INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE
The accredited Global Master of Science in Finance (Global MS in Finance) program from the Richard DeVos Graduate School of Management positions you for opportunities in the world of finance and helps you grow as a leader shaping the future. You will learn about the role of financial institutions, the mechanics of financial intermediation, and the growth of digital channels from renowned faculty as well as experts. As a participant in the Global MS in Finance program, you will utilize advanced methods to: analyse financial data; propose, structure and execute financial and operational strategies; and benchmark results and modify financial plans accordingly. You will develop the acumen to play an important role in the ever-changing and expanding world of global finance.
The Global MS in Finance program is engineered around the most advanced financial theories, quantitative models, and industry practices. It will prepare you to meet requirements across a broad range of modern career opportunities in sought-after established financial institutions, asset managers, consulting firms, investment and corporate banks, brokerage firms, financial data providers, ratings firms, hedge funds, venture capitalists, insurance companies, fintech, and more — from Fortune 500 companies to leading-edge boutiques as well as the emerging disruptors in digital finance.
Global MS in Finance
THE DEVOS DIFFERENCE
Business is a vocation at Northwood’s DeVos Graduate School, built upon a foundation of ethics, responsibility and the benefits of free-enterprise. For over 25 years, the Richard DeVos Graduate School of Management at Northwood University has prepared students for success as global business leaders. DeVos students develop critical thinking skills through problem-solving and collaboration rather than lectures and memorization. Our faculty have real industry experience that they use to guide class discussions and real world case studies.
- Industry-leading faculty facilitate learning through interactive discussions, research, and presentations.
- Learn finance through the practical application of concepts which develops broad-based decision-making capabilities that are critical to your career success and are immediately applicable to the workplace.
- Integrated curriculum including a capstone course and several courses focused on building a rigorous background in the technical fundamentals of financial analysis and developing critical thinking skills.
- Participants who are seeking the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) professional designation, will benefit from the Global MSF program curriculum with concepts that may assist with preparing for the exam.
CURRICULUM
The Global MS in Finance program at the DeVos Graduate School will prepare you to build a career with a solid foundation in finance. A rigorous, hands-on curriculum offers you the chance to build a deep reservoir of finance knowledge and immediately put that knowledge to work in the world. You will develop a deep understanding of how markets work and a comprehensive range of quantitative finance skills, along with applied, problem-solving expertise.
The Global MS in Finance program curriculum covers a breadth of areas so you can pursue your calling in diverse settings such as corporate finance, banking, financial services, fintech, insurtech, and many more. You will gain a skill set that employers today find invaluable, including:
- Critical thinking and problem solving skills to help you address the most pressing challenges.
- Leadership skills and communication techniques that set you up for success.
- Exploring advanced methods for analyzing financial data.
- Learning to propose, structure, and execute financial and/or operational strategies.
ECN 644 – Business & Economic Policy
This course explores economic theory and practice at the level of individuals and businesses. It explores various economic theories and compares them against empirical evidence. Finally, the course focuses on how the insights gathered can be applied to inform successful business practice in the real world.
FIN 632 – Financial Reporting
This course introduces students to the essential elements of accounting principles and their usage in financial reporting. Students will learn how to read, assess and interpret financial statements. They will also learn where and how to access publicly available financial information. The course will also demonstrate how to use core accounting information for various financial benchmarking and modeling outcomes.
FIN 634 – Corporate Financial Decision Making
This course introduces students to the foundational knowledge that is essential for any person who is involved in the field of corporate finance. Core concepts that are explored include, but are not limited to, understanding time value of money principles, designing cash flow projections, calculating and applying weighted average cost of capital, assessing capital investment expenditures, and balance sheet management.
FIN 637 - Investments
This course surveys the contemporary field of investing. Students will be introduced to significant theories regarding the operations and behavior of capital markets. The course will also introduce students to the variety of investment vehicles available in the marketplace, including equities, fixed-income securities, derivatives, and non-traditional investments. Finally, the course will cover the beginning elements of portfolio construction.
FIN 639 – Financial Statement Analysis
This course introduces students to the methodologies of analyzing and interpreting GAAP financial statements from a finance perspective. Students will learn how to generate financial projections from financial statement data in order to assess future business performance. By the end of the course, students will be capable of accessing core information, projecting future cash flows, and will be introduced to entity valuation concepts.
FIN 642 – Mergers, Acquisitions & Valuations
This course introduces students to the methodologies used to value business enterprises. Students will learn various market-accepted valuation models used to estimate entity market value. The course will also investigate the dynamic nature of the mergers and acquisitions marketplace, with an emphasis on understanding common negotiating points and potential pitfalls that often occur in private sector mergers and acquisitions.
FIN 643 – Risk Management & Derivatives
This course considers the field of risk management. It will review the current state of global and domestic insurance markets. Students will learn techniques, including the use of derivatives, which will enable private sector companies and investors to manage the levels of volatility outcomes in various financial scenarios.
FIN 646 – Business Financial Strategic Planning
This course is an in-depth look at how finance is an integral element in the strategies of business entities incorporating diverse entity functions such as finance operations and sales. Students will investigate the interrelationships between these functions in creating a well-designed strategic business plan. They will also be introduced to appropriate ways to benchmark and adjust strategies in the face of changing market environments. The course will also address how macro-level economic, political and technological variables can impact an entity’s performance.
FIN 655 – Portfolio Management
This course teaches students techniques and methodologies that are appropriate in constructing investment portfolios. Students will identify outcome goals in light of risk and reward tolerances and then construct portfolios that align with the initial objectives. They will also learn how to appropriately benchmark and adjust the portfolio composition in light of changing events and trends.
MGT 664 – Strategic Management
This course develops the student’s ability to anticipate, evaluate, and respond to shareholder expectations using strategy and measurement concepts. This requires the student to develop the ability to simultaneously evaluate and manage the organization’s internal and external environment. Skills to satisfy shareholders include: articulating vision, choosing boundaries and lines-of-business, and identifying and managing capabilities/resources across multiple lines-of-business. The integration of the concepts of free cash flow projection and company valuation explores how strategy drives these measures, which in turn drive value back to the shareholder.
TIMELINES
The Global MS in Finance program degree is completed in 13 months. Two flexible formats provide you with the choice to either begin the program online and then transition to being a full-time student on-campus, or complete the entire program as a full-time student on-campus.
- Format 1: You will experience the entire 13 months of the program on-campus at Northwood in the US
- Format 2: You will complete 3 months of the program online, and then transition to 10 months on-campus at Northwood in the US.
This flexible structure allows you to leverage your learning in the format that better suits your preferences. Whichever format you choose, you will receive all the required paperwork and documentation to enable you to get your study visa. You will apply for the F-1 visa at the suggested US Embassy or Consulate (as the case may be) and receive your visa approval to travel to the US and join Northwood on campus.
OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING – US OPT
- You will be eligible to participate in the US OPT – Optional Practical Training program for F-1 students upon the completion of your MSF degree, allowing you to stay in the US while you start your career in finance.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment in the US that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). Please click here to know more about OPT.
ADMISSION
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
STEP 1: COMPLETE APPLICATION
The first step is to fill out the online application and attach all required materials as outlined in the requirements below.
STEP 2: APPLICATION REVIEW
The admissions team will assess your application and advise you of the next steps including the need for an interview (if required).
STEP 3: ADMISSION
The admissions committee will notify you with a decision once all the application requirements are completed.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants for direct admission to the degree program are required to have:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent: You must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution in a foreign country.
- Applicants who have not undertaken recognised studies taught in English (e.g. an undergraduate degree) are required to demonstrate a proficiency in English as per the guidelines
Degree applicants are required to submit an application for admission which may include the following supporting materials:
Resume, including details of supervisory or professional experience.
Details of academic qualifications.
An application essay.
IELTS or equivalent English Language results dated within the last 2 years.
An essay to be considered for one of the many available scholarships for the program.
Shortlisted candidates might be required to go through an interview before they are accepted into the program. This interview may be conducted in person or over the telephone.
If you have questions about the application process or eligibility, please send us an email.
KEY DATES
Deadline: 15th April, 2024
Application Fees: USD 100
- Considering the limited seats in the program and first-come, first-served admission process, it is always more beneficial for candidates to apply as soon as possible.
- Application fee is refunded only in the case an applicant is not offered admission to the program.
TUITION & SCHOLARSHIPS
TUITION
USD 26,000*
Participants may qualify for scholarships upto USD 6000.
*The fees does not include transport expenses, health insurance, any associated visa fees etc. and accommodation. It also does not cover any other expenses that are not expressly mentioned above.
ADMINISTRATION FEES
| Graduation | $80 |
| Transcript (special delivery charges may apply) | $5 |
| Material fee (per course, MS Finance only) | $95 |
The Global MSF program cost is exclusive of instructional materials required for the completion of the program and other miscellaneous costs. Additional books are not included in the Global MS in Finance material fees.
Healthcare plan is mandatory and is available for approximately USD $1,416* for the on-campus year of the program. (*Subject to change per academic year)
FINANCIAL AID
Many participants who attend Northwood receive financial aid. Available aid options vary from student to student based on circumstances.
FEDERAL AID
If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you might qualify for federal aid. To learn more please see our guide to FAFSA.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The aim of the scholarship programme is to provide outstanding candidates with an opportunity to study irrespective of their financial circumstances. Northwood offers significant scholarship funding to the most talented applicants for the Global MSF program.
All applicants for the Global MSF program are eligible to apply for the following scholarships:
- Merit-based Scholarships
- Need-based Scholarships
- Women in Business Scholarships
- Emerging Markets Champion Scholarships
- High Potential Employees Scholarships
In addition, those who apply in round 1 are automatically considered for the Early Application Commitment Scholarship. Please add your statement for scholarship consideration as part of the online application.
PROGRAM EXPERIENCE
The DeVos Global MS in Finance program provides working professionals from various backgrounds a collaborative yet focused program where professors challenge students with practical readings, applicable case studies, and real-world assignments to promote a deeper understanding of financial concepts. In the program, I’ve significantly advanced my knowledge of finance and have applied numerous concepts and skills learned in the program to my career already.
During this 13-month program, you will learn from faculty members who bring real-life executive experience and application-based scholarship to the class.
The Global MS in Finance program is engineered around the most advanced financial theories, quantitative models, and industry practices. Participants in the Global MSF program will utilize advanced methods to: analyze financial data; propose, structure, and execute financial and operational strategies; and benchmark results and modify financial plans accordingly.
Our student body is very diverse. Northwood has a large international presence both at our U.S. locations and abroad. Following graduation, our alumni are at ease in complex, multi-cultural business environments with a professional network of friends from around the world.
At Northwood, we know who our students are, and we care about them. Our personalized learning communities include not only students, but the entire faculty, administration, and staff, who care deeply about all the students who have made Northwood their university of choice. Learning takes place in more than just the classroom. With a multitude of activities from which to choose, students realize significant personal and professional growth which, after graduation, will set them apart as they launch their careers.
A Northwood University education has many distinctive components. Everything we do at Northwood University is designed to help graduates take their places as future leaders of a global, free-enterprise society.
CAMPUS LIFE
Be it academic-based organizations like the Entrepreneurship Society, Collegiate DECA or Business Professionals of America (BPA) to Greek Life to service-based organizations like Circle K, Rotaract, the Student Athletic Advisory Council or Student Government Association, Northwood University has ways for students to be engaged and involved on campus and in the local community. These experiences help students learn first-hand, how businesses and people connect through shared experiences.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Northwood students graduate with a superior business education that gives them a foundation of understanding free markets, entrepreneurial endeavors, personal responsibility, and ethical behavior. And, NU students also graduate with the ability to effectively communicate their ideas, beliefs, and experiences in an effort to promote success in their own lives and in the lives of others. Through workshops and campus-life programming, students hone networking, interviewing and résumé writing skills putting them one more step ahead in a competitive job market.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
One hallmark of the Northwood education is hands-on, experiential learning. Many of our academic programs enhance classroom learning with large-scale, active learning student-run projects. These events allow our students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real situations.
ENTERPRISE/ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION
Many Northwood alumni earn their livelihoods in enterprises they own in whole or in part. While we offer a program in Entrepreneurship, our entire curriculum is focused on enterprise models and entrepreneurial achievements. Enterprise is a key tenet of our Mission, and we believe entrepreneurship is the essential element of our free market economy.
