Want a strong career in finance? The USC Marshall MS in Finance is a great place to begin. This 16-month full-time program starts in August and gives you all the key skills you need—like finance, economics, and accounting.

What makes it special? The program mixes classroom learning with real-world experience. So you're not just reading textbooks—you’re doing real finance work.

Because it’s in Los Angeles, you’ll also be close to big industries like tech, media, and entertainment. These companies often hire finance grads, giving you great job options after school.

If you want to build a career in banking, investing, or financial consulting, the USC Marshall MS in Finance program is a smart step forward.

Why Choose the USC Marshall MS in Finance?

There are many reasons students pick the USC Marshall MS in Finance over other programs.

First, USC Marshall is a top business school known around the world. The degree holds weight with employers.

Second, it’s a STEM-designated program. That means international students can stay longer in the U.S. after graduation, giving them more time to find jobs.

Third, the location is hard to beat. Being in Los Angeles means you’re close to leading companies in finance, tech, and more.

And finally, the school has a diverse student group and a strong alumni network. This means you’ll meet people from many backgrounds and have connections that can help your career.

For anyone serious about a future in finance, the USC Finance Masters program and the USC Marshall Master of Finance offer a strong foundation and excellent career support.

USC Marshall MFin Class Profile

Wondering what kind of students join the USC Marshall MS in Finance? The program attracts a smart and diverse group from around the world. Some students have finance backgrounds, while others come from areas like engineering or tech. Most have about 2 years of work experience, but it’s okay if you’re coming straight from college too.

This mix of students makes the learning experience richer and more exciting. You’ll work with people from different countries, ideas, and industries, just like in real finance jobs.

Here’s a look at the USC Marshall MFin Class Profile:

Joining the USC Marshall MS in Finance program means becoming part of a close-knit and high-achieving group. It’s a great place to grow your skills, build lifelong friendships, and prepare for a successful finance career.

Diversity & Student Experience

The USC Marshall MS in Finance program brings together students from all around the world. This means you won’t just be learning from books—you’ll also learn from your classmates' different ideas, cultures, and ways of thinking.

Some students come from finance or business. Others have backgrounds in technology, engineering, or even the arts. This variety creates exciting group discussions and team projects where everyone has something unique to share.

With only about 70 students in a class, it’s easy to make friends and build strong relationships. You won’t feel lost in a crowd. The small size helps you work closely with your professors, classmates, and career coaches.

USC Marshall MFin Acceptance Rate, Curriculum & Specializations

How Hard Is It to Get In?

The USC Marshall MS in Finance program is very selective. Only about 10–15% of students who apply are accepted. That means out of 100 people, only 10 to 15 will get in.

To improve your chances, you’ll need to show the admissions team that you’re ready for the challenge.

What Makes a Strong Application?

Here are some key things the USC admissions team looks for:

• Good Grades: Especially in math, finance, or economics.
• High Test Scores: A strong GMAT or GRE score helps a lot.
• Relevant Experience: Internships or part-time jobs in finance or business make your application stronger (but not required).
• Well-Written Essays: Tell your story and explain why you want to join the USC Marshall MS in Finance program.
• Strong Recommendation Letters: Choose people who really know your work and believe in you.

Because it’s a STEM-designated program, a strong background in numbers is a big plus. And since many students apply from outside the U.S., standing out in a competitive pool is important.

What Will You Learn?

The USC Marshall MS in Finance curriculum is made to help students understand finance deeply while also exploring areas they’re most interested in.

Core Courses

Everyone starts with the basics. These classes give you a solid foundation:

• Finance Principles – Learn about how companies raise and manage money.
• Economics – Understand how the economy affects markets and businesses.
• Accounting – Learn how to read and understand financial reports.
• Investment Analysis – Discover how to choose smart investments.
• Financial Modeling – Use math and software to figure out how much a company or asset is worth.

These courses are helpful whether or not you’ve studied finance before.

Specializations & Electives

After core courses, students choose electives to explore topics they enjoy or that match their career goals. Options include:

• Investment Management – Focus on stocks, bonds, and portfolios.
• FinTech – Learn how technology like AI and blockchain changes finance.
• Risk Management – Study how companies measure and handle financial risks.
• Real Estate Finance – Understand how money works in real estate investments.

Electives let you shape your learning to match your future plans. The USC Marshall Master of Finance makes sure every student can build a path that fits their goals.

Real-World Learning

The USC Marshall MFin program doesn’t stop at classroom teaching. You’ll work on live case studies and real consulting projects. You can even join finance competitions or research teams.

Being in Los Angeles, you also get to meet and learn from professionals at big companies. These experiences help you build skills and gain confidence.

USC Marshall MS in Finance: Eligibility, Requirements & Deadlines

Who Can Apply?

To apply for the USC Marshall MS in Finance, you need to meet a few basic rules. These are part of the USC Marshall MFin Eligibility requirements:

• A College Degree – You must have finished a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
• Strong Grades – Especially in subjects like math, finance, or economics.
• GMAT or GRE Scores – You must take one of these tests and get a competitive score.
• Work Experience (Optional) – You don’t need a full-time job history, but internships or part-time finance experience can help.
• English Test (If Needed) – If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to take TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.

What Documents Do You Need?

When applying to the USC Marshall MS in Finance program, you’ll need to prepare a few important documents:

• College Transcripts – This shows your academic background.
• Resume – A one-page summary of your education, work, and skills.
• Essay Answers – Short, written answers about your goals and why you want to study finance.
• Recommendation Letter – At least one letter from a professor or employer who knows your strengths.
• Test Scores – Your GMAT/GRE and TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (if applicable) scores should be sent directly to USC.

When Should You Apply?

The USC Marshall MS in Finance application has four rounds. Applying early is usually better, especially for international students who need extra time for visas.

Tip: If you're ready early, apply in Round 1 or 2. This gives you the best chance and more time for next steps like interviews or visa applications.

USC Marshall MS in Finance: Jobs, Salary & Alumni Network

What Jobs Do Graduates Get?

The USC Marshall MS in Finance program does a great job preparing students for careers. Within six months after graduation, 96% of students find full-time jobs. That’s a strong success rate.

Most graduates earn an average salary of $87,888 per year, and some also receive signing bonuses depending on their roles. The career services team helps students get ready for job interviews, build résumés, and meet recruiters.

Graduates of the USC Marshall MS in Finance program find work in fields like:

• Investment banking
• Financial consulting
• Asset management
• Financial technology (FinTech)
• Real estate finance

Who Hires USC Marshall MFin Graduates?

Many well-known companies hire students from the USC Marshall MFin program. Here are some of the top industries and companies where students get jobs:

These companies are known for hiring strong candidates from top schools, and being a part of the USC Marshall Master of Finance gives you access to those job opportunities.

Alumni Network

One of the biggest advantages of the USC Marshall MS in Finance is its alumni network. When you graduate, you don’t just get a degree—you become part of a huge community of professionals who can help you grow your career.

Some USC alumni have become well-known business leaders. For example:

Being part of this strong network means you can meet mentors, learn from others’ success stories, and even find job leads through alumni events and online groups.

USC Marshall MS in Finance: Application Essays, Interviews, and Unique Features

Application Essays

When you apply to the USC Marshall MS in Finance, you’ll need to write short essays. These help the admissions team get to know you better. It’s your chance to explain who you are and why you want to join the program.

Common topics include:

• What are your career goals, both short-term and long-term?
• Why do you want to study at USC Marshall?
• Can you share a personal story that shows your character?

Tips for your essays:

• Be honest. Share your real goals and interests.
• Be clear. Use simple words and short sentences.
• Be specific. Give real examples from your life or schoolwork.

The USC Marshall MS in Finance program wants to understand more than just your grades. They want to see your passion and purpose too.

Letters of Recommendation

As part of your application, you need at least one recommendation letter. This letter should come from someone who knows your work—like a teacher or a boss from an internship.

Good recommendation letters should explain:

• Your strengths (like teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving)
• Your personality (honest, responsible, curious)
• Real examples that show these qualities in action

These letters are a big part of showing you’re a good fit for the USC Marshall MFin community.

Interview Process

If your application is strong, you may be invited for an interview. The interview helps the school learn more about you and your goals.

It can happen:

• In person
• Over the phone
• Or through a video call

Common interview questions include:

• Can you tell us about yourself?
• Why finance?
• Why the USC Marshall MS in Finance?
• What’s a challenge you faced, and how did you solve it?

How to prepare:

• Practice your answers out loud
• Review your application so you're ready to talk about it
• Be yourself—show your true personality and interests

The interview helps the admissions team see if you’re ready for the program and if it’s the right match for you.

What Makes USC Marshall MFin Special?

The USC Marshall MS in Finance has some features that make it different from other finance programs:

• STEM-Designated – This gives international students more time to stay and work in the U.S. after graduation.
• Located in Los Angeles – You’re close to jobs in finance, tech, real estate, and entertainment.
• Strong Industry Ties – USC has deep connections with top companies, so students get real-world projects, internships, and job leads.
• Research Opportunities – Students can work with professors and research centers to explore real finance challenges.

All of this makes the USC Marshall Master of Finance a strong choice for students who want great learning, strong job options, and real experience.

Useful Links

• Official USC Marshall MS in Finance Program Page
• Application Portal
• Career Placement Reports