Transform financial data into better business decisions

Big data is driving big changes in finance. Those who can balance a core knowledge of industry fundamentals—valuation, financial analysis, risk assessment—with creative problem-solving and decision-making skills are poised to lead the future. The Master of Finance and Master of Business Analytics dual degree combines the top-rated finance curriculum with leading-edge analytics instruction that will put you ahead of the pack.

One extra semester, two master's degrees

It's a no brainer: In just 16 more weeks you'll earn a master's degree in two of the top fields in business. The one-two punch of these degrees gets you ready to tackle the industry's toughest challenges.

Make sense of the numbers

Finance is accumulating more data than Excel alone can manage. With an understanding of Tableau, R, Python, and SQL, you'll have the know-how to dive deep into the numbers, make strategic recommendations, and determine the ROI of both products and portfolios.

Get an edge in the job market

Two master's degrees on your resume will no doubt get noticed by hiring managers. But that's just the beginning. The broad business perspective you'll gain in the program will also arm you with the skills and ability to move up faster.

STEM-designated dual degree program

Tippie's Master of Finance and Master of Business Analytics programs are designated STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) academic programs. This designation opens doors to STEM-specific scholarships, grants, financial assistance, and employment opportunities for students and graduates.

For international students, STEM designation means additional opportunities to stay and work in the US—up to three years after graduation—under the STEM OPT program. Each additional year is another entry into the H1B visa lottery, boosting your chances of securing an H1B.

Program overview

Duration

2 years

Timing

Typically, students begin the dual degree program in the fall semester following their acceptance into the program.

Credit hours required

63 semester hours of master's coursework (17 core courses, 4 electives, 1 experiential finance course or additional elective)

Tuition and fees

Iowa residents: $12,791.00 per semester
Non-residents: $19,054.00 per semester

All tuition and fees reported here are for planning purposes only. The exact cost to you may vary based on Iowa Board of Regents tuition fluctuations, fee changes, scholarships, awards, or financial assistance to which you are entitled.

Criteria for determining residency are specified by the University of Iowa Office of the Registrar.

Minimum requirements

Bachelor's degree

Earned from a regionally accredited college/university or equivalent from another country. We accept students from all undergraduate majors; a business degree is not required.

English proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS

International candidates only. Minimum scores are 100 iBT TOEFL and 7.0 IELTS with no sub-score below 6.0. Waivers available for those who qualify.

GPA

Cumulative 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, or foreign equivalent.

Optional: GMAT or GRE

While not required, you do have the option to include a GMAT or GRE score to strengthen your application. Test scores are valid for five years.

Dual degree plan of study

Total: 63 s.h.

YEAR 1
Fall: 16 s.h.
  • FIN:9400 or BAIS:9400 Professional Development and Business Acumen
  • MBA:8140:0800 Corporate Financial Reporting
  • MBA:8180:0800 Managerial Finance
  • BAIS:6050:0700 or 800 Data Management
  • BAIS:6040:0700 Data Programming in Python
  • BAIS:9100:0700 or 0800 Data and Decisions
Spring: 16 s.h.
  • FIN:9400 or BAIS:9400 Professional Development and Business Acumen
  • BAIS:8130 or FIN:8130 Business Communication
  • FIN:9150:0800 Financial Modeling and Firm Valuation
  • FIN:9200:0800 Portfolio Management
  • BAIS:6070 Data Science
  • BAIS:9110 Advanced Analytics
  • Elective or FIN experiential course

 

yEAR 2
Fall: 16 s.h. 
  • MBA:8130:0702 or 802 Business Communication
  • MBA:8170:0800 International Environment of the Firm
  • FIN:9210 Derivatives and Risk Management
  • FIN:9220 Fixed Income
  • BAIS:6140:0700 Visual Analytics
  • BAIS:6120 Analytics Experience
Spring 15 s.h.
  • FIN:9300:0800 Corporate Investment and Financing Decisions
  • Elective or FIN experiential course if not yet taken
  • Elective
  • Elective
  • Elective

 

Maxwell Hedges

Pivot from amateur analyst to data mining pro

As the son of an Iowa alum, Maxwell Hedges had always dreamed of being a Hawkeye. While managing West Virginia University’s club hockey team as an undergrad, overseeing 30+ players and a $250,000 budget, he developed an interest in business that eventually led him to the University of Iowa.

“I used data in a limited way running the team, diving into the numbers and using them to recruit players and track who showed up,” he explains, “I eventually realized that I really wanted to be an expert in this.”

He followed his curiosity all the way to the dual Master of Business Analytics and Finance program at Tippie. And while his undergraduate history major may not be the expected path to a business master’s, it all makes sense to Max.

Read Max's story

Take the next step

Dual degree programs like the MFIN/MSBA are increasingly popular among high-achieving students. If you're interested in the MFIN/MSBA dual degree program, contact us for more information about the program and how to apply.