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. 

Curriculum Overview

Saint Louis University's Master of Science in Applied Financial Economics 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 consists of 30 credits that can be completed full time in as little as one calendar year. 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. No work experience is required, which means that students can transition into the program upon achieving their undergraduate degree.

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  program is STEM-certified, allowing F1 students who graduate from our program to apply for an OPT extension. 

Admission Requirements

• Completed online application
• Official transcript(s)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Résumé
• Professional goal statement of fewer than 500 words

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 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. Learn more about M.S. Applied Financial Economics scholarships. 
 
For more information about student loans, please visit the student financial services office online at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid/index.php.

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% 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.

For additional admission questions, please contact:

Graduate Business Admissions Team 314-977-3800 gradbiz@slu.edu 

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