Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions for MS Finance students are presented here:

General

• Is the MS in Finance program a full time program?

  Yes, the MS in Finance program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. It is up to the student to decide how many credit hours they choose to enroll in each semester. Classes are typically held Monday through Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.

• Are there summer classes?

  Yes. There are two short non overlapping 5-week summer sessions. During the summer semesters, classes are given from 6 to 10 p.m., twice a week.

• Can I register to begin my MS in Finance program for a spring or summer semester?

  Yes, you may apply for Spring or Fall admissions; however, there is no summer admission.

• What courses can I take for the MSF?

  Only Finance courses, coded FINA before the course number. Example: FINA 7350.

• I am an MSF student and I also am studying for a certificate. Do all my certificate courses count for my graduation from the MSF program?

  No. Any Course that is not a Finance course will not count for your graduation from the MSF program.

The Application Process

• How do I apply for the program?

  Domestic students please follow the Checklist. International students should follow the Checklist as well as the International Admissions Requirements.

• I am already a graduate student on UH main campus and I am interested on switching to the MS in Finance Program. What is the Process that I should follow?

  All prospective students or current graduate students must submit a complete application with all required materials to be considered for the MS Finance program. Unfortunately, you cannot transfer into the program.

• Which of the admissions criteria are most important?

  Applications are considered in their entirety. While strengths vary from one applicant to another, we seek those students who combine strong academic aptitude & quantitative analytical aptitude.

• Why is it beneficial to apply early?

  All applications are carefully considered. Thus, early application is very helpful in those situations in which some information is missing or additional data is needed. This allows the applicant the time to address any financial aid or housing issues that may arise, or, if the applicant is an international student, it allows extra time to arrange for visa and funding.

• Can I find out by telephone whether I have been accepted or denied admission to the program?

  No. Decisions are conveyed by mail or email; there are no exceptions.

• Are letters of recommendation required?

  No, letters of recommendation are not required or accepted for this program.

GMAT, GRE, TOEFL & GPA

• Is the GMAT required?

  Yes. Without the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) scores, your application is not complete and will not be reviewed.
  The scores cannot be older than 5 years. If they are older than 5 years, the applicant must retake the GMAT.

• Do you accept GRE scores instead of GMAT scores?

  The GMAT exam is preferred, but we will also consider GRE scores.

• What is the minimum acceptable GMAT score?

  There is no minimum GMAT score required, but the average of all accepted candidates over the past 3 year period was 621. GMAT scores significantly below average may decrease the probability of acceptance.

• If I take the GMAT more than once, are my scores averaged?

  No. The admissions decision will be based on your highest score. Score cannot be older than five years.

• How must GMAT scores be submitted?

  You may submit the unofficial score report generated by the computer at the end of the test session to the MSF program office. For verification purposes, however, you must also request that the GMAT administration send your official score report directly to the University of Houston, using our school code number XT1-26-15. Without official scores, the application will not be processed.

• What if my official GMAT scores, including the AWA, arrive after the deadline?

  We must have your official GMAT score by the application deadline.

• How do I apply to take the GMAT?

  The GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council. Information is available on their website at www.mba.com.

• Is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) required?

  All graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, must demonstrate proficiency in English to obtain admission to the university. To fulfill this requirement, applicants must satisfy one of the following criteria:

  Baccalaureate degree (or higher) earned from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or at an institution at which English is the medium of instruction in the following countries: American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Liberia, Federated States of Micronesia Islands, Monserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Helena, South Africa, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Ireland & Wales), United States, Virgin Islands and Zimbabwe.

  Please be advised that Bauer College of Business Graduate and Professional Programs does not currently waive the English language requirement based on completion of UH Language and Culture Center Level 6. Our college-level requirements may differ from other University of Houston graduate programs.

• How do I apply to take the TOEFL or IELTS?

  The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Information is available on the internet at www.ets.org/toefl. Information on the IELTS is available on the internet at www.ielts.org.

• What must I score on the TOEFL or IELTS to be considered?

  The minimum TOEFL requirement is 100 on the internet-based test or 603 on the paper-based test, or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.

• Must I also take the Test of Written English (TWE)?

  No, it is not required for admission.

• Although my education was completed overseas, I am now a US citizen. Will UH waive the TOEFL/IELTS?

  No, unless you meet the conditions outlined above. Whether you are a US citizen (or permanent resident) is not the issue. You must take the TOEFL or IELTS unless you have completed a previous academic degree in one of the countries mentioned above.

• If I take the TOEFL or IELTS more than once, are my scores averaged?

  No. We consider only your highest score. You may take the test as many times as you like.

• How long does it take for UH to receive my scores?

  Usually, official scores will be reported to UH four (4) weeks after you take the test.

Experience & Degrees

• How much professional experience, on average, do Bauer College applicants bring to the program?

  On average, our students have 2 years of professional experience.

• How important is my work experience in the admission decision?

  Professional experience is not necessary for admission. It is, however, one of the factors considered in evaluating the applicant and it may enhance the applicant’s chances of admission.

• Must I have an undergraduate degree to enter the graduate program?

  Yes. You must have a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university if you received your education in the United States. If you are an international applicant, your undergraduate degree must be the equivalent of a U.S. four-year bachelor's degree. If you have completed a three-year Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from India or Pakistan, we also require that you have completed the Master of Commerce (M.Com) degree or similar post-graduate degree. For specifics on International requirements you may contact The International Admissions Office.

• What undergraduate major is required?

  No particular undergraduate major is required in order to pursue the MSF.

• Does the program have any academic pre-requisites?

  No pre-requisites are required for the MS Finance program.