Master of Science in Finance - Wealth and Asset Management (MSFWAM)
Contact Info
In the three-semester Master of Science in Finance - Wealth and Asset Management (MSFWAM) program, students gain the skills necessary to advise individuals, institutions, and firms in the growing wealth management industry. Consulting practica are built into the curriculum, so all MSFWAM students have the opportunity to work with financial firms related to wealth and asset management.
Our WAM track requires the completion of 39 credits and is STEM-designated for its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The curriculum includes 28.5 required credits and 10.5 electives focusing on advanced quantitative skills, providing students with a current and innovative approach to finance.
Orientation Programs
All Specialized Master’s Programs students kick off their degrees with a multipronged orientation program designed to prepare them for academic, personal and professional success.
Students will participate in various online and in-person orientation activities prior to beginning their fall semester at Olin. SMP Start is a set of online modules that introduce students to the ins and outs of Washington University including policies and procedures, health and wellness, leadership opportunities, and more. SMP Orientation Week includes workshops, events, and cohort overviews including introductions to faculty and advisors. This week is set up to help students with their final preparations before the start of their first semester. Orientation includes career sessions, which serve as catalysts for students to help them get started in their career search. These programs are packed with opportunities for students to bond with their program cohort and to connect with their peers in all of the Specialized Master's Programs.
Students new to the United States may have the opportunity to participate in SMP GO, during which they will acclimate to the Olin Business School culture and strengthen their English and business communication skills.
Simultaneously, students will complete optional online, asynchronous foundation courses to bolster their background and maximize their academic preparation before the start of their degree program.
Required Courses
Students must complete the following courses:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 5030 | Business Analysis Using Financial Statements | 1.5 |
| ACCT 5031 | Advanced Business Analysis Using Financial Statements | 1.5 |
| DAT 5561 | Introduction to Python and Data Science | 3 |
| DAT 5566 | Database Design and SQL | 1.5 |
| FIN 5017 | Quantitative Risk Management | 3 |
| FIN 5240 | Options and Futures | 1.5 |
| FIN 5241 | Derivative Securities | 1.5 |
| FIN 5250 | Fixed Income Securities | 1.5 |
| FIN 5280 | Investments Praxis | 3 |
| FIN 5320 | Investment Theory | 1.5 |
| FIN 5321 | Data Analysis for Investments | 1.5 |
| FIN 5340 | Advanced Corporate Finance I - Valuation | 1.5 |
| FIN 5380 | Stochastic Foundations for Finance | 1.5 |
| MGT 5600 | Professional Business Communication | 1.5 |
Students also choose one of the following courses:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| DAT 5370 | Data Analysis, Forecasting and Risk Analysis | 3 |
| FIN 5601 | Research Methods in Finance | 3 |
Elective Courses
Students must choose three or more of the following elective courses:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FIN 5023 | Venture Capital Methods | 1.5 |
| FIN 5024 | Venture Capital Practice | 1.5 |
| FIN 5025 | Private Equity Methods | 1.5 |
| FIN 5026 | Private Equity Practice | 1.5 |
| FIN 5315 | ESG Investing | 1.5 |
| FIN 5501 | Legal, Compliance and Taxation Aspects of Wealth Management | 1.5 |
| FIN 5502 | Wealth Management - Practice | 1.5 |
| FIN 5503 | Endowments, Foundations and Philanthropy | 1.5 |
| FIN 5504 | Hedge Fund Strategies | 1.5 |
| FIN 5505 | Behavioral Finance | 1.5 |
Experiential Courses and Other Electives
Experiential learning is required for the MSFWAM program. MSFWAM students can choose 1.5 to 4.5 credits of experiential learning from the courses listed below:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FIN 5019 | CFAR Practicum | 3 |
| MGT 5022 | Applied Problem Solving for Organizations | 1.5 |
| MGT 5515 | Internship, Business and Application | 1.5 |
MSFWAM students must complete 10.5 total credits of electives and experiential courses. If 10.5 credits are not completed from the courses listed above, additional approved elective courses are listed below.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CSE 4107 | Introduction to Machine Learning | 3.0 |
| DAT 5562 | Text Mining | 1.5 |
| DAT 5564 | Database Design and SQL | 1.5 |
| DAT 5569 | A/B Testing in Business and Social Science | 3.0 |
| FIN 5020 | Financial Markets - Institutions, NYC Immersion* | 3.0 |
| FIN 5021 | Financial Markets - Regulation, DC Immersion* | 3.0 |
| FIN 5232 | Mergers and Acquisitions | 1.5 |
| FIN 5270 | Financial Markets and Institutions | 1.5 |
| FIN 5300 | International Finance | 1.5 |
| FIN 5330 | Valuing Strategic Corporate Investments | 1.5 |
| FIN 5341 | Advanced Corporate Finance II - Financing | 1.5 |
| FIN 5342 | Advanced Corporate Finance III - Corporate Financial Strategy | 1.5 |
| FIN 5360 | Financial Issues in Leasing | 1.5 |
| FIN 5370 | Advanced Derivative Securities | 3.0 |
| FIN 5390 | Mathematical Finance | 1.5 |
| FIN 5400 | Real Estate Finance | 1.5 |
| FIN 5520 | Fixed Income Derivatives | 1.5 |
| FIN 5550 | Risk Management and Insurance | 1.5 |
| FIN 5575 | Introduction to Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies | 1.5 |
| MEC 5380 | Economics of the Organization | 1.5 |
| MGT 5110 | Law and Business Management | 1.5 |
| MGT 5785 | Strategic Data Storytelling and Visualization for Business | 1.5 |
| OB 5610 | Negotiation and Conflict Management | 1.5 |
- *
Students may count either FIN 5020 or FIN 5021, but not both, toward MSFWAM elective credits. These courses are offered each May as part of the summer term on a space-available basis, and additional tuition costs are incurred at the prevailing per-credit tuition rate.