M.S. in Finance

The quantitative finance track is a STEM-designated track*, and allows you to complete the MSF in one full year of study. Full-time students can typically take four classes in each of the fall and spring semesters, and finish their degrees by taking two classes during the summer.

Eight Core Courses

Two Elective Courses

• These electives must be at the MFIN66XX or MFIN88XX level
• MFIN77XX level courses are for full-time MBA students only
• Electives may have more than one pre-requisite. Please check Agora under "Course Information and Schedules" for specifics.
• Other elective choices require department permission from Professor Michael Barry (barrymj@bc.edu)

Course waivers: please see our Course Waiver policy here.

*STEM Designation

The STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) OPT Extension is a 24-month period of temporary training available to F-1 international students who have completed a degree program in an approved STEM field.

Boston College’s Master of Science in Finance (MSF) Quantitative Finance Track is a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) designated program. This classification allows international MSF graduates on an F-1 visa to apply for an additional 24 months of training in their field of study (called Optional Practical Training or OPT) beyond the standard 12 months.

Eligible F-1 nonimmigrant students with a STEM degree from a Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified U.S. school who participate in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT (typically 12 months) may be eligible to apply for a STEM OPT extension.

To qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, an F-1 student must:

• Have completed a degree in an eligible STEM field from an SEVP certified U.S. school.
• Maintained lawful F-1 status during the standard 12 month period of OPT.
• Have employment through an employer enrolled in USCIS’s E-Verify employment eligibility verification program.
• Work with the employer to complete a formal training (I-983) and learning objectives.
• Be employed at least 20 hours per week in a position directly related to the STEM degree.

For detailed information about STEM OPT, visit SEVP’s Study in the States’ STEM OPT Help Hub.

Community Service

The Carroll School has a proud tradition of service to our community. In keeping with that tradition and with our Jesuit heritage, all M.S. in Finance students are required to complete 10 hours of community service in order to graduate. Service guidelines can be found here.

The part-time option offers a flexible schedule, enabling you to earn your degree while continuing to advance your career. Part-time students take two classes per semester on average. At this pace, the total duration of the program will be approximately 20 months.

Seven Core Courses

Three Elective Courses

• These electives must be at the MFIN66XX or MFIN88XX level
• MFIN77XX level courses are for Full-time MBA students only
• Electives may have more than one pre-requisite. Please check Agora under "Course Information and Schedules" for specifics.
• Other elective choices require department permission from Professor Michael Barry (barrymj@bc.edu)

Course waivers: please see our Course Waiver policy here.

Community Service

The Carroll School has a proud tradition of service to our community. In keeping with that tradition and with our Jesuit heritage, all Carroll School graduate students must fulfill a requirement to serve others through meaningful work as volunteers.

Boston College offers a wealth of opportunities for MSF students to apply their classroom learning and to learn directly from industry professionals. For example:

• The Curriculum in Investment Research and Management (CIRM) is a three-course sequence of electives that merges theoretical learning with hands-on workshops. For qualifying students, the program culminates in “live money” portfolio management.
  
  
• The Warren Buffet & Berkshire Hathaway Field Experience takes students to Omaha, where they meet with billionaire investor Warren Buffett.
  


• The International Management Experience is an elective course that culminates in a two-and-a-half-week trip to Asia, Europe, or Latin America, where students interact with business leaders and government officials.
  


• The International Consulting Project features travel to countries such as China or Peru to work with clients on specific business challenges.
  

What’s more, many graduate students at the Carroll School fulfill the University’s tradition of service by serving as mentors, role models, or tutors in underserved communities, or by providing pro bono professional services to local nonprofit organizations.

Numerous student clubs, including the Graduate Management Association and the Graduate Finance Association, provide additional opportunities for students to gain significant leadership experience as well as to develop personal and professional interests.