Specialized Master in Finance
The on-campus, STEM-designated Specialized Master in Finance (SMF) degree program brings to life lessons taught by some of the world’s leading finance thought leaders. For over a decade, the SMF program has built advanced knowledge for today's fast-paced finance roles, delivering a depth and breadth of real-world skills through career-focused pathways, including advanced financial analytics and software to impact leading organizations from day one.
The Specialized Master in Finance at Fisher:
View the SMF curriculum Webinar: SMF Overview & Admissions
Continuous Innovation
An ever-changing financial industry demands skilled leaders equipped to embrace disruption, drive strategic initiatives, and embody the principles that advance business. This landscape, SMF alumni feedback, and a forward-looking perspective are at the heart of the SMF program at Fisher.
- The 36-credit hour curriculum enables a summer internship and better positions students in the job market.
- Receive more training in financial reporting, modeling and Python.
- Specialized paths in Corporate Finance/Investment Banking, Investment Management, Risk Management, and Real Estate
- Professional development and a third semester for cross-functional learning to create leaders (A.I., Fintech, Negotiations, Analytics, etc.)
- *NEW! Domestic students entering the program in autumn 2026 or later will have the option to complete the third and final semester online. Visit the SMF Curriculum page to learn more about eligibility and exercising this option.
Action-Based/Experiential
You can know finance or you can master it.
- Career-Focused Curriculum – The core coursework and four elective pathways focus on individual goals.
- Practice what you learn – You'll gain professional perspectives and get hands-on through the Applied Finance Speaker Series, field trips and be hands-on with a real-world Finance Capstone Project.
- Develop expertise in financial software – In dedicated coursework, receive financial software applications modeling, and analysis training (Argus Ent., Bloomberg, Capital IQ, Excel, Morningstar, Python, Rotman I.T., Tableau, Thomas ONE, Wall Street Prep).
- Individualized attention – A small cohort allows close interaction and connection with SMF faculty and staff.
- Learn from the Best – Fisher finance faculty routinely ranked in the top 10 worldwide in terms of publications in the top three finance journals.
Career Support
We're Focused on Employment Success
- Prestigious companies say “yes” to the Fisher SMF degree – Companies including JPMorgan Chase, UBS, Citi, Accenture, EY, Deloitte, Wells Fargo, Duff & Phelps, Nationwide, Limited Brands, and Cardinal Health are just a few that have hired recent SMF graduates.
- One-on-One Career Support – A dedicated career consultant will assist you with every stage of your internship and job hunt to help you secure a role. This includes workshops, an alumni mentor program, career fairs, job boards, etc.
- Preparation for professional certification - Students are encouraged and well-prepared to sit for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) , Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA), and Financial Risk Manager (FRM) exams upon completing the SMF program.
Culture + Community
An On-Campus Experience Like No Other
- Experience Columbus – Music, fashion, food, nightlife. Vibrant and alive, Ohio's capital is known for its open attitude, smart style and entrepreneurial spirit. It's also a booming hub for Fortune 500 and 1000 companies looking for talented employees.
- A Myriad of Opportunities to Lead and Grow –Explore a variety of student organizations based on business focus areas, service to the community, activities outside the classroom, or other common interests. You are sure to find a group that suits your interests and aspirations.
- We Champion Diversity in Thought and Perspective – We are an inclusive, supportive community where you can comfortably join in or confidently stand out. What makes you unique is vital to what makes the Fisher culture so fantastic.
- Become part of a global community – You will be part of this community of individuals who have an incredible breadth of backgrounds and experiences to share from all over. with 88,000+ Fisher alumni and 580,000+ Ohio State alumni, you can't go anywhere without running into a Buckeye.
Financial Times, '20
Test optional
Specialized Master in Finance applicants are no longer required to submit a GMAT or GRE standardized test score along with their application. However, we do accept scores from those whose application profiles would benefit from the addition of good test scores. Start your application to the top-ranked, AACSB Accredited, Fisher College of Business.
Questions? I'm here to help!
Hello! My name is Raahkema Cropper, a graduate recruiter for the Specialized Master in Finance (SMF) program at Ohio State. Whether you’re just starting your exploration or ready to apply, I’m here to provide personalized support. Please don’t hesitate to contact me—I look forward to helping you achieve your goals!
Schedule a Meeting
Contact Fisher's Graduate Programs Office directly to schedule on-campus activities such as in-person meetings, class visits and campus tours. We will do our best to accommodate your request in-person or virtually within university guidelines.