Southern New Hampshire Univeristy: Online MSF Program. Thoughts Anyone?

Just graduated college from a completely non-target, sub 3.0 cum GPA, and a degree in economics and management. Ultimate goal is Hedge Fund working as an equity/industry analyst. Will be working full time for a HFoF's right out of the gate therefore I'm looking for an online degree due to travel and time constraints. However, I could possibly pursue the MSF in the classroom instead, I just need to feel out my schedule during the next few months. SNHU's online MSF is ranked in the top 10 for online finance degrees and the cost isn't bad either (roughly 23,000). I know it's not a top 10 or even top 50 school/program, but considering my grades and undergrad school, my options are limited.

So here's my question: does anyone know anything about SNHU's online MSF program, either through personal experience or a friend/family?

Second: does anyone know of any other online MSF degrees that might be a better choice to pursue?

Lastly: If I were to instead choose a MSF program that's not online, does anyone know a decent school (besides top tier) that would 1. be more likely to accept a candidate with my undergrad credentials and assume a 650-680 GMAT (I test very well, bad grades were a reflection of slacking in gen ed courses). 2. provides a respectable education.

13 Comments
 
BicepBrah

Seems like a waste of time and money. The msf isn't that well known of a degree so its only useful if u go to a decent school. There are exceptions of course, but given your goals, I don't think it's worth it.

What are your thoughts on a certificate in portfolio management from NYU? I looked into it and I'm pretty sure anyone can register for it-assuming you have the money of course.

 
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The point of an MSF is to get a job, unless you are using it as a stepping stone to a Ph.D. program. Most (probably 80-90%) of MSF students came from a school with no alumni network and use the MSF to gain access to one. Assuming this is true (it is), an online MSF makes no sense. You are not gaining access to any network and have no OCR. Unless you are using the program to study for the CFA, and I am sure there are MANY cheaper ways, the program serves no purpose.

Just my two cents. Good luck in whatever you choose.

 
Best Response
KKS

The point of an MSF is to get a job, unless you are using it as a stepping stone to a Ph.D. program. Most (probably 80-90%) of MSF students came from a school with no alumni network and use the MSF to gain access to one. Assuming this is true (it is), an online MSF makes no sense. You are not gaining access to any network and have no OCR. Unless you are using the program to study for the CFA, and I am sure there are MANY cheaper ways, the program serves no purpose.

Just my two cents. Good luck in whatever you choose.

Thanks for the input. Personally, I want to pursue the MSF for a few reasons, a few you already stated (CFA prep, increase network), however, I also see it as a way to erase my poor performance as an undergrad in order to gain acceptance into a top 10 MBA. This industry is all about school prestige or "who you know", while I do have pretty good connections to get me started, they aren't the connections that can be gained at a prestigious school.

My question: If I were to pursue an MSF (lets say a lesser known school), finish top 10 in my class and achieve lets say a 680 or higher on my GMAT's, am I still hopeless for a top 10 MBA?

*I know it's a hard question to answer considering there are other factors that come into play (race, job experience, interview, recommendations, etc...) but if you or anyone has some insight on this subject matter I would appreciate any comments.

 
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An MSF from a non-target will prepare you fot the CFA, but again, there are MUCH cheaper options. SNHU is not going to give you a network to work with. Do this:

  1. Spend two to three months of quality studying for the GMAT. Study for three hours per weekday and for six hours per weekend day. Use the MGMAT and official guide books.

  2. Pick out MSF programs to apply to. Vanderbilt, Villanova, WUSTL, UTA, etc. should all be on your list. Look at MSFHQ.com.

  3. Write a killer essay. Apply. Get in.

A 680 will get you into most top MSF programs (minus CMC and MIT). If you spend some time studying, you should be able to get a 700.

 

KKS spits truth. Please don't do SNHU MSF. You'll be out 23K with no real benefits. If you want to rebrand, you need an actual brand (i.e. Vandy, Villanova, Wustl, UTAustin, UVA, etc...).

ask ANT. he knows what's up

 

Only people who should be doing an online MSF like this is someone who has it paid for by work, has it required for a promotion and has no intention of doing an MSF otherwise. If this narrow set of circumstances isn't you then do not waste the time or money.

 

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