Does anyone know which schools in the Boston area offer a MS in finance or similar specialization programs; i.e. not an MBA. I am aware of MIT’s quant program, but that’s it. Thanks
I think MIT got rid of the MS quant program. All the other big schools offer MSF (BU, BC, NU, suffolk probably)
Brandeis
My guess is Babson or Northeastern as well, but not positive. I’ve never heard of anyone with a Harvard MSF so my guess is they only do MBA’s… but could be wrong. Everyone above mentioned all of the other big schools in the area- hit their websites up and I’m sure you’ll figure out what program might suit you best.
BC has a masters in finance I believe.
BC has an MSF…I got a degree in 04
BU has MS in investment management
I’m starting my MSF degree from BC next week. I did some research on this and from what I could tell BC had the best MSF program in the area. As mentioned above, BU only does an MS in Investment Management, which isn’t the same. The BU program is very focused on helping you pass the CFA exam, but that’s basically it. If that’s what you are going for, then maybe BU is the better program. However, the BC program has other good classes to take like Venture Capital or Investment Banking. Some of the core courses (like Investments) have a lot of the same material found in the CFA as well. Northeastern has an MSF program, but I’ve looked at the curriculum and it looks very sub-par compared to BC. My two cents.
speaking of a certain university, hey JDV- how’d your tarheels do against BC last night? 
What type of recruiters came to the BC program?
Off the top of my head the following schools have a masters in finance programs. BC - MS in Finance - I know a few people who completed their part-time masters here. One went into investment consulting, one in corporate finanace, and the other is still in fund accounting. SSgA and Fidelity recuit here. Probably the best masters program in Boston outside of MIT/Harvard. BU - MS in Investment Management and they also have a Quantitative Finance program in the comp sci and math department. Like everybody said the MS is basically a really expensive CFA prep course. A buddy of mine got his masters in the Quant program (was computer science undergrad) full-time in two years. He got a job in NYC as a quant/risk management dude (but was orginally from NYC). But also look into BU’s master’s in economic programs (they got a great econ program) and a might be a good way into public policy analysis. Brandeis - They got the Masters in Internal Finance & Economics program. Full-time only. Pricey and CFA is much more useful if you want to go into IM but I heard some Wellesley undergrad girls take classes here and thats a big + Bentley - They have a part-time option which is nice but I don’t know anyone with a degree here. I would choose CFA over this degree. Babson - Same as Bentley Northeastern - Same as Bentley/Babson. Suffolk - I heard this program wasn’t that good so don’t expect alot from this program. Obtaining a CFA Charter trumps all these programs if you want to go into investment management IMO. Even passing level 2 commands more weight then most of these programs. But that being said i’m sure you can probably find a job in commercial banking/leasing/corporate finance that pays a heck alot better then a BO or MO job while studying for the CFA and hoping for a shot within the next few years. Just food for thought.
I graduated from Northearstern’s part-time MSF program last year. My choice came down to there or BC (I was accepted to both). BC is probably the better program, but it depends on your circumstances. I lived in the city, was working full time downtown, and my son was born during my first semester, so leaving early twice a week and trekking out to BC and back on the green line wasn’t optimal. Northeastern offers many of the classes at a satellite campus in the Financial District and you can take most back to back so you get one long night of class instead of 2. Most professors were knowledgable and accessible, and the curriculum certainly helped with CFA studies and my work. So there’s a tradeoff. If I was single with few responsibilities, I probably would have gone to BC for the name and networking, but at Northeastern I was able to get what I needed out of the program, maintain my reponsibilities at work and home, and pass Levels 1 and 2 along the way without getting divorced in the process.
Search on my username as I have posted about the BC program previously.
thanks for all the info everyone. I might be moving to Boston next summer and was curious about what programs were in that area. I’m actually sitting for CFA level 3 in june, so I was interested in these programs to learn more about those elements that the curriculum doesn’t go very heavily into. i.e. risk management, hedge fund operations, etc. I’m thinking it probably makes more sense to teach myself this sort of stuff than incur the cost of a masters program. (or of course learn it at work) Does anyone know if you can take just individual classes at any of these programs.
I got in to the BC MSF program, but went elsewhere. It seemed that their faculty was big time, but their career placement was poor. I asked about placement during my phone call, and the guy said told me that they don’t offer much.
I would also like to add that if you can get into BC’s/BU/Bentley/Babson MSF programs you can probably get into a top 30 MBA school. A degree from a top 30 program will probably help you along much more on your career although it will be less finance intensive.
That is a good point. If I was single with few responsibilities, I would have gone for the MBA and focused on finance to the extent possible.
Babson has a one year mba program.
the MSF program @ BC is the red headed step child of the business school - there is NO help with job placement…that all goes to the MBA’s. This was in 04, so things could have changed
jrs130 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > the MSF program @ BC is the red headed step child > of the business school - there is NO help with job > placement…that all goes to the MBA’s. This was > in 04, so things could have changed I would have to agree, although I don’t think recruting efforts in the MBA program are that great either. BC is not about recruiters, it’s about the alumni network. You have to be willing to network and do the leg work. If you plan on staying in Boston or the NE being part of the BC circle is VERY helpful in finding openings. I think anyone interested in an advanced finance degree should attend BC simply because this guy went there… : ) Harry Markopolos MSF’97