Should I get an MSF, Mfin, or other business masters?

Despite being somewhat new in terms of degrees, a Master of Science in Finance (MSF or M.Fin for Master in Finance) are generally well-accepted in the finance world. Whereas an MBA gives a general business education, an MSF [or M.Fin] is focused solely on finance. These degrees often do not require work experience and are great options for non-business majors looking to break into finance and for business majors to increase their knowledge of finance. It will provide you with time to network and provide career resources to help get you a job. Do not, however, expect to come out as an associate. For most positions on Wall Street, you will be applying for analyst-level (entry-level) jobs.

Make sure to check out the link to MSFHQ in our Additional Resources section, it's a site dedicated to the MSF run by long-time WSO Certified User ANT.

Other Graduate Business Degrees

• Master of Quantitative Finance: You should only get this degree if you are a quant looking to take the next step in your career or if you're looking to switch to a quant position.
• Master of Financial Engineering: Similar to the MQF, unless you are, or are looking to be, a quant, you need not apply.
• Master of Financial Economics: This degree varies in quantitative intensity depending on the school. At some schools it may be closer to an MSF, at others it may be closer to the above MFE.

Relevant Discussions:

• Master of Science in Finance
• MSF School Advice (Make sure to pay attention to ANT's last reply describing the diffence between an MFE and an MSF or MFin)
• Vanderbilt MSF (ANT makes another great post about how you should choose your MSF program)
• MSF Work Experience Definition

Additional Resources:

• MSFHQ: MSFHQ is run by ANT, a long-time WSO Certified User who has a wide range of knowledge on MSFs and available programs
• Relevant WSO Guides: Technical Interview Guide and WSO Behavioral Interview Guide
• Relevant WSO Services: Wall Street Prep and Wall Street Mentors and Career Coaching
• Relevant WSO Forums: Get a Job

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