Earlier this month, NIU College of Business dean Joan Phillips-Hernandez traveled to Tijuana, Mexico, to sign a partnership agreement with CETYS University. Through this new collaboration, the college will host our Master of Science in Finance (MSF) degree program at CETYS.
“This partnership really reflects the positive reputation and recognition of our MSF program, and we are proud to be able to offer an NIU degree to students at an esteemed, accredited university like CETYS,” said NIU College of Business Dean Joan Phillips-Hernandez.
NIU’s MSF offers small, interactive classes focused on preparing students for careers in investment and commercial banking, asset and wealth management, insurance, trading, corporate finance and fintech. This program is STEM-designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, recognizing its emphasis on skills that advance the nation’s economic, scientific and technological competitiveness.
“This partnership with CETYS University represents an exciting step forward for the College of Business that strengthens our position with our Latin American partners,” Phillips-Hernandez said. “As a proud Hispanic-serving Institution, NIU is committed to creating meaningful collaborations that provide global learning opportunities for our students and foster connections across borders. Together with CETYS, we’re building pathways that prepare future business leaders to thrive in an interconnected world.”
“The M.S. in finance program provides students with the knowledge and practical skills needed for success in fields such as investment and commercial banking, asset and wealth management, insurance, trading and corporate finance,” added Lei Zhou, who serves as Jones, Diedrich, Mennie Professor in NIU’s Department of Finance. “With personalized attention and access to select MBA courses, students benefit from a more engaging and customized learning experience. We are thrilled to offer this degree to students at CETYS.”
Many CETYS students look forward to completing their NIU MSF degree and pursuing their Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Students entering this program are working professionals — many employed by companies operating in Mexico and the United States. The program is scheduled to start in summer 2026 and will be delivered in a hybrid format, with some courses taught by NIU faculty traveling to Tijuana and others offered online. CETYS students will also travel to NIU for a one-week immersion experience to visit U.S. companies and engage with NIU faculty members and fellow MSF students.
For more information about our CETYS partnership or NIU’s MSF program, contact global program director Ben Piscopo at bpiscopo@niu.edu.
