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MS in Finance & Analytics | Online & On-Campus

Elevate Your Finance Expertise

Santa Clara University's MS in Finance & Analytics (MSFA) combines a strong foundation in finance with advanced analytical skills that employers value. Taught by distinguished faculty and Bay Area practitioners, the program prepares you for careers in various finance sectors.

Stay ahead of the competition in today’s complex financial markets with a Master of Science in Finance and Analytics, available in both on-campus and online formats to fit your learning style and career goals. The MSFA program combines finance fundamentals with innovative analytical capabilities to equip you with the skills needed for a dynamic career at the cutting edge of finance. Whether you’re pursuing corporate finance, investment management, or capital markets, the Leavey MSFA degree positions you at the forefront of emerging trends and evolving needs in the global marketplace.

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Two Flexible Formats

Choose the learning experience that fits your lifestyle. Whether you prefer the energy of in-person interaction or the convenience of online learning, our MS in Finance and Analytics offers the same rigorous curriculum, expert faculty, and career outcomes–delivered your way.

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Online MSFA


Online MSFA

Location dotEnjoy unparalleled flexibility, plus connect in person during your required residency at the start of the program
CalendarEngage in asynchronous learning with occasional live, virtual sessions
Chart networkConnect through virtual events, alumni meetups, and optional campus visits
House laptopAvailable to most students in the U.S. Not available at this time for F-1 visa-seeking students
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On-Campus MSFA


On-Campus MSFA

Location dotStudy on our Silicon Valley campus
CalendarAttend in-person classes held on evenings and weekends
Chart networkBuild your network through campus events, career fairs, student clubs, and classroom collaboration
Earth AmericasEligible for F-1 visas and STEM-designated

The Leavey Difference

Apple Park

Location in the SF Bay Area

You can choose to study in person on our vibrant Santa Clara University campus, located in the heart of Silicon Valley—the most innovative region in the world with over 7,000 companies and startups—or complete the program online.

Leavey School of Business faculty engaging in lively discussions with a student

World Class Faculty

Leavey faculty are teaching scholars–often published in top-ranked journals and presenting at conferences all over the world. Learn more about our faculty.

Student studying with bright colored note cards

Academic Excellence

Our curriculum blends team-based collaboration with cutting-edge business practices and hands-on projects, preparing students with skills to power dynamic 21st-century careers.

Hands together for a team huddle

Values

Combining our core values rooted in the Jesuit tradition with the dynamic ethos of Silicon Valley, we educate ethical business leaders who will work to make our businesses, our community, and our world a better place.

Leavey School of Business graduate students outside Lucas Hall

Alumni Network

Tap into incredibly strong Leavey and Santa Clara University connections–25,000 and 100,000 alumni respectively. Explore Leavey's alumni network.

Lucas Hall at night

Flexible Format

Classes are offered in the evenings and weekends to fit your life and goals. Plus, a variety of electives allow you to customize any Leavey degree to your interests and timeline.

Upcoming Admissions Events

MS in Finance & Analytics Class Profile

64%
Male
36%
Female
3.18
Average GPA
40
Average Months of Work Experience

MS in Finance and Analytics Curriculum

36 Academic Units* = 22 Core + 10 Elective + 4 Experiential

Our practical, hands-on curriculum is taught by stellar faculty and distinguished Bay Area practitioners. Whether you choose the on-campus or online format, you can enroll in Leavey finance and analytics electives in either program format.

Core Curriculum
Linear Algebra with Python+
2 Units, 5 Weeks
Econometrics with R+
2 Units, 5 Weeks
Math for Business and Analytics with R+
4 Units, 10 Weeks
Investments+
4 Units, 10 Weeks
Data Analytics with Python+
4 Units, 10 Weeks
Financial Forecasting & Analysis+
4 Units, 10 Weeks
Database Management Systems+
2 Units, 5 Weeks
Linear Algebra with Python
2 Units, 5 Weeks
Econometrics with R
2 Units, 5 Weeks
Math for Business and Analytics with R
4 Units, 10 Weeks
Investments
4 Units, 10 Weeks
Data Analytics with Python
4 Units, 10 Weeks
Financial Forecasting & Analysis
4 Units, 10 Weeks
Database Management Systems
2 Units, 5 Weeks
Intro to Fin Tech+
2 Units, 5 Weeks
Intro to Time Series+
2 Units, 5 Weeks
Mergers and Acquisitions+
4 Units, 10 Weeks
Real Estate Finance and Investments+
4 Units, 10 Weeks
Business Valuation+
4 Units, 10 Weeks
Applied Portfolio Management+
2 Units, 5 Weeks
Intro to Fin Tech
2 Units, 5 Weeks
Intro to Time Series
2 Units, 5 Weeks
Mergers and Acquisitions
4 Units, 10 Weeks
Real Estate Finance and Investments
4 Units, 10 Weeks
Business Valuation
4 Units, 10 Weeks
Applied Portfolio Management
2 Units, 5 Weeks

For a full list of electives, please visit the Graduate Bulletin.

MS students at the Leavey School of Business are required to complete an experiential learning program requirement in the form of either a practicum or capstone project. Students are able to use real data and apply their classroom learnings to real problems. In addition, it offers a unique opportunity to connect directly to leading companies and potential employers.

Capstone
Designed to be more flexible in terms of availability and also more accessible for our population of working students.
Completed under the supervision of a Leavey faculty advisor
Completed in team of 3-4 students
Completed in 1-2 quarters depending on program
Does not cause conflict of interest with employer
Practicum
Designed to apply what you have learned in the classroom to solve a problem defined by our Silicon Valley industry partners.
Curated in conjunction with an industry partner located in Silicon Valley
Completed in team of 3-4 students
Spans two-quarters, 5-6 hours per week
Consult with employer on eligibility as it relates to the terms of your employment
Practicum Sponsor Examples
Companies who have previously partnered with MS students at the Leavey School of Business

The MSFA program has two online short courses that incoming students will complete before beginning the program. Students who have completed courses in accounting and R in their undergraduate coursework may have these waived.

Introduction to Financial Accounting
Getting Started with R for Data Science

Corporate Finance
Investment Management
Capital Markets
Fintech

*Total academic units and available electives subject to change based on annual curriculum review and updates.

Graduate Bulletin Graduate Academic Calendar

MS in Finance and Analytics Admissions

MS in Finance & Analytics

Application Steps

Our admissions team looks for:

  • Bachelor's Degree – All majors accepted
  • Prerequisites – None, but Calculus I & Statistics are recommended
  • Work Experience – Not required, but may strengthen application
  • International Applicants
    • Academic Records and Transcripts – Must be evaluated by a NACES member organization
    • English Proficiency Test – TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or GMAT/GRE score above 50th percentile on the verbal portion
    • Recommended to submit application by Priority Deadline for I20 Preparation

Join us at one of many admissions events, including information sessions, networking events, webinars, and class visits. Find an upcoming event that fits in your schedule.

We know you have questions! Our admissions team is available for one-on-one phone or virtual appointments.

For your application, you'll need:

  • Non-refundable application fee*
  • Resume/CV
  • Personal statement
  • GMAT/GRE scores or test waiver
  • Official transcripts*
  • 2 letters of recommendation*
  • Interview (as requested)

* Waived for Santa Clara University Alumni Pathway applicants

Start Your Application Contact Us

Leavey School of Business graduate students collaborating on campus

MS in Finance & Analytics Admissions Deadlines

Benefits of a Career in Finance and Analytics

Career Services & Coaching

The Graduate Business Programs Career Services team organizes a diverse range of events and workshops, offers unlimited one-on-one career coaching, and provides networking opportunities for graduate students and alumni.

86%
MSFA students report being employed within 6 months of graduation (following the 2021 academic year)

Common Roles

Data Analyst 
Investment Strategy Analyst
Investment Operations Senior Associate
Finance Manager
Founder & CEO
Audit and Assurance
Assistant Treasurer
Example Employers: Gusto, Validus, Druva, Oracle, Marvell

Cost & Financing

MS in Finance and Analytics Program Costs

The estimated cost for the MS in Finance & Analytics program is $1,520 per unit for the 2025-2026 academic year, with a minimum of 36 units required for graduation. Program fees are subject to adjustment annually, and the number of required units may change. Visit the University Financial Aid Office website for more information about the cost of attendance.

Ways to Finance Your MSFA

Leavey School of Business graduate at commencement

Scholarships

Merit scholarships are automatically considered at the time of application. The majority of merit awards are given to students with a GRE or GMAT score officially submitted, and to students who apply by priority deadlines. Explore all available graduate business scholarships

Students walking in and out of Lucas Hall

Loans

The University Financial Aid Office can help in locating and applying for federal or private loans. You may visit the staff in Patricia A. and Stephen C. Schott Admission and Enrollment Services Building; call (408) 551-1000, or email onestop@scu.edu.

Two people shaking hands over a desk

Employer Support

Some students receive financial assistance from their employers that can help offset the cost of attendance. Check out this article from Indeed for tips on gaining employer support for your journey to a graduate degree.

MSFA Student Success Stories

2024 Practicum Projects

As part of Leavey's experiential learning requirement, our MS students completed the following projects. Explore how these projects connected Leavey students directly with leading Silicon Valley companies and potential employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Leavey's MS in Finance & Analytics program can be completed in as little as 9 months full-time, or about 16 months on a part-time schedule.

The MSBA, MSFA, and MSIS on-ground programs are STEM-designated degrees and graduating students are eligible for the STEM OPT extension depending on their situation. Length depends on whether or not students have used any OPT time prior to joining our program.

At this time, Leavey's Online MBA, Online MSBA, Online MSFA, and MSM (on-ground or online) are not STEM-designated.

The Online MSFA program is not eligible for F-1 visas or STEM-related OPT. If you are an F-1 visa-seeking student, you may consider our on-campus MSFA program, which is STEM-designated and F-1 visa eligible. Students on other visa types may be able to enroll in the online program if their visa allows study in the U.S. To discuss your individual situation, we encourage you to meet with an admissions advisor.

The Leavey School of Business welcomes applications from U.S. residents in states where Santa Clara University is authorized to provide online education. For a current list of eligible states, please visit the University's Online Education Information for Students. To discuss your individual situation and eligibility, we encourage you to meet with an admissions advisor.

Applications are normally open 9 months in advance of the application deadline.

Leavey's MSIS program has prerequisites, but MSBA, MSFA, MSIS, MSM, and MSSB do not.  Applicants are eligible to apply without the prerequisite(s), but must fulfill the prerequisite(s) prior to enrolling.

  • MS in Business Analytics: No prerequisites, but calculus and statistics are recommended.
  • MS in Financial Analytics: No prerequisites, but calculus and statistics are recommended.
  • MS in Information Systems: 1 course of college-level programming (accepted languages are Python, Java, R, C and C++ only)*
  • MS in Marketing: No prerequisites
  • MS in Sports Business: No prerequisites

Courses from Coursera, Straighterline, Udacity, edX, or the like, are not accepted. Prerequisites must be taken at an accredited university, and completed with a final grade of “B” or higher. Applicants may take the prerequisites through a University of California Extension, though a comparable university or community college is accepted, if accredited.

*MSIS Prerequisite must have at minimum the following course content:

  • Programming Language - C, C++, Java or Python. Students should have an intermediate understanding of the language after the completion of their course. Languages such as Javascript, HTML, SQL and CSS will not fulfill the requirement.

No. Prerequisite competencies must be taken from accredited colleges/universities who can provide us with an official transcript showing successful completion (grade)

Our MS programs do not require full-time work experience. However, work experience is preferred and many MS students have between 1-3 years of work experience prior to enrolling, including internship experience. College seniors and recent college graduates are eligible to apply.

While the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) has been the standard exam used for business schools, the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is also accepted. We do not prefer one exam over the other.

We do not have minimum test scores for the GMAT or GRE and your application evaluation is based on a comprehensive review. The average GMAT score for MS programs is 650. The average GRE score is 309 for MS programs. Scores from either test are valid for five (5) years. Applicants are welcome to take either exam more than once; we will only consider the highest score.

Applicants whose first language is not English must achieve a minimum score of 90 on the TOEFL (internet-based test), or 6.5 on the IELTS, or 110 on Duolingo. Scores are valid for two years. This requirement also may be met by scoring at or above the 50th percentile on the verbal portion of the GMAT or GRE, or if the applicant has a degree from an accredited U.S. university. Applicants who have earned a degree in Australia, Anglophone Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States within the last 4 years where the sole instruction was English do not need to submit an English Proficiency test.

GMAT School Code: BV3-WB-51

GRE School Code: 4851

TOEFL School Code: 4851; or BusinessCAS B888

Duolingo English Test - Send to Leavey School of Business

Yes, you may submit, however it is preferable that GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, Duolingo and/or IELTS scores are submitted with the application. We recommend that applicants take the test at least 4 weeks before the posted deadline. Delays in taking and/or reporting the test scores will postpone the completion of your application, and ultimately a decision. All scores must be verified.

Yes. Candidates who demonstrate a strong and verifiable (usually with transcripts) quantitative/technical skill set will be considered for test waivers.  Students who submit waivers risk not being eligible for any merit scholarships.

Yes. All students who submit their completed application by the priority deadline are reviewed for scholarship when we evaluate their application. No additional paperwork is required. Students who submit after that date may be considered if scholarship funds are still available. Scholarships are merit-based.

The university provides access to both federal and private loan options. Domestic students (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) are eligible for both federal and private loans. International students, however, are eligible solely for private loans, which may require a creditworthy U.S. cosigner depending on the lender's requirements.

On-Campus Programs

Deadlines Priority Deadline Final Application Deadline Approximate Start Date
Spring (MSBA, MSFA, MSIS)   January 20th Late March/Early April
Summer (MS in Sports Business) April 1st May 1st Mid-June
Fall (MSBA, MSFA, MSIS, MSM) April 1st June 1st Mid-September

Online Programs

Deadlines Priority Deadline Final Application Deadline Approximate Start Date
Spring (MSBA, MSFA, MSM) February 25th March 15th Late March/Early April
Fall (MSBA, MSFA, MSM) August 15th September 5th Mid-September

Yes, we accept applications after the posted deadline on a space available basis from domestic applicants only. We will not accept late applications from students who require an F-1 visa to study in the US.

For the application process, NO. However, you are required to submit an official transcript for each school you attended or an official foreign evaluation (if you’ve attended an international school) before the first quarter begins.

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree from outside of the United States are required to have their official transcripts evaluated, regardless if the transcript is printed in English. (Applicants with a US master’s degree are waived this requirement.) We require a course-by-course, cumulative GPA, and U.S. degree equivalency evaluation. 

We require a course-by-course evaluation that includes a cumulative GPA and U.S. degree equivalency assessment.

We have several service providers:

Maybe. All international bachelor’s degrees MUST be evaluated (see above) and determined to be equivalent to a US bachelor's degree. Read about the policy for admitting students with a three-year degree.

To qualify for internships, international students on an F-1 visa MUST complete three consecutive quarters as a full-time student. They must also submit a request to pursue the internship with student programs and the ISS Office.

We prefer letters of recommendations from your professional network, that is, supervisors and colleagues; however, we also accept letters of recommendations from those you have worked with in academic and volunteering settings, particularly for those who will or have recently completed an undergraduate degree prior to the start of the program.

Qualified applicants will be invited to interview either in person or via Zoom.

After an application is submitted, applicants will receive an email with login credentials to access their Application Status page. This page will show the application checklist, any missing materials, and provide the option to upload any additional documents. 

Once the application is complete, qualified applicants will receive an invitation to schedule an on-campus or video admission interview. Following the interview, most applicants will receive an admission decision within two weeks after the final admissions interview.

Once admitted students must place a nonrefundable deposit within 2 weeks to hold a seat in the program to which they were admitted. The deposit is credited toward the first quarter of tuition.

MSIS: $750
MSBA, MSFA: $1000

We offer a total of four online programs, including three MS programs - MS in Business Analytics, MS in Finance and Analytics, and MS in Marketing - as well as our Online MBA. Learn more about our online offerings.

Yes, SCU offers Graduate Housing options.

Many of our Graduate Students choose their own accommodation within walking distance of campus. The admission team will not work with students directly to secure housing, but may offer opportunities to connect with other admitted students prior to the start of the program.