Waseda Business School
(Graduate School of Business and Finance)

CHEUNG Ming Yan William, Associate Professor

Master of Science in Finance at Waseda Business School (WBS) is an English-based program to develop successful financial professionals. Building upon the long history of Waseda University’s business education, dating back to 1904, our two-year program provides graduates with a solid understanding of the quantitative methods and analysis which are vital in the financial industry.

Why learn finance in Japan? Post-war economy of Japan has seen intense ups and downs, from the boom in the 80s and bust in the 90s, to decades of economic slump and the growth after COVID. This history has produced lessons of unique value. Takeaways from these lessons in the context of modern finance theories encompass a unique perspective, and provide students with successful learning experiences that we aim to achieve. We truly look forward to welcoming students from all over the world. We are confident that our graduates will develop successful careers and make a difference in the world of finance.

• Full-Time, Two-Year Program conducted in English

MSc in Finance program is a full-time, two-year program conducted in English. It is designed to cultivate human resources with financial knowledge and technical know-how needed for entrepreneurial activities.

• Fundamental education for essential knowledge and skills

This program does not require professional work experience at the time of admission. Students will systematically receive fundamental education to acquire the knowledge and skills required to work as financial professionals in the future.

• Advanced education for specialists and practical knowledge and skills

WBS faculty members are a dedicated team of excellent researchers and business professionals in the field. Faculty members provide high-quality classes full of practical knowledge and skills.

• Related knowledge to support core theory of finance

The well-balanced curriculum enables students to learn comprehensively, obtaining a wide range of knowledge in economics, accounting, and other relevant areas.

• Global business skills and experience

All academic work is conducted in English in a global setting with students from across the globe. Japanese language classes are also available for interested students (additional fees apply).

Waseda Business School has designed a flexible curriculum that provides students with a solid foundation in business fundamentals while allowing them the freedom to pursue courses that align with their career strategies.

The core curriculum currently consists of the two categories:

Compulsory Core Course

The Compulsory Core Course consists of seven courses, all of which are required.

• Mathematics for Finance
• Microeconomics
• Equity Investments
• Fixed Income Investments
• Statistics
• Econometrics
• Corporate Finance

Compulsory Elective Core Course

The Compulsory Elective Core Course consists of thirteen courses. Students must take at least eight courses.

• Derivatives Modeling
• Financial Econometrics
• Advanced Microeconomics
• Market Microstructure
• Corporate Governance
• Real Estate Finance
• Mathematical Finance
• Management of Financial Institutions
• Asset Allocation
• Asset Pricing
• Risk Analysis
• Advanced Risk Management
• Derivatives, Exotic Options and Insurance
• Theory of Accounting Choices
• Business Ethics for Finance Professionals​
• Microeconometrics
• TIME SERIES ANALYSIS​
• Behavioral Finance for Individuals
• Applied Corporate Finance
• Sports Finance: An Introduction

*All of these are two-credit courses.

Students must fulfill the following requirements in order to earn a degree of Master of Science in Finance from Waseda University.

• Be enrolled in the MSc in Finance Program (full-time) for two years
• Complete and obtain 50 (or more) credits
• Complete the Degree Thesis and pass the evaluation screening
• Pass the final examination (oral defense)

Web Syllabus Search

Course syllabi can be found on the web syllabus search system.

Degree Requirement (Unit: Credit)

(*) The credits of research guidance will be given on pass or fail basis.

About the change of Degree Requirements

After enrollment, students have to choose Seminar called “Zemi“. The list of seminars for 2025 is below.

*This list is subject to change.

For those who want to apply for the MSc in Finance program, please refer to Admission page below.