Our Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) curriculum delivers a comprehensive toolkit of knowledge, strategies, and techniques in advanced financial planning, tax, and estate services. As the inventors of one of the first graduate degrees created by practitioners for practitioners, we stay ahead of our competitors by remaining nimble—continually updating our content in alignment with best practices across the industry.
What
Core courses
As an MSFS degree candidate, you start with five core courses in our key designations. You earn three semester hours’ credit for each course you complete:
- Certified Fund Specialist® (MS500 – CFS®)
- Certified Annuity Specialist® (MS510 – CAS®)
- Certified Estate and Trust Specialist™ (MS520 – CES™)
- Certified Tax Specialist™ (MS530 – CTS™)
- Certified Income Specialist™ (MS540 – CIS™)
Specialized topics
Building on the core, you advance to specialized courses in six essential topic areas. You earn three semester hours’ credit for each course you complete:
- Financial Planning (MS600)
- Investments (MS610)
- Real Estate (MS620)
- Portfolio Management (MS630)
- Insurance (MS640)
- Retirement Plans and Employee Benefits (MS650)
Capstone
The culmination of your graduate study is our capstone project course.
The Financial Plan (MS700)
You earn three semester hours of credit when you complete the capstone course for a grand total of 36 credit hours and a Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) degree.
How
Working remotely, you can complete your MSFS degree online one course at a time. Courses are divided into easily digestible modules, and readings, and practice questions prepare you for proctored online exams.
When
Our graduate program is designed for maximum flexibility. You call the shots, studying at times that are most convenient to your professional and personal activities. Although some students have earned their degrees in less than 18 months, you may take up to five years to complete your coursework and capstone project. Contact the IBF Student Services Department for details.
Questions? See our FAQs or contact us now.