Finance and Risk Management Program Overview

Earn a Degree with High Return

The online Master of Science in Finance and Risk Management program has deep industry ties that connect you directly to companies inside and outside the classroom. Our fully online program offers you hands-on learning with experience in software and databases, such as Bloomberg, Morningstar, and CQG.

  • #1 MS Finance program in Colorado, TFE Times, 2018
  • Start terms in fall, spring and summer
  • Full-time and part-time degree options
  • 16 Bloomberg terminals
  • Trading lab held in a world-class commodities center
  • CFA Institute Affiliated University

Program at a Glance

Degree Program:

Master of Science in Finance and Risk Management

Offered By:

University of Colorado Denver

Tuition:

Cost Per Credit:

$720

Cost Per Credit:

$839

Credit Hours:

30

Program Details

In our MS in Finance and Risk Management program, you’ll gain insight into the economics and finance behind modern business and add critical quantitative skills to your resume. A hands-on degree, you’ll have the opportunity to dive deep into special topics like behavioral and political finance and international corporate governance.

As a part of the CFA Institute’s University Affiliation Program, a majority of the curriculum reflects the practice of investment management. By graduation, you’ll be prepared to pass the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam and land upper-level finance positions.

Quantitative skills are integrated throughout the curriculum. At our Commodities and Finance Lab, you’ll be able to participate in commodity market analysis, futures and derivatives trading, and portfolio management. Computer terminals are outfitted with the following software:

  • Morningstar
  • CQG
  • IHS Markit
  • Trading Technologies

J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities
The first of its kind, the Center focuses on a broad range of commodities, including agriculture, energy, and mining. The Center’s initiatives include hosting internationally-renowned experts as guest speakers, an industry-focused symposium, and field trips to leading companies.

Specializations

  • Commodities – Commodities are an essential part of our everyday lives and are vital for our global economies. Whether you are interested in investment, risk management, trading, or supply chain management, it is important for finance professionals to understand the complexities of the commodity sector. Throughout this specialization, you’ll learn the fundamentals of commodity market analysis, futures and derivatives trading, and portfolio management from industry experts at the J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities. 
     
  • Finance – This specialization allows students to customize their studies to finance-focused courses. It also allows flexibility to take risk or commodities courses. This is the only specialization that can be done online. 
     
  • Risk Management and Insurance – All businesses manage risk and 50% of the industry’s workforce is retiring in the next decade. With this huge need in talent, companies are looking for professionals capable in managing risk to enhance firm value. You’ll learn how to identify liabilities and mitigate risk in commercial settings and introduce insurance products for personal and commercial use.
Accredited by AACSB International

AACSB Accreditation

The CU Denver Business School is accredited by AACSB International, a global nonprofit association that is committed to providing excellence in education for future business leaders. This accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools, with less than five percent of the world’s business programs obtaining AACSB accreditation. As an AACSB accredited degree, our online Master's in Finance and Management program must meet rigorous academic standards and commit to providing high-quality education through strategic curriculum design and dynamic thought leadership. When you earn your master's degree from an AACSB accredited program, you’ll graduate with the confidence that you’ve received the best business education available and the valued credentials that employers are looking for.

Tuition and Fees

Investing in your future is a big decision. However, becoming a fully online student at CU Denver is a high-quality and affordable option for learners of all types. Tuition and fees are based largely on the degree program you enroll in.

Tuition is determined based on which CU Denver program is chosen, undergraduate or graduate level, and finally your resident status. Visit our tuition and financial aid page for more information.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Timeline

The MS Finance and Risk Management curriculum consists of 30 hours of core courses and finance electives. There is also a three-hour prerequisite that may be waived based on prior business education.

Admissions

Admission requirements and deadlines vary based on the program. In addition, you will have different requirements depending on if you are a first-time student, a transfer student or an international student.

Learn more about the admissions process by filling out the form above or contacting a Business School Enrollment Manager today.

Career Outlook

Our ties to industry partners include companies such as:

  • Ardent Mills
  • CME Group
  • CQG, Inc.
  • Encana Oil and Gas
  • J.P. Morgan
  • Newmont Mining
  • Robert Bosch GmbH

Courses

The MS Finance and Risk Management curriculum consists of 30 hours of core courses and finance electives. There is also a three-hour prerequisite that may be waived based on prior business education.

Example Courses
Financial accounting prerequisite
This course may be waived if you have completed one undergraduate or graduate financial accounting course from an accredited institution with specific grade requirements.

Finance core courses
Grow your quantitative skills and theoretical knowledge in tandem with each other to better analyze financial trends and market changes. Course topics include:

  • Financial management
  • Macroeconomics and financial markets
  • Quantitative methods for finance
  • Applied economics for managers
  • Investment management analysis
  • Survey of financial and commodity derivatives

Finance specialization
The specialization in general finance includes a number of special topics courses that reflect modern trends in the financial markets. Course topics include:

  • Short-term financial management
  • Financial modeling
  • Financial decision and policies

Graduate Events