Applied Financial Economics, M.S.

Saint Louis University's Master of Science in Applied Financial Economics (M.S.-AFE) at the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is a one-of-a-kind program in the region that responds to the market need for individuals to enter the labor market with a set of applied technical skills.

SLU's STEM-certified M.S.-AFE program consists of 30 credits that can be completed full time in one calendar year. No work experience is required, which means that students can transition into the program upon achieving their undergraduate degree. The program can be pursued on a part-time basis for up to five years, which makes it ideal for working professionals. 

Scholarship support is available from the Chaifetz School of Business, and all applications are assessed for scholarship consideration at the time of admission.

Curriculum Overview

Saint Louis University's Master of Science in Applied Financial Economics (M.S.-AFE) is a quantitative-based, applied program that focuses on analysis and forecasting of financial variables such as interest rates, stock returns and their effects on financial markets. It responds to the market need for individuals to enter the labor market with a set of applied technical skills.

The M.S.-AFE program at SLU consists of 30 credits that can be completed full time in as little as one calendar year (September-August). As a prerequisite, the program also requires nine credits of foundation coursework in economics, accounting and applied business statistics, part or all of which may be waived for students demonstrating competency through previously completed coursework. Students who need foundation courses have the ability to complete the program full-time in four semesters. No work experience is required, which means that students can transition into the program upon achieving their undergraduate degree.

The Master of Science in Applied Financial Economics program helps students develop strong ethical, technical and professional skills, and provides in-depth expertise in economics and finance. Following completion foundation course requirements, advanced courses cover econometrics, finance theory and advanced macro theory with electives available in monetary theory, international economics, equity securities and markets, fixed-income securities and derivative securities and markets.

Careers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook is bright for individuals with graduate degrees who have skills in quantitative analysis and the ability to apply quantitative analysis to economic modeling and forecasting.

Graduates of the applied financial economics program will be qualified for a range of analysis-related jobs. Possible positions include:

• Research analyst/associate/assistant
• Policy analyst
• Data analyst
• Staff economist
• Strategy analyst
• Business economist
• Securities analyst
• Market forecaster
• Instructor (e.g. university non-tenure track)
• Doctoral student

The M.S. in Applied Financial Economics program at SLU is STEM-certified, allowing F1 students who graduate from our program to apply for an OPT extension. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants are reviewed holistically for undergraduate performance and internship or professional experience. 

No GMAT or GRE required.

Application Requirements

• Completed online application

• Transcript(s)

• Two letters of recommendation

• Résumé

• Professional goal statement

Requirements for International Students

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will also need to submit:

• English Language Proficiency Scores: For non-native speakers of English, an official TOEFL or IELTS score report is also required and must be sent directly from ETS or the British Council (The school code is 6629 for ETS). TOEFL and IELTS scores should be no more than two years old. This program requires a TOEFL score of 88 and an IELTS broadband of at least a 6.5. The Pearson Test of English and Duolingo scores can be accepted as well. If you are interested in submitting Pearson scores, please contact gradbiz@slu.edu.

• Official Academic Transcripts: An official transcript articulating both GPA and grades for all previous coursework is required and will be evaluated at the time of admission. 

• Documentation of Financial Support: After an admission decision has been made and scholarship consideration has been assessed, students will need to complete an addendum form outlining certification of financial support for one year of study (if a student visa is required) submitted with the necessary documentation. Documentation will include:

  • A letter (declaration) of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency providing funds for your tuition and living expenses for the duration of your study at Saint Louis University.

  • A letter (certification) from the sponsor’s bank verifying that such funds currently are available and will be so for each subsequent year of your study at this University.  The financial evidence must cover at least the amount of expenses needed for the first year of your study.

• Pathway Programs: INTO SLU offers a pathway program for international students who are interested in this program but do not meet the direct entry requirements. Visit https://www.intostudy.com/en/universities/saint-louis-university/programs for more information.

Review Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis once all application materials are received. Application files are reviewed holistically (undergraduate performance, internship or professional experience and professional goal statement). The average time for admissions decisions is one to two weeks.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The Chaifetz School offers generous scholarships to make a graduate degree from our nationally ranked institution accessible. All applicants to the M.S. in Applied Financial Economics program are automatically considered for scholarship awards at the time of admission.
 
For more information about student loans, please visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.

Accreditation

The Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world’s largest business education alliance and accrediting body of business schools, ensuring continuous quality improvement in terms of curriculum, instructional resources, student selection, career placement and intellectual contributions and qualifications of the faculty. Fewer than 5 percent of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation. 

1. Graduates will be able to advance their knowledge of economic and financial theory including empirical modeling.
2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate analytical proficiency with the use of rigorous quantitative techniques employed in the fields of finance and economic forecasting.
3. Graduates will be able to research topics both theoretically and empirically to design and evaluate appropriate modeling.
4. Graduates will be able to clearly articulate, in both oral and written framework, the methodologies used and the results of the findings.
5. Graduates will be able to work in teams to simulate group decision-making, prioritization and optimization in a global environment.
6. Graduates will be able to peer review work-in-progress to learn constructive criticism in a collegial environment.
7. Graduates will be able to demonstrate professional conduct with an emphasis on ethical decision-making.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted. Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure timely graduation. This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Request Information 

For additional admission questions, please contact: Graduate Business Admissions Team 314-977-3800 gradbiz@slu.edu