The Master of Science in Applied Finance program at the GW School of Business produces leaders in the field of finance. The program focuses on risk management, financial engineering, banking, corporate finance, and portfolio analysis and management. It has been designed to combine quantitative and computer skills with financial theory and applications. The MSAF program qualifies as a STEM program. The MSAF program is a full-time, 36 credit-hour program. Students with very strong backgrounds in a particular subject area can petition to waive a required course, replacing it with an elective as approved by the program director.