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How to Write a Top MBA Personal Statement (With Examples)

Working on your MBA application? You aren’t alone. In 2021, over 200,000 students graduated with an MBA degree making it the number one choice for graduate students for the 10th year in a row. And there’s good reason for this. According to the National Center for Education Statistics , post-MBA, grads can earn significantly more at work—experts estimate an additional $20,000 each year depending on the industry. 

During the application process, you’ll want to stand out. A well-crafted personal statement will help distinguish you from other applicants. It serves as a powerful tool to showcase your unique experiences, skills, and aspirations to admissions committees. To make a lasting impression, tailor your personal statement to each MBA program you’re applying to, highlighting how your background aligns with their values and goals. For additional support, keep reading for some MBA personal statement examples and guidance. 

Understanding the Foundations – Word Count, Templates, and Pricing

When you start your personal statement, keep the word count in mind. Make sure to write your statement succinctly. Templates can give crucial structure to a first draft and make sure you hit necessary points. Finally: is it worth it to hire a professional proofreader? We break down the pros and cons. 

Word Count Considerations

A well-written personal statement is often the deciding factor in the business school admissions process. Conveying your thoughts concisely is a crucial skill in the business world, and future peers will be grateful for your brevity.

One strategy is to start with a longer draft and edit it down when revising. Remove unnecessary details and tighten wordy language. Focus on improving the quality of your content over meeting the maximum word count. 

Templates as a Starting Point

Templates can help to organize your thoughts. Use them to provide structure and give your writing direction. By planning ahead, you can decide how much space you want to dedicate to each element—this can also help you meet the word count.

Remember: popular templates are popular for a reason, and following them too strictly can make your statement feel rigid and unoriginal. To avoid that pitfall, personalization is key. Your individual experiences, goals, and perspectives are all unique. What would a Master’s in Business Administration mean to you? Don’t be afraid to customize any template to fit your voice. 

Professional Proofreading

Graduate schools know what a well-written personal statement looks like—and so do professional proofreaders. Experts can help catch small grammatical errors and improve clarity in your writing. It can be challenging to review personal writing from an objective standpoint. A good proofreader will streamline your writing and ensure overall coherence, improving your odds with your preferred school of business. 

Unfortunately, this can be expensive. Pricing for these services can easily cost hundreds of dollars. If hiring one isn’t in the budget, here are some alternatives: 

• Find writing groups online or in person. Not only will you receive feedback, you’ll get a better idea of what other personal statements look like. Be prepared to help edit other statements.
• Reach out to peers and mentors. Turn to people who know your voice and can tell when your writing is authentic. Make sure they aren’t afraid to give negative feedback.
• Utilize free online resources. Writing tools like Grammarly or Hemingway help check grammar and sentence structure. They won’t help with essay format and aren’t infallible; double-check any changes they might suggest.
• Read your statement out loud. This can help make sure your statement has a good rhythm and flows naturally.
• Take breaks. Be your own set of fresh eyes. When you’re in the thick of writing, you might glaze over easy-to-spot details while you’re thinking of the big picture. Allow yourself to recharge and clear your head before you get back to it. 

Tailoring Your Personal Statement to Top MBA Programs

Make sure to personalize your essays to specific MBA programs . Include details about specific classes and faculty, unique opportunities, and the strengths that make this program stand out. 

Then, tie yourself into the narrative. What role would you fill as a graduate student or an alumnus? Consider your own strengths and where they align with this specific program. What career goals could this opportunity help you achieve? 

Remember to mention your soft skills and other details that may not show up elsewhere on your application. Finally, shine a spotlight on your unique contributions in past roles. 

Write a Captivating Introduction

A beautiful personal statement will be overlooked unless the introduction captivates the audience. You can begin with compelling anecdotes, personal stories, or influential quotes. Tie this introduction into your reason for pursuing an MBA. Make the reader care before launching into your achievements. Then, clearly state why you’re pursuing an MBA. Example: “From the dynamic intersections of global markets to the intricate strategies driving corporate success, the realm of business has always beckoned to me as a realm of boundless opportunity and perpetual evolution..” 

Discuss Academic and Professional Background

Now it’s time to discuss what you’re bringing to the table. It’s okay to brag! Think about any key achievements or acquired skills that are transferable to an MBA program. What motivated you to apply? Example : “As a project manager at XYZ Corp, I navigated intricate challenges, demonstrating resilience and strategic thinking – skills I am eager to refine in a top-tier MBA program.” 

Answer the Questions: Why an MBA? Why Now? 

What does an MBA mean for your career goals ? Break down your short and long-term goals to answer this essay question. How do the skills you gain from earning an MBA connect to your plan? Research the program you’re applying for and use examples from the curriculum. Example : “My immediate goal is to transition from project management to strategic consulting, and Crummer’s MBA program’s focus on experiential learning and global business strategy perfectly complements my aspirations.” 

Emphasize Soft Skills

Think about moments you demonstrated personal growth or teamwork. Are there any moments you stepped up to lead a project or team? Your past experiences will influence your habits in a graduate school setting. Example :  “Leading a cross-functional team on a high-stakes project not only honed my leadership skills but also taught me the importance of collaborative problem-solving, a cornerstone of Crummer’s MBA program. “

Spotlight Unique Contributions

What sets you apart from other applicants? Moreover, what impact will your unique perspective bring to the MBA cohort? Explain how your background will enrich the learning environment. Detail personal qualities and experiences that showcase your value. 

Key Elements for a Powerful Personal Statement

Take a holistic approach to strike the right chord in your personal statement. Give admissions committees a more concrete impression of you. Weave in your qualifications, experiences, and aspirations. Don’t just mention your professional achievements—detail all of your positive qualities. 

Showcase Work Experience 

Be strategic when discussing your real-world work experience. If you can, including measurable results is a great way to show your professional impact. Earnings numbers, statistics, and other metrics will show off your professional experiences. 

Articulate Career Goals and Aspirations

When discussing career goals for an MBA application, detail your short and long-term objectives clearly. Ambiguity can weaken your statement’s impact. Whether you’re joining a family business, starting your own business, or looking to go abroad for international business you should discuss how you see yourself navigating the business world. Connect these career aspirations to the MBA program. 

Incorporate Extracurricular and Real-World Experiences

Touch on any extracurricular experiences like internships or entrepreneurship. Explain how these real-world experiences impacted your analytical skills, business acumen, and decision-making. If you’re an entrepreneur, touch on your journey or discuss the vision for your next startup. 

You can also talk about moments where you demonstrated leadership and communication skills. Teamwork is critical to business leaders. Reflect on your leadership experience—the successes you’ve won and the lessons you learned. 

Maintain Authenticity

Write authentically. Admissions officers want genuine stories. Give readers a reason to empathize with you. Overly formal and generic language can depersonalize your statement and keep readers at arm’s length. 

Also, use conversational language. If something sounds clunky or unnatural, it probably also reads that way. Plus, the way you speak naturally showcases your personality. While you should always use proper grammar, don’t suck the life out of your statement in the name of sounding more “academic.” Use this opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills. 

Navigating Common Challenges

Crafting your personal statements can be challenging! Let’s answer some FAQs. 

How Do I Balance the Personal and Professional Aspects?

Be intentional about what you choose to mention from your personal life. Use elements that either contrast or emphasize your professional experience. How does your background influence your business philosophy? Make sure to keep a professional tone and align your statement with the admissions committee’s expectations and be prepared for any questions the interviewer could ask.

How Do I Handle Sensitive Topics?

If you’re writing about a sensitive topic, do so thoughtfully. You don’t know what type of people will be reading your statement, so be considerate and intentional about any details you choose to share. 

However, your application essay should be a reflection of you. Sensitive subjects often play a major role in personal growth and development. Discuss what you learned from this challenging experience and how it influenced you. 

How Do I Make My Writing Stand Out? 

We’ve touched on all of the story elements you need—now trim the fat. Avoid common clichés and generic statements. Common phrases will dilute the unique perspectives in your personal statement. Make sure the language aligns with you. Avoid language that could apply to everyone when possible. 

Other MBA Application Process Essentials – GMAT Score, GPA, and Statement of Purpose

The MBA application process is multifaceted and holistic. Alongside your statement, admissions committees also consider your GMAT scores and GPA. GMAT scores are used to gauge applicants’ aptitude for business studies, while GPA showcases your readiness for MBA rigor. If you have a lower score in either category, address these challenges by highlighting your other strengths, relevant experience, and resiliency. Remember: committees consider the entire application, not just scores. 

The other factor in the application process is your Statement of Purpose or SOP. This will complement your personal statement. Make sure your SOP articulates your academic and career goals without echoing your other application essay. Avoid redundancy. Focus on the future: link the MBA program to your long-term plan. Take a forward-looking perspective and demonstrate how the MBA will work as a natural progression in your life. 

Your personal statement should be as unique as you are. Start with a compelling narrative and a plan. Proofread your essay, and don’t be afraid to seek help from peers or professionals. Explain how your personal and professional life gives you the necessary skills to thrive at your desired program and be specific about what you want to do there. This is your chance to differentiate yourself from other applicants—take advantage!

Crummer is the #1 ranked MBA program in Florida. You can learn more about what we offer and when you’re ready, start working on your application . 

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7 Outstanding MBA Personal Statement Examples

For top 5 mba programs in the world: updated.

Featured Expert: Hassan Awan, MBA

Reviewing MBA personal statement examples can really inspire your own! Before applying to competitive professional programs, many students review medical school personal statement examples or law school personal statement examples , as these can be a great way to gauge what is expected of you. And if you are applying to an MBA – you should certainly review MBA personal statement examples! In this blog, we will teach you what an MBA personal statement is and why it’s needed, the types of essay questions commonly asked and how to answer them, and provide 7 MBA personal statement examples you can study to craft your own. This blog will also cover some of the key elements of a winning personal statement and some of the biggest mistakes to avoid when writing your personal statement.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 26 min read

What is an mba personal statement.

An MBA personal statement is an integral part of any MBA application. But what exactly is it? Simply put, an MBA personal statement, sometimes called a goal statement or statement of purpose, is a summary of your goals and experiences, why you are applying to your chosen MBA programs and what you hope to achieve in doing so. It’s a document, written in essay form, that tells admissions committees the skills, experiences and fresh perspective you can bring to the program.

A personal statement convinces admissions committees that you are the most suitable choice for a position in a department of Business Administration. MBA personal statements work a bit like a great cover letter for a job interview. A good cover letter tells a hiring committee a bit more about you and your suitability for a job position. A great one will get you an interview or even a job offer from the chosen company. Similarly, your MBA personal statement should cinch your acceptance to a chosen program in the field of business administration.

For almost every application process, you’ll be asked to write a personal statement, and an MBA program is no exception. Schools want to know more about you. They want to know your motivations, your purpose in applying to business school, and any significant part of why you chose to pursue this degree. They’re looking for more than high grades and impressive resumes.

Admissions committees know that the competition is fierce, so they want to make the best decision possible. A personal statement is the best way to show them why your candidacy should be considered above others.

Your personal statement is your chance to shine. It’s a chance to make an impression on your business school’s admissions committee. It also shows committees that you have top-notch writing and communication skills, two things that are big assets to any future business leader. So, admissions officers aren’t just using your personal statement to measure how you stand out from the crowd, they’re judging your professional skillset as well. If you struggle with writing college essays for your application, consider reading some sample college essays to find inspiration and expert tips. Or, if you’re looking for a more holistic guide to the graduate school application grind, think about seeking help from an MBA admissions consulting service.

Still working on your MBA Resume as well? Here are some tips:

Common MBA personal statement prompts

For personal statements, MBA programs will usually pose a question to applicants, which the admissions committee expects to be answered in essay format. While the questions will vary from program to program and likely change from year to year, there are some commonly asked questions you can prepare answers for ahead of time.

These questions often seem a lot like common job interview questions, but it’s important to remember that the answers should focus on your personal, professional, and academic achievements that can relate to your MBA success. Admissions committees provide these personal statement prompts to encourage students to self-reflect on their motivations, goals and perspectives, and then to share their insights and discoveries with the school. Graduate school programs may also ask for a statement of purpose to ask you further questions about yourself, so review some graduate school statement of purpose examples and tips for extra help. The key is delivering a personal answer while tying it back to the skills and qualities needed to succeed in business school. It’s also good preparation for the MBA interview questions !

There’s no magic formula when it comes to writing the perfect personal statement, but there are some key elements that should be included to pack more of a punch. Aside from being well-written, MBA personal statements need to contain the content admissions committees are looking for, be presented in the essay format they want, and they need to keep the readers’ attention.

Below we’ve highlighted a few things to keep in mind when creating your personal statement.

Use essay format

Your personal statement needs to be organized in an essay format. A sentence or a short paragraph won’t do. Admissions committees are looking for a little more content, and a bit more structure. The typical word count of an MBA personal statement is around 400-1,000 words, so think one to two pages long. Some programs may have very strict word count requirements, while others may not specify the word count but ask students to answer two essay questions.

Craft your personal statement just as you would an essay, with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. Start with a brief introduction that captures the reader. Use the introduction to engage the reader and keep them reading until the end of the statement.

Follow this with 3 to 5 body paragraphs that dig a bit deeper into your answer to the prompt in front of you. Each body paragraph should elaborate on how you came to apply to MBA and what makes you a great candidate. Remember to always use examples to support your claims- in other words, “show, don’t tell” them your story!

The conclusion

For the conclusion, wrap up your statement neatly, impressing upon the reader that you are the right fit for the program. Your reader should be left with the incitement to action, namely, they should want to extend you an interview invitation.

Being able to master the short essay format will also show admissions committees that you have the writing chops needed to excel in their business program!

Keep in mind that personal statements are usually between 750 and 1,000 words, so they don’t need to be long, meaty essays. Be concise in your statement and cut out any unnecessary information or fluff that isn’t needed.

Have a compelling story

When writing your personal statement, it’s important to leave an impression. Admissions committees will remember a great narrative over another student with high marks in all their classes. Crafting a compelling narrative is easier said than done, but it can be done.

Consider the question being asked. Are they asking for a moment of personal achievement? Your greatest failure? Do they want to know what motivated you to apply for business school? From there, choose a significant moment in your life that relates to the question.

Tell the story of this personal moment, using narrative story structure to deliver it with the greatest impact. Story structure means taking the reader—the admissions committee—on a journey.

For example, a story about the time you decided to run a marathon might start with a bit of background on the race and why you decided to run it. Then it would talk about any obstacles or setbacks you faced in preparing for this challenge, and how you overcame them. In your essay, you could write about the race itself, your mindset and any unexpected difficulties like a twisted ankle, finishing with the result of you completing the marathon anyway or beating your personal best time. Discuss why this moment of personal triumph was significant to you and how it relates to your decision to apply to business school.

Use your natural voice

When writing your personal statement, it’s key to maintain your authenticity. It is, after all, a personal statement, so use your natural voice and style in your writing. Admissions committees appreciate unique voices, and it will be noticeable in your writing if you’re trying to be overly formal or adopt the style of another writer.

Remember that committees are asking who you are as a person. Being honest and natural in your responses will shine through with way more impact than trying to sound like the smartest person in the room or the most business-savvy applicant.

Prove your leadership qualities, be introspective and honest

No matter the essay question, it’s best to showcase your leadership qualities. Show admissions committees that you can be introspective and honest with yourself. They want to see proof of self-growth and self-reflection in the experiences you share in your personal statement.

Demonstrate your leadership as part of a team environment by highlighting the ways in which you built up your team or encouraged them. Show the admissions team that you have leadership over yourself as well, in your commitment to your goals, writing about how you saw a difficult project through to the end, or a moment of personal self-development in which you learned from past mistakes.

Share how you will contribute, and how the program will help you achieve your career goals

Lastly, draw attention to what contributions you can make to the school or program of your choice. Pump up your strengths and the unique perspective or skills you bring to the table. Present compelling arguments for why you should be chosen over others.

Also mention how the program you’ve chosen will contribute to your business education or help you achieve your career goals. Mention specific elements in the school’s culture or curriculum that you feel will be an asset to your education in business administration or your future in business.

Worried about your MBA Interview? These are some of the question types you can start preparing for:

What should be left out of an MBA personal statement?

Just as there are elements that need to be included in your MBA personal statement, there are parts to avoid as well. Some common mistakes in poorly written personal statements are making it too long, not proofreading or checking your work, and not answering the essay question effectively.

Below we’ve listed some key mistakes to avoid when writing your personal statement.

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Below we’ve provided 7 examples of great introductions, body paragraphs and conclusions of MBA personal statements, each answering the common types of essay questions we talked about above.

1. What motivated you to apply for this MBA program?

My family owns one of the oldest small businesses in our tight-knit community. I have always been proud to be a part of this family tradition, and it is my dream to open a small business myself. During the pandemic, I witnessed my parents and their fellow small business owners struggle to keep the doors open and the lights on. Many businesses, some of which had been here for decades, were ultimately unable to and had to close their doors for good. This was difficult for me, as it is not just a failing business, but an individual’s dream being shuttered. There are many hard-working small business owners in my community who simply could not compete or adapt to the changes of the past year. And they had no system to guide them on how to get back on their feet.

My dream to become an entrepreneur has now evolved; in the future, I want to create a company which incubates local start-up businesses. In working with [Company], I have developed my leadership and organizational skills, but an MBA from [University] will allow me to grow into a community-minded leader. With [Company], I have been fortunate to be able to lead a team of like-minded individuals, and see how both my actions, and the actions of the team, can lift up us all. It would be my goal to view my community of small business owners in the same way: as one unit that can be raised out of the circumstances we are all mired in.

[University’s] MBA program was my first choice because its foundational values align with my goals. With the program’s focus on the operation and management of small business, I believe it will provide me with the proper toolset to serve local business owners and up and coming start-ups. [University] also focuses on entrepreneurial leadership and development, which will be a great class to augment my existing skillset. The curriculum of this program will provide me with the necessary professional skills I need to succeed as a small business owner myself, particularly with its foundation of management, finance and leadership. Since the program also holds a high standard for innovative, exemplary leadership, I feel it will augment my developing leadership style and skills and mold me into becoming the kind of leader my community and its business owners need right now.

The small business owners in my community are like members of a family, and when they were faced with difficult times, I was amazed to see how they supported one another, and reached out to one another. My goal as a business incubator would be to provide a space for these businesses who were struggling or had to shutdown to restart again and get back on their feet. To have a community support system to reinvigorate them. It would also be a resource for any budding entrepreneurs in the community, who were scared off by these challenging times or simply don’t have the resources they need to get off the ground.

After graduating, I will achieve my dream of running a business incubator with the full guidance of my experiences inside and outside the classroom. With the skills I will have learned, I will be able to give back to my community and make a true impact on the lives of its small business owners. I am passionate about my goals, and deeply committed to making a real, tangible difference in my community’s business sector. I will take the lessons I’ll learn at [University] with me throughout my life and career in business and pass along the tools and skills I will have learned to the small business owners, like my parents, for whom it makes such an incredible difference.

2. Who do you most admire?

The businessperson I most admire is not a well-known titan of industry. Her name is [Name]. She is the founder of a not-for-profit organization which provides stray animals in need with care and housing, as well as educates on proper animal care. She has been my mentor as I have volunteered for her organization for the last 3 years. My passion for animals led me to volunteer with [Organization], but it was the incredible example set by [Name] which inspired me to further my professional goals and pursue an MBA. With an MBA degree, I can pour my experiences, skills, and passion into helping other not-for-profits like [Organization] succeed and continue to help animals. The world, particularly the not-for-profit sector, needs more leaders like her. She continues to inspire me with the commitment and passion she has for her business.

The reason I admire [Name] is because of her dedication to her business, her sense of responsibility to her team and the animals, and her vision in creating a better solution to stray overpopulation and pet abandonment. Every day, she works to educate pet owners on the problems organizations like hers face, and the effect on the animals and communities involved. People often misunderstand the work done by animal shelters and organizations like [Name’s], and it’s important to not only raise awareness but educate others on the real problems we are seeing everyday, and the proven solutions that can be provided. Overpopulation of strays and inadequate pet care often mean our shelters are at capacity, stressing our already taxed resources. It sometimes means we’re not able to accept an animal in need off the street, because someone else has returned a pet they weren’t prepared to care for.

[Name] puts everything she has into her business to ensure it runs in a responsible, organized way, from caring for the animals, to managing staff and customers. She tackles problems head-on, and she is involved in every step of the process to see where we can make improvements. Every year, she organizes our Adoption Day event and fundraiser. She sets up pens for potential pet owners to interact with our animals safely, signs up new shelter volunteers and accepts donations. And then she is in charge of educational presentations and a thank you speech in front of the crowd of our supporters and donors. She truly makes being an organized professional an artform. As part of the team, she is our leader by example, showing our team how to organize and set up a safe, fun and successful event. She leads from the front and shows us how to properly care for animals and advocate on their behalf.

[Name] is not only dedicated to her position as the team leader and head of the organization, but personally takes the time to do the work around the shelter and can fill in for any position flawlessly. She proves the importance of being able to multi-task, and how crucial it is to know every part of the business, when she shows our shelter volunteers how to clean out cages, maintain our animals’ physical health with grooming or properly delivering necessary medications, and how to socialize our animals with structured play with other animals and humans. She uses her creative thinking and innovation to keep finding ways the team can work smarter, not harder, and brainstorm ways that we can improve the lives of our animals. When our resources aren’t enough, or a piece of equipment breaks down, there is always another solution. When we didn’t have enough proper feeding and water bowls for our pets, she took it upon herself to recycle pieces of PVC pipe and plastic storage bins from our storage room to create a feeding and watering system that saved us time in caring for our animals and provided space for everyone during busy feeding times.

My mentor will always be an inspiration to me in the world of business for her leadership qualities and the way she executes her vision. Not only is she a prime example of a not-for-profit business owner, but she also never lets herself forget why she’s there, and she always shows up for her business. Working in the not-for-profit sector requires a surplus of passion, patience, integrity and dedication. It also requires superb organization, knowing your business inside and out, creativity and innovation. She demonstrates these qualities every single day, and inspires others to develop these qualities within themselves, too. [Name] is the best example I can think of a leader, a not-for-profit business owner and someone who truly cares about their mission. I hope to emulate the qualities she has shown and instilled in me in my future professional life.

3. Describe a time you led a team and what challenges you faced, how you overcame them.

The bulk of my professional experience has been as a member of team. I have been fortunate to have experience both being a part of and leading a team of talented and dedicated individuals. Working at [Newspaper] as chief layout editor, I consistently lead a team of 5 layout editors in creating and publishing a weekly paper. Journalism is a fast-paced environment that requires focus and collaboration. My team edited, laid out and approved a large volume of pages each week, working under tight deadlines. Our work requires adaptation and perseverance, and a fair amount of commitment to see things through to their deadlines and complete a project to the best of one’s ability. In my role as chief layout editor, I had the invaluable opportunity to develop my leadership style, grow as a leader, and prove to myself and my team that I can lead.

Within a newsroom, there are multiple departments all operating with a degree of separation from one another, but all key parts of the overall team. Normally, the department heads are in contact with one another to fix problems quickly where they come up and stay in contact throughout the publication process. My team of layout editors would inevitably run into a roadblock or have a question they needed to pose to another department head about the copy. Communications between departments were usually streamlined by being communicated exclusively through department heads. If a team member had a request, it went through me and on to the appropriate department head. Since department heads were not always available at the time the issue arose, I took the initiative to make it easier for my team to get the answers they needed to work, even if myself or the other department heads were absent. Through a shared Slack message board, members of my layout team could post a request or question to the related department. All team members of that department would be able to see the request and respond. Or, messages could be sent directly to the individual to answer the request.

Another major hurdle was ensuring every page that came through our hands kept to our strict style and layout guidelines. As team leader, it was my responsibility to clearly communicate our style and layout guidelines to my team members, providing a comprehensive guide for them to follow. This guide became a staple in the office and part of the package prepared for new hires. The guide helped new hires onboard more quickly and increased the team’s self-sufficiency. All pages being worked on were also visible to the entire team, so everyone knew who was working on what and how projects were progressing in real time, without the need for constant meetings and updates.

Leading my team at [Company] was a challenging but rewarding experience. In my responsibilities as team leader, I learned valuable lessons about the importance of transparency, clarity and advocacy in the workplace. I learned the importance of fostering an environment where the entire team could excel and be self-sufficient. Being a leader is about much more than delegating, fixing problems and guiding team members. In an environment as dynamic and fast-paced as a newsroom, I learned how to use my creative skills to improve the work environment. By making these seemingly small changes to our communications and operations, the team was able to thrive. Through my time as leader, I believe my best accomplishments were removing the team’s hurdles to productivity and efficiency. Once I did, my team showed me how adept they were at leading themselves.

My greatest personal achievement was also the realization of a lifelong dream. This year myself and my water polo team won the gold medal for the Junior Olympics. It has been my dream to become an Olympian since I was young and being awarded a gold medal for competing in my sport has been by far my proudest moment. Not only was this a significant feat of athleticism, perseverance, and dedication, it was an affirming moment for me personally. It proved what I was capable of once I set my mind to something. It showed me what my passion and hard work could bring me.

My journey as an athlete has taught me many important skills applicable to every area of my life. Water polo is a team sport, and I could not have succeeded in this personal victory without the hard work, encouragement, and help of my teammates. The team’s strengths and weaknesses must complement each other to form the best unit it can. And thinking and functioning as a team helps keep us sharp and focused. Being a part of a team also inspired me to push myself and constantly improve upon my own performance. During training with my team, I often had doubts about myself and my performance. I never viewed myself as the strongest link, and saw only how I fell short compared to my teammates in speed, strength or maneuverability in the water. My teammate, [Name], noticed how hard I was pushing myself and encouraged me to share my self-doubt with her. I carried her following pep talk with me to the gold medal match. She told me that our teammates all relied upon one another, but that we were also there to support each other. To complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. And she reminded me that my strengths were knowing who was the quickest, who was the strongest, and who was the best teammate for any given situation in a match. She pointed out that I had a knack for analyzing a situation quickly and immediately moving into position to support the teammate that needed it to maximize our chance of success in the round. Having the team’s expectations of me, knowing they were relying on me, but also supporting me, inspired me to be my best. To challenge myself and expand the limits of what I thought I was capable of.

Water polo is also a physically demanding sport, and my long hours of training and practice have taught me diligence, patience and perseverance, especially when there is a goal I am striving for. But frustration bubbles up in you when you don’t see results or even a shred of improvement. Self-doubt might creep in, because you know that even your best might just not be good enough. Not to mention, when you’re in the arena and all eyes are on you, it’s easy to get distracted. My self-doubt was keeping me from seeing my personal strengths, and the improvements I had made. The mix of frustration at lack of progress and determination to do better pushed me too hard. After my teammate’s inspiring talk, I started to focus on my strengths, playing out different match scenarios in my head and in the pool and practicing drills with my teammates to improve my reaction times.

I remember walking out and trying to tune out the noise and distractions. You run through the mental checklist, and you’re so focused you almost forget what’s coming next. It feels a bit like sleepwalking, because you’re not aware of what’s happening around you, but you don’t miss a thing. Everything you have practiced comes rushing back to you and you’re waiting for everything to start. When it does, there’s the snap to action. All your training is remembered in a single instant, and suddenly you’re ready for everything. Your team is with you, all of them connected to you, sharing the same thoughts. You don’t need to tune anyone out anymore, because the only thing that exists in your world is your team and the game. It’s almost hard to believe when the game is over and you come back to the real world. It’s a surreal feeling. And then you realize: we won.

Although I have achieved this personal goal through hard work and dedication to my sport, it has opened my eyes to the other possibilities still ahead of me. In achieving this milestone, it has made me strive to reach for the next rung on the ladder and keep improving myself in my sport and in my personal development. In achieving something I wasn’t always sure I could, I’ve shown myself what I’m capable of, and taught myself the value of challenging myself and growing myself.

Want to learn more about MBA courses? Check out this video:

5. How will you contribute to school’s diversity?

As a female entrepreneur, I know the unique perspectives and value I can bring to the table. Growing up with a grandmother who started her own business had a huge impact on me, as it taught me what women in business are capable of. Now, as a proud business owner myself, I can see how my personal journey affects my approach to business. My grandmother owned a small hardware store, and hers was the only store around for miles in a rural area. She knew each of her customers by name, and took the time to chat with each one, providing advice or recommendations on their home improvement projects. As a child, I was astounded by her depth of knowledge and how she always seemed to have an answer for everything. It inspired me to follow her and soak up the information she had. As we worked, she also provided me with gems like ‘if they come back with a smile on their face, you’ve done your job’.

When I built my business, I was focused on one mission: to help empower my fellow female entrepreneurs and business owners. Now that I have been in business for a few years, it still amazes me how often my clients share stories with me that echo my own. We share so much of our struggles, triumphs and experiences, and yet we each have our own story to tell. We all have different reasons for going into business for ourselves. Some of the best interactions I’ve had are when my clients share their stories with me. When I was still working with my grandmother in her shop, I was helping a young girl with a school project. She wanted to construct a birdhouse and needed some help finding the right materials. Unlike her classmates, she wanted to construct the most unique birdhouse possible. Something the most colourful birds would call home. Together, we went through the store picking out flashiest glitter, buttons and faux feathers we could find. The following week, she returned to proudly show off her birdhouse, the most colourful I have seen yet. Seeing the proud smile on her face and seeing the result of what I had helped to build, ignited the spark that has never left me. Knowing I was a part of her passion project, of helping it become a reality, fills me with the same pride I feel now helping other women to succeed in their business. Whenever a client tells me that I’ve given them the tools they never thought they’d have access to or given them the advice they never knew they needed to succeed, I know I’ve done my job.

As a female business owner, I bring my own special brand to my business. My business was built on my personal passions and values, and it shows in every interaction with my stakeholders, my employees and my clients. My motivation to pursue my MBA comes back to my grandmother’s words of wisdom in doing my job. Doing the best job I possibly can for my clients. And I know I can’t continue to grow, and provide my clients with my best work, without continuing to develop myself professionally. In pursuing my MBA, I am filling myself up with even more knowledge, even more skills, that I can pass onto those who need my help.

6. Talk about a personal failure and what you learned from it.

Even as a child, I was never good at accepting failure. Whatever I did, I wanted to excel. And I quickly grew disinterested in activities I didn’t have a natural talent for. While in life it is inevitable to experience failures, there is one incident in my personal life that stands out. A few years ago, I was training for a national track and field competition. Track and field was something I was effortlessly good at, and I knew I would have no trouble competing when I qualified for the race. I would be racing in the 100 m sprint, a category in which I excelled and was sure to win first place. Even though I was assured of my victory, I devoted myself to my training. It was important to me that I show my best efforts and impress.

Before my defining race, I was warming myself up, preparing myself for the feat of athleticism. I also sized up the competition, taking note of the strongest runners, as I usually did. It became a pre-race ritual for me, to mentally catalog my opponents and consider how their strengths and weaknesses matched up to mine. There was one runner I noticed and dismissed immediately for being the smallest and weakest-looking of the group. Unlike the rest of us, he wasn’t warming up for the upcoming race. He was sitting quietly on his own, concentrating only on himself and whatever mental pep talk he was running through his head. Thinking nothing of it, I approached the starting line and waited for the gun blast. As soon as it fired, I took off, digging my toes in and launching myself ahead of the pack. I was pushing my body to its limits to reach that finish line. I could see my opponents falling back, on my heels but unable to catch me as I sprinted with confident strides. But to my surprise, the small runner I had dismissed so easily was a pace ahead of me in my sightline. Determined to beat him, I poured everything I had into my sprint, feeling the effort burn through me. But it wasn’t enough. The runner effortlessly flew over the finish line before me, nabbing the first-place prize I had worked so hard for.

While my defeat in an arena I excelled in could have brought bitter disappointment, it was also a good reminder for me that we all fail. Competition is inevitable, and we should never grow complacent in the areas where we excel. If we stop growing, our competition will catch up to us quickly and unexpectedly. If we want to stay ahead of the game, it’s important to keep improving. Because even the best athletes continue to train to stay at the top. My fellow runner didn’t care about their competition, and they weren’t concerned about comparing themselves to others. They were solely focused on their goal, as any top athlete should and will be. This is a lesson I took to heart.

During this race, I did also beat my personal best time, so it showed me that even if I excel at something, there’s always room for improvement. It taught me that complacency is the enemy of my success. I was so satisfied with what I thought to be my peak performance. I had thought I was at the top of my game. But this experience showed me how wrong that was, and how important it is to keep growing and developing myself. I’ve learned that even with our best efforts, we can sometimes still fall behind. Sometimes, someone’s strategy will be better. Or they’ll be better prepared. But mostly, it showed me that instead of focusing on how I measure up to others, I need to shift my perspective and ask how I measure up to who I want to be. My goal now shouldn’t be to be the best, my aspiration should be to become the best version of myself I can possibly be.

7. What are your career aspirations?

Brewing has been my family’s calling for generations, from my father brewing backyard beer to my ancestors’ colourful history of distilling illegal spirits. Recipes have been passed down through the family, and we each have our own favourites and specialties. Some of us add unexpected flavours to our home brews. Others swear by old or superstitious techniques. Still other members of the family have kept their ‘secret ingredient’ close to the vest. Something I want to change is the fact that the family hobby has never quite grown out of the backyard. Because the other family tradition is in the sharing of a cup, and I think with the growing popularity of micro-breweries and micro-distilleries, other families might enjoy a taste of our traditions, too. In applying for this MBA program, I believe it will help me to achieve my dream of opening a micro-distillery. It has long been my goal to own my own business and incorporate my passion for brewing. Being a small business owner requires supreme organizational and management skills, which [School’s] program will provide me.

In opening my own micro-distillery, I will be able to share my passion with my customers. The area in which I grew up has a unique history of locally made spirits, and the ingredients that grow in the area cannot easily be found anywhere else. They provide an inimitable flavour profile and a taste of the local land that cannot be matched. It is my goal to carry on the proud traditions of my hometown region by opening my own micro-distillery, to share our unique regional flavours with the world. Although my dad has taught me his home-brewing techniques, I also have experience working for [Beer Brand] as a brewer. Learning the modern techniques of brewing has definitely expanded my skillset, although brewing the same brand of beer, using the standard recipe, doesn’t have the same passion in it. My work experience has rounded out my technical skill as a brewer, and it has also given me some insight into the operations of a business. I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to operate a small business, and I know I have more to learn in this area. I know if I want to succeed in turning my family tradition into a real business, I need to build up my business sense. 

To achieve my goal of owning my own micro-distillery, it is important to have a strong business sense behind the passion and big idea. I believe with this program I will add the leadership, management and operational skills I need to see my micro-distillery off the ground. My business will need a team, and I will need to develop myself as a leader to be able to choose and develop my employees. I know I will also need to learn the management skills that will allow me to help them be successful. It is my belief that this program will instill in me the soft skills I need to become the leader and teammate I need to become to see this venture succeed.

Writing an MBA personal statement is tricky, but it is a must for any business school application. By following the above tips or studying the examples we’ve provided in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to writing an awesome personal statement. Finally, if you are looking for more inspiration, check out our Harvard MBA personal statement examples . This renowned institution is well-known for its standards. If you can write a personal statement like this, you can get into any MBA program out there!

MBA personal statements are typically between 750 and 1,000 words.

An MBA personal statement is almost like a cover letter for a job application. It is written in essay form and should explain why you are the right choice for an MBA program. Your MBA personal statement should also highlight why you wish to attend the schools you're applying to and what you hope to do with your MBA.

Yes. Most MBA programs will ask for a personal statement as part of their application process.

A general rule of thumb is to include a strong personal narrative, compelling arguments for your candidacy and qualities or strengths you will bring to the program you’re applying for.

Yes. Usually, schools will change the essay question each application cycle. Though this may vary depending on the program.

Some of the most common personal statement essay questions relate to personal achievements, motivations for applying to business school or how you will contribute to the school’s MBA program.

Yes. Admissions committees will be expecting your personal statement to be in short essay format. If it’s not, it may lead your application to the rejection pile.

The simplest way is to study the short essay format, read the essay question, reflect on your personal experiences, and answer the question being asked!

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As a Carnegie R1 research university, the University of Texas at San Antonio is making bold advances in the fields of health, energy, security, sustainability, human and social development, and more with its graduate students and renowned faculty. Be part of a close-knit, diverse community of peers seeking to solve society’s grandest challenge and gain real-world professional experience in our graduate programs.

Ready to start? This page will lead you through all the details you need to know about applying as a graduate student to The University of Texas at San Antonio.

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All graduate programs in Finance are accredited by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business—and conform to recommended guidelines.

• M.S. in Finance – General Option
• M.S. in Finance – Real Estate Finance and Development Concentration
• Ph.D. in Finance

Master of Science Degree in Finance

The Master of Science degree in Finance (M.S.F.) provides an intensive education in various aspects of finance, including markets and institutions, corporate finance, international finance, financial modeling, and investments, including derivative securities. Emphasis is on theoretical aspects of finance, developments in financial instruments and markets, and practical application tools and techniques. The program is designed to train students to be financial managers and analysts in corporations, banks, and investment institutions. It also provides the opportunity for students to prepare to undertake specialized certification examinations and doctoral studies in finance. The program, including admission, is supervised by the Graduate Program Committee in Finance, which includes the Graduate Advisor in Finance. General requirements for completion of the program consist of nonfinance foundations of knowledge requirements, required finance courses, elective work, and a comprehensive examination.

Program Admission Requirements

For admission to the Master of Science degree in Finance program, applicants must meet University-wide graduate admission requirements. Applicants are further considered on the basis of demonstrated potential for success in graduate study in finance as indicated by a combination of prior academic achievement, Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, statement of purpose, résumé, and reference letters.

The M.S.F. Graduate Program Committee evaluates each applicant individually based on the complete package of submitted materials.

A complete application package will include:

• A completed application form.
• Transcripts from all universities attended.
• Official GMAT or GRE scores.
• Statement of Purpose: The statement of purpose gives you a chance to describe your academic and professional goals in finance. Given your life, academic, and professional experiences, explain why the degree is desired and how obtaining the degree helps accomplish your career goals and objectives. Optionally, explain your past academic performance beyond that conveyed by the submitted material, and include anything else that might contribute to a favorable recommendation on your application. Statements are generally one to two double-spaced typed pages and can be addressed to the M.S.F. Admissions Committee.
• A current résumé.
• Letters of reference from people who are familiar with your academic/professional experience. Submit at least one letter of reference and up to a maximum of three letters of reference.
• Interview (optional).

Students with nonfinance undergraduate degrees or other deficiencies may be required to take additional undergraduate and graduate remedial courses, as determined by the Graduate Program Committee in Finance. Such courses do not apply toward the degree.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete 33 semester credit hours and a comprehensive examination.

Degree Options

Students seeking the M.S.F. degree may elect one of two options to complete the required 33 semester credit hours: M.S.F. General Option or M.S.F. Real Estate Finance and Development Concentration.

Master of Science Degree in Finance – General Option

Under M.S.F. General Option, students are required to complete 6 hours of M.S.F. foundations of knowledge courses, 9 hours of finance courses, and 18 hours of elective courses as outlined below. Incoming students without a math background (committee discretion) may be required to take additional preparatory work. Students without a business background will be required to take MBA 5113 Business Foundations (no credit for this course will count toward the degree requirements).

Master of Science Degree in Finance – Real Estate Finance and Development Concentration

This concentration is designed to offer the opportunity for qualified graduate students to study finance at the graduate level with an emphasis in real estate finance and development. It assists students in preparing for real estate careers in the field of finance or for graduate study in real estate at the doctoral level.

Students choosing to concentrate in real estate finance must complete 6 semester credit hours containing the M.S.F. foundations of knowledge courses, 21 semester credit hours of required courses, and 6 semester credit hours of electives.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Finance

The College of Business offers opportunities for advanced study and research leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Finance. The Ph.D. in Finance is awarded to candidates who have displayed an in-depth understanding of the subject matter and demonstrated the ability to make an original contribution to knowledge in their field of specialty.

The regulations for this degree comply with the general University regulations (refer to Student Policies, General Academic Regulations, and the Graduate Catalog, Doctoral Degree Regulations).

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The Ph.D. Program Committee in the major areas will evaluate applicants to the Ph.D. program based on several factors, including academic achievement, standardized test scores, employment history, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and possibly an interview. All applicants must submit the following material for evaluation:

• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework completed.
• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores from a recent (no more than five years old) administration of the examination.
• Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources familiar with the applicant’s background.
• A résumé or curriculum vitae and a statement of academic interests and goals.
• International students must also submit a score of at least 79 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT. TOEFL scores may not be more than two years old.

Candidates who do not possess a master’s degree in a business or business-related discipline with sufficient quantitative rigor are required to complete a program consisting of a minimum of 84 semester credit hours. The Ph.D. Program Committee for the major area discipline will determine a degree program for each candidate based upon that candidate’s particular background. Candidates whose backgrounds are determined to be insufficient may be directed to take additional background or leveling courses (see sections A, B, and C of the Program of Study below) before proceeding to the program’s required courses. Some or all of the background requirements (sections A, B, and C) may be waived for candidates who enter the program with the appropriate prior graduate coursework.

Admission may include an appointment to a teaching assistantship, research assistantship, or research fellowship. The Ph.D. Program Committee, comprised of members selected from the graduate faculty, is responsible for advising students.

Degree Requirements for Students that have Obtained a Bachelor's Degree

The degree requires a minimum of 84 semester credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree.

No course for which a grade of less than “C” was earned can be applied to the Doctoral degree program, and no more than two courses with a grade of “C” may be applied to the program.

Program of Study

Degree Requirements for Students that have Obtained a Master's Degree

The degree requires a minimum of 66 semester credit hours beyond the master’s degree.

Program of Study 

Advancement to Candidacy

Advancement to candidacy requires a student to complete University and program requirements and to pass a written qualifying examination following completion of course requirements in the candidate’s major field of study. The examination is administered by the Ph.D. Program Committee. No more than two attempts to pass qualifying examinations are allowed. Results of the written and oral examinations must be reported to the Ph.D. Program Committee, the Dean of the College, and the Dean of the Graduate School. Admission into the doctoral program does not guarantee advancement to candidacy.

Dissertation

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research by completing and defending an original dissertation. The research topic is determined by the student in consultation with his or her supervising professor. A Dissertation Committee, selected by the student and supervising professor, guides and critiques the candidate’s research. The completed dissertation must be formally presented to and approved by the Dissertation Committee.

Following an open presentation of the dissertation findings, the Dissertation Committee conducts a closed meeting to determine the adequacy of the research and any further requirements for completion of the dissertation. Results of the meeting must be reported to the Dean of the College and to the Dean of the Graduate School.

Awarding of the degree is based on the approval of the Dissertation Committee, approved by the Dean. The UTSA Dean of the Graduate School certifies the completion of all University-wide requirements.

Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Finance and Development

The Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Finance and Development is a 12-semester-credit-hour graduate option that will benefit professionals working in the real estate community and desiring knowledge in real estate finance and development. The program is designed for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree and wish to obtain a foundation for a career in real estate and development. It is also designed for those who hold a graduate degree but seek to obtain more education or specialization within the industry without committing to further graduate degrees. This certificate is also available to graduate students in Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, or Public Administration who wish to gain related expertise in Real Estate Finance and Development.

If it is determined by the Certificate Program Advisor that an applicant requires prerequisite background courses to adequately prepare for the courses included in the certificate program, this will be noted in the applicant's file. The applicant will be notified that the prerequisite courses must be taken before enrolling in certificate program coursework.

To earn a Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Finance and Development, students must earn 12 semester credit hours as follows:

Refer to the course descriptions for course prerequisites.

All Applicants, including those enrolled in a graduate degree program at UTSA, must obtain written approval from the certificate program admissions committee. All applicants must have a minimum of one to two years of continuous work experience in the field of real estate or related discipline as approved in writing by the program advisor. If the request is approved, this form will be signed by the Certificate Program Advisor and the Dean of the College or Director of the Center in which the certificate program is housed. A copy of this form will be sent to the Graduate Advisor of Record for the student’s degree program, the department in which the applicant’s program is housed, and the Graduate School.

Applicants who are admitted into a certificate program while also pursuing a graduate degree will be classified as degree-seeking students. Applicants who are not currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at UTSA will be required to apply for admission to UTSA as a special (non-degree-seeking) graduate student and to indicate their intent to seek admission into a certificate program. If a non-degree-seeking applicant wishes to be admitted into a degree program, they will be required to apply to that program as a degree-seeking student.

Applicants who are pursuing a certificate as special graduate students will not be eligible for financial aid.

Finance (FIN) Courses

FIN 5023. Financial Management. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: MBA 5113 and MBA 5133 , or their equivalents. The study of concepts related to the financial management of the firm. Topics include asset and liability management, capital investment analysis and valuation, risk and uncertainty, sources and costs of financial alternatives, corporate financial policy, and other corporate financial management topics. (Same as MBA 5333 . Credit cannot be earned for both FIN 5023 and MBA 5333 .) Differential Tuition: $387. Course fee: DL01 $75.

FIN 5033. Advanced Topics in Financial Management. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5023 or an equivalent. Focus on applications of financial management principles to business situations. Primary areas of focus include planning, current asset management, capital budgeting, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, corporate financial policies, and financing alternatives. (Formerly titled "Cases in Financial Management.") Differential Tuition: $407.10.

FIN 5403. Real Estate Principles. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5023 or written consent of instructor or program advisor. This course provides an overview of the discipline of real estate including both residential and commercial real estate. Topics may include the lease/buy decision, legal and industry aspects of the real estate sector, an overview of real estate capital markets, an introduction to debt and equity financing for real estate, principles of real estate investment decision-making, underwriting real estate transactions, commercial real estate development, sustainability, and an introduction to public and private real estate. If enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Finance and Development, the prerequisite for this course is FIN 5023 with a score of "B" or higher or the consent of the program advisor. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 5423. Real Estate Finance and Investment. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5403 . This course builds upon the principles of FIN 5403 to further study investment and finance concepts applied to real estate lending, development and valuation of real property. Topics may include the primary and secondary mortgage markets, construction and development financing, lender loan analysis, an introduction to the legal aspects of real property lending, and an overview of real estate investment trusts. The course also examines the major concepts and analytical methods useful for making real estate investment and finance decisions relating to individual and portfolios of properties. It builds upon the modern corporate finance perspective and treats property as one particular class of capital assets. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 5443. Real Estate Construction. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5403 . This course focuses on construction methods and management with application to real estate development, brokerage, and lending. Topics include various construction techniques and processes, and standard metrics for commercial real estate products including industrial, office, multi-family, and retail. Specific topics may include cost estimating, construction budgets, construction contracts, assembling and interpreting construction documents, project delivery, and overall management of the construction process. This course may incorporate outside speakers from the commercial real estate industry and students may be required to work on team projects. Differential Tuition: $387. Course fee: DL01 $75.

FIN 5453. Real Estate Development. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5423 and FIN 5443 . This course studies the real estate development process. Topics may include evaluation of real estate trends to project development needs, zoning and other legal considerations, site selection and evaluation, ownership and financing consideration, project scheduling, and evaluation of completed projects. This course may incorporate outside speakers from the commercial real estate industry and students may be required to work on team projects. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 5633. Investment Theory and Problems. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5023 or an equivalent. A study of investment analysis and decision making with regard to financial instruments traded in organized markets. Topics include descriptions and functions of markets; impact of market structure on market efficiency and security pricing; valuation of stocks, bonds, and options; analysis of risk and return characteristics of investment alternatives; and selection and management of bond and stock portfolios. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 5723. Fixed Income Analysis. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5023 or an equivalent. Develops a framework for the analysis of fixed income securities, valuation and risk-return characteristics of these instruments, and trading and portfolio strategies. Various data sources and financial software used to integrate theoretical concepts with practical applications. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 5733. Banking and the Financial Services Industry. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5023 or an equivalent. The study of management practices applicable to banks and other firms operating in the financial services industry. Bank management practices using an asset/liability management approach are emphasized. Topics include major trends and developments having an impact on the financial services industry. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 5813. Corporate Valuation. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5023 or an equivalent. The techniques and issues involved in making long-term investment decisions and valuing the financial claims on a company. Topics include the concepts of the cost of capital and financial structure, dividend policy, risk assessment and management, forecasting, and cash flow analysis. (Same as ACC 5913 . Credit cannot be earned for both FIN 5813 and ACC 5913 .) Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 5823. Corporate Restructuring. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5023 or an equivalent. Evaluation of corporate restructurings including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations are covered. Topics include ethics, strategy, due diligence, valuation, synergies, leverage, liquidity, control, accounting, deal structuring, post-merger integration and legal/regulatory considerations. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 5833. International Financial Management. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5023 or an equivalent. The theory of business finance as applied to the operations of multinational firms. The determinants of exchange rates and the management of exchange rate risk are analyzed in terms of their impact on how a multinational corporation functions in the international setting. Topics include the financial analysis and control of foreign investment decisions, management of working capital, participation in the international capital markets, financing of international trade, and management of corporate risk. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 5853. Entrepreneurial Financial Management. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5023 or an equivalent. The course focuses on the financial needs and conditions unique to the small firm that arise as it progresses from the development stage through the start-up, expansion, and harvesting stages. Topics include comparison of operating and managerial characteristics, valuation issues, and financial alternatives. (Formerly titled "Entrepreneurial Business Finance.") Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 5943. Financial Statement Analysis. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5633 or an equivalent; and ACC 3033 or ACC 3053 or an equivalent. The processes by which the economic information contained within financial statements is interpreted and used to evaluate historical performance, project future performance, and valuation of the firm. Topics include hidden assets and liabilities, earnings quality, liquidity and cash flows. (Same as ACC 5943 . Credit cannot be earned for both FIN 5943 and ACC 5943 .) Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 6213. Derivatives Markets and Instruments. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5023 or an equivalent. An examination of derivative financial instruments such as options and futures and their potential role in controlling portfolio risk. Valuation and the risk and return characteristics of these instruments, as well as trading and portfolio strategies, will be developed. (Formerly titled "Speculative Markets and Securities.") Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 6223. Corporate Risk Management. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5023 or an equivalent. An understanding of derivative instruments and their application in corporate risk management is developed. The topics covered reflect the fact that management of risk in the corporate context is a source of competitive advantage and growth. Derivative instruments such as options, futures, and swaps are analyzed. The choice of different instruments and their properties in managing corporate risk is examined. Differential Tuition: $407.10.

FIN 6313. Modeling of Financial Decision Making. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5023 or an equivalent. Computer models of financial problems commonly encountered in industry are developed. Topics include financial statement analysis, financial planning and forecasting, capital investment analysis, and financing decisions. Applications to investment analysis include security and options valuations, performance analysis, and portfolio management. Decision making under uncertainty is examined through various techniques, including simulation. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 6323. Financial Data Analytics and FinTech Lab. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5023 and FIN 5633 . Many aspects of finance require an intermediary (middleman) to allow the exchange of assets and information, facilitate payment/transactions, raise capital, and provide financial advice and financial management services. Technology is changing the way financial intermediaries deliver all of these services. This course first lays an informational foundation in five finance content areas: Payments/Currency, Equity Capital Markets, Debt Capital markets, Financial Consumption/Advice, and Financial Investments/Advice. The current financial systems that serve these areas and the technology disrupting the existing business models are covered. Second, students learn data collection and machine learning techniques which are often the source of technology revolutionizing financial intermediation. Using the information from the content areas and data collection/machine learning, students undertake a final project to demonstrate their understanding of the materials. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 6543. Credit Analysis. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FIN 5023 or an equivalent or consent of the instructor. Topics covered will include: financial statement analysis; identification of relevant factors affecting the economy, industry, and the firm; default risk measures and recovery rates; structure and documentation of debt contracts; and tools to mitigate default risk. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 6902. Special Studies in Real Estate. (2-0) 2 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study on various real estate topics not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Problems courses may be repeated for credit when the topics vary, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the degree. Differential Tuition: $258.

FIN 6903. Special Studies in Real Estate. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study on various real estate topics not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Problems courses may be repeated for credit when the topics vary, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the degree. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 6943. Finance Internship. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing, 15 semester credit hours of graduate work, and consent of instructor. Internship must be approved in advance by the Internship Coordinator and the student’s Graduate Advisor of Record. Cannot count as a finance elective toward the M.B.A. with a concentration in Finance. Supervised full- or part-time off-campus work experience and training in finance. Individual conferences and written reports required. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 6953. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) from the instructor and the student’s Graduate Advisor of Record. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. For students needing specialized work not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the degree. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 6961. Comprehensive Examination. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Approval of the appropriate Graduate Program Committee to take the Comprehensive Examination. Independent study course for the purpose of taking the Comprehensive Examination. May be repeated as many times as approved by the Graduate Program Committee. Enrollment is required each term in which the Comprehensive Examination is taken if no other courses are being taken that term. The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination). Differential Tuition: $129.

FIN 6971. Special Problems. (1-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Problems courses may be repeated for credit when the topics vary, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the degree. Differential Tuition: $129.

FIN 6973. Special Problems. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Problems courses may be repeated for credit when the topics vary, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the degree. Differential Tuition: $407.10.

FIN 6983. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Permission of the Graduate Advisor of Record and thesis director. Thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to a Master’s degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment is required each term in which the thesis is in progress. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 7023. Corporate Finance. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. The theory of financial management of the firm, including Miller and Modigliani propositions and their extensions; imperfect information and agency problems; and asymmetric information and signaling, will be considered. Corporate finance issues such as capital structure, dividend policy, corporate governance, and bankruptcy topics will be covered. Empirical research in corporate financial decisions will also be covered. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 7033. Valuation. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. The concepts of valuation are developed through such topics as asset pricing models and arbitrage methods. Development of concepts of value additivity, stochastic dominance, and state preference will be undertaken. Stochastic processes and stochastic calculus are developed for the pricing of options in continuous time. Other discrete time processes and valuation methods will also be covered. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 7043. Empirical Finance. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Theoretical concepts of asset pricing are presented, techniques for testing various hypotheses regarding asset pricing models, option pricing models, and fixed income models are examined. Market structure issues using event studies and time series applications are developed. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 7053. Topics in Financial Research. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This is a directed research course where the topics will vary. The student will undertake research under the instructor’s supervision. Topics often include empirical analysis. The course may be repeated for up to 6 semester credit hours when topics vary. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 7113. International Financial Markets. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Techniques are demonstrated in how to conduct empirical research in international financial markets (Forex, stocks, bonds, commodities, and derivatives) with sophisticated econometrics and extensive data analysis. Topics include trading mechanisms, market efficiency, price discovery, arbitrage, transaction costs, portfolio management, and exchange policies. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 7211. Doctoral Research. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

May be repeated for credit, but not more than 24 hours may be applied to the Doctoral degree. Differential Tuition: $129.

FIN 7213. Doctoral Research. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

May be repeated for credit, but not more than 24 hours may be applied to the Doctoral degree. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 7214. Doctoral Research. (0-0) 4 Credit Hours.

May be repeated for credit, but not more than 24 hours may be applied to the Doctoral degree. Differential Tuition: $542.80.

FIN 7216. Doctoral Research. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.

May be repeated for credit, but not more than 24 hours may be applied to the Doctoral degree. Differential Tuition: $774.

FIN 7311. Doctoral Dissertation. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Admission to Candidacy for the Doctoral degree in Business Administration. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 12 hours may be applied to the Doctoral degree. Differential Tuition: $129.

FIN 7313. Doctoral Dissertation. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to Candidacy for the Doctoral degree in Business Administration. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 12 hours may be applied to the Doctoral degree. Differential Tuition: $387.

FIN 7314. Doctoral Dissertation. (0-0) 4 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to Candidacy for the Doctoral degree in Business Administration. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 12 hours may be applied to the Doctoral degree. Differential Tuition: $542.80.

FIN 7316. Doctoral Dissertation. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to Candidacy for the Doctoral degree in Business Administration. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 12 hours may be applied to the Doctoral degree. Differential Tuition: $774.

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MARC Resource Materials

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Introductory Materials and Policies

• MARC Introductory Booklet
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• UTSA Wordmark with signature
• Note: insert a 230 or greater DPI image of yourself, approximately 1-inch wide and 1.25 inches tall Business Card
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• Individual Development Plan (IDP)
• 15-Minute Oral Presentation
• Poster: 3-column 36x48
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• Duello Elevator Speech

Educational Resources

• Class Activity: Fenugreek...Weight Loss or Hype?
• Experimental Problem-Solving: Pancakes Recipe
• Problems with Figures
• Rigor Bingo

Honors Information

• College of Sciences Distinction in Research
• Honors College

Thesis Information

• Developing the Undergraduate Thesis Proposal, Thesis Presentation & Written Document
• MARC Thesis

Course Materials - Research Careers

• The 11 Best Study Tips for College
• Careers: Academic Career Path
• Careers: Government Career Paths
• Careers: Science Career Paths
• Careers: Postdoctoral Training
• Careers: First Academic Job
• Creating a CV
• Creating a Mission Statement
• Creating a Personal Statement
• Creating a Scientific Abstract
• Creating a Scientific Poster
• Creating Tables and Figures
• Critical Thinking
• Graduate School: Introduction and Basics
• Graduate School: Prepare and Apply
• Graduate School Funding
• Graduate School Interviews
• Introducing Yourself
• Introduction to Pubmed
• Journal Club Walk Through
• Laboratory Notebook
• Laboratory Protocols
• Oral Presentations: Basics
• Oral Presentations: Planning and Making
• Oral Presentations: Presenting
• Research: Designing Scientific Experiments
• Research: Understanding Your Research Project
• Scientific Conferences
• Scientific Ethics
• Scientific Papers
• Starting Life in the Lab
• Taking Charge of Your Training
• Why Get a PhD?

Applying to Graduate School

• Applying to PhD Programs
• Kisses of Death in the Graduate School Application Process
• The Definitive 'what do I ask/look for' in a PhD Advisor Guide

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The College of Sciences envisions itself as a leading institution of higher learning in sciences and mathematics, with local and global impact.

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Tuesday, February 26, 2019

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