If you're aiming to build a strong foundation in finance and pursue roles in investment banking, risk management, or corporate finance, the Carlson Master of Finance (MFin) program is a solid choice. Designed with both flexibility and career readiness in mind, it offers two tracks—a 10-month fast-track option and a 16-month format that includes an internship for hands-on experience. What truly sets it apart is its STEM designation, which not only sharpens your quantitative skills but also benefits international students by extending their work opportunities in the U.S. post-graduation. With a curriculum covering corporate finance, Python programming, and investment strategies, students are prepared for the realities of today’s tech-driven financial world. The diverse class profile and global student body further enrich the learning experience, while tuition structured per credit allows for cost flexibility based on residency, supported by merit-based scholarships.

Key Program Details

• Program Length: Choose between 10 months (fast track) or 16 months (includes internship)
• STEM-Designated: Helps international students get longer work permits
• Curriculum Highlights: Learn about corporate finance, risk management, investment banking, and Python programming

Carlson MFin Class Profile

Class of Carlson MFin – Student Demographics

The Carlson MFin program attracts a truly diverse and globally-minded cohort. Students come from a wide range of academic disciplines, professional backgrounds, and nationalities, creating a dynamic classroom experience enriched with different perspectives. The program’s STEM-designation and strong industry alignment make it particularly appealing to international students, who benefit not just from world-class education, but also from extended work opportunities in the U.S. through OP

Most students come from business, economics, engineering, and science backgrounds.

Carlson MFin Diversity & Student Experience

The Carlson School believes in teamwork and networking. Here’s what you can expect:

• Student Clubs: Join finance, investment, and networking groups
• Diverse Classrooms: Meet students from all over the world
• Hands-On Learning: Work on real financial problems in class
• Internship & Career Support: Get job advice and resume help

Carlson MFin Rankings & Reputation

Carlson School of Management’s Global & National Rankings

The Carlson MFin program is well-respected in the finance world. It ranks 17th in the U.S. and 60th globally for finance programs. These rankings show that the program provides strong education and job opportunities for students.

Comparison with Other Top MS Finance Programs

How does Carlson MFin compare with other well-known finance programs?

Carlson may not be at the very top, but it still provides great learning, networking, and career opportunities. Plus, it has strong ties with major financial firms.

Carlson MFin Program & Curriculum

Core Courses & Curriculum Highlights

The Carlson MFin program requires students to complete 39 credits. Here’s a quick look at the coursework:

Core Courses (31 credits)

• Financial Accounting
• Corporate Finance
• Risk Management
• Financial Modeling
• Investment Analysis
• Financial Econometrics
• Python Programming for Finance
• Machine Learning in Finance

Electives (8 credits)

Students can pick from various finance electives to customize their learning experience. Options include:

• Private Equity & Venture Capital
• Behavioral Finance
• Fixed Income Securities
• Advanced Portfolio Management

Experiential Learning & Research Centers

At Carlson, students don’t just study finance—they apply it in real-world settings.

🔹 Financial Case Competitions – Compete in finance challenges and solve real problems.
🔹 Corporate Partnerships – Work with big companies on live projects.
🔹 Carlson Finance Lab – Get hands-on experience with Bloomberg terminals.

Specializations & Industry-Focused Learning

Students can choose a specialized track based on their career goals:

Each specialization includes specific courses, case studies, and projects to help students build industry expertise.

Carlson MFin Fees & Scholarships

Carlson MS in Finance Scholarships – Tuition & Cost Breakdown

The Carlson MFin program requires students to complete 39 credits to graduate, with tuition charged on a per-credit basis. This structure means the total program cost can vary depending on your residency status—whether you are a Minnesota resident, a non-resident U.S. student, or an international student.

For the 2025 intake, Minnesota residents typically pay a lower per-credit rate compared to non-residents, making the program especially attractive for in-state applicants. However, international students are also strongly supported through a number of merit-based scholarships, which are awarded during the admission process based on academic performance, test scores, and professional experience.

In addition to tuition, students should budget for:

• Living expenses (rent, food, transportation)
• Books and supplies
• Health insurance (for international students)
• Personal expenses

Carlson MFin Scholarships & Financial Aid

Carlson offers scholarships and financial aid to help students with costs.

• Merit-Based Scholarships – Awarded to students with strong academic records.
• Need-Based Scholarships – Available for students who need financial help.
• Finance Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship – Full tuition for one student who commits to the 16-month track and joins the Carlson Funds Enterprise.

International students can also apply for student loans through programs like Prodigy Finance.

Carlson MFin Career Outcomes & Placement

Salary Trends & Job Placement Data

Good news! 100% of Carlson MFin graduates got job offers within six months after graduation. The average salary for new grads is $86,900 per year.

Industries & Companies Hiring Carlson MFin Graduates

Graduates find jobs in banking, consulting, finance, and corporate companies.

Carlson MFin Application Requirements

To apply for the Carlson Master of Finance (MFin) program, you need to meet these requirements:

Academic Background

• Bachelor’s Degree – A 4-year college degree in any field
• Statistics Course – At least one university-level statistics or math course

Test Scores

• GMAT/GRE – Optional but can strengthen your application
• English Proficiency – Required for non-native English speakers (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)

Work Experience

• No work experience is required, but students typically have 0-5 years of experience

Additional Requirements

• Resume – A summary of your studies and work experience
• Essays – Short essays about your goals and reasons for choosing Carlson
• Letters of Recommendation – Two letters from people who know your academic or work skills
• Video Essay – A short video introducing yourself and your career goals

Carlson MFin Application Deadlines

The Carlson MFin program starts in summer, and applications are accepted in different rounds.

It’s best to apply early to improve your chances of admission and scholarships.

Carlson MFin Application: Essays & Interview

Carlson MFin Essays & Sample Topics

You will need to write short personal essays as part of your application. Common topics include:

• Why do you want to study finance?
• What are your career goals?
• Why did you choose Carlson MFin?

Tip: Be honest and specific. Show why you are excited about finance and how Carlson can help you achieve your goals.

Carlson MFin Letters of Recommendation

You need two recommendation letters from people who know your skills.

Best choices:

• Professors
• Managers
• Mentors

Avoid:

• Friends
• Family members

Tip: Ask early and choose people who can speak about your finance, leadership, and teamwork skills.

Carlson MFin Interview & Common Questions

After applying, you may be invited for an interview.

What to Expect?

• Format: Video interview (live or recorded)
• Length: 20-30 minutes

Common Questions

• Tell us about yourself
• Why do you want to study finance?
• Why did you choose Carlson?
• What are your career goals?
• How do you handle challenges?

Tip: Practice answering out loud and be confident.

What Makes Carlson MFin Unique?

STEM-Designated Program with a Strong Quantitative Focus

The Carlson Master of Finance (MFin) program is STEM-designated, meaning it emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and math. This helps students build strong quantitative finance skills, making them more competitive in the job market.

For international students, the STEM designation allows for a longer Optional Practical Training (OPT) period, giving them more time to work in the U.S. after graduation.

Access to the Twin Cities Finance Hub and Corporate Partnerships

Carlson is located in Minneapolis-St. Paul, a major financial center in the U.S. This means students have direct access to top finance firms, networking events, and job opportunities.

Many big companies, such as U.S. Bank, Deloitte, Accenture, 3M, and Ameriprise Financial, recruit Carlson MFin graduates. The school also has strong corporate partnerships, helping students gain hands-on experience through internships and real-world projects.

Emphasis on Experiential Learning and Real-World Application

Carlson focuses heavily on learning by doing. One standout feature is the Carlson Funds Enterprise (CFE), one of the largest student-managed investment funds in the country. Students get to manage real investment portfolios, making real-time financial decisions.

Other hands-on opportunities include:

• Financial case competitions
• Live projects with corporate partners
• Workshops on financial modeling and data analysis

Carlson School Master of Science in Finance

The Carlson MFin program is STEM-designated, blending finance with technology, analytics, and math. This gives students strong quantitative skills and a clear edge in the job market.

For international students, the STEM status means a longer OPT period, allowing up to 3 years of work in the U.S. after graduation. With flexible duration options (10 or 16 months) and a focus on real-world skills like Python and risk management, it’s a future-ready finance degree.