Students

STEM-certified ASU finance master's enhances U.S. job prospects for international students

The Master of Science in Finance (MS-FIN) program at ASU's W. P.  Carey School of Business is now designated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security as a STEM eligible degree program. Through an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, the MS-FIN allows eligible graduates on student visas up to 36 months of employment in the U.S.,

2019-02-17

The Master of Science in Finance (MS-FIN) program at ASU's W. P.  Carey School of Business is now designated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security as a STEM eligible degree program. Through an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, the MS-FIN allows eligible graduates on student visas up to 36 months of employment in the U.S., as opposed to 12 months without the STEM certification. This means that an already noteworthy nine-month master's program now provides greater career opportunities for international students, which currently comprise nearly half of the MS-FIN student population.

The STEM certification comes as the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that demand for STEM jobs will grow by 13 percent by 2027. BLS also reports that out of 100 STEM occupations, 93 had wages above the national average: The national average for STEM salaries is $87,570, while non-STEM jobs earn roughly half as much, with an annual average of $45,700.

A foundation of excellence and innovation

Launched in 2013, the master's in finance at ASU is one of the few master’s degrees in finance that carries the STEM certification and delivers a leading-edge curriculum balanced between finance and asset/portfolio management. Through its affiliation with the CFA Institute’s University Affiliate Program, the degree also prepares students for the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) exams.

The STEM certification comes on the heels of an announcement by the school that the W. P.  Carey Foundation has committed $15 million to support career services for students and alumni, providing for additional coaching, tools, and career resources.

"We look at this investment as something that will benefit us not only in 2019 and 2020 but also serve as the launchpad for thousands of careers in the future,” said Amy Hillman, dean of the W. P.  Carey School, of the $15 million gift. “This sort of generosity can help shift the competitive balance for employers that hire our graduates while rewriting the story of hundreds of hard-working families each year.”

In the video below, Thomas Bates, chair of the Department of Finance at the W. P. Carey School, discusses what makes the MS-FIN such a great choice for students looking to pursue a master's in finance.

Take the next step

Complete the form on this page to connect with an admissions representative, or visit our website to learn more about the Master of Science in Finance at the W. P.  Carey School of Business. Discover for yourself how our alignment with the CFA Institute, the recent investment in career services, and our STEM certification can help you begin your career in corporate finance or asset and portfolio management.

Master's degrees Finance Student Experience Academics