Current Master in Finance students will find information about key requirements and core courses on this page. Information about electives can be found here.
All Master in Finance students must take five core courses and 11 elective courses. Eligible courses are listed below. At least five of the elective courses must be at the level 500 or higher along with five from List One of the elective courses. More information on elective courses can be viewed here. Students who aim to become an AI in their second year must complete all core courses in their first year.
Importantly, any course not on the pre-approved elective list must be pre-approved by the Director of Graduate Studies and will not be considered unless it meets the following criteria: a) having regular homework assignments b) a final exam, and c) is a full semester (not a half semester) course.
Students are not permitted to work in any capacity during their first year of the program, as it’s preferred they concentrate on their studies. With permission of the Director of Graduate Studies, students will be allowed to work on campus during their second year after they complete the five core courses of the program.
Information for students in the condensed, one-year program
Students who have been admitted to the one-year program (as stated in their admission letter) must complete a total of 10 courses over two semesters. Individual meetings between the student and the Director of Graduate Studies will determine, on the basis of courses previously completed by the student at Princeton or another institution, which of the required core and elective courses need to be taken. Additionally, one year students cannot take classes at the Princeton School of Public & International Affairs for credit unless they get permission from the Director of Graduate Studies.
Other course requirements
At most, 5 course credits per semester can be earned towards fulfilling the requirements of the program. Each semester, the list of courses taken for credit needs to be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies before the end of the second week of classes.
Second year students cannot take 300-or-less-level courses for credit. First year students can take at most one 300-level course for credit but must have permission from the Director of Graduate Studies.
MFins can take at most one SPIA course per semester, after receiving approval from the Princeton BCF Director of Graduate Studies.
Our MFin exam policy is that all students are to be on campus throughout the exam period including each prior reading period and should not arrange travel for this time. Graduate study is a full-time commitment on the students part. The specific periods taken as vacation must not conflict with the student’s academic responsibilities, coursework, research, or teaching, and should be discussed in advance with one’s director of graduate studies, adviser. Student Vacation Policy
GPA minimums
Students must maintain an overall grade average of B (GPA = 3.0) or better as well as earn a passing grade in all core and elective courses.
In case a student completes additional courses beyond the required total number, the GPA is calculated using the grades earned in the most favorable combination of courses that still fulfills the program’s core and elective requirements.
Audited or P/D/F courses cannot be used to fulfill the program’s requirements.
Extensions for students who don’t meet the requirements
Students unable to meet the graduation requirements of the program at the end of their original program length of one or two years, either because their GPA is below the required 3.0 minimum or because they have not completed the required core and elective courses, may apply for an extension by submitting a proposal to the Director of Graduate Studies who will review it and seek the approval of the Dean of Academic Affairs of the Graduate School.
The conditions governing such proposals are the following:
The core courses of the Master in Finance provide students with analytical fundamentals of modern finance, both theoretical and empirical. Descriptions of these courses can be found below or at the Registrar’s Office.