Frequently Asked Questions
When does the program start and end?
The program begins in the Summer B term, typically the last week in June. The program ends in May of the following year. In some cases, applicants that have an outstanding summer internship opportunity are allowed to join the program at the start of the Fall term. Since many of the courses offered in the Spring term are based on material presented in the Fall term, students are not able to start the program in January and we do not do Fall or Spring admissions.
How many students are admitted per year into the MSF program?
The program targets an enrollment of 25 students per year.
What is the average GMAT score for students previously accepted into the program?
There is no score that guarantees admission or completely disqualifies an applicant from consideration. The median GMAT score for currently enrolled students is 670 and most have a relatively high quantitative score. However, we consider variables other than GMAT score and GPA in evaluating applicants for admission. GMAT scores and GPA vary considerably among accepted students.
Should I take the GRE or the GMAT and what codes do I use to have the scores sent to the Masters of Business Administration - Finance program at the University of Florida?
Scores on either exam will be considered for admittance into the program. However, the GMAT is preferred. When registering for either the GRE or GMAT, to have your scores sent to the Finance program at the University of Florida, you must indicate code 5812 for the University (not 5801, which is the MBA program) followed by code number 4102 for Finance.
What is the application deadline for domestic applicants?
The application deadline for domestic MSF applicants is March 15. For international students, the deadline is January 15.
How do I obtain application materials and where do I send my application?
The best way to apply to the MSF program is to complete the online application.
Online ApplicationIn addition, letters of recommendation, your personal statement of intent, a copy of your GMAT score and transcripts must be delivered or mailed prior to the application deadline to:
The Department of Finance, Insurance, and Real EstateUniversity of Florida
321 Stuzin Hall
PO Box 117168
Gainesville, FL 32611-7168
Materials mailed to the Finance department are used when evaluating students for admission into the program. The online application is used by the graduate school for admission procedures once candidates have been accepted.
What can I expect once I have completed the application process?
Admissions are made on a rolling basis beginning in December of the year prior to the start of the program. Applicants will receive an admission decision by the later of (1) January 15 of the year the program starts or (2) one month after a complete application is received. If you do not receive approval or denial within a month of applying, you can assume that we have held on to your application for the next round of considerations and you will receive an answer after the March 15 deadline when all applications have been received and evaluated.
Who should write my letters of recommendation?
These letters should come from current or former employers or university professors.
Should applicants have an undergraduate degree in finance?
An undergraduate business degree is not a requirement. However, the courses are taught at a level that assumes students have a knowledge base consistent with an undergraduate finance major.
What financial expectations should I have?
Accepted students should expect to pay full tuition costs as well as books, supplies, required computer needs, fees, living expenses, and a 350 professional development fee. Tuition costs can be found on the Student Links page of the University Financial Services website. Prices are expected to rise each year. The program consists of 32 credit hours. Each student in the program is automatically considered for a $5,000 scholarship offered by the program. Scholarship award recipients will be notified on or before April 1. The Warrington College of Business Administration reserves tuition waivers and assistantships for Ph.D. students.
University Financial Services Student LinksCan I be a part-time MSF student?
It is possible to take the program part time. However, there are very limited evening and no weekend courses available for MSF student.
I am an International Student - what other information do I need to be aware of?
International Students should review the admission guidelines set up by the International Student Services Center. You may view their website for important deadlines.
International Student Services CenterThe application deadline for international MSF applicants is January 15.
All international students seeking admission to the MSF Program and the Graduate School are required to submit a satisfactory score on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language: computer=213, paper=550, web=80), IELTS (International English Language Testing System: 6), MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery: 77) or successful completion of the University of Florida English Language Institute Program.
Students who meet the following conditions may be exempt from the English language test requirements:
- International students whose native language is English
- International students who have spent at least 1 academic year in a degree-seeking program at a college or university in a country where English is the official language, if their attendance was in the year immediately prior to UF admission.
What professional placement records do you have for graduates from this program?
Please see our placement history for more information on where our graduates have been placed.
Placement HistoryShould I consider the MSF Program if I am ultimately interested in earning a Ph.D.?
The MSF program courses are generally MBA level courses that do not overlap with the curriculum in strong Ph.D. programs. Students interested in earning a Ph.D. should apply directly to the Ph.D. program in Finance. Ph.D. level courses are offered to a limited number of MSF students with special permission before joining the program.
Ph.D. Program in FinanceIs the MBA a better alternative for me than the MSF?
Students without any academic background in finance, accounting or economics should seriously consider an MBA program over the MSF degree. The first year of the typical MBA program provides the necessary background in finance and accounting for the second year MBA finance electives that make up most of the MSF Program course work. Students interested in more general management training are likely to find MBA programs more attractive.
University of Florida MBA ProgramsHow well does the MSF program prepare students for the CFA exam?
The CFA exam takes place in three levels. The MSF program covers material through level three in many areas of finance. There is a facilitated CFA preparation course for MSF students.
Some MSF Combined Degree students prepare on their own for the CFA level one, studying level one material such as ethics, accounting and economics, and take the exam during their undergraduate semesters. Much of CFA level 2 is covered in MSF courses. Students finished with level one take CFA level 2 in June after MSF graduation. Necessary CFP preparation depends on learning specific financial products, tax laws, which are not covered in the MSF program curriculum.
For answers to further questions, please contact Kelly Herring, Director of Admissions and Student Services, Masters of Science in Business Administration - Finance.
