.
• Investments and Portfolio Management – asset allocation, portfolio theory, performance measurement and fixed income and equity analysis.
• Derivatives and Risk Management – forwards, futures, options, swaps and enterprise risk management techniques.
• Quantitative Methods and Financial Modelling – statistics for finance, econometrics, spreadsheet modelling and use of industry-standard software.
• Regulation, Ethics and Compliance – financial regulation, compliance frameworks and ethical decision-making in financial services.
• Financial Technology and Data Analytics – fintech disruptions, databases, data visualisation and introductory programming or scripting for analysts.
• Capstone Project or Practicum – an applied project, case study or internship that integrates technical and advisory skills for a real-world client or portfolio.

Students typically complete a mix of core and elective courses, with options to focus on areas such as investment management, corporate finance or risk and compliance. The programme is offered with flexible scheduling to accommodate full‑time and part‑time students.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an accredited bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution. Requirements commonly include:

• A completed undergraduate degree in any discipline; degrees with coursework in business, economics, mathematics or accounting are advantageous.
• Official transcripts demonstrating satisfactory academic performance.
• A current résumé or CV outlining academic and professional experience.
• A personal statement or statement of purpose describing motivations and career goals.
• Letters of recommendation, typically one to two, from academic or professional referees.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose prior degree was not taught in English (for example TOEFL or IELTS scores), unless exempt by institution policy.

Some applicants may be asked to submit GMAT or GRE scores particularly if their academic background is non‑quantitative; relevant professional experience can also strengthen an application. Specific admissions conditions and any prerequisites for quantitative coursework are determined by the admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of roles across financial services and corporate sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Financial analyst roles in corporations, banks and investment firms.
• Portfolio management and research analyst positions at asset management firms and hedge funds.
• Risk management and treasury roles within financial institutions and corporates.
• Financial advisory, corporate development and consulting positions.
• Wealth management, financial planning and private client advisory roles.
• Compliance, regulatory reporting and financial operations roles.

The programme’s applied projects, internship opportunities and proximity to major financial centres support practical experience that employers value, and graduates often pursue professional certifications such as the CFA or FRM alongside or after the degree.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson offers small class sizes, faculty with business and industry experience, and a curriculum designed to balance theory with hands‑on practice. The university’s campuses are within easy reach of major financial markets and corporate centres, which helps students access internships, employer events and networking opportunities.

Students benefit from career services that assist with recruiting, interview preparation and employer engagement, plus access to campus facilities and alumni networks across the region. Flexible scheduling and part‑time study options make the programme suitable for working professionals seeking to advance or change their careers in finance.