Applied Financial Economics, M.S.

Saint Louis University's Master of Science in applied financial economics (M.S.-A.F.E.) 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 M.S.-A.F.E. 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. 

Curriculum Overview

Saint Louis University's Master of Science in applied financial economics (M.S.-A.F.E.) is a quantitatively 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.-A.F.E. 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.

SLU's 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.

Merit-based scholarships are available for qualified applicants and are assessed at the time of admission. 

Internships/Student Organizations

Saint Louis University’s central location within the greater St. Louis metropolitan area provides a distinct competitive business advantage and allows us to enhance internship opportunities.

Graduate students have access to the Valerie A. Davisson Career Resources Center, conveniently located within SLU's Chaifetz School of Business, which serves as the catalyst for creating meaningful connections and developing outstanding internships and employment opportunities and providing other valuable career management services.

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

Admission Requirements

Applicants are reviewed for past undergraduate work, internship experience, and GMAT or GRE scores. While there is no minimum GMAT score required, the average GMAT score is 590. Average GRE scores are 150-153 on each section, quantitative and verbal. Successful applicants demonstrate a 3.0 grade point average in past academic programs.

Application Requirements

• Application form
• Transcript(s)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official GMAT or GRE score
• Résumé
• Personal goal statement of fewer than 500 words

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Application Deadlines

Classes begin in the fall, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The preferred deadline is Aug. 1 for domestic students and July 15 for international students.

Review Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis once all application materials are received. Application files are reviewed holistically (undergraduate work, internship experience, test scores and personal goal statement). The average time for admissions decisions is two weeks.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.

Accreditation

The Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is accredited by AACSB, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, 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.  Less than 10% 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-inprogress 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 a timely graduation.  Transfer credit may change the roadmap. 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.

¹ Students may select four (4) of the following courses to complete the 12-credit elective requirement: ECON 6200 Monetary Theory (3 cr), ECON 6310 Exchange Rates and International Adjustments (3 cr), ECON 6550 Applied Optimization Methods for Financial Economics (3 cr), FIN 6160 Equity Securities and Markets (3 cr), FIN 6210 Fixed Income Securities and Markets (3 cr) and FIN 6380 Derivative Securities and Markets (3 cr).