Finance

The flexibility of our curriculum makes it possible for you to complete the program in 12-24 months. Speak with one of our advising coordinators or admission advisors for your customized graduation plan. Courses include CFA preparation, as well as hands-on learning at our two investment centers.

Ours is a STEM-designated program, which provides a significant advantage for international students. Graduates can apply for a 24-month extension on their Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing them to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.

Curriculum

Thirty credit hours (18 from required courses, 12 from electives) are needed to graduate . There is no thesis requirement.

Duration of Study

Choose from one of these options:

• Option 1: Fall start; graduate in 12 months (fall, spring, summer)
• Option 2: Fall start, graduate in 21 months (fall, spring, summer, fall, spring)
• Option 3: Spring start; graduate in 24 months (spring, summer, fall, spring, summer, fall)
• Option 4: Five-year Bachelor's Plus Master's program (B.S. and MFin degrees in five years).

Program Highlights

• Resources from Two Investment Centers: We are one of a select group of schools to offer extensive resources both traditional investments and ESG investments. The Davis Center for Portfolio Management provides industry-leading financial analysis software, including Bloomberg, FactSet, and Morningstar Direct. In our Hanley Center for ESG Investing, students have access to professional data sources on companies' success in meeting environmental, social and governance investing criteria. All students can access these resources with the assistance of their instructors.
• STEM-Designated Program: Our program is STEM-designated, which provides a significant advantage for international students. Graduates can apply for a 24-month extension on their Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing them to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
• Experiential Learning: You'll have access to leading financial data services like Bloomberg, FactSet, Morningstar and industry-specific technology like Bloomberg terminals.
• CFA-affiliated Program: The UD Department of Economics and Finance is a member of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.

Visit the Catalog to view additional details about finance, including degree requirements, course descriptions and a sample plan of study

In addition to the online application, you should submit the following:

1. Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities to the Office of Graduate Admission Processing. Hand-carried transcripts, official copies marked “Issued to Student” and unofficial copies are not acceptable. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to the University of Dayton through a transcript platform or to transcripts@udayton.edu.
2. Letters of recommendation from professors or employers (optional).
3. A resume.
4. GMAT or GRE score.
5. A personal statement (optional). Because industrial experience is favorable, you are encouraged to state the nature of that experience in your personal statement.

In assessing applicants, the University is committed to doing so in a nondiscriminatory manner, i.e., an applicant's membership in any protected class shall not be considered as a factor in the application review process.

Application Deadlines

• Spring 2026: Dec. 12, 2025
• Summer 2026: Applications not accepted this term
• Fall 2026: July 24, 2026

Additional requirements apply for international students.

GMAT/GRE Requirements

The minimum scores are:

• GMAT: 500 (19 verbal)
• GRE: verbal 149, quantitative 146

To have your GMAT/GRE score reported to the University of Dayton, use code 1834.

Requirement Waiver

The GMAT/GRE requirement can be waived if you meet all the requirements for one of the following options:

Option one:

• A bachelor's degree in engineering, science, computer science, mathematics, economics, finance or business from an accredited college or university
• A minimum 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA
• A minimum 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate mathematics courses

Option two:

• A minimum of three years of technical work experience
• A minimum 3.2 overall undergraduate GPA
• B's or better in all your undergraduate mathematics courses

• Business Administration (MBA)
• Business Analytics (MBAN)

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success.

Financial aid may be available for degree-seeking graduate students, file the FAFSA to be considered. Once you have applied and been accepted to a graduate program, we will prepare your applicable aid for the upcoming year.

Graduate assistantships are not available through the Department of Economics and Finance, but they may be available from other units on campus.