George Washington University School of Business and Renmin University of China International College have partnered to offer a joint program for Chinese students pursuing a Master of Science in Finance.
The two-year program will offer the same courses as the current MSF program at GWSB. However, the MSF China Program, which officially launched on Saturday, is uniquely customized for Chinese students on a cohort basis, offering classes in China during the first year and in the United States at GW during the second year.
“This program is an important first step in GW’s growing presence in and partnership with China,” said Doug Guthrie, GWSB dean, who traveled to Suzhou, China for the announcement. “Finance is one of the greatest areas of need in China today, and we are bringing the excellence of GW’s finance program. But this is just the beginning. We will build on this beginning to develop a meaningful and deep relationship with China.”
The 48-credit hour program will emphasize both financial theory and quantitative methods in financial management. During the first year of the program, students will take classes in Suzhou. Many of the classes will be taught by GWSB faculty. At the end of the first year, students will complete an internship in China. Students will then come to George Washington for the program’s second year. The program is the first of its kind in China.
Twenty-two students are enrolled for the program’s first semester.
Students will receive a MSF degree from GWSB as well as a certificate in financial training from Renmin University of China International College.
During the program, students will engage in applied research and modeling, using a variety of large professional databases and computer software packages. They will explore the international and regulatory dimensions of finance while focusing on risk management, financial engineering, banking, corporate finance, real estate and portfolio analysis and management.