The new Master of Science in Finance program, offered through Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics, gives recent college graduates the opportunity to earn an AACSB accredited graduate degree in finance in only three semesters.
In an era of increased market complexity, the rise of AI and fintech, and the growing pressure on organizations to make rapid data-driven decisions, Cal State Fullerton is launching this new program to continue the focus on accessibility and attainability for aspiring business professionals. The program, which will begin in fall 2027, will prepare alumni to contribute to the strong financial industry presence in Southern California.
“The financial industry continues to evolve rapidly, creating demand for professionals who can combine strong financial knowledge with analytical skills and an understanding of emerging technologies,” said Sridhar Sundaram, dean of the College of Business and Economics. “Our new M.S. in finance responds directly to that changing environment while ensuring that a high-quality graduate finance education remains within reach for students. By building advanced expertise early in their professional journey, our graduates will be prepared to enter a competitive marketplace with a distinct advantage.”
Professor of Finance Yingdi Wang notes the program stands apart from the competition through the integration of experiential learning — such as guest speakers, workshops and applied group consulting projects — and faculty who are experts in a broad range of sectors including insurance, risk management, financial planning and real estate. In addition to six required core courses, students take three elective courses, which may be completed alongside the core courses, and one capstone project course in the final semester. Students can select career tracks in corporate finance, investments, risk management, financial planning and real estate. This allows them to customize their coursework through electives to create a personalized academic experience.
“The M.S. in finance will stand out in Southern California by offering a tailored finance graduate experience, uniquely crafted for entry-level professionals,” Wang said. “Our robust global network, analytics-driven approach and focus on cutting-edge industry trends ensure our graduates will be exceptionally well positioned to turn their degrees into thriving careers.”
Read more about the new M.S. in finance program in this CSUF Business News article and on the program’s website.