Master of Science in Finance (MSF)
The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program provides post-baccalaureate students pursuing a career in investments with a high-quality master-level education in the field of investment. The objective is to educate post-baccalaureate students to be experts in investment analysis and portfolio management. The Master of Science in Finance is open to all qualified students regardless of undergraduate major.
The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) degree is a program designed to prepare students to take CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) level 1 examination. To provide working professionals a flexible schedule, courses are offered on over Friday and Saturday.
The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) 4:1 Option (under construction) is a variant of the regular MSF program. It provides JHBC undergraduate students with a route to a graduate degree, with simultaneous awarding of both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The 4:1 Option provides a seamless process whereby students can progress from undergraduate to graduate status.
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CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
CFA is a globally well-known investment management certification. CFA requires passing three-level examinations and work experience
What does a CFA Charterholder do?
I. Typical Jobs for CFA® Charterholders*:
- Portfolio management
- Research
- Consulting
- Risk analysis and risk management
- Investment strategy
The full range of job functions includes relationship management and wealth management, credit analysis, chief investment officer, trading, accounting and auditing, and financial planning.
II. Typical Investment Management Sectors among CFA® Charterholders*
- Asset management
- Private wealth management
- Commercial banking
- Investment banking
- Insurance
The full range of sectors includes consulting, asset ownership, and brokerage. CFA charterholders are valued in emerging areas of industry growth, such as fintech.
Comparison among CFA, CPA, MBA and CFP
Take a look at a CFA Institute comparison among CFA programs.
CFA® Program vs. MBA
The CFA Program and master of business administration (MBA) programs both offer benefits that can help you advance in your career. Although the programs have some similarities, key differences make the CFA Program particularly well suited to investment careers. Traditionally, MBA programs have been the conventional path taken for business management, and the typical program offers a broad business curriculum, which does include financial and investment aspects. The CFA Program curriculum, however, specifically focuses on investment analysis and portfolio management and provides deep knowledge of investment principles and ethics. Although top MBA programs do have wide networks, the CFA Program connects candidates to a global professional network of elite investment professionals. Industry recognition is also different. For example, some industry regulators even allow waivers and exemptions for candidates who successfully complete the CFA Program or certain exam levels.
CFA® Program vs. CPA
The certified public accountant (CPA) credential is well established but is primarily associated with careers in accounting. The CFA Program is designed to advance investment careers and provides deep knowledge of investment analysis and portfolio management as well as professional ethics. In contrast, the curriculum for CPAs concentrates on accounting, taxes, and audits. The CFA Program requires fewer educational prerequisites than the CPA curriculum, and its three exam levels enable candidates to demonstrate mastery.
CFA® Program vs. CFP
The CFA Program is demanding, and the CFA designation is a testament to the knowledge, skills, and determination invested over three exams, professional requirements, references, and more. Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) are also widely respected financial professionals. Although many CFP professionals pursue careers that involve working directly with individual clients for financial planning services, CFA charterholders pursue careers as investment professionals, including private wealth management and financial advisory roles. The CFA charter provides flexible career opportunities to work more with people or with data, depending on your interests.