UK's Gatton College Launches Professional Finance Master's Degree

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2017) — If you have a passion for the business world, in particular a desire to work in the finance industry, yet wonder how you can obtain and develop the skills needed for such a career, the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics has some very good news for you.

The Gatton College is launching a new professional Master of Science in Finance (MSF) degree, and is accepting applications for the program, which will welcome its first class in fall 2017. On Thursday, Jan. 26, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Gatton College’s Woodward Hall (550 S. Limestone), the college will host an Open House featuring its One Year MBA program; students will also be able to get more information and speak with faculty about the new MSF program.

“The MSF degree program broadens students’ career opportunities in the finance and banking industries by providing rigorous and focused training in finance, and sharpening their skills for the fast-changing and competitive world of modern finance,” said Mark Liu, associate professor of finance in the Gatton College, who will direct and teach in the MSF program. “Job candidates with MSF degrees are highly desired in finance-specialized industries, particularly investment banking and asset management companies, and are sought after by corporate treasury departments. The job opportunities in these industries are substantial, intellectually stimulating and high-paying.”

Beginning each fall, the MSF program consists of a 10-month, 30-credit-hour, 10-course curriculum. The MSF program is not just for finance or business majors; there are no specific course prerequisites other than college-level math and introductory statistics. Work experience is not required for admission. All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.

All MSF classes will be offered in the brand new state-of-the-art Seale Finance Learning Center in the new Gatton College building, which opened in October 2016. MSF students will also gain firsthand asset portfolio management experience by participating in Gatton’s $5 million student-managed investment fund.

“This unique program is the only MSF program in the Commonwealth, and serves an important regional and national need for educating skilled and qualified financial management professionals,” said Gatton College Dean David W. Blackwell. “This program leverages Gatton’s nationally recognized strength in finance to train students for these critical careers.”

Gatton’s Department of Finance and Quantitative Analysis has been part of the international CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Institute’s University Recognition Program since 2012, which recognizes its success in preparing students to earn the CFA credential, and the MSF program will prepare students who wish to sit for the CFA exams. MSF students will also be able to take advantage of comprehensive, business and finance focused career development services through Gatton’s Graham Office of Career Management.

The MSF degree is one of three professional master’s programs in the Gatton College, which prepare students for specific professional positions. It joins the college’s MBA programs for students interested in advancing their careers across disciplines, and the master's degree in accounting which prepares students to pass the CPA examination.

For more information about the MSF degree, visit the Gatton College website at http://gatton.uky.edu/programs/masters/master-science-finance.