How many credits are required for the Master of Finance – Financial Data Analytics Option?
The program is 33 credits/11 courses. View the courses and schedule a meeting with a program representative for more information.
How long will it take me to complete this program?
You can pursue the degree part-time, completing it in as little as two to three years at your own pace, or enroll full-time and complete the program within 15-18 months. You have up to eight years to complete your degree, and up to three years to complete a graduate certificate.
How are financial data analytics classes delivered?
This is not a cohort program, meaning students have the flexibility to take courses at their own pace, whenever is most convenient for them. Courses are offered either in an in-person/online hybrid format or fully online. Our students find this mix of in-person and online courses offer the opportunity to better collaborate, network with peers, and take advantage of our campus resources.
Where can I find information on scholarships and funding options?
There are a variety of scholarships available to half-time and full-time students who meet certain criteria.
Is the Financial Data Analytics program accredited?
Our program is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, a standing earned by less than five percent of the world's business programs.
In addition, Penn State Great Valley has a chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma, an international honor society established in 1913. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest recognition a business student can receive in an undergraduate or graduate program at an AACSB-accredited institution.
Is the Financial Data Analytics program STEM designated?
Yes, this program is STEM designated, allowing 36 months total of Optional Practical Training (OPT) compared to 12 months for non-STEM degrees.
Does it matter if I do not have an undergraduate degree in finance?
An undergraduate degree in finance is not required; we examine a candidate’s quantitative skills when making an admission decision. In addition, our curriculum will prepare those candidates without any finance background with necessary foundational knowledge.
Does the program offer any experiential learning opportunities?
Our courses employ experiential learning techniques to bridge the gap between theory and practice. For example, using up-to-date data from various sources and real-life scenarios, students create, assess, and make financial projections for an optimal stock portfolio tailored to a customer’s needs.
Can I transfer credits into the program?
A maximum of ten graduate credits earned at another accredited institution may be applied. Courses must have been completed, with a grade of B or better, within five years prior to the date of enrollment. Up to 15 transfer credits from Penn State nondegree and graduate certificate courses can be applied to a degree program. Transfer credit approval is granted by the student's academic adviser and division head after an admission offer has been accepted.
What career services are available?
Our Career Services office provides one-on-one career advancement support, internship guidance, access to career fairs and other career events with local and national companies, as well as an array of other services. An additional perk of being part of the Penn State family is access to career services for life.
