Undergraduate 3+1 Finance Pathway

The 3+1 Finance Pathway is an opportunity for qualified incoming freshmen interested in finance to complete both a bachelor’s degree and the master of science in finance (MSF) degree in four years.

Through an evaluation of college-ready credits—for example, advance placement (AP) and international baccalaureate (IB)—these high-achieving students are fast-tracked for admission to the Lundquist College of Business one full year before their contemporaries. Students in this program can complete their undergraduate degree in three years, with the fourth year used to complete the MSF.


The 3+1 Advantage

By fast-tracking students through the undergraduate curriculum and allowing them to use the fourth year to pursue a master's degree, the 3+1 Finance Pathway maximizes the value to students' careers while they are in college. It's a win-win. The MSF program emphasizes valuation and asset management and is ideal for those targeting a coveted career as a financial analyst—whether at a "sell-side" investment firm evaluating specific sectors or industries, a "buy-side" investment house managing its own funds, an investment bank, or a corporate finance department. Plus, the MSF is STEM certified and a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Institute recognized program. The curriculum is designed to provide students with insights from state-of-the-art theoretical and empirical research in finance while actively engaging in quarterly professional development seminars.

International students: Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) certification currently makes graduates of the MSF program eligible to work in the United States for up to 36 months after graduation (instead of the standard 12-month optional practical training period).


Curriculum and Academic Plans

Several 3+1 curriculum pathways are available for students completing the business administration or accounting major in three years. Each respective pathway assumes that students enter the University of Oregon with 30-45 credits earned from AP, IB, or pre-college programs. Students interested in the 3+1 Finance Pathway should work closely with an advisor to create an academic plan.

Sample Timeline*

YEAR IN COLLEGE NUMBER OF CREDITS
Incoming Freshman 30-45 (AP/IB)
First (Sophomore) 45-50
Second (Junior) 45-50
Third (Senior) 45-50 (180 total)
Summer + Fourth (MSF) 45

*Timeline is flexible and does not reflect every scenario. Students must work with an advisor to map out a plan particular to their own academic schedule.


3+1 Application

Ideally students will submit applications for admission to the 3+1 Finance Pathway by week five of the fall trimester of their freshman year. If you are interested in this program, please discuss it with your academic advisor at IntroDucktion.

IMPORTANT: The MSF is a 12-month graduate program beginning the summer after a student's third year at UO. Continuation in the 3+1 Finance Pathway will be contingent on being accepted into the Lundquist College of Business once the student has completed the business pre-major requirements. Participation in the 3+1 Finance Pathway does not guarantee automatic admission into the MSF program. All students must apply to be considered for admission.

Application Timeline

  • Week 2: Admissions information session
  • Week 3: Admissions information session
  • Week 5: Application deadline
  • Week 6: Students informed of their application status and invited to interview
  • Week 7: Admission decisions e-mailed to applicants

Cameron Center for Finance and Securities Analysis

Through the UO's Cameron Center for Finance and Securities Analysis, 3+1 Finance Pathway students will have the opportunity to practice securities analysis and portfolio management in a live environment and will gain access to the Pacific Northwest's financial, banking, and investment industry.

Visit the Cameron Center Website

UO Investment Group

The UO Investment Group (UOIG) is a student-run organization that manages, with faculty guidance, more than $1 million spread across three portfolios. Founded in 1998, UOIG is one of the most successful student-run investment groups in the United States, with many UOIG alumni transitioning to successful careers on Wall Street.

Visit UOIG Website

Emerging Markets Portfolio

The Emerging Markets Portfolio is managed entirely by graduate students and is uniquely focused on nations and economies with social or business activity in the process of rapid growth and industrialization. The portfolio's return since inception in 2011 is 21.81 percent, outperforming the MSCI Emerging Markets Index by 1.34 percent per year.

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