The Master of Science in Finance - Securities and Markets is a flexible program designed to provide financial professionals and qualified international students with the skills and knowledge that are necessary for positions in the quantitative areas of finance. This program provides a solid foundation for professional career success by developing students’ analytical and quantitative skills used across a finance specialization. The program seeks highly motivated college graduates who will bring their personal values, experiences, and interests to the classroom.
The Securities and Markets program consists of four foundation core courses plus four program courses and two elective courses that suit the interests of the student within the program. The program of study is completed in one year on a full-time basis.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Securities and Markets program is based on a combination of undergraduate grade point average, score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), references, and work experience. Applicants are required to submit all transcripts from undergraduate and graduate enrollments and degrees, GMAT or GRE. Information on the GMAT may be found at mba.com. Recent scores of the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) are acceptable. See ets.org for information on conversion of a GRE score to a predicted GMAT score. Waivers may be requested.
All students must provide one letter of recommendation and a personal perspective letter of why they are a strong candidate for the program.
International students must have a bachelor’s degree with an acceptable grade point average from an educational institution approved by the Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
In addition, international students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by taking the TOEFL examination. Those scoring less than 80 on the TOEFL examination may be required to participate in English language programs offered by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) prior to beginning the program. Information on CELCIS may be found at wmich.edu/celcis. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) may also be used with a score of 6.5.
Academic Communication Proficiency
Graduate students whose native language is not English and who do not have a degree from a U.S. institution must take the Academic Communication Placement Test at the beginning of their first semester of enrollment. This test is administered by the Haworth College of Business Communication Center. It must be taken in addition to TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), which is taken as part of the admission process. A student who does not pass this examination is assigned to the Academic Communication for Business Purposes course - BCM 6050. This course must be completed during the first semester of study. Graduate students whose native language is not English but have an undergraduate degree from a U.S. institution will not be required to take the placement test or the course.
Program Requirements
The program includes: 1) Foundation courses, 2) Program courses, and 3) Electives
Prerequisites:
In order to provide students with the background of the common body of knowledge in business and administration, study in the areas of Math, Accountancy, Economics, Finance, and Statistics are required before admission. These requirements are fulfilled if the applicant completed an undergraduate business degree or if the applicant completed an equivalent course. Students without undergraduate equivalent course work have three options to fulfill these prerequisites.
- Current graduate or undergraduate course offerings at WMU, another university, or community college;
- taking and passing competency exams, if available; or
- online courses
Approval for prerequisite proficiencies will be determined on a course-by-course basis.
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