Online Master's in Security Analysis & Portfolio Management

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will this degree program qualify me as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)®?
A. No. Only individuals who pass the CFA® exam are granted the CFA® designation. However, the curriculum of the online M.S. in Securities Analysis & Portfolio Management is designed around all three levels of the exam, unlike many degree programs that only focus on one level, and can help prepare you to take the test.

Q. How many sessions a year do you offer?
A. We offer five sessions beginning throughout the year. 

Q. What are the admission requirements for the program?
A. Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree in business from an accredited institution. If the applicant's degree is in a field other than business, he or she should have work experience in the finance field and be able to fulfill the statistics requirement.

Q. Can the GMAT requirements be waived?
A. The GMAT requirement can be waived for applicants who hold an advanced degree such as a master's or an MBA from an AACSB-accredited university. The GMAT may also be waived in cases where applicants have passed at least one level of the CFA® exam or hold a professional designation considered significant in business, such as a CPA.

Q. What do I need to submit to apply?
A. Applicants must submit the following documents before a candidate review can begin:

  • A completed application form
  • A personal essay describing how this master's degree fits with
        the applicant's career objectives
  • A current resume
  • Nonrefundable application fee of $50
  • Two recommendations from individuals other than family
        members who are capable of assessing the applicant's
        performance in an academic or work setting
  • An official transcript from each college-level institution attended by
        the applicant
  • GMAT score

For those international applicants from countries in which English is not the primary language must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting a minimum TOEFL score of 80 iBT (213 CBT/550 PBT). International applicants who received their baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited institution in the U.S., United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Africa (English-speaking only) are not required to submit a TOEFL score report.

Q. Is there a residency requirement?
A. No.

Q. How many courses do I take per academic term?
A. Most of our adult students who are working full-time take one online course per eight-week session. You can expect to spend about 15 to 20 hours per week on your coursework.

Q. What kind of support is available?
A. Students will have a designated Student Services Coordinator and access to a 24/7 Help Desk.

Q. How and when do I get started?
A. We review applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Give us a call at 866.717.6365 for enrollment information or request Information online.

Q. What are the technology requirements for this program?
A. View this site for the answer

Have questions that aren't answered here? REQUEST MORE INFORMATION or call 866.717.6365 to speak with an Admissions Representative.