Five Questions With: Bingxuan Lin

"The finance world is changing rapidly with many new regulations and constant innovations."

The University of Rhode Island’s College of Business Administration last month announced it would be offering the state’s first Master of Science in Finance program beginning next January.
The course is designed not only for new graduates, but also professionals in the field looking to invest in professional development.
Bingxuan Lin, professor of finance at URI, coordinates the school finance division and is heading the new program. He talks with Providence Business News about what people should expect from this new course, how professionals could partake without missing work and what it costs.

PBN: URI is slated to offer the state’s first Master of Science in Finance program beginning next January. Can you tell our readers a little bit about why the University is starting this program?
LIN:
The College of Business Administration created the MSF program to address the demand for a highly skilled workforce in the state’s growing financial services industry. As the flagship public research institution, we recognized this program would not only support continued educational needs for current professionals, but also help to engage some of the new college graduates for careers in this field.
Each year, thousands of students graduate from colleges in Rhode Island with degrees in business, economics, engineering, computer science, or math and leave to find work. Given this background, the MSF degree may allow these students to pursue careers in Rhode Island’s financial services industry. The program will play an important role in helping the state reap more benefits of the knowledge economy.

PBN: What’s offered in the course?
LIN:
The MSF program offers comprehensive training in global financial markets, financial theory, analysis, and strategy. Graduate students start with ten courses covering various topics in corporate finance, investment, risk management, financial modeling and international finance. Later on students may choose different tracks of finance to study, such as financial planning and risk management. Many of the courses are aligned with Charter Financial Analyst (CFA) curriculum providing a strong foundation of advanced investment analysis and portfolio management skills.

PBN: says the program is tailored not only for new graduates, but also for professionals in the field. Does that mean professionals would need to take a year off for the course?
LIN:
No. We offer both a full-time and part-time option. For professionals pursing an MSF degree, one can take two evening course per semester and complete the program in two years. The full-time MSF program will take one year—two semesters and a summer—to complete. The curriculum will also be helpful to students preparing for the CFA or CFP exams.

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PBN: How would this course benefit someone who is already making a good living in the workforce?
LIN:
The finance world is changing rapidly with many new regulations and constant innovations. It is important to stay at the top of the field and be up to date with new tools available. The MSF program not only provides students with the opportunity to understand the current events, it also gives them opportunities to bridge the academic theory with real world practice. In addition, URI faculty and advisory board members offer great networking opportunities for students.

PBN: How would one apply, how much does it cost and are there any financial aid opportunities?
LIN:
Applications are now being accepted for admission to the program, which is scheduled to begin in January 2016. The Graduate School admission process and tuition information can be found at the program website http://web.uri.edu/business/msfadmission. Students of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Applicants who do not have a finance background can take a few pre-requisite courses before being admitted to the MSF program.
The MSF program is available at regional tuition rates to students living within 25 miles of the Rhode Island border. Tuition rates are 11,532.00, in-state; $23,606.00, out-of-state; and $17,298.00, regional. For complete details about how to apply, tuition and fees and any scholarship opportunities, please consult the website.
While the MSF program does not offer graduate assistantships or scholarships, students can apply for FAFSA loans as well as request payment plans with URI. See www.uri.edu for the financial aid options.
If you have questions about the Master of Science in Finance program, please contact Professor Bing-Xuan Lin at bingxuan@uri.edu.

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