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Explore CU Denver Programs

Use the search tool below to discover degree and certificate programs offered by CU Denver. If you are unable to find a program that is right for you, please contact Admissions or a school or college for more information.

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  • Master of Science in Finance and Risk Management

Master of Science in Finance and Risk Management

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Program Overview
Student Testimonials
Alumni Success Stories
FAQ
Program Overview
Student Testimonials
Alumni Success Stories
FAQ

Program Overview

The MS in Finance and Risk Management explores the economics and finance of modern business and provides crucial quantitative skills. The program has deep industry ties, connecting students directly to companies. Classes are flexible, so students can take classes at times that work for them.

jian-yang

Jian Yang

Discipline Director

Email:

Jian.Yang@ucdenver.edu

Phone:

303.315.8423

In the MS Finance and Risk Management program, students gain insight into the economics and finance behind modern business and add critical quantitative skills to their repertoire.

As a part of the CFA Institute’s University Affiliation Program, a majority of the curriculum reflects the practice of investment management. By graduation, students are prepared to pass the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam and land upper-level finance positions.

The MS in Finance and Risk Management is a hands-on degree. Students have the opportunity to dive deep into special topics like behavioral and political finance and international corporate governance. With five specialization options, students can choose to tailor their degree to focus on commodities, risk management and insurance, economics, financial analysis, or general finance.

Quantitative skills are integrated throughout the curriculum. At the Commodities and Finance Lab, students can participate in commodity market analysis, futures and derivatives trading, and portfolio management. The program's 16 Bloomberg terminals are outfitted with the following software:

  • Morningstar
  • CQG
  • IHS Markit
  • Trading Technologies

Additionally, students will have access to the J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities (JPMCC). The JPMCC is a one-of-a-kind commodity-knowledge hub, centered around a broad range of commodities, including agriculture, energy, and mining. The Center’s initiatives include hosting internationally-renowned experts as guest speakers, an industry-focused symposium, and field trips to leading companies.

Why MS in Finance and Risk Management at CU Denver?

 

Five Specializations

Students will choose one of the following specializations as a part of their degree: General Finance, Financial Analysis and Management, Commodities, Risk Management and Insurance, and Economics.

CFA Institute Affiliated University

As a part of the CFA Institute’s University Affiliation Program, a majority of the curriculum reflects the practice of investment management. By graduation, you’ll be prepared to pass the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam and land upper-level finance positions.

Trading Lab

The trading lab is held in an excellent commodities center.

Industry Access

The program faculty is staffed with industry experts with years of experience.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Students will be able to utilize 16 Bloomberg terminals and software like Morningstar, CQG, IHS Markit, and Trading Technologies.

Program Description

In the MS Finance and Risk Management program, students gain insight into the economics and finance behind modern business and add critical quantitative skills to their repertoire.

As a part of the CFA Institute’s University Affiliation Program, a majority of the curriculum reflects the practice of investment management. By graduation, students are prepared to pass the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam and land upper-level finance positions.

The MS in Finance and Risk Management is a hands-on degree. Students have the opportunity to dive deep into special topics like behavioral and political finance and international corporate governance. With five specialization options, students can choose to tailor their degree to focus on commodities, risk management and insurance, economics, financial analysis, or general finance.

Quantitative skills are integrated throughout the curriculum. At the Commodities and Finance Lab, students can participate in commodity market analysis, futures and derivatives trading, and portfolio management. The program's 16 Bloomberg terminals are outfitted with the following software:

  • Morningstar
  • CQG
  • IHS Markit
  • Trading Technologies

Additionally, students will have access to the J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities (JPMCC). The JPMCC is a one-of-a-kind commodity-knowledge hub, centered around a broad range of commodities, including agriculture, energy, and mining. The Center’s initiatives include hosting internationally-renowned experts as guest speakers, an industry-focused symposium, and field trips to leading companies.

Why MS in Finance and Risk Management at CU Denver?

 

Five Specializations

Students will choose one of the following specializations as a part of their degree: General Finance, Financial Analysis and Management, Commodities, Risk Management and Insurance, and Economics.

CFA Institute Affiliated University

As a part of the CFA Institute’s University Affiliation Program, a majority of the curriculum reflects the practice of investment management. By graduation, you’ll be prepared to pass the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam and land upper-level finance positions.

Trading Lab

The trading lab is held in an excellent commodities center.

Industry Access

The program faculty is staffed with industry experts with years of experience.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Students will be able to utilize 16 Bloomberg terminals and software like Morningstar, CQG, IHS Markit, and Trading Technologies.

Program Features

30+ credit hours (possible prerequisites)

Credit Hours

Online and evening class options, fully online option

Flexible Modality

GMAT/GRE optional

Test Optional

Fall, spring, and summer

Starting Terms

Specialize in General Finance, Financial Analysis and Management, Commodities, Risk Management and Insurance, or Economics

Five Specializations

Student Testimonials

Conor-Steffy
“My time at the J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities prepared me for a career in commodities by exposing me to many different aspects of commodity-related industries. When I started the program, I thought I had a relatively good idea of what I wanted but after taking all the required courses, I realized just how much I had learned and how valuable the knowledge and experiences I gained through the JPMCC were to my career.” ​

Conor Steffey

MS in Finance and Risk Management (2017)

Alumni Success Stories

Christopher-Foye
Looking back on his time at CU Denver, Christopher advises students to make the most of their experience through the career tools available to them at the Business School. There are so many resources that can connect you to companies like Charles Schwab. One of the most important components to landing the job of your dreams is networking. “Your network’s huge,” Christopher said. “It’s great to see future talent being cultivated.” He has a lot of pride for anything that’s helped him along the way, and he’s reminded every day of the importance of his dual degree from the Business School. His last piece of advice is to “broaden your vision, take advantage of the tools that are there, and the people that are there, even if you don’t think you need to.”
Read Full Story

Christopher Foye

MS in Finance and Risk Management
Charles Schwab & Co., Director, Corporate Operational Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

Dual degree options for Master of Science programs include all of our MBA programs and all Business School Master of Science programs. We design a specific degree plan so you get through both programs as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. The amount of credits in each dual degree depends on the amount of overlap between degree programs. Eligible Master of Science programs include:

MS Accounting MS Business Analytics MS Finance and Risk Management MS Global Energy Management MS Information Systems MS International Business MS Management MS Marketing

If you are applying for both degrees, you will only need to submit one online application and pay one application fee. Be aware that you must meet specific admission standards for each degree. For more information about dual degree options and the application process, please contact: BSchool.Admissions@ucdenver.edu.

Partner Dual Degree Programs

We have also partnered with other CU Denver departments to offer dual degree options for the following programs. You will need to apply to both programs separately and follow the admission requirements for each program.

  • MA Economics from the CU Denver College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Graduate School of Banking at Colorado

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit all application materials. Interviews are not a part of the admission process. To receive priority admission, we must have received your online application and all other required materials including transcripts and GMAT/GRE scores by the deadline.

You can check your admission status online through the account you created for the online application. You will receive a final decision by email within two to three weeks from the submission of all materials.

For international students, CU Denver will require graduate applicants to the downtown Denver campus to have their international academic credentials evaluated by Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). This policy will take effect for applications submitted on or after July 1, 2022. Learn more about Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)

To meet the English Language Proficiency (ELP) criteria, you must either showcase your proficiency through past education in English instruction or an English Language Proficiency test. Learn more here.

Fall

Domestic Applications

  • Priority: April 15
  • Final: July 15

International Applications

  • Priority: March 15
  • Final: May 15

Spring

Domestic Applications

  • Priority: October 15
  • Final: December 15

International Applications

  • Priority: September 15
  • Final: October 15

Summer

Domestic Applications

  • Priority: February 15
  • Final: April 15

International Applications

  • Priority: January 15
  • Final: March 15

  • Applicants must have completed an undergraduate program at an accredited United States college or its equivalent in another country.
  • No work experience or formal business education is required for admission, however, you may have to provide a GMAT or GRE score if you do not have enough work experience.

The GMAT/GRE is not required for this program

The MS in Finance and Risk Management program does not require GMAT or GRE scores for their degree program as part of the graduate admissions requirements. The requirements are a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better from a US-accredited four-year undergraduate institution or the successful completion of a graduate degree, and five or more years of full-time professional work experience.

However, if you received your bachelor’s degree with a grade point average of less than 3.25 or have less than 5 years of professional work experience, you will be asked to submit a statement that outlines other indicators of exceptional motivation, such as solid upper-division performance, GMAT or GRE scores, and other relevant professional experience. The MS Finance and Risk Management admissions committee may require a minimum GMAT or GRE score for students that do not automatically qualify by GPA and prior work.

Admission Information

Application Process

CU Denver

CU Denver

Student Commons Building

1201 Larimer Street

Denver, CO 80204


(303) 315-5969

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