Master of Financial Economics

About This Degree

The master of financial economics program is designed as a terminal, professional degree in financial economics.

The curriculum includes courses in the key areas of finance and the supporting areas of economics and quantitative methods. It is intended to prepare students for a wide range of careers both within and outside the financial industry, including risk management, asset management, macroeconomic and financial forecasting, trading, and financial and economic research. In conjunction with their program of study, students may pursue well-known external certifications, which include the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

CFA: The Certified Financial Analyst specialization is designed to help students pass the first CFA exam (i.e., Level I exam) at the end of their second semester in the program. The CFA is the most internationally recognized and credible credential for financial professionals and is earned by passing a series of analytically rigorous exams.

CFP: The Certified Financial Planner specialization is designed to help students pass the CFP® exam at the end of their second semester. The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification is the standard of excellence in financial planning. CFP® professionals meet rigorous education, training, and ethical standards, and are committed to serving their clients’ best interests today to prepare them for a more secure tomorrow. The CFP® specialization offers courses that have been approved by the CFP® Board to meet the education requirements to sit for the CFP® exam.

Bloomberg Terminals and Training: Bloomberg is synonymous with real-time financial information. Every major financial institution hosts Bloomberg terminals. Due to the expense, however, very few universities provide access to Bloomberg. The Department of Economics and Finance at the Huntsman School of Business is one of these select few. These terminals not only support classroom instruction and faculty research but provide a means for students to become certified in the use of Bloomberg – a skill that provides value to future employers on day one of your professional career.

Opportunity to help manage real money: Students may take courses where they make asset allocation, trading, risk management, and credit decisions under the direction of a faculty member who is an experienced financial professional. This valuable experiential learning will help you apply what you learn and allow you to stand out in the marketplace.

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At a Glance

College: Jon M. Huntsman School of Business

Department: Economics and Finance Department

USU Locations:

Logan campus

Faculty: View profiles of faculty members on the department directory.

Program Requirements

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Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

The MSFE prepares students for a wide range of careers both within and outside the financial industry, including:

Risk management
Asset management
Macroeconomic and financial forecasting
Trading
Financial and economic research
Corporate Finance
Wealth Advising
Financial Planning
Banking

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

Advising

Todd Griffith

Assistant Professor, Graduate Program Director and Advisor
Email: todd.griffith@usu.edu
Office: EBB 610
Phone: (435) 797-9098

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I have not applied or been admitted, even if I've taken a USU Concurrent Enrollment course

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I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission

Admission Requirements

Students from various majors are welcome to apply; however, it is preferred that students have taken courses in intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, econometrics or statistics, mathematical economics/calculus, and corporate finance.

Application Requirements:

Complete the online application
Pay the $55 application fee
A Statement of Purpose that explains the students work experience and extracurricular activities and discussion of future plans upon completion of the program.
Have a 3.0 or higher GPA on your last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits
Provide transcripts of all college/university credits
Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Deadlines

The department has the following deadline:

Fall semester – June 30
In order to increase chances for financial assistance, students should apply by March 15.

Financial Aid

Some graduate students in this program can apply for competitive financial assistance to work as a research or teaching assistant. These positions are highly competitive and all applications will be considered.