How to Apply for On-Campus Specialized Master’s Programs

Our application process requires submitting a complete online application. Our online application walks you through the requirements. 

Application fee: We do not charge an application fee for the on-campus specialized master's programs. Rather, we wish to consider all candidates who have a serious interest in our program, regardless of the ability to pay a fee.

We want to get to know your background and work history.

At WashU Olin, we recognize that our community is comprised of individuals who come to us from different pathways and perspectives. Similarly, each student’s journey during and after the program is unique. Please provide a personal statement that describes how your life experiences have shaped your decision to apply to graduate school and how you believe WashU Olin will help you achieve your long-term professional and personal goals. (500-word maximum)

 This statement should be uploaded as a file within your application.

Please describe what your ideal career will be immediately following graduation from business school. (100-word maximum)

This essay can be completed within your application.

Once you are admitted, you will submit your official transcripts.

Applicants to specialized master’s programs must submit a video interview through the KIRA platform as part of the application process. Once you submit your application to Olin, a unique URL link will be sent to your email address with instructions outlining the video submission process.

Most international applicants (non-US citizens or non-US Permanent Residents) must submit an unofficial TOEFL, IELTS or Gateway English score report at the time of application. In some instances, an applicant may meet our waiver requirements.

Click here for more information. 

TOEFL: Minimum Score: 90 | Preferred Minimum Score: 100

IELTS: Minimum Score: 6.5 Overall Band Score | Preferred Minimum Score: 7.0 Overall Band Score

Standardized tests are recommended but not required. Candidates should review our test policy description below to determine the best course of action for their particular set of circumstances.

*Global Master of Finance (GMF) programs still require the submission of a GMAT/GRE score.

Is there anything else you would like to share? If so, please provide additional information not previously addressed in the application that would help the admissions committee assess your candidacy. (250-word maximum)

MSA (all tracks): Statistics, Calculus I, Calculus II

MSFC: Statistics, Calculus I, Microeconomics

MSFWAM: Statistics, Calculus I, Microeconomics

MSFQ: Quantitative Coursework 

No specific prerequisites, but successful applicants to this program will demonstrate outstanding aptitude for advanced quantitative finance materials. Students who have majored in mathematics, computer science, quantitative economics, engineering, physics and statistics are especially encouraged to apply. Some background in the applications of computing to quantitative problem-solving is especially valuable. For more information, please refer to our admissions page. (Some courses we may look for include Calculus II, Linear Algebra, Econometrics, etc.)

MACC: Introduction to Financial Accounting

MSSCM: No prerequisites

We review each applicant on a number of factors, looking for individuals with strong academic, professional and extracurricular activities. We base our selections on past performance, quantitative skills and communication skills. To ensure diversity in each entering class, we admit students with various backgrounds, experiences, talents and interests.

Standardized tests (GMAT or GRE) are one part of the application process used to evaluate academic ability. Submission of test scores is not required but is recommended for most candidates. It is up to each applicant to decide how best to submit their strongest case for admission. For those who choose not to submit a test score, the Admissions Committee will carefully consider how past academic and professional experiences have prepared them for the academic rigor of the program. In particular, the committee will consider:

• A strong undergraduate GPA;
• Demonstrated quantitative skills in prior academic and/or professional experience;
• An advanced or terminal degree (e.g., JD, MD, PhD or quantitative MS degree);
• A quantitatively oriented professional certificate (e.g., CPA, CFA);
• An officer’s rank in the military; or
• Performance on an expired GMAT or GRE

Test scores must be released when you submit your application. We can accept the online versions of the GMAT and GRE. See your program requirements for more information.

Most international applicants (non-US citizens or non-US Permanent Residents) must submit an unofficial TOEFL, IELTS or Gateway English score report at the time of application. In some instances, an applicant may meet our waiver requirements.

Click here for more information. 

Tests We Accept:
TOEFL: TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Home Edition
IELTS: IELTS Academic, IELTS Indicator
Gateway English 

Applicants must hold the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution at the time of enrollment to be eligible for the program. (Note: Most international three-year degrees meet this requirement.)

Be sure your transcripts include all coursework taken and the grades received for each course, as well as any transcript instructions or descriptions provided by the institution.

Transcripts for study abroad programs or transfer credits are not required if the course titles, grades and credit hours are included on the transcript of the degree-granting institution. International students must submit transcripts in the original language and English translation.

Our Admissions Committee accepts unofficial copies of transcripts and test scores for the sole purpose of rendering an admissions decision.

Credential evaluations of transcripts, such as WES or ECE, are not required.

Enrolling students must submit official transcripts that include all coursework taken and the grades received for each course, as well as any transcript instructions or descriptions provided by the institution. 

Students must show proof of degree. For most US institutions (and many non-US institutions) an official transcript sent directly from the university or college will include the degree awarded and date the degree was conferred.

If you have not yet graduated, the official transcript from the degree-granting institution should be sent as it becomes available.

For students who have graduated from non-US institutions where the academic transcript does not show degree awarded and date of degree conferral, it will be necessary for you to bring your diploma, diploma book or other equivalent document with you to St. Louis. When you arrive—and before the start of classes—you must bring your transcript to the Olin Graduate Programs Admission for visual verification. These documents will then be returned to you.  

International students must submit both an original-language document and an English translation. 

Official transcripts may be submitted as follows: 

1. eSCRIP-SAFE® or any other authorized provider, emailed to OlinGradAdmissions@wustl.edu
2. Mailed by your university in a sealed, official university envelope to:
   Washington University in St. Louis
   Olin Business School
   Graduate Program Admissions Office
   Knight Hall 310, CB 1156
   One Brookings Drive
   St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
3. In person, delivered to Knight Hall, Room 310 in an official, sealed envelope from academic institution

If your transcript does not show the degree awarded and date of conferral, you need to bring your diploma or equivalent document to St. Louis and present them to the Graduate Programs office for verification before the start of classes.

International students must submit both an original-language document and an English translation.

Transfer credit and course waivers are not awarded until after you complete one semester at WashU Olin in satisfactory academic standing. Details vary by program; ask your academic advisor for more information.

26 students

Average age: 22
Average GMAT: 674
Average TOEFL: 105
Average GPA: 3.4
Average GRE-V: 158
Average GRE-Q: 167

Women: 58%
International students: 85%

288 students

Average age: 23
Average GMAT: 688
Average TOEFL: 104
Average GPA: 3.3
Average GRE-V: 158
Average GRE-Q: 168

Women: 39%
International students: 98%

71 students

Average age: 23
Average GMAT: 676
Average TOEFL: 104
Average GPA: 3.4
Average GRE-V: 159
Average GRE-Q: 168

Women: 38%
International students: 87%

176 students

Average age: 23
Average GMAT: 691
Average TOEFL: 104
Average GPA: 3.4
Average GRE-V: 158
Average GRE-Q: 168

Women: 38%
International students: 99%

86 students

Average age: 23
Average GMAT: 693
Average TOEFL: 103
Average GPA: 3.3
Average GRE-V: 158
Average GRE-Q: 169

Women: 26%
International students: 100%

24 students

Average age: 23
Average GMAT: 718
Average TOEFL: 108
Average GPA: 3.2
Average GRE-V: 161
Average GRE-Q: 169

Women: 25%
International students: 100%

50 students

Average age: 23
Average GMAT: 705
Average TOEFL: 103
Average GPA: 3.4
Average GRE-V: 157
Average GRE-Q: 168

Women: 36%
International students: 98%

If you have not met these prerequisites, they must be taken at an accredited college or university FOR credit. They can be done either online or in person. They must be taken by the program start date, not the application submission date, so you have plenty of time to take any missing courses—if you have not done so yet. Please inform us through the optional essay if you are planning on taking any courses in the future if they are not transcribed on your transcript. Alternatively, you can complete prerequisites through Outlier.

No, all prerequisites must come from an accredited university or through Outlier. Outlier courses are offered through the University of Pittsburgh and students receive a transcript that shows the courses taken, grades earned and number of credits. Coursera and MOOC do not provide this and are therefore not accepted.

Yes, as long as those courses are reflected on your college transcript, we will accept your AP credit.

If you feel any courses you have already taken fulfill the prerequisites but go by a different name, you can upload your transcript and course descriptions to the application portal so that our admissions committee can make an informed decision on whether you meet the prerequisite(s) or not.