2026-2027 University Catalog
Finance, MS
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About the Program
The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) at Purdue’s Daniels School of Business is a 36-credit, STEM-certified, professionally focused program designed to be completed in 11 or 18 months, depending on students’ career goals and prior experience. The curriculum provides a rigorous foundation in corporate finance, investments, and financial analytics, while allowing students to tailor their studies through specialized tracks. The program is aligned with industry standards, including coverage consistent with the CFA curriculum, and emphasizes ethics, analytical rigor, and professional judgment. Experiential learning is central to the MSF experience. Students engage in applied opportunities through the Student Managed Venture Fund (SMVF), the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), and Practicum courses involving real-world financial and consulting projects. These experiences are complemented by CFA-aligned activities and competitions, as well as city treks to major financial centers that connect students with alumni and industry professionals. Together, these components allow students to deepen their technical skills, build professional networks, and graduate with hands-on experience that bridges the classroom and the finance profession. Program Website Program Requirements
36 Credits RequiredRequired Courses (10 credits)
Specialty Tracks (22 credits)
Students can follow the general finance track, or choose one of three specialty tracks, listed below. Corporate Finance
The Corporate Finance track prepares students for finance roles within corporations, consulting firms, and transaction-oriented advisory practices. The curriculum focuses on valuation, capital budgeting, capital structure, and mergers and acquisitions, equipping students with the tools used by finance teams and advisors to make strategic decisions. The track also provides strong coverage of core finance concepts aligned with the CFA curriculum, making it well suited for students planning to pursue the CFA exams or careers that require rigorous financial analysis.
Experiential learning is a central component of the Corporate Finance track. Students participate in case-based projects, valuation assignments, and applied competitions such as the CFA Research Challenge, where they develop company valuation reports and present investment recommendations to industry professionals. These experiences strengthen students’ analytical rigor, financial modeling skills, and professional communication, preparing them for roles in corporate finance, valuation and transaction advisory, consulting, and finance leadership development programs.
Selectives (13 credits)
Choose seven. Financial Analytics
The Applied AI in Finance track is designed for students who want to apply data analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence to modern financial decision-making. The track combines core finance knowledge with practical exposure to data-driven tools used in industry, focusing on how AI and advanced analytics enhance forecasting, valuation, risk assessment, and strategic decision-making. Students develop an understanding of both the financial intuition and the technical frameworks needed to work effectively in analytics-enabled finance roles.
Experiential learning in this track emphasizes hands-on application of analytics and AI tools to real financial problems. Students engage in applied projects involving financial datasets, predictive modeling, and automation, often using programming and analytics platforms common in industry. Through project-based assignments, case studies, and collaboration with practitioners, students learn how to translate complex data insights into actionable financial recommendations, preparing them for careers in fintech, financial analytics, risk and strategy roles, and technology-enabled corporate or investment finance positions.
Core Selectives (6 credits)
Choose three. Selectives (16 credits)
Choose eight. Wealth and Asset Management
The Wealth and Asset Management track is designed for students interested in investment management, private wealth, and advisory roles that require strong analytical skills combined with client-focused decision-making. The track emphasizes portfolio construction, security analysis, alternative investments, and behavioral finance, preparing students to evaluate investment opportunities and manage portfolios across market cycles. Coursework is aligned with industry standards and provides a strong foundation for students interested in professional certifications such as the CFP, as well as careers in asset management and wealth advisory. Students in the WAM track participate in applied learning experiences that emphasize real-world investment judgment and communication. These include the Wealth and Asset Management Competition, portfolio analysis projects, and experiential courses. Through these activities, students develop the ability to articulate investment ideas, defend portfolio decisions, and interact with practitioners in asset management and private wealth, building a strong pipeline toward roles in investment research, portfolio analysis, and client advisory.
Core Selectives (11 credits)
Choose at least 6 courses. Selectives (11 credits)
Choose six.
Graduate Programs Disclaimer
- The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
- Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary.
- Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
- Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
- Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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