Help: MSM (Southern Methodist Uni) or MSF (University of Maryland)

Hey all - looking for some advice on which direction to take as I was accepted into SMU's MSM program after being rejected for their MSF after an interview, and I have an MSF spot at the Uni of Maryland. 

What should I do? Is an MSF from Uni of Maryland better than an MSM from SMU? 

I had also come to the conclusion that the MSF is better than the MSM (unless Duke or UVA because of their brand name) as it offered me a technical degree that would go further than a more abstract, management degree. I also have a liberal arts degree for my undergrad, so I also thought a finance degree would make me a better rounded candidate with proof of technical, math-oriented chops. 

What are your thoughts on that? Is it a misconception or their is some truth to it?

Also, which would have better job opportunities (provided my networking and hustling is the same i.e. very high);
a) MSF or MSM?
b) Maryland or SMU 

One caveat - I am an international student so a work permit (H1B or OPT) would be necessary. 

As an int'l student, my options are kept open in that I would focus mainly on F500's (LDP's/FLDP's) and consulting firms and apply as widely as possible - the end goal is an FT job that sets me up for B-school in a 3 years time. IB is not an end goal for me. 

The most important - and in many ways, the only - factor is landing an FT job, so which of these two would best set me up for that?

Hopefully you guys will have insights as to which way I should go - looking forward to all your thoughts and advice. Thank you a shit ton in advance. 

 
bluesbreaker13:

So do you mean it has less value because it is seen as an add-on to the MBA? What are the implications? Would you go with a degree than isn't a dual degree option? Thanks for your insight.

Not necessarily less value but the level of support that the school allocates to msf students may be limited which means you would likely need to be even more proactive.

 

I'm at a wedding, but will reply more in depth when I get back. That being said, I would do SMU based on location alone. Study and pass CFA level one and no one will question your finance ability with the MiM.

 

Reasons for SMU- I like Dallas a lot, have family there, economy is good and the CoL is pretty low. I chose the MiM route due to the more broad nature of the degree versus an MSF

"There are only two opinions in this world: Mine and the wrong one." -Jeremy Clarkson
 

Ut quia inventore commodi praesentium vel tempora. A commodi vitae enim doloribus ratione voluptas assumenda. Aperiam iste quos molestiae vel.

Perferendis dolor a dignissimos voluptas fuga enim quam dolores. Quos et illum fugit sequi rerum enim. Eligendi eos labore earum numquam architecto.

Provident a rerum eum aut. Consequatur commodi qui nam voluptatem.

“You adapt, evolve, compete, or die.” -Paul Tudor Jones

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”