Masters Programs in Finance

Hey guys, I'm currently working full-time in San Francisco at a valuation firm, and I'm interested in applying to some masters programs in finance around the Bay Area. Unfortunately, options seem a bit limited. I would need to enroll in a part-time program and the two main options seem to be University of Santa Clara or University of San Francisco. Both of their programs seem well put together; however, I'm assuming the reputation/network won't necessarily open any doors. I'm okay with that, as I would eventually like to go back for an MBA, but I'm curious if anyone else has any thoughts here.

Some additional context here: My initial goal was to begin applying to MBA programs at the end of the year. That plan may be delayed a year or two, as I'm interviewing at a few firms, and I think I have a decent shot at landing an IB role at a boutique shop in SF. I'm really interested in that opportunity and feel it would enhance my application for grad school once I have a few years of experience there. The masters in finance would primarily be to expand my knowledge base in finance, not necessarily for the job placement. My current work (and potential future employer) would likely pay for most/all of the tuition, which is very attractive. I've had some discussions there and both seem very receptive to the idea. I'd obviously prefer to go to a top tier masters program in finance, but seeing as I'm working full-time in San Francisco, I'm limited to the part-time programs here or an online program elsewhere. Before anyone mentions UC Berkeley's program, it's more along the lines of financial engineering, which isn't a great fit for me. I've also considered the CFA, but I think I prefer an MSF at this point, as the CFA is such a drawn out and grueling process. If I enrolled in an MSF program, I'm basically guaranteed to complete it, whereas for the CFA, other circumstances/opportunities may arise where I continue to put it off/never complete it. Sorry for the long post, but would be interested in hearing everyone's thoughts...

1 Comments
 

Doloribus ut quos ut ipsa voluptatibus enim. Labore sequi sunt provident quas. Labore et neque numquam quia omnis. Quia aut adipisci ut vero hic eligendi.

Pariatur quo nihil ut enim. Maxime et voluptatem blanditiis rerum officia quaerat sunt. Aperiam nisi quam iusto fuga quia quae natus. Est doloribus porro nihil odio impedit doloremque. Vel et dicta culpa tempore non sunt qui. Cum molestiae ducimus asperiores quam vitae labore.

Cupiditate non neque voluptate earum dolores dolorem facere sapiente. Omnis ducimus est et optio alias sed. Dolores aperiam inventore dolores tempora. Nostrum quos autem voluptatem quo placeat magni.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”