MS in Investment Management
Today's investment management professionals need more sophisticated management practices and professional training. Graduates
need rigorous analytical training and practical understanding beyond that offered in general business programs.
The MSIM Program is designed to meet this need.
Read the MSIM Mission
The program trains students in leading-edge theory and practice in the field of investment management. Students gain expertise in the design, management, and marketing of investment products. See our Curriculum for more information.
MSIM receives special recognition by being named a CFA Partner with the CFA Institute. The MSIM Program is the first graduate program in the United States to join CFA Institute as a Program Partner. Read more about the MSIM partnership and CFA Institute's Global Partnerships.
The program also provides the background necessary for preparing for the CFA® exams. See the CFA® section for more information.
A Note from the Faculty Director
"Investment management is a great business. The stakes are high, the competition keen and it's a lot of fun when you're successful! The MSIM Program was developed to really move your career ahead in investment management, and we're thrilled that many of our graduates have taken advantage of the opportunities offered by this degree."
-MSIM Faculty Director,
Professor Scott Stewart
Scott joined Boston University in 2001 after a 16-year fund management career, including founding and leading a $45 billion global investment team at Fidelity Investments. A PhD graduate of Cornell University, he remains active in investing and conducts academic research on institutional investors, financial technology and portfolio management. Scott teaches the two MSIM portfolio management courses.
Get an Edge on Your Investment Career
The MSIM Program is ideal for:
- Individuals who want to advance their investment careers
- Professionals in other industries who have related skills and would like to enter the investment field.
MSIM graduates have been successful in advancing their careers in investment management. Read more about MSIM career opportunities in the careers section.
Designed for Working Professionals
The curriculum allows you to earn your degree in just 17 months without interrupting your career, through:
- Two intensive residence weeks
- Classes every Tuesday evening and every other Saturday
- Four semesters total
To make the academic experience easier for busy professionals, the MSIM Program is an executive-style program. Your books and study materials are provided to you each semester, and staff registers you for classes. Classes meet in the School's Executive Leadership Center, which accommodates the program's intensive schedule.
MSIM Student Fund
Boston University has established a live student investment fund, providing MSIM students with the opportunity to implement stock research and practice management of actual funds.
An integral component of the program, the fund offers a working laboratory in which to experience:
- Equity analysis
- Portfolio allocation
- Risk management
- Performance measurement and attribution
Fund management utilizes several tools, including BARRA (portfolio risk) Mergent, Edgar reports, 10k's, spreadsheet financials, etc., Capital IQ (historical fundamental and pricing data) and Investext Plus (street research). The fund is supported by a proprietary web site, including stock and industry research reports, fund characteristics and performance and a proprietary site for discussing investment ideas.
Click here for sample Industry Review
Click here for sample Stock Report
Cutting Edge Faculty Research
Professor Scott Stewart, Faculty Director, M.S. in Investment Management, recently co-authored an article published in the Journal of Business and Economic Studies. The article (see pg.88), “Why Do Institutional Plan Sponsors Hire and Fire Their Investment Managers?” was written with Jeffrey Heisler of Gottex Funds, the founder of the MSIM Program and a member of the MSIM Advisory Board; Christopher R. Knittel; and John J. Neumann.
Student Support
In addition to providing books and registering students for classes, MSIM staff provides a range of support for students including:
- Organizing and communicating details of program events
- Academic advising and facilitation of career support
- Facilitating communications among everyone in the MSIM and larger School of Management communities
- Resolution of administrative issues
Who should apply?
Professionals who:
- Are high-achieving
- Have meaningful full-time work experience
- Are excited about the opportunity to advance their investment training to a new level
See how you compare, read our Class Profile.
For more information see the FAQ section or send an email to msim@bu.edu.
