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Experiential Learning

The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of, and ability to apply, the professional competencies you need for a successful career in the financial services industry.

A key component of developing that skill set is your involvement with VSB's Applied Finance Lab, a virtual trading floor located in our business school, which provides state-of-the-art research tools and resources used by professionals on Wall Street.

The simulated trading floor combines the latest technology of real-time financial data, which, among other features, enables you to analyze financial problems and see the results of your decisions in the marketplace. This facility features:

  • Group work areas equipped with desktop systems and flat-panel monitors
  • Ticker displays
  • Dell LCD TVs
  • Bloomberg terminal displaying financial information for you to use in making financial decisions

The Applied Finance Lab (AFL) is a state-of-the-art facility that provides extensive information resources:

  • Centralized data management system
  • Data services including Reuters, Compustat, CRSP, Bloomberg, and SDC Platinum
  • Computer lab and virtual private network
  • Ticker displays
  • Real-time software for visualizing and tracking the market

The Student Managed Fund (SMF) allows students, working within teams, to manage an investment fund of $100,000 or more using various investment styles. This experience covers the following sequence of events in managing an investment fund:

  • Business Cycle Analysis
  • Industry Analysis
  • Social Responsibility and Corporate Governance Screening
  • Security and Portfolio Analysis
  • Compliance
  • Portfolio Performance Reporting