Master of Science in Applied Finance Program Recognized in Two New National Rankings
Two new national educational rankings have recognized the Master of Science in Applied Finance (MSAF) program at the Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business and Management.
The MSAF program was ranked a Top 10 Finance MBA by GraduatePrograms.com, a graduate program guide “for students, created by students.” The Spring 2015 Graduate School rankings are based on 15 ranking categories, including academic competitiveness, career support, financial aid, and quality of network. Ratings reflect both current and recent students attending graduate programs at more than 1,600 schools. The #8 standing for the Pepperdine MSAF program outranks similar programs at schools such as Harvard University, Boston University and the University of Southern California.
The MSAF program was also ranked #45 by the Financial Engineer as one of the Best Graduate Finance programs in the nation. Programs are ranked based on mean GMAT scores, starting salary and bonus, and undergraduate GPA; acceptance rate; and employment rates at graduation and three months after graduation.
With the many changes in the financial sector in the wake of the financial crisis of 2008 and tighter regulation imposed by the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law and other measures, the practical knowledge and insights provided by an MSAF or MBA program, such as those offered through the Graziadio Business School, can benefit individuals who seek a career in finance or aspire to greater career mobility. These programs also offer a solid return on investment for those seeking skills in finance, with Investopedia recently noting that, “If you want a management role at a large company or those in areas like marketing, consulting, finance, or investment banking, you'd do well to at least consider getting an MBA. Health care is another field where mid- and upper-management is increasingly populated with MBAs to better cope with changes in insurance, government regulation and patient record keeping standards.”
The Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business and Management 12-month Master of Science program prioritize real-world skills and a practical curriculum to prepare students to work in corporate finance, financial planning, commercial banking, and more. The core curriculum provides a solid foundation in economics, quantitative methods, accounting, and finance. Students can choose from three curricular tracks depending upon career interests: capital markets; financial management; or investments. For those professionals who seek to move up the ladder, increase their earning potential and build a network of professionals, additional training by way of graduate education in finance or business offers great benefit.