FAQs
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.
Yes, the Villanova MSF program is STEM-designated, meeting governmental criteria as an approved field of study in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. International students who complete the MSF and are working in their direct field of study are eligible to apply for a potential STEM OPT visa extension to gain up to an additional 24 months of work experience. Visit the Department of Homeland Security website for additional details.
The MSF program starts in person in July.
The Villanova MSF program is a full-time commitment for 11 months. You’ll manage a full course load that consists of classroom hours during the day, coursework, a professional development program and group work.
The Villanova School of Business does not currently offer a part-time MSF program.
Although we do not have an MBA/MSF degree, we do offer an MSF-to-MBA option, which allows MSF graduates to apply up to 12 of their MSF credits toward the Villanova MBA. Students do need to apply for the MBA program separately once they’ve completed the MSF.
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.
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.
Yes, the Villanova School of Business partners with the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association® (CAIA) to offer Academic Partner Program Scholarships. These scholarships are available for both faculty and students. Learn more about this partnership and how to apply for the scholarships.
The application deadlines are.
Round 1: 11/15
Round 2: 1/15
Round 3: 3/15
Round 4: 6/15
Students from all majors are eligible to apply for the MSF at Villanova School of Business.
The Admissions Committee recommends taking econometrics, macroeconomic theory or mathematics of economics to enhance your quantitative skill background.
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.
The GMAT/GRE is required for the admissions process. Students can also apply for a GMAT/GRE waiver form at this link.
The 2024-2025 academic year tuition for the entire program is $54,150 ($1,805 per credit, 30 credits). In addition, the university assesses a $100 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.
Students participating in the MSF Fellows program receive reduced tuition charges.
The Villanova School of Business is pleased to offer merit scholarships to academically and professionally accomplished students. Scholarship offers and award amounts will be determined by a holistic review of the application for admission and thorough evaluation of a variety of indicators, including (but not limited to) rigor of coursework, undergraduate GPA and standardized test scores. Once admitted, you will be given an option to fill out a Scholarship Request Form in your admissions portal.
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 application here.