The document describes a new Master of Science in Applied Financial Economics program. The program was developed in response to employer demand for graduates with strong quantitative and technical skills in economics and finance. The one-year program provides hands-on training in analytical skills, economic modeling, and forecasting financial variables. Graduates will be qualified for roles like research analyst, data analyst, and market forecaster.

1. MBA EXECUTIVE MASTER OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SPECIALIZED MASTER’S DEGREES: ACCOUNTING; SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT;
AND APPLIED FINANCIAL ECONOMICS DUAL DEGREES: JD/MBA; JD/MACC; MHA/MBA; MA(ED)/MBA POST-MBA CERTIFICATES
Master of Science
in Applied Financial
Economics (MS-AFE)JOHN COOK SCHOOL OF BUSINESS GRADUATE PROGRAMS

2. Dr. Michael J. Alderson, Chairperson
R
ecognizing a market need for an advanced degree program to support the desired employee
qualifications of various employers, the John Cook School of Business has developed a Master of
Science program in Applied Financial Economics (MS-AFE). This innovative program represents
collaboration between the departments of finance and economics.
Through discussions with numerous employers from the financial sector including brokerages, banks,
investment firms and regulatory agencies, this unique program addresses the quantitative and technical skill
set that potential employers are searching for in new hires. Based upon feedback from these employers,
alumni, and existing undergraduate students, the program’s course of study is quantitatively-based.
This program’s creation represents a unique academic opportunity in the region. A distinguishing
factor is that the Cook School’s MS-AFE program is designed so that graduating (undergraduate) seniors
with an appropriate background can transition directly into the program in the summer semester and
complete their master’s degree in one calendar year. And although there are several Masters-level
economics degrees offered in the region, they are more theoretically-oriented, rather than applied.
The Master of Science in Applied Financial Economics will provide students with the opportunity
to advance their knowledge of economic theory and modeling skills and then use empirical and
quantitative techniques to examine the models. With the MS-AFE curriculum, students will be better
equipped to evolve from theoretical to empirical analysis in the economics and finance applications of
their choice. Through the expertise of our faculty, along with that of the Cook School’s Simon Center for
Regional Forecasting, this program focuses on the enhancement of quantitative skills and applications
rather than a generalist master’s degree, as is available at other institutions.
Since the program’s focus is quantitative and skill-based, no work experience is necessary; however,
particular attention will be paid to assessing the quantitative abilities of applicants. Because of
graduates’ strong analytical skills, coupled with the program’s focus on application, graduates will be
qualified for a variety of analysis-related jobs.
To learn more about the Master of Science in Applied Financial Economics or any other of Saint Louis
University Graduate Business Degrees and educational opportunities, visit gradbiz.slu.edu or call
314-977-6221.
Department of Finance,
John Cook School of Business
Dr. Heather Bednarek, Chairperson
Department of Economics,
John Cook School of Business
LetterfromtheDepartmentChairs
Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University (SLU) is the oldest university west
of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United
States. SLU is ranked among the top research institutions in the nation and
fosters the intellectual and character development of greater than 13,000
students. Through teaching, research, health care and community service,
Saint Louis University has provided one-of-a-kind education, leadership
and service for nearly two centuries. The John Cook School of Business was
founded in 1910 and is the 15th oldest business school in the nation and
has been a pioneer in recognizing the need for global business education.
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everyone to enjoy. From the Gateway Arch to the Anheuser-Busch
Brewery, to the diverse restaurants of the historic Hill neighborhood,
to the city’s professional sports teams, many of the city’s popular
attractions are at the doorstep of Saint Louis University. Our mid-
town location is also just steps away from Grand Center, a four-block
cultural hub that includes over 12,000 theater seats and 12 galleries
and museums.
TheCommunity
SaintLouis
University

3. MS-AFEOverview
In today’s complex business environment, many employers are seeking employees with a
strong quantitative and technical skill set and the ability to provide economic modeling
and forecasting. The Master of Science in Applied Financial Economics program helps
students develop strong ethical, technical and professional skills, while providing in-depth
expertise in economics and finance.
As a quantitatively-based, applied graduate program in financial economics, the Cook
School’s MS-AFE curriculum focuses on analysis and forecasting of financial variables such
as interest rates, stock returns and their effects on financial markets. It is a one-of-a-kind
program in the region that responds to the market need for individuals to enter the labor
market with a set of applied technical skills. This degree program will help students develop
strong analytical skills and provide opportunities to apply those skills in practice.
WHY PURSUE A MS-AFE FROM SLU?
JOB MARKET DEMAND
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
indicates that economics-related employment
prospects are best for those with graduate
degrees. The BLS specifically noted that the
brightest prospects are for those with graduate
degrees who have skills in quantitative analysis
and the ability to apply quantitative analysis to
economic modeling and forecasting.
DIVERSE SKILLS
With the MS-AFE program’s focus on strong
analytical skills coupled with application, Cook
School graduates will be qualified for a range of
analysis-related jobs. In addition, there is high
interest among employers to hire individuals
with training in practical, empirical analysis in
areas such as:
• Portfolio management
• Risk analysis
• Forecasting
• Investment performance measurement
APPLICATION AND ENROLLMENT
The MS-AFE program admits students each fall
semester, in late August. Admissions are on a
rolling basis, beginning April 1st
, with priority
given to applications received by June 15th
.
A complete application includes:
• All undergraduate transcripts
• Results of GMAT or GRE exam
• Personal statement
• Current résumé
• Completed online application
SCHOLARSHIPS
To support this MS-AFE degree, the John
Cook School of Business offers several
academic scholarships to fund students’
education, up to 50%. Academic scholarships
are merit-based, including consideration of
undergraduate performance and GMAT/GRE
test scores. These scholarships do not require
a separate application and are awarded at
time of admission.
CAREER SUPPORT ONCE YOU
ARE ENROLLED
VALARIE A. DAVISSON CAREER
RESOURCES CENTER
Graduate students have access to the Career
Resources Center (CRC), conveniently located
within the John Cook School of Business. The
CRC provides a variety of career management
services for graduate students and serves as a
resource for creating meaningful connections
and developing outstanding employment
opportunities. Our central location within the
greater St. Louis metropolitan area provides
a distinct competitive advantage and allows
us to enhance our internship and recruitment
effectiveness.
OPPORTUNITIES AFTER GRADUATION
With strong analytical skills, coupled with
the MS-AFE focus on real world application,
graduates will be qualified for a range of
analysis-related jobs. Sample job titles for
graduates of the program include:
• Research Analyst/Associate/Assistant
• Policy Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Staff Economist
• Strategy Analyst
• Business Economist
• Securities Analyst
• Market Forecaster
• Instructor (e.g. community college or
university non-tenure track)
• Admission to doctoral programs

4. To apply to our Master of Science in Applied
Financial Economics (MS-AFE),
• Complete an online application
found at gradbiz.slu.edu; or
• Request a paper application from
our Graduate Business Office
at 314-977-6221 or
gradbiz@slu.edu
Complete application and either
fax to 314-977-1416;
or mail to:
Graduate Business Programs
John Cook School of Business
Saint Louis University
3674 Lindell Blvd Suite 132
Saint Louis, MO 63108
PROGRAM OF STUDY
The MS-AFE program of study consists
of 30-42 credit hours, depending on the
number of pre-requisite undergraduate
courses that have been completed prior
to graduate admission. Of the minimum
30 credit hours, 21 hours are required
coursework, and the remaining nine hours
are electives.
Upon acceptance to our program,
applicants will work with an advisor
to select courses for their program of
study that will prepare them for their
career endeavors.
OUTSTANDING FACULTY
The Cook School faculty is key to ensuring
that our program provides a high quality
and challenging educational experience
for students. Faculty members possess
professional work experience within their
area of expertise and are also at the
forefront of their discipline through active
research, publication, and presentation of
their work. These qualifications allow our
faculty to apply the theory presented in
the coursework to real world situations.
Students in our program will have the
opportunity to learn from faculty members
with years of professional, teaching, and
research experience, and who have been
published in the top journals in their field.
ApplicationProcess