Admission to the Master of Science in Financial Analytics Program
Admission to CSUSB’s Master of Science in Financial Analytics (MSFA) program requires both university and program-specific qualifications. Applicants must demonstrate academic readiness, business aptitude, and—if applicable—English language proficiency. These standards ensure that students enter a rigorous, AACSB-accredited graduate finance program designed to prepare them for global careers in finance.
Application Deadline
| Fall 2026 | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | 10/01/2025 |
| Application Deadline | 07/20/2026 |
| Document Deadline | 07/27/2026 |
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with at least GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale may still be considered if they have STEM designated undergraduate degree or demonstrate at least 1 year of relevant professional experience in finance, data analysis, technology, or related fields.
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions are required. The department will evaluate quantitative readiness based on coursework in areas such as statistics, calculus, linear algebra, programming, or economics. A minimum of one undergraduate course (or equivalent professional training) in statistics is preferred. If deficiencies are identified, applicants may be admitted conditionally and required to complete a bridge course prior to enrollment.
Submit a 500-750 word statement outlining your career goals, how the MSFA program's curriculum will help the applicant to achieve his or her goals and to gain any relevant quantitative or analytical experience. And the applicant needs to highlight his or her interest in financial analytics.
Provide a current resume detailing academic background, professional experience, internships, skills, and extracurriculars. Quantitative or technical experience is highly regarded in evaluation.
A letter of recommendation is encouraged but not required. For applicants with non-finance backgrounds or lower GPAs, it is recommended to highlight quantitative strengths in the letter.
No GMAT or GRE required, aligning with the program's emphasis on practical analytics skills over test scores.
Applicants may submit a portfolio of quantitative work (e.g., a research project, financial model, or data analysis sample) to strengthen their application, particularly for those from non-traditional backgrounds.
CSUSB undergraduates meeting the MSF 4:1 criteria (detailed below) may apply directly; contact the MSF Director or department chair for details.
This accelerated pathway allows eligible CSUSB undergraduates to begin MSF coursework in their senior year, reducing time to degree completion. In addition to the university requirements, invitations are based on:
- Academic Standing: Must be a CSUSB undergraduate with junior standing or higher.
- Residency Units: Completed at least 12 upper-division units in residence at CSUSB.
- Coursework: Completed FIN 3001 and FIN 3002 with a GPA of 2.75 or higher across these two courses or instructor's recommendation.
- Graduation Timeline: Not in the semester of baccalaureate degree completion.
- Overall GPA: Minimum CSUSB GPA of 2.75, or by the MSFA Director’s or department chair’s consent.
Students who accept an invitation into the MSFA 4:1 Option program receive conditionally classified status. Status becomes fully classified upon the bachelor's degree completion. Graduate assistantship may be available for qualified students on a competitive basis.
