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Master's in Finance & Investment Management
Master the markets. Lead the future of finance.
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At Sacred Heart University, we understand that the finance world never stands still—and neither should you. The Master of Science in finance & investment management (MSFIM) program empowers ambitious professionals to lead in global finance with advanced analytical and quantitative skills. The program blends rigorous academics, hands-on learning, and personalized support to help you find success in investment banking, asset management, corporate finance, and financial analytics.
What further sets SHU apart is our focus on real-world readiness—learn from industry experts, build strong skills using current technologies, and prepare for the CFA exam in a flexible, career-focused program.
At a Glance
- Duration:
- 1.5 years (full-time)
- 3 years (part-time)
- Credits: 30
- Cost Per Credit: $1,200
- Modality: On campus
- Start Terms: Fall (September), Spring (January)
- Test Requirements: No GRE/GMAT required
- STEM-Designated: Yes
Learn more about tuition rates and payment options for the finance & investment management program.
Facts & Statistics
Why Study Finance at Sacred Heart?
Today’s investment industry demands more than theoretical knowledge—it requires technical fluency, hands-on experience, and the ability to apply data-driven insights in real time. Sacred Heart’s finance program is designed with that reality in mind.
You’ll build practical expertise in:
- Financial analysis and equity valuation
- Portfolio and asset management
- Risk management and derivatives
- Fixed income and global markets
- Quantitative finance and Python programming
The program’s integrated, career-focused design means you’ll not only learn concepts, but also the ability to apply them through coordinated, project-based coursework that mirrors real investment challenges. Along the way, you’ll develop in-demand technical skills in Python and applied AI, while preparing for the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam, a key credential for launching a career in financial services.
You’ll also graduate with experience using the tools employers expect. Students earn credentials in industry-standard platforms such as Bloomberg, Excel, and Python, building a skill set that translates directly to the workplace.
The result is a program built specifically for students pursuing careers in investment management. You’ll gain the technical foundation, practical experience, and industry credentials that will make you well-prepared and equipped for industry demands.
Upcoming Events
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Sacred Heart University is committed to making graduate education accessible and affordable. Finance students may qualify for a range of financial support options, including:
- Graduate grant in aid
- Veteran benefits
- Graduate assistantships
- Hall director positions
Finance Career Paths
Graduates of SHU’s MS finance & investment management program are highly sought-after and have recently been hired at companies such as:
Applied Finance Experience That Sets You Apart
Sacred Heart's MSFIM emphasizes real-world learning, including access to today's tools, environments, and experiences that mirror today's financial industry. You'll gain relevant market experience, manage investments, and apply your skills in real market scenarios.
Real-World Learning in the Computational Finance Lab
Step into our 1,500-square-foot Computational Finance Lab, where theory meets real-world application. You’ll train with the same professional tools used on Wall Street—engaging in real-time trading, portfolio simulations, and financial modeling that prepares you to lead in today’s data-driven markets.
Features
- LCD ticker-tape display that provides a continuous stream of real-time market information from NASDAQ & NYSE
- 13 Bloomberg terminals and access to real-time financial information
- CapIQ platform access for investment analysis
- Data feeds include Wharton Research Data Service (WRDS) and The Center for Research in Security Prices (CRSP)
13 Bloomberg terminals with real-time financial market data
LCD ticker-tape display (NASDAQ & NYSE)
Access to Wharton Research Data Service (WRDS) and CRSP
Case-Based Learning
Learn to develop client solutions to investment and risk management issues through case studies, internships, problem-based learning experiences, and extensive interaction with practitioners.
Finance and Math Bootcamps
Brush up on your finance and math skills with a free, two-week intensive bootcamp to help prepare you for success in the program.
Faculty Spotlight
The faculty of the MS in Finance & Investment Management program are seasoned professionals who bring deep industry experience and academic expertise into every class.
Jeffrey Palma, DBA ’23, MBA, BA
Adjunct Professor of Finance
Palma brings nearly 30 years of experience in investment strategy, macroeconomic research and asset allocation to the classroom. He leads multi-asset solutions at Cohen & Steers and previously held senior roles at UBS, GE Asset Management and State Street. Palma holds a DBA in finance from Sacred Heart, an MBA from Columbia and a BA from Rutgers.
Lifetime Career Support
Students and alumni enjoy lifetime access to the Center for Career & Professional Development, where expert coaches with industry experience provide personalized support with résumés, interviews, and job placement. This dedicated career team provides SHU’s finance students with professional development training and support that help graduates translate the skills they’ve learned into the jobs that they want. The center’s employer partnerships connect top talent to major companies.
STEM Designated Program
This is a STEM-designated program, which means you will be trained in areas of technology and math that are in high demand with U.S. employers. This program allows international students with F1 visas to extend their OPT in the U.S. by 24 months after graduating (36 months in total).
Degree Options for Incoming Students and Current SHU Undergraduates
Incoming Students: 4+1 Dual Degree Program
Incoming first-year students can apply directly to the Bachelor’s–Master of Science in Finance & Investment Management (MSFIM) dual degree program for a streamlined path to earning both degrees.
Students begin with an undergraduate major in one of the following areas:
- Business Analytics & Applied AI
- Business Economics
- Finance
- Financial Technology & Analytics
This integrated program allows you to build a strong foundation in business and finance while progressing seamlessly into advanced coursework in finance and investment management—saving time and accelerating your path to a master’s degree.
Current SHU Undergraduates: 4+1 Combined Degree Program
Sacred Heart undergraduates can fast-track their future by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just five years. You’ll work with your adviser to develop your 4+1 plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, though you may be required to take some prerequisite courses covering accounting, statistics, and finance to have a base before starting the graduate program.
Work experience is not required to begin the program, and many students enroll soon after earning their bachelor’s degree. Others join us with professional experience and are looking to strengthen their technical and analytical skills before advancing in their careers.
The advanced analytical and technical skills you’ll learn through Sacred Heart University’s Master of Science in finance & investment management (MSFIM) will set you apart from other graduates. You’ll deepen your expertise in investment management, financial modeling, and data-driven decision-making—skills that are in high demand across global markets—and demonstrate your commitment to mastering the tools that drive modern finance.
Recruiters and employers recognize the dedication it takes to complete a graduate degree in finance and value the focused training you’ll receive in SHU’s MSFIM program. Our curriculum is designed in collaboration with industry professionals and integrates real-world applications to prepare you for roles in investment management, corporate finance, and financial analysis.
The MSFIM program also provides a strong foundation for those pursuing professional certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
The MSFIM degree is designed for students who wish to gain in-depth technical knowledge in the field of finance. The MBA is a broader degree, with a focus on general business knowledge and management. MBAs can choose finance courses as electives. However, MBAs do not get the same level of exposure to technical financial analysis as those students pursuing the MSFIM.
Our flexible MSFIM program is designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. Classes are offered on weeknights from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., allowing students to balance their studies with full-time careers.
Full-time students typically take up to four courses per term, while part-time students take one or two. Courses are offered through in-person and hybrid formats, providing flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor or engagement. Students can advance their financial and analytical expertise with minimal disruption to their professional and personal commitments, while still benefiting from direct interaction with faculty and peers.
Why Now is the Right Time for a Graduate Degree in Finance
Read MoreMore Information
Graduate Admissions
Ed Nassr
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions
203-396-6877
nassre@sacredheart.edu
International Graduate Admissions
Edith Goutier
Director of International Admissions
+1-475-450-5714
goutiere@sacredheart.edu
The MSFIM program gave me a strong quantitative and strategic understanding of financial markets—a key advantage in my career in restructuring consulting. Earning my master’s early helped open doors and accelerate my growth.
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