As a student in the Drucker School of Management’s Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program, you will benefit from a rigorous, practice-based curriculum imbued with the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge. The CFA designation is the premier certification globally for professionals in investments and financial analysis and is viewed as a way to ‘fast-track’ your career in finance.
The program is designed for students looking to gain a foundational knowledge in finance combined with broad exposure to other key management principles. The Drucker School’s reputable and accessible faculty teach courses that emphasize innovation and technology, preparing you to take on the current challenges and opportunities of the finance industry.
Our focus on Peter Drucker’s ethos of humanistic management and social responsibility sets us apart from other master’s in finance programs. As a student, you will learn to take a responsible and holistic approach to finance and its impact on society.




Program Highlights
- Our designation as a CFA Affiliated University signals to employers that your academic training is closely tied to the practice of investment management and helps prepare you for the CFA Program exams.
- Small class sizes offer you individualized attention and an enhanced learning experience with more opportunities to participate and meaningful feedback from your instructors.
- The MSF can be completed in as little as one year (two semesters), allowing you to expedite your professional goals in finance.
- Asset Management Practicum takes experiential learning to another level by giving you an opportunity to synthesize your academic knowledge in a hands-on, real-world project.
- This program is STEM designated, allowing international students who hold F-1 visas to apply for OPT work authorizations for a total of 36 months (an initial 1-year period and a 24-month OPT STEM extension) of paid work experience in the U.S. after graduation.
- Our MSF program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the highest standard for business education.
Program At-a-glance
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32 units
required units
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MS in Finance (AACSB Accredited)
degree awarded
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In Person
modality
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Spring, Fall
program start
-
1 year | full time*
estimated completion time
Faculty
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Jay Prag
Academic Director, MS in Finance Program
Academic Director, PhD in Management Program
Faculty Coordinator, Center for Business & Management of the Arts
Clinical Full ProfessorResearch Interests
Corporate Finance, Investments, Economics of Strategy, Macroeconomics
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Bernie Jaworski
Peter F. Drucker Chair in Management and the Liberal Arts
Research Interests
Client Management, Leadership, Management, Marketing, Strategy
Curriculum
PREREQUISITE
- Financial Accounting
REQUIRED COURSES
- Corporate Finance (4 units)
- Fixed Income (4 units)
- Financial Derivatives (4 units)
- Emerging Technologies (2 units)
- Macroeconomics (2 units)
- Entrepreneurial Finance (2 units)
- Drucker Philosophy (2 units)
- Asset Management Practicum (4 units)
Additionally, MSF students are required to complete an online ethics course that is aligned with the CFA’s ethical decision-making framework.
ELECTIVE COURSES
8 units of elective courses
Application Guidelines
| University Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $80 (fee is non-refundable) |
| Official Transcripts | Undergraduate/graduate Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to admissions@cgu.edu are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission. Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU. International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts. |
| English Proficiency Exam | Required (international applicants only) A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:
CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053. International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements. |
| Resume | Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume. |
| Program Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Applicant Questionnaire | For each of the questions below, please provide a separate response of no more than 100 words maximum. You will be able to upload your responses to your applicant status page following the submission of your online application. 1. What is motivating you to pursue a graduate management degree or certificate at this point in your life? 2. Describe your goals and how our program will help you reach them. 3. How do the Drucker School and Peter Drucker’s ideals align with your personal brand? 4. How might you contribute to the program? What qualities do you possess that would benefit the program and/or your fellow students? 5. What might be the biggest challenge you will face at if you enroll in this program? |
| Academic Prerequisites | You must demonstrate knowledge of financial accounting prior to entering the program either by completing coursework at an accredited institution with a grade of B or better or with an approved equivalent. |
| Letter of Recommendation | Optional Applicants are not required to submit letters of recommendation for this program. If you do wish to provide a recommendation letter(s) to be included in your application materials, please request that your recommendation writer email their letter to the Office of Admissions at admissions@cgu.edu. Please ensure that they include your full name in their letter. |
| Standardized Test Scores | GRE or GMAT required (waivers available) GMAT or GRE examination scores are required. Scores must be dated within the past five years. Request that an official GMAT or GRE score be sent to admissions directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS). Information on examination waivers can be found below. Scores must be sent directly to CGU by the testing agency. GMAT DZK-QS-08 Waiver Information For this program, an applicant may request a waiver for the GMAT/GRE exam based on any of the following qualifications: Academic Work
Professional Work
To request a waiver, please send the applicable information to admissions@cgu.edu at the time you have begun an application for admission. |
| Interview | Required Upon review of your application, you may be invited for an interview, which is required for admission. An admission decision will not be issued until the interview is complete. |
Key Dates & Deadlines
CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.
Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.
Spring 2026
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2025
Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2025
Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2025
Classes begin – January 20, 2026
Summer 2026
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – March 1, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – April 1, 2026
Classes begin – May 18, 2026
Fall 2026
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2026
Classes begin – August 24, 2026
Cost & Aid
ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition rates.
STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)
| $245 Student Fee |
| $150 Technology Fee |
| International Student Services Fee**: $802 fall semester, $898 spring semester **Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to changes. |
For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2025-2026.
| Program | 32 units |

