The Specialized Master in Finance (SMF) at Fisher College of Business has undergone enhancements designed to prepare tomorrow’s finance leaders with the skills and experiences to thrive in the industry. 

George Pinteris, academic director of the SMF, talks about the enhancements to the program and how they’ll benefit finance students:

What prompted the decision to refresh the program?

The STEM-designated Specialized Master in Finance (SMF) program has continuously innovated over the years by incorporating curricular enhancements based on student feedback, employer needs, market demands and advances in the practice of finance. SMF students told us they were seeking an extended learning experience that:

• includes a summer internship
• allows them to learn at a slower pace
• and offers opportunities to learn and practice finance by completing more elective coursework

The length of the program is changing to three semesters. Can you describe the reason for the change?

The extended curriculum allows SMF students more time to complete their studies and adds significant value to the student experience. During their first year, students will focus on strengthening analytical skills and developing professional soft skills in preparation for a summer internship, which will improve their chances of securing full-time employment by the end of the program. A third semester offers the option to take more electives and broaden their knowledge  while adding more robust resume-building, technical skills such as training in financial reporting, modeling and Python

How do students customize the curriculum to their career goals?

SMF students are encouraged to choose one of the elective pathways ― Corporate Finance/Investment Banking, Investment Management, Risk Management or Real Estate ― which are designed to develop relevant technical skills directly applicable to their summer internship and career goals. With the transition to a three-semester format, students have more time to gain broader finance knowledge beyond their primary focus in areas including fintech, AI and analytics, to name a few. The result is an improved workforce readiness that prepare students to make impacts as employees on Day One of their careers.   

What other feedback did you hear about the program from alumni and recruiters, and what changes did that feedback spark?

As we collected information about the best ways to enhance the experience and outcomes of the already robust SMF program, the desire for even more focused professional development and career support was a common theme. We addressed this by adding a professional development course, which leverages Fisher's other strengths, including a dedicated Office of Career Management, internship guidance and coaching.

What other college strengths did you draw upon in these enhancements to the SMF?

Fisher is an experiential learning leader committed to integrating practical experiences. With the addition of a summer internship, the SMF program shifted its practicum course to a team-based finance capstone project guided by faculty. The capstone culminates in a spring presentation of deliverables, equipping students with essential skills and insights for their internships. This evolution underscores our dedication to preparing SMF students for success in real-world business environments.

SMF students will also continue to draw on co-curricular activities (global programs, speaker series, case competitions, student organizations, etc.) and elite centers of research excellence here at Fisher, such as the Risk Institute or Ohio State’s Center for Real Estate.

What can students expect with this revamped SMF?

Students can expect enhanced training in analytical skills through a customized curriculum tailored to their areas of interest, alongside significant enhancements in professional development via a required, personalized SMF course. They will also have increased opportunities to practice their skills by completing several projects in their first year, all while learning from industry experts and research-active SMF faculty. With our recent tuition updates (reduced for Ohio residents), automatic consideration for merit-based funding and excellent career outcomes, this program not only offers invaluable educational experiences but also delivers a strong return on investment for students as they prepare for their careers in finance.

Did any of the admission requirements change?

The SMF program has significantly simplified its admission requirements by making GMAT or GRE standardized test scores optional. All other requirements remain the same: a four-year bachelor's degree is required, and applicants from a wide range of majors are welcome, with no prerequisite coursework or work experience necessary. Applicants need to submit undergraduate transcripts, an essay, a video interview and a resume.

Explore more program details and enrollment deadlines