Master of Science in Fintech | Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose the MS in Fintech at NYU Stern?
What is your Return on Investment?
Should I apply to the MS in Fintech program?
What is the first step in the admissions process?
Do I need to take the GMAT or the GRE?
Are TOEFL scores required?
Will information sessions be offered?
Do the transcripts that I submit need to be official?
Who should I ask to write letters of recommendation?
Why are applicants asked to provide race and ethnicity in the application?
How is work managed in between learning locations?
What credentials will I receive as a graduate?
Where are the learning locations?
May I apply for more than one graduate degree at NYU at the same time?
I am an international student. Am I eligible to apply?
Is the MS in Fintech a STEM designated degree program?

What is the first step in the admissions process?
Complete a preliminary information form for an initial assessment of your candidacy. This will enable us to better advise you on your suitability for the program before encouraging you to submit an application. You can find the preliminary information form here.

Do I need to take the GMAT or the GRE?
No, GMAT and GRE scores are not required to apply to the MS in Fintech program.

Are TOEFL scores required?
TOEFL scores are generally not required, but may be requested for non-native English speakers after initial review of your application.

Will information sessions be offered?
The Admissions Team organizes virtual information sessions throughout the year. Please visit our events page to view the upcoming information sessions. If you have specific questions related to your candidacy and would like to schedule a meeting, please complete a preliminary information form for an initial assessment.

Do the transcripts that I submit need to be official?
Yes. While we can accept unofficial transcripts as part of your application for initial assessment purposes, we must receive your official transcripts directly from all institutions from which you hold a completed degree in order to provide you with an admissions decision.

Who should I ask to write letters of recommendation?
One letter of recommendation is required to apply for the MSFT program. Your letter of recommendation should come from a current manager or supervisor. If you are self-employed, you may have a current or recent client complete the recommendation. You may also choose to submit additional recommendations. We ask that you do not submit letters of recommendation from family members or friends.

Why are applicants asked to provide race and ethnicity in the application?
Race and ethnicity data collected in the application is not provided to admissions committee members for use in the application-selection process.  This data is collected for alternative purposes including but not limited to government and accreditation reporting requirements.

How is work managed in between learning locations?
In recognition of the value of classroom learning, the MS in Fintech features one live online and six in-person modules. Each module contains intensive class time, and students also have the opportunity to work on a year-long Capstone project. In addition, there are approximately 20-25 hours of distance learning per week incorporated into the program to facilitate preparation, follow-up, and work on projects between modules. These distance learning periods outside of the in-class sessions are called the Pre-Module and Post-Module phases. They last approximately 4-6 weeks long and are before and after each in-class session. You will receive preparatory materials, such as readings, academic exercises and assignments during the Pre-Module period. The Post-Module period is typically 4-6 weeks long immediately following the in-class session, and is designed to help you review and solidify concepts learned in class. It may include additional readings and/or deliverables in the form of an assignment, exam, case study, or group project.

Prior to starting the program, enrolled students will be required to acknowledge that they have communicated the time commitment the program requires to their employers.

What credentials will I receive as a graduate?
MS in Fintech graduates receive an NYU Master of Science degree from the Stern School of Business.

Where are the learning locations?
The MSFT program has one live online and six in-person program modules take place at NYU Stern in New York and in rotating global locations. To look at the most updated schedule, please visit this page.

May I apply for more than one graduate degree at NYU at the same time?
Applicants may only apply to one NYU Stern program per start term. If you are not offered admission to the program or withdraw your application during the cycle, you may request to apply to a different program in the same admissions cycle. All requests must be sent to msft@stern.nyu.edu and will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Your request must be approved before you begin your new application.

I am an international student. Am I eligible to apply?
International students are welcome and encouraged to apply to the MS in Fintech program. Admissions policies and tuition fees are the same for both international and non-international students. In order to facilitate visa processing, international students are encouraged to submit visa applications for each of the US-based modules as soon as they are put in touch with our dedicated MSFT Program Manager. Please note that international students typically obtain F-1 student visas and are responsible for the costs incurred for the SEVIS/visa application fees throughout their tenure as students.

Is the MS in Fintech a STEM designated degree program?
MSFT is a STEM designated degree program. This designation can be beneficial for students as there is a growing demand for STEM skill sets in today's market. However, please note that due to the part-time, modular nature of the program, students are not eligible for OPT. For a comprehensive list of NYU STEM programs, please click here.