Why a Villanova School of Business MSF?

Our challenging program will differentiate you as you enter the competitive workforce with the financial background and skills employers demand. Our Applied Finance Lab will give you access to real-time financial data in a simulated Wall Street trading room environment as well as a chance to manage a real investment fund – additionally, you’ll finish the summer with your Bloomberg Certification.

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Is the Villanova MSF program accredited?

Yes, all programs offered by the Villanova School of Business are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the professional accrediting body for business schools.

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When does the MSF program start?

Classes begin during the third week of May each year. All MSF students are required to attend a one-day orientation on Monday, May 23rd. The Villanova MSF program only enrolls once per year, with a summer start only.

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Is it possible to work full-time during the program?

No. The Villanova MSF program is a rigorous 12 months combining classroom hours, coursework, a professional development program, and group work which requires your full-time commitment.

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Does Villanova offer a part-time MS in Finance?

No, the Villanova School of Business does not offer a part-time MSF program.

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Does Villanova offer a part-time MBA/MSF degree?

No, the Villanova School of Business does not offer a joint MBA/MSF program; however Villanova des offer a MSF to MBA option, which allows MSF graduates to apply up to 24 of their MSF credits tow towards the Villanova MBA. Students do need to apply into the MBA program separately, once they’ve completed the MSF.

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What is the difference between the MSF and a MBA with a finance concentration?

The MSF curriculum is an in-depth study of financial theory and its real-world application. The MBA curriculum is broad-based, covering accounting, finance, economics, marketing, management and information systems.

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How will the MSF program prepare me for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam?

The MSF curriculum is uniquely designed to focus on all areas of finance to provide our students a strong background across the financial services spectrum. Many of our MSF students prepare for both the first or second parts of the exam during or directly after graduation – several incoming MSF students typically tend to have passed Levels 1 and 2 prior to starting the program.

Additionally, Villanova MSF students are able to apply for a scholarship to be applied toward the CFA exam fee. Two MSF faculty members are CFA Charter holders and walk our students through the preparation process.

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What are the application deadlines for the round process?

The application deadlines are 11/15 (Round 1), 1/15 (Round 2), and 3/15 (Round 3).

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Who is eligible for the Master of Science in Finance (MSF) programWho is eligible for the Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program?

To apply, you should have a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, economics, finance, engineering, or mathematics and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher.

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Are there any required pre-requisites needed for Villanova’s MSF program?

Yes. You are required to have completed Principles of Finance prior to the start of the MSF program. The Admissions Committee recommends taking Econometrics, Macroeconomic Theory, or Mathematics of Economics to enhance your quantitative skill background.

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Is it possible to start the program after working for one or two years?Is it possible to start the program after working for one or two years?

Yes. Many of our incoming MSF students have work experience prior to starting in August. While it is not a requirement, it is a favorable addition to students’ applications.

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Do I have to take the GMAT to apply for the program?

Yes. The GMAT is required for all applicants; Villanova does not accept the GRE for admission into the MSF program.

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What is the tuition for the program?

The 2013-2014 academic year tuition for the entire program is $36,890 or $1,085 per credit. In addition, the university assesses a $30 general fee each semester. 

Please note that if you require additional coursework beyond the standard curriculum, your tuition costs will be higher.

Financial aid in the form of student loans is available.

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How can I apply for a scholarship?

There are no formal scholarship materials that need to be submitted by our applicants. All admitted applicants are considered for merit-based scholarship, which are based primarily on academic performance, GMAT scores and recommendations. Scholarship decisions are generally conveyed at the time of acceptance.

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What is the MSF Fellowship?

The MSF Fellows program is a graduate assistantship position that allows students to pursue their MSF degree with reduced tuition charges, while obtaining paid research experience and exposure to faculty members. You will need to apply separately – please see the pdf application here.

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