Master of Science in Finance

Access a new level of success with a Master of Science (MS) in Finance from the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business. Whether you see yourself making an impact in the public or private sector, this STEM-designated program strengthens your understanding of key theories and applications while helping you develop the skills, connections and, ultimately, the credentials to lead in financial planning, risk management or another in-demand discipline.

This program encompasses a blend of hands-on research, project-based learning and expert classroom preparation. Students in Lindner’s Master’s in Finance program develop a distinctive and customized study plan that builds both broad knowledge and specific training.


Return on Investment

  • Top-ranked business school with leading programs: We are a Top 100 business school in North America for research (Poets&Quants) and a Top 100 public school in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report). 
  • Customize your degree with a graduate certificate: Earn two degrees in the time it takes to earn one by adding one of our more than 20 graduate certificates to your degree program.
  • Expedite your time to gradiation: Complete your degree in as few as two semesters, or one year, with full-time enrollment and as few as four semesters with part-time enrollment.
  • Receive wrap-around career support: With a dedicate career advisor for graduate students, our Career Services team offers you the assistance you need to achieve top career placement.

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Finance degree’s 30-38 credits can be completed in as little as two semesters (nine months) full time. You can meet the degree requirements in around five semesters as a part-time student. Bridging both applied and theoretical understandings of how financial concepts function in the real world, the MS in Finance covers theories of financial decision making, financial statement and equity analysis and evaluating options and futures.

Courses in the MS in Finance program include:

  • Investments
  • Equity Analysis
  • Financial Management
  • Financial Econometrics

Degree requirements for the MS in Finances degree include:

  • Up to 4 Business Foundations courses (if applicable)
  • 18 credit hours in core finance course requirements
  • 12 credit hours in elective credits in finance, real estate, or other graduate business courses which can be applied toward a graduate certificate

Career Outcomes

  • 92% placement rate within three months of graduation. 
  • $92,498 average income for master's graduates. 
  • Post-graduate employers include Goldman Sachs, Fifth Third Bank and EY.

STEM-Designated

As a Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-designated master’s program, the MS in Finance degree program is an ideal option for international applicants. Enriching the diverse student population and the greater community of the University of Cincinnati, international students who apply to the MS in Finance can extend their training in the U.S. by 24 months after graduation.


Cooperative Approach

Experience-based learning is an integral component of Lindner’s Master of Science in Finance program. Embedded in every course is a dedication to hands-on learning that elevates your educational experience beyond the classroom. You’ll test-drive your skills with real-world projects that connect you to industry partners and the current challenges they are facing, ensuring you graduate career-ready from day one. The Johnson Investment Institute also provides students with the opportunity to enrich their education through networking and real-world project experiences.


Student Experience

Students benefit from a robust community of faculty, staff, classmates, alumni and industry partners prepared to aid them in their journeys. Enjoy networking opportunities with professionals at top organizations, company visits to Fortune 500 headquarters and course projects that challenge you to solve real-world problems. The Lindner student experience is unmatched as students learn inside and outside of the classroom, forming invaluable bonds that propel them in their journeys.  


Our Faculty

Headshot of Brian Hatch, PhD

Brian Hatch, PhD

Associate Professor, Finance

As both an educator and industry professional, Brian Hatch has extensive experience in investments and markets with research interests in market quality issues in equity and options markets.

Headshot of Tong Yu

Tong Yu

Professor, Finance

Professor of Finance Tong Yu is recognized for both his teaching and research. His interests include asset pricing, risk management and insurance, and investments of institutional investors. Yu teaches electives in Fintech and cryptocurrency.

Headshot of Mehmet Sağlam

Mehmet Sağlam

Johnson Associate Professor of Finance

With extensive industry experience with companies such as BlackRock, JP Morgan and Bank of America, Mehmet Sağlam brings his expertise into the classroom and his research. Sağlam teaches electives in algorithmic trading and portfolio management.


Cincinnati Advantage

Cincinnati is home to the headquarters of eight Fortune 500 companies and lays claim to one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems in the nation, with nearly $100 million invested in venture capital alone. Cincinnati’s thriving scene of professional opportunities, artistic inspiration and social energy is what fuels us to go above and beyond.


AACSB Accreditation

The Carl H. Lindner College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).


Application Process

Application deadlines vary based on term of enrollment. A full list of application requirements can be found via the application checklist.


Contact Us

Earning an MS in Finance opens the door onto a wide array of career opportunities. Begin your journey at Lindner or pursue our fully online program.


1

Lindner launches Master of Science in AI Management

January 21, 2026

With an eye towards the evolving business landscape, the Carl H. Lindner College of Business is meeting the moment with the introduction of a master’s degree program in artificial intelligence (AI) management.

2

Lindner graduate students shine in international simulation competition

November 10, 2025

Five master’s of information systems (MS IS) students took home fifth place out of 23 universities at the International ERPsim Competition hosted by HEC Montreal during the recent spring semester. The competition tests students’ knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and their ability to adapt to challenging business problems.

3

UC study says to ‘shake it off’ when faced with workplace stigma

October 16, 2025

Safety+Health magazine highlighted research by Lindner College of Business doctoral candidates and faculty. The workplace safety-focused publication used the study's data to explain the benefits of reducing emotional exhaustion could be for both employers and employees.