Knauss School of Business

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Master of Science in Finance

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An MSF Degree Worth its Weight in Goals

At the University of San Diego’s Knauss School of Business, we teach you how to thrive in the ever-changing world of finance. Whether you want to channel your financial savvy to serve others or navigate the financial futures of startups, our STEM-designated Master of Science in Finance (MSF) can be your career catalyst.

Full-Time

On Campus, Fall Start

10 Months

Program Length

STEM

STEM-Designated MSF Program

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Our Students and Alumni Find Success

"All of my finance professors were truly invested in the students and our success. They brought current events into the classroom, making everything applicable to real life... [it] really shows the culture and integrity USD maintains."

Addis Sansone ’​​24 (MSF)
Financial Analyst, Tecolote Research

"About 95 percent of the concepts I apply in my current job as a portfolio manager were learned at USD. The world of finance is diverse, and USD’s master’s degree programs really equip students for any path they wish to pursue."

Ike Ekeh ’17 (MBA/MSF)
Senior Portfolio Manager, Kingstone Capital Partners

"I truly looked forward to every class and the professors and my classmates always kept it lively and fun... I constantly draw upon the time I spent working on projects and presentations in the MSF program."

Juliana Guerra ’23 (MSF)
Associate Financial Planner, Dean Roland Russell

"The [Master's in Finance] definitely helped me advance my career way faster than it would have been without it... with a master's it was like, 'Oh definitely, you are going to start as a senior analyst.'"

Ana Bermudez Leon ’17 (MSF)
Director at StepStone Group

Get Inspired by Our AlumniMeet with an Admission Advisor

Curriculum

A Finance Curriculum with a Large ROI

Grounded in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) curriculum, USD’s graduate finance program is rigorous, dynamic and applied. In just 10 months, our STEM-certified MSF degree will prepare you to take the first two levels of the CFA exam — the most recognized and respected financial designation in the world. That STEM certification means that international graduates may be eligible to work up to three years in the United States after completing the program.

Featured Classes

See Full CurriculumView a Sample ScheduleMeet Your Professors
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Student Experience

Love Your Experience as a Knauss Graduate Student

At USD's Knauss School of Business, not only will you receive an enriching education with renowned faculty and the opportunity to get hands-on experience studying abroad. You’ll join a community that nurtures you personally and professionally. All in a truly inspirational setting.

Your Home Away from Home

USD is known as one of the nation's most beautiful campuses, and the Knauss Center for Business Education is no exception. You'll enjoy rich and collaborative spaces for your studies, and a state-of-the-art Finance Lab containing 48 Bloomberg Terminal workstations.

Relationships to Last a Lifetime

Connect with outstanding USD alumni, and get involved with the Graduate Business Student Association (GBSA) to build out your business network and connect with industry leaders. Finance students can also register with the CFA Society of San Diego.

Where Opportunity Meets Sunshine

In addition to sunny weather and world-renowned beaches, San Diego boasts strengths in fintech, venture capital and biotech finance, as well as a multicultural perspective informed by our location on an international border. You can learn more in our San Diego Guide.

Personalized Career Support

We offer personalized support to get you career-ready, from one-on-one career coaching with your professional development manager, to a mentorship program, to networking events like Finance Fest.

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Tuition, Scholarships and Financial Aid

A Finance Degree That’s Worth It

$59,070

Tuition

Based on 2026/27 rates

78%

Financial Aid Recipients

Most students receive some financial aid

Business ScholarshipsUSD Financial Aid

Outcomes

Where a Master’s in Finance Will Take You

Here’s how the master’s in finance has advanced the careers of our alumni — and how it could advance yours, too.

$71,446

Average Starting Salary

of recent MSF graduates
Average over 3 years

68%

Secured Employment

within 6 months of graduation
Average over 3 years

Download MSF Career Guide

Interested in learning more about career paths in finance?
Download the MSF Career Guide

Where recent graduates found employment:

More Business Alumni OutcomesDownload our Free MSF Career Guide
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Request More Information

Request more information today — you'll receive helpful guides, application tips, deadline reminders, upcoming events and more.

Next Steps

Should We Make Things Official? 

The world of finance needs movers and shakers like you — people who can seamlessly transition between specific expertise and big idea innovation. We want you to be our next success story, and we’re ready to take that next step as soon as you are.