University of San Francisco

Investment management has evolved from an art to a science in the last three decades. This evolution has placed strict demands on practitioners to master the complex analytical and quantitative methods increasingly used in managing the investment process.

In response to the demands that today’s sophisticated financial markets place on financial professionals, the University of San Francisco offers a STEM-certified Master of Science in Financial Analysis (MSFA) degree that provides rigorous specialist training in recent advances in quantitative financial analysis and economics.

The MSFA curriculum is structured around the areas of knowledge and skills deemed necessary for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation by the CFA Institute. The MSFA program has been a CFA Institute University Affiliate since 2006, and our curriculum covers the majority of the CFA exam body of knowledge. Students may choose to take the CFA exams while in the MSFA program but are not required to do so.

The MSFA program at USF provides a coordinated, sequential approach to the tools and knowledge covered by the CFA Body of Knowledge. The MSFA curriculum is focused on bringing together finance theory and practice. Instructors in the program are a unique blend of USF professors and working CFA charter holders from local Bay Area firms. A thesis is not required for this program.

The USF MSFA program places a strong emphasis on ethical professional behavior in the financial industry–a characteristic that is integrated throughout the course of study.

Students graduate from the USF MSFA program with advanced quantitative training in economics and finance. Our graduates have the ability to understand and apply the most current tools used by investment management professionals today.

Program Learning Outcomes

In this program you will:

• Use an interdisciplinary approach to the valuation of financial assets and the development of investment management strategies
• Master the fundamental economic techniques for valuing companies and the financial assets they issue
• Understand the shortcomings of traditional accounting practice in the valuation process
• Apply quantitative methods and economic theory to the analysis and management of financial asset portfolios
• Develop a broad understanding of the micro, macro and international trends that influence the values of financial assets and the evolution of financial markets
• Come away from the program with a thorough understanding of industry practice and standards as embodied in the skills and knowledge required by the CFA program