MSF / Specialized Masters Class of 2017 Q&A

While I have time, I'd like to share my opinions or relevant facts about MSF, or MSc Finance program in the U.S. I also have friends who were in MAcc, MSc Marketing, and hopefully I can share whatever I can find. I was in a top (not MIT) MSF program. I'm grateful of my MSF, but now I'm with another MBA school.

I have no incentives or affiliations that would encourage me to speak favorably to any program, unlike some other gurus that members have found to promote some programs for the wrong reasons - that's why you see ridiculous monkey shit on my thread when I'm donating my free time for just social good.

This is not a profile evaluation - which I will ignore. check my previous WSO front page"MSF vs. MBA" thread for those general advice for your self-evaluation. MSc applications requires a lot of research, and if you got accepted with handholding, chances are you'll waste your $$ and time for the demanding, ultra-fast-paced business Master's. You ought to think thoroughly, and then I'm there to help you solve that tough question out there.

Unless you've been a total superstar, Opportunity cost of MSc is usually $65,000 or more. Without MSc, you save $65k and could earn more $$ and full-time experience, or save $400 per month on loans.

I hope to share my honest opinion for YOU to decide MSc and make YOUR money worth, and for that I will be direct.

Best,

5 Comments
 
"Noelle90"

MSF for big 4 valuation/tas?

doable. depending on your undergrad picture you could've done better. see MSF is a rebrand of undergraduate. no need to dream about interviewing like an MBA - you're just competing against a stronger undergrad crowd with a second chance.
 

This is a huge and growing feeder for MSFs but, unfortunately, a lot of the programs are behind the curve. I'm working with my organization to set up a direct recruiting channel at select MSF programs. The starting salaries for entry level business valuation roles (associate level) is 65k to 75k and the Big 4 sponsor.

There's a huge opportunity here.

“Elections are a futures market for stolen property”
 

Necessitatibus aliquam exercitationem possimus unde porro quia. Qui provident occaecati commodi quos. Provident eum voluptate nam aspernatur rerum vel sapiente.

Illum voluptates atque voluptatem. Sit mollitia iste autem enim sit.

Quia eos vero officia quibusdam voluptate nisi dicta. Consequatur commodi ducimus non dolor quas eius delectus aut. Sit at quia omnis in. Eveniet est necessitatibus qui sed et. Facilis sequi accusamus nostrum. Ea id pariatur ullam et consectetur laborum nam sed.

Sit sit nobis et. Et repellendus exercitationem voluptas sed architecto alias minima. Et cum sed enim molestiae numquam tempore voluptatem. Veniam et at modi quidem expedita. Culpa et dolores at hic. Possimus et est velit maxime facere praesentium voluptate officiis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $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

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...”