The Master of Finance offers two tracks: Alternative Investments and Real Estate. As an MBA student, having specialized knowledge in alternative investments or real estate will prepare you to be a leader in the fast-growing asset management industry. Students will study a wide range of foundation topics in finance and learn key aspects of asset management, such as financial analysis, derivative strategies, private equity, and real estate. Through hands-on learning practices and interaction with industry professionals, you will be equipped to navigate the challenges of today’s dynamic financial world.
The MBA/MF dual degree is classified as STEM OPT and offers students highly sought-after technical expertise. The STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) classification allows students to extend their time in the U.S. to gain practical work experience, and the CPT (Curricular Practical Training) requirements allow them to accept paid internships. Our Office of Career Success offers MBA/MF students the professional development they need to secure their career path.
Career Focused
Students kick off their MBA/MF program with a three-day Leadership Orientation Session, where they are put through their paces on presentation skills, resume writing, and team-building exercises so they start networking and career development from day one. Isenberg's Office of Career Success provides access to career coaches and IConnect, an online professional development platform.
Application Requirements
Online Application
All prospective students must complete a University of Massachusetts Amherst Graduate School Graduate Admissions Online Application.
Personal Statement
A personal essay should be one to two pages in length, and include information about your past and current academic and professional history, your future goals and reasons for pursuing the MBA/MF dual degree, and other pertinent details that will help us evaluate you as a candidate.
Graduate School Short Essay
Please take the time to answer all parts of the following question. 600 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but do not feel obligated to do so.
At UMass Amherst, no two students are alike. Our communities and groups often define us and shape our individual worlds. Community can refer to various aspects, including shared geography, religion, race/ethnicity, income, ideology, ability, sexuality, gender, and more.
Please choose one of your communities or groups and describe its significance. Explain how your experience in this community or group would enable you to enrich the following:
1. Your department/program/our campus
2. Your field/discipline
Resumé/CV
We prefer our on-campus MBA/MF applicants have at least 3 years of experience in their field. Prior business education is not required to be admitted into the program.
Official Transcripts
Please submit your transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, undergraduate and graduate, where nine (9) or more credits were earned. Unofficial transcripts uploaded to the 'Additional Materials' page of your application are acceptable. Upon admittance, official transcripts will need to be submitted, either electronically or in paper format, directly by each institution's Registrar to the Graduate Student Service Center. International transcripts must be submitted in paper format in order to be considered official. Review the instructions on this page for instructions on submitting official transcripts.
Letters of Recommendation
Your two letters of recommendation should be from individuals who know you on a professional level and well enough to provide specific examples and details regarding your past performance and competencies. Two professional references are encouraged, but one academic and one professional reference is acceptable.
GMAT/GRE Score
Our admissions process is competitive. A strong GMAT/GRE score will enhance any application. Candidates, however, can make a case for admission without a GMAT or GRE score by submitting application materials which demonstrate strong professional experience and/or academic accomplishments such as
- Doctorate Degree, including a JD, PhD, PharmD, MD/DO, or international medical graduate with an ECFMG or Fifth Pathway.
- Bachelor’s Degree with a 3.2 or higher cumulative GPA and 5+ years of professional work experience.
Interview
After the admissions committee’s review of a completed application for the On-Campus MBA, selected candidates will be invited to meet with members of the committee to discuss their professional and academic experiences. The interview is part of the admissions process for all candidates to the program.
Information for International Applicants
English Language Proficiency Exam Scores
If your native language is not English, and you are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident, you must submit your official scores from a standardized English language proficiency test. Test scores must be submitted directly by the testing agency in order to be considered official. For admission to the MBA, the minimum scores for admission are as follows: the minimum combined TOEFL score is 100; the minimum IELTS Academic combined score is 7; the minimum Duolingo English Test overall score is 120; and the minimum PTE Academic overall score is 68. Please note, when reviewing an application, the UMass Graduate School does not superscore language tests (e.g. we do not accept the ETS MyBest Score set). Please consult the UMass Graduate School international applicants page for additional details.
Degree Equivalency
A three-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution may be considered sufficient if an official course-by-course credential evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) indicates your education is equivalent to a four-year U.S. baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. If you are not sure if your degree is equal to a U.S. four-year degree, please use this free online degree equivalency tool prior to submitting your application.
Transcripts and Degree Certificates
If your transcript does not clearly indicate the awarding of your degree, with the degree title and date awarded, we need the diploma and/or degree certificate in addition to the official final transcripts.
English Translation
Transcripts and degree documents that are in a language other than English must be accompanied with an official English translation or an official credential evaluation from a NACES member.
Apply Now
Follow our step-by-step process to complete your online application.
- Review the program specific admissions requirements.
- Click Apply Now to go to the University's Graduate School site where you can find a link to the secure online application.
- First-time users will need to create an account to start a new application. Note: You can submit your application before you have all your materials ready, simply save and resume your application as you gather required materials.
- After submitting, track your application at the Graduate School Status of Application page.
Take the first step.
Fill out the form to start the conversation and one of our program specialists will follow up with you directly. You'll also receive a link to download our brochure and program information emails.