U Rochester MS in Finance in NYC Value
Hello all,
Just wanted to get your thoughts about the value of of the U of Rochester MS in Finance in NYC program. I already have a job in finance but have unrelated undergraduate/graduate school and work experience before getting my current position in finance (ER), so was considering the program to learn more about finance / get another alumni network to progress in my current role or in the long term move to a new role. However, when I have talked to people they said to study for the CFA and save $50k ($60k masters [assuming no aid or scholarships] vs $10k CFA) especially since I already have a finance job. Please see link below for program if you are not familiar:
http://www.simon.rochester.edu/programs/ms-finance-new-york-city/index…
And how would your position change if I was able to get partial (around 50%) employer sponsorship for the degree?
Totally agree, why would you pay $60k for a Masters when you are already in a front office position? Learn on the job and study for the CFA.
Just look at the people that are in the program, it doesn't make sense for you.
So I know the program pretty well. I historically knew of their on campus MSF that is largely international students and in the middle of upstate NY. Simon is a good school, probably T40 MBA program. Maybe a couple years ago I found out about their NYC masters and met with admissions on it.
1) I was surprised at the quality of students. Nothing negative about that statement, just that I went to an open house and found VP's in FO finance roles, bankers, people in asset management, mid level CFO type people, etc. Like solid classmates and MSF alumni.
2) Campus is in Manhattan which is key since there aren't many one year masters in NYC of the caliber of Simon. Mind you I said one year masters as I realize NYU/Columbia, etc all outrank Rochester.
3) That $60K includes everything. I thought it was just tuition, but all fees, books, an international trip, etc. Most MSF's have tuition and then tuition + everything else.
4) I would equate this to almost an MBA substitute. If you are looking for a grad degree, solid network and a years worth of work, all while keeping your job, this would fit the bill.
Now, your situation. You have a FO job in ER. The CFA is/would probably be the best thing for you. Doesn't mean you can't do both, but I think in your position the CFA is probably a must. At least if you want to stay in ER. I do know Rochester has scholarships they give out and if you get your employer to pony up some cash it might be worth it. The closer you drive to $30K or less the better the program looks in your situation.
Thanks for the detailed comments and analysis -- I appreciate the information. TNA, I have read some of your other posts where you mentioned that an MSF was very different from MBA, not an MBA substitute. What makes you say this program is an MBA substitute?
MSF's are very different than an MBA substitute. What I mean when I say this is some people might be looking for a graduate degree to top off their network and education for promotion/work purposes. In this regard someone might choose a specialized masters graduate degree instead of an MBA.
Focused, one year in length and a solid brand name. I'd probably take the UR MSF over a Pace night time MBA or Baruch program.
Would you take it over the Stern Langone part-time MBA though?
Agreed, save your hard earned cash.
I mean that is apples and oranges. NYU has a much better name, but the MBA is going to be more expensive, longer and less focused. Really depends on your goals and interests. The NYU brand is much better though which is important.
Hi TNA, just have a quick question on MSF programs. Is their (UR MSF) program's campus still in Manhatton?
I decided to take the GMAT and I'm half way thru preparing it, but there are 3 great schools that I really want to apply that do not accept gmat scores for Master programs: NYU (I didn't take many accounting classes so their MS Accounting not an option), Chicago --- GRE only. And Georgetown. Their MSF is online...which is a little weird to me, and they generally require work exp to get into that program. What do I do? Take GRE or just give up applying to those 3? Thanks a lot
PS: I like MSFHQ
Looks like they shut it down about a year or so ago. Sad as I think it filled an important hole in the MSF world.
Agree its apples to oranges- but assume I want to progress in ER. Part time MBA in Finance in Stern or UofR MSF?
If you want to progress in ER and you're not interested in anything else, take the CFA. Focus on building a relationship with your buy side clients and your S&T folks if you want to move up. Is this your first day on the job or something?
@TNA , I've also never heard anything good about the part-time Stern MBA in terms of branding/prestige/pedigree. All of the Stern people I work with now (be it ER or S&T or IB/ECM on vettings) were full-timers. On the other hand, three years ago back in the ops days almost everyone who was pursuing an MBA (or already had one) was either part-time NYU or part-time Rutgers. You get the brand name but you also get that "Langone" bit with it, which is not nearly as selective. Do you have any thoughts specifically on the part-time program at NYU?
It's just my opinion, but I think that for ER the CFA would look a lot better than some mediocre/2nd tier MSF or MBA program.
I'd probably go get the MBA as the brand will help you the most.
Yeah, I agree with the CFA statement. It is the gold standard for the CFA. I am not really up to speed on PT MBA programs. My thinking was that the Stern brand > Simon brand. I do agree that PT programs generally carry a stigma.
End of the day the Roch program is solid and respected. It isn't at the same level of a FT Stern MBA. If you need a grad degree and a solid network, while focusing on finance and doing it in one year, choose Rochester. If you want an MBA I would suggest a FT program. Either way start studying for the CFA because you will need it.
University of Rochester MS in Finance (Originally Posted: 09/13/2010)
Ok, so I have a friend at Rochester and I am going to speak with her about the MSF program there. A lot of people have asked me questions or recommendations about the program, but here is your chance to ask me directly and I will ask her later this week when we speak.
Whatever you want to know, lets hear it!
how hard to get into ibanking, ER, boutique/mm PE, HF, etc.
before you bash the program do a linkedin search fyi.
What are you talking about? I am not bashing anything.
FYI - I am very familiar with UoR and the program so before you give me advice you should do a little post searching.
That FYI wasn't to you. Your posts are very insightful.
I was just curious because everytime I post about UR it seems people just respond that the program is only good for F500. While the majority of graduates probably go to F500, I was wondering what the Capital Markets perspective was.
Oh sorry dude. I take back what I said.
I actually did a linkedin search and found a lot of Corp banking, but not much IB. I think Simon is a great school, but it has dropped off a little in the rankings. I think the whole "not placing well into banking" thing stems from the fact that it is a T30 MBA.
I think that if you do well in the MSF and network you should do well. The UoR program is working off of a solid MBA program and can only go upward. My friend is in admissions and I will be speaking to her Monday. I will ask her about IB/PE/VC and see what they have planned with the program. Hopefully good things in the future. More to follow.
Hey, I am currently a BS of Quant. Finance student in Hong Kong. I am interested in pursuing a master degree in US. How do you know about the placement of UoR in the PE, hedge fund, mutual fund industry?
Thanks man
I have a cousin at UoR, he's at a boutique IB in NY.
so he's @ both..........did he go there for MSF? Undergrad?
MS Finance Rochester Simon (Originally Posted: 12/19/2015)
I am looking at Masters in Finance and I have an acceptance from University of Rochester , Simon. I am currently a final year student at Delhi University and want to go for Masters right after completing my undergrad this year. I require suggestions regarding the course content and job employment? Does the school have a good reputation across the country and world? My main concern is university reputation and job afterwards? Does the school give us enough opportunities to network and prepare us well? Also, I am a little brand conscious about universities. How are the students who come for this program? I would want to study in a competitive environment.
Please let me know on priority whether I should go for it.
Simon is good. Very underrated in my opinion. I know a few Simon MSF's that are doing well. They only have good things to say about the program. The MBA, on the other hand, not so much.
I also want to understand the overall reputation of the school worldwide. Is it a widely known and accepted school for finance?
the students are not bad, but job in the U.S. is tough regardless of where you go. It's a fairly nice brand, but I think you should ask admissions upfront about who often comes to campus for recruiting.
If you put in enough work, you'll get a job regardless of where you go.
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