Qualified incoming freshmen interested in finance can choose to enroll as 3+1 Finance Scholars, an accelerated program which allows students to complete both their 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 Scholar program 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 plans are available for students completing the business administration or accounting major in three years. Each respective plan assumes that students enter the University of Oregon with 30-45 credits earned from AP, IB, or pre-college programs. Students interested in becoming 3+1 Finance Scholars should work closely with an advisor to create an academic plan.
- See sample plans for business administration and accounting majors
- See sample plans for economics majors
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
The Master of Science in Finance is a 12-month graduate program that begins the summer after a 3+1 Finance Scholar's third year at UO. Participation as the 3+1 Finance Scholar does not guarantee automatic admission into the MSF program. All students must apply to be considered for admission.
Application Deadline
Applications open on February 1. Students must submit applications for admission to become a 3+1 Finance Scholar by midnight of February 15 during the winter term of their first year.
Application Materials
- General contact and demographic information
- Experience statement – List volunteer, work, academic, and extracurricular experience
- Scholarship essay (500 words or less) – Describe why you would like to pursue your master's degree at the University of Oregon. Tell us not only what you hope to gain from the master's program but also what you will bring to the program and to the Lundquist College of Business learning community.
- High school transcript
- UO transfer evaluation report
- UO transcript
Qualifications for Admission to 3+1 Scholar Candidacy
- At least 25 credit hours of Advanced Placement and/or International Business or transfer credit upon admission to the University of Oregon
- Must be an enrolled student at the University of Oregon
- Must apply to become a 3+1 Finance Scholar during the winter term of your first year
Cameron Center for Finance and Securities Analysis
Through the UO's Cameron Center for Finance and Securities Analysis, 3+1 Finance Scholars 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.
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.