The Master of Finance - Financial Data Analytics Option consists of 33 credits. Courses for the program are hyperlinked below to the University Bulletin. Please refer to the prerequisites mentioned on this page as those listed on the University Bulletin may differ from Penn State Great Valley. All courses offered are three credits unless otherwise indicated.

Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR) Requirement

You must successfully complete the Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research requirement of the Penn State degree in order to graduate. Complete this requirement in your first year, either in fall or spring. 

Required Financial Data Analytics Option Courses

18 core credits 

You are encouraged to complete these courses in the order listed below. 

BA 831 - Foundations in Finance
Typically offered in fall

ACCTG 512 - Financial Accounting Theory and Reporting Problems
Typically offered in fall

BUSAD 525 - Quantitative Methods in Finance
Prerequisite: BA 831 and MBADM 820 for MFIN students
Typically offered in fall

FIN 808 - Analysis of Financial Markets
Prerequisite: BA 831 or MBADM 820
Typically offered in fall

BUSAD 826 - Current Issues in Corporate Finance
Prerequisites: BA 831, ACCTG 512, and BUSAD 525
Typically offered in spring

FIN 813 – Speculative Markets
Prerequisites: FIN 808
Typically offered in spring

Financial Data Analytics Option Prescribed Courses

BUSAD 829 - Data Analysis in Finance
Prerequisite: BUSAD 525

DAAN 871 Data Visualization
Prerequisite: BUSAD 525

IE 575 - Foundations of Predictive Analytics
Prerequisites: BUSAD 525

DAAN 545 - Data Mining
Prerequisite: BUSAD 525

Capstone Course

BUSAD 888 - Applications of Financial Data Analytics
Prerequisites: All core courses, BUSAD 829, IE 575, and DAAN 545
Typically offered in fall

Course Schedule

Penn State's Schedule of Courses lists course availability. Although the course numbers, times, and availability on the University registrar’s schedule of courses are correct, your educational record may require the listed prerequisites (or not). 

The University reserves the right to cancel or postpone any course because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. 

Advising and Course Enrollment

Certain courses may require assistance to enroll. If you are unable to self-enroll in LionPATH, or if the course you are trying to enroll in is full, please email [email protected].

Contact your faculty advisor (listed in your Student Center in LionPATH) for course advising or concerns. It is recommended that you contact your faculty advisor at least once a year, and before applying for graduation. 

GPA and Graduation Requirements

You must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) throughout the program. A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required to graduate. 

All coursework toward the Master of Professional Accounting degree must be completed within eight years of admission to the program. 

Graduation at Penn State is not automatic. You must notify the University of your intent to graduate. Confirm the activation period and apply to graduate.