Graduate Degree

The Master of Science degree in Financial Technology and Artificial Intelligence focuses on innovation in the financial services sector and collaboration among incumbents, start-ups, and investors. The program focuses on the three critical areas of fintech-tech transformation, firm adaptation and innovation, and enabling technologies-that are critical for emerging leadership roles in the space. The program prepares professionals to lead tech-first financial services businesses.

It provides domain knowledge in finance as well as a deep understanding of tech technology, tech evolution, and enabling technologies and is a superior choice for those seeking to understand the intersection of finance and technology. Providing specialized knowledge and skills to navigate the rapidly evolving financial landscape, it leads to careers in both finance and technology.

The program requires students to attend one online (half-semester) and three in-person (one half-semester and two full-semester) module sessions.

Admission

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university, and The Eli Broad College of Business and Graduate School of Management, students must meet the requirements specified below.

To be considered for admission, candidates should:

1. Submit a completed application packet available on the program Web site to the program director. Applications must be received by March 15.
2. Take the Graduate Management Admission (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and have the scores submitted to the program director. The test must be taken not more than two years before submitting the application for admission the program. Current Michigan State University students with an overall grade-point average of 3.0 or higher are not required to take the GMAT or GRE.
3. Have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized educational institution with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0.
4. Have a strong GMAT or GRE score. Students with qualifying credentials may be able to waive the GMAT or GRE requirement. Applicants should consult with the program director to see if they are eligible for the waiver.

Admission to the program is competitive. Meeting the minimum standards above does not guarantee admission. The applicant’s overall record is considered including three letters of recommendation, the student’s statement of objectives, any relevant work experience, extracurricular activities, and TOEFL or IELTS scores, when appropriate. Admission is also subject to space availability. The program director can waive up to 13.5 credits of equivalent 300-and 400-level courses in Finance or Computer Science taken in their undergraduate degree program, based on prior educational experience. The program director maintains a list of course equivalencies for courses in the Department of Finance and in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Financial Technology and Artificial Intelligence

The Master of Science degree in Financial Technology and Artificial Intelligence is available only under Plan B (non-thesis). A total of 45 credits are required for the degree.

1.	All of the following pre-core courses (10.5 credits):
	CSE	801C	Introduction to Python Programming						3
	FI	801	Managerial Finance						3
	FI	891	Topics in Finance						1.5
	MTH	800	Quantitative Foundations for Machine Learning						3
2.	All of the following core courses (22.5 credits):
	CSE	801A	Introduction to Big Data Analysis						3
	CSE	801B	Introduction to Data Mining						3
	CSE	840	Computational Foundations in Artificial Intelligence						3
	FI	422	Financial Data Analytics						3
	Or
	FI	872	Financial Data Analytics						3
	FI	492	Additional Topics in Finance						1.5
	FI	824	Deep Learning and Neural Networks in Finance						3
	FI	826	Financial Technology						3
	FI	844	Corporate Financial Strategies						3
3.	Complete 12 credits from an approved list of elective courses from the Finance (6 credits) and Computer Science and Engineering (6 credits) Departments. Other courses may be used to fulfill this requirement with approval of the program director.
Academic Standards
Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Financial Technology and Artificial Intelligence program are expected to maintain a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 each semester and a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0. A student who does not maintain a 3.0 grade-point cumulative average will be placed on probation. The student will be given the next semester of enrollment to achieve a 3.0 grade-point cumulative average; otherwise, dismissal from the program will result.