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 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. 

Merit-based scholarships are available for qualified applicants and are assessed 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.

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.

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 applications are reviewed holistically, 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.

GMAT/GRE waivers may be available based on a student's academic and professional history. For more information, please contact gradbiz@slu.edu.

Application Requirements

• Online 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

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

• Addendum form outlining certification of financial support for one year of study (if a student visa is required) submitted with necessary documentation.
• 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 scores can be accepted as well.
• A GPA on a 4.0 scale is required and should be reflected on official transcripts or documentation. All international transcripts must be calculated by the World Education Services (WES) or the Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) and include a course-by-course evaluation, including GPA and course levels.
• The graduate business programs office prefers WES but will accept ECE.
• INTO SLU offers the Pathway Program for international students who are interested this program but do not meet the direct entry requirements. Visit http://intostudy.com/slu/programsfor more information.

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 priority consideration for graduate assistantship, applicants should complete their applications by Feb. 1. 

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-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. 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).