Yes! The MS Financial Analytics program is STEM-designated, meaning it emphasizes strong quantitative, analytical, and technical skills that are highly valued in today’s data-driven financial industry.
For international students, this designation also provides the opportunity to apply for up to 24 months of additional Optional Practical Training (OPT) beyond the standard 12 months, allowing for extended U.S. work experience.
The STEM focus enhances career prospects in areas such as financial analysis, investment management, risk management, fintech, and corporate finance, positioning graduates to be competitive in both domestic and global markets.
HyFlex (Hybrid-Flexible) is a course delivery format designed to provide maximum flexibility and accessibility. In the MS Finance program, students can choose how they participate each week — attending class in person on campus or completing coursework online asynchronously. This flexibility allows students to adapt their learning format based on work schedules, personal commitments, or location.
For working professionals, this means you do not have to pause your career to earn your degree. You can continue gaining professional experience while advancing your education. The HyFlex model also ensures that all students receive the same high-quality curriculum, faculty engagement, and learning outcomes regardless of attendance mode. This adaptable structure makes the program accessible, convenient, and responsive to the needs of today’s graduate students.
Yes! As a STEM-designated program, students are eligible to apply for 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), with the opportunity to apply for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, for a total of up to 36 months of work authorization in the United States.
This extended practical training period allows graduates to gain valuable professional experience in finance-related fields such as financial analysis, investment management, fintech, risk management, and corporate finance, further strengthening their career prospects in a competitive global market.
Financial aid for graduate students is available in the form of federal student loans for eligible domestic students through the FAFSA application process. While the program does not participate in California State grant funding, federal loan options can help make earning your MS Financial Analytics degree more manageable and accessible.
At this time, financial aid is not available for international students.
For personalized guidance on financial aid options, we encourage you to contact Nicolette Cusino at nicolette.cusino@csusb.edu, who can assist you with questions about the FAFSA process and available resources.
We estimate the cost of books is $100-250 per course.
Absolutely! The MS Financial Analytics program welcomes applicants from all academic backgrounds. Whether your undergraduate degree is in business, engineering, economics, mathematics, the social sciences, or another field, you can apply.
No prior professional experience or specific prerequisite coursework is required, making the program accessible to both career changers and recent graduates looking to enter the finance field.
Yes, international students are eligible. Please refer to our website for specific requirements for international applicants.
While we recommend a continuous study plan, we understand that life happens. Reach out to us if you need to discuss options for temporary breaks.
Yes, international degrees are accepted. Ensure that your transcripts and documents are translated into English and evaluated by a credential evaluation service.
Absolutely! We encourage networking and collaboration through virtual meetups, discussion forums, and group projects.
Yes! The MS Financial Analytics program is intentionally designed with working professionals in mind. Through our HyFlex format, students can attend classes in person or complete coursework online asynchronously, allowing them to choose the format that best fits their schedule each week.
This flexibility makes it possible to balance part-time or full-time employment while earning your degree. Many of our students continue building their professional experience as they complete the program, applying what they learn in real time to advance their careers.
The program is designed to be completed in 18 months.
Yes, you'll need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
The total program tuition is $29,700, calculated on a per-unit basis. This competitive tuition rate makes the MS Financial Analytics a high-value investment compared to many other graduate finance programs. Students benefit from a STEM-designated curriculum, CFA-aligned coursework, and experienced faculty at a cost designed to remain accessible and affordable. (Please note that textbooks are not included in the program fee.)
You can schedule a one-on-one advising appointment with our Program Advisor, Jacinda Higgins, at Jacinda.Higgins@csusb.edu to discuss the application process, admission requirements, and program details.
You may also register for one of our upcoming information sessions, where you will have the opportunity to learn more about the program and speak directly with the MS Financial Analytics Department Chair, Dr. Taewon Yang, to have your questions answered.
No, we do not require GRE/GMAT test scores.
Yes, we are approved for chapters 31, 31, 33, 35, 1606. Please contact CSUSB Veteran Success Center for more information at vsc@csusb.edu.
