Master's
About Financial Analytics, M.S. at CSUSB
The Master of Science in Financial Analytics (MSFA) prepares students for careers in investments, financial analysis and portfolio management. Through a rigorous, STEM-designated curriculum, students develop the analytical and technical skills needed to interpret data, evaluate risk and make informed financial decisions.
Open to qualified students from any undergraduate major, the program supports preparation for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level I exam, a globally recognized credential in the investment field. Courses are offered in a flexible HyFlex format, allowing students to attend in person or online—ideal for working professionals.
An accelerated MSFA–CAPE Blended Program Option is available for undergraduate finance majors in the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration. This pathway allows students to begin graduate coursework as undergraduates, transfer up to nine units and earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees through a streamlined process.
Careers in Financial Analytics, M.S.
Graduates of the Master of Science in Financial Analytics (MSFA) are prepared for a wide range of roles in investment management and financial decision-making. The program also supports preparation for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level I exam, part of a globally recognized credential in the investment profession.
Common Career Paths
- Portfolio manager
- Financial or investment analyst
- Risk analyst or risk manager
- Investment strategist
- Financial consultant
Additional opportunities include roles in wealth management, credit analysis, trading, financial planning, accounting and auditing, and leadership positions such as chief investment officer.
Industries and Sectors
- Asset management
- Private wealth management
- Commercial banking
- Investment banking
- Insurance
Graduates may also pursue careers in consulting, brokerage and asset ownership, with growing opportunities in emerging fields such as fintech.
Sample Courses
Financial Market and Environment
Explores the principles that connect financial markets, financial institutions, and the economy. Topics include the firm and market structures, market efficiency, equilibrium and business cycles, monetary policy, and fiscal policy.
Fixed Income
Topics include types of fixed-income securities and their characteristics, fixed-income markets, fixed-income portfolio benchmarks, fixed-income valuation and return analysis, term structure, analysis of interest rate risk, analysis of credit risk, valuing bonds with embedded options, structured products, fixed-income portfolio management strategies, and duration.
Quantitative Method for Finance
Topics include time value of money, probability distributions and descriptive statistics, sampling and estimation, hypothesis testing, regression models, time series analysis, simulation methods, and technical analysis applied to financial asset valuation.
Meet Alum Maya Ivanova
Similar to Financial Analytics, M.S.
With more than 50 undergraduate degress at CSUSB, we offer a variety of programs that reflect the Coyotes' passion for learning. Check out where your curiosity will take you at CSUSB.