Objectives for the
Master of Science in Finance Program

The overall objective of the MSF program is to provide students with a solid understanding of finance theory allowing the application of various finance models to real world decision-making in a global context. The program should develop their critical and analytical skills to adapt the various models to new and challenging situations. This program should also provide students with the ability to assess the social and ethical implications of their financial decisions.

Program Objectives

Knowledge

Graduating students should have a strong understanding in both the domestic and international setting of:

• valuation models and capital budgeting techniques based on variations of the discounted cash flow model such as NPV, APV, EVA, and multiples;

• asset allocation and portfolio theory;

• bond duration and immunization;

• risk measurements and its effect in valuing assets via CAPM, APT and empirical multi-factor models;

• the use and applications of derivative instruments including options, futures, and swaps in hedging and speculation;

• the role of financial intermediaries such as banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, etc.

• agency theory, its effect on managerial behavior and in the design of optimal compensation contracts;

• the efficient market hypothesis and its implication for decision making;

• the role of the market for corporate control and its valuation effects;

• capital structure and dividend policy theory and their implications for decision making;

• the impact of capital markets on financial decisions.

Skills

Graduating students should be able to:

• articulate the results of their analysis orally and in writing providing both clear explanations and support;

• work effectively independently as well as in teams;

• critically evaluate the analysis of others including reports and publications of both practitioners and academics;

• utilize spreadsheets extensively in financial modeling;

• identify and extract financial data from various sources including the web.

For more information on our Finance Degree Programs, click here