University of Tulsa - Program in Finance - Overview
Master of Science in Finance Graduates Excel in a Complex Financial World
The Master of Science in Finance program at the University of Tulsa (TU) is an intensive program that integrates financial theory, mathematics, computer science, and statistics to provide finance professionals with the skills necessary to excel in a complex, global financial world. Investment banks, hedge funds, mutual funds, corporate treasuries, portfolio managers, and risk management departments apply these skills to corporate valuation, analysis of mergers and acquisitions, derivative securities valuation, risk management strategies, portfolio management techniques, and hedging strategies. Graduates of the Master of Science in Finance program have secured positions with firms such as Bank of Oklahoma, CITGO, Bear Stearns, ConocoPhillips, Direct Energy, IndyMac Bank, NORDAM Group, IBM, McKesson Corp., and Statoil, to name only a few.
Students Gain a Competitive Edge in Dual-Degree Programs Offering Two Independent Degrees
University of Tulsa offers three dual-degree programs that share credit hours, reducing overall study time. The M.S.F./M.S. in Applied Mathematics program integrates applied mathematics and finance within the environments of contemporary finance, risk management, and financial engineering. This program combines an in-depth study of financial theory and application with a study of advanced applied mathematics. The M.B.A./M.S.F. program meets the needs of an increasingly competitive, complex, and global world in which corporations desire individuals who are not only able to manage across all dimensions of a firm but also have an in-depth knowledge in a business discipline. The program fills this need by combining the broad graduate business degree (M.B.A.) with an in-depth specialized degree in finance (M.S.F.). Graduates have a unique set of skills that provide them a competitive edge for both entry-level and executive leadership positions. The J.D./M.S.F. program prepares students for the increasing complexity of the financial world and the associated legal issues that require individuals to be well trained in both finance and law. The program allows students to combine the in-depth study of financial theory and application of the M.S.F. program with the legal aspects of financial decisions of a J.D. program.
Corporate and Summer Internships Make It Possible to Earn Both Money and Credit Hours
University of Tulsa offers two types of internships that allow students opportunities to earn money and academic credits while working. The first is a Corporate Internship. Students selected for the corporate internships are employed half-time year-round and have 50 percent of their tuition paid. These students are also compensated for hours worked, usually in excess of $20,000 per year. Corporate internships are competitive and are available only to individuals who are able to work in the United States on a full-time, unrestricted basis. The second type of internship is the Summer Internship. Summer internships may be available for select students. Past opportunities have included a position with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in Washington, D.C., and a position with RWE, a major electric utility in Essen, Germany.
An Advanced Education in Quantitative Finance Is Available Through Study Abroad with the International Exchange Program
The International Exchange Program enjoys an active exchange plan with the University of Zurich's Master's in Finance program. German language skills are not required; all classes in the Master's in Finance program are taught in English. The program offers its prospective students an advanced education in quantitative finance. A special feature of the program is its combination of economic theory for finance with mathematical methods (probability theory, statistics, numerical analysis) for finance and insurance. The curriculum consists of two semesters of course work followed by the writing of a master's thesis. The program starts each year only in the fall semester (mid-September), and interested persons need to apply for a place of study by the end of February.
TU Students Get Opportunities to Network with Business Leaders and Practice Managing a Million-Dollar Portfolio
A significant networking opportunity exists in TU's outstanding Friends of Finance Executive Luncheon speaker series. The monthly event brings leaders from major corporations from across the country to the TU campus, where they address an audience of approximately 400 local business leaders and students. Past speakers include, the president, chairman, or CEO of companies such as ATT, Wal-Mart, Bank of America, American Airlines, JPMorgan Chase, Sprint, and Southwest Airlines.
Then, during a GBSA Executive Discussion Forum, Collins College of Business graduate students are given one-on-one exposure to the luncheon speakers during a one-hour question-and-answer follow-up session exclusively for students. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from and network with the top corporate executives in the United States.
In addition to networking opportunities, Finance students have an opportunity to gain real business experience through the university's Student Investment Fund (SIF). M.S.F. students may participate in an SIF class that was established to provide the hands-on learning associated with managing a portfolio. In this class, students make all of the decisions involved in running a real portfolio of approximately $2,000,000.
Financial Assistance Is Offered through Assistantships, Fellowships, and Scholarships
Competitively awarded graduate assistantships are available for M.S.F. students. Students selected for an assistantship work on campus twenty hours per week and are provided with nine hours of tuition per semester plus a monthly stipend. In addition, a number of fellowships/scholarships are available for outstanding M.S.F. students. Specific application requirements may apply, and students should visit the website or contact Collins College of Business for further information.