Master of Science in Finance

Admission to the graduate program in finance is competitive and limited to candidates who demonstrate high promise of success. Applicants must submit the following materials:

• Two or more professional or academic letters of recommendation.
• Statement of interest.
• Professional resume.
• An undergraduate/bachelor’s degree with 
  • a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0, or
  • 15 semester hours or more of graduate work at an AACSB-accredited institution with a GPA of 3.20/4.0 or higher.

GMAT/GRE test scores are optional, but strong scores could increase the chance of admission.

The department may require applicants with insufficient academic training or work experience in finance to complete additional Phase One courses. Applicants with non-U.S. academic credentials may be required to submit a credential evaluation from an independent third-party agency.

Applications received after the posted graduate school deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

This program is not suitable for students seeking a student visa (F1/J1) or currently holding a student visa (F1/J1). The program will not allow for maintenance of status from within the U.S. 

Our M.S. in Finance program is now an academic partner with the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), joining more than 40 other top graduate business schools from around the world.

GARP is a not-for-profit organization and the only globally recognized association for risk managers. It offers certification for financial risk management leading to a Financial Risk Manager (FRM) designation, which is the field's most respected and widely recognized certification. Demand for this certification has grown rapidly with registrations topping 56,500 in 2017 (representing an average annual increase of 21 percent since 2003). The FRM is the global standard in professional risk management certification, with over 35,000 certified FRMs in 150 countries and territories across the globe.

Affiliated schools incorporate the FRM curriculum into their course of study. By aligning an academic program with the FRM content matter, rigorous academic instruction can be coupled with practitioner-driven insight and certification. Through this academic partnership, you are better prepared to succeed in the challenging field of risk management.

While NIU has a national reputation for quality and excellence, our M.S. in Finance program is reasonably priced and costs less than other similar programs in Illinois. The Graduate School provides more detailed information about program-level tuition.

Note: these rates are for comparison purposes only and are not reflective of current rates at any institution.