Online Masters in Finance
Derick de Souza
Derick is a business and education consultant working on various projects and scopes. With about 25 years of experience in different settings, he loves to tell others about “how not to be a failure” rather than “how to be successful.” Derick writes and edits articles on online learning, business, employment, and skill development, among others. His hobbies include photography, web design and development, and traveling.
Degrees
Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
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Finance is the study and understanding of how individuals, businesses, and organizations raise, allocate, and utilize monetary resources over time while considering the risks involved in their initiatives. It can also be defined as the study of money and other assets, their management, risk profiling and mitigation, and organizing funds for business. Finance is the broadest category of all business activities and requires a thorough understanding of the entire business, if not the entire economy. An Online Masters in Finance degree program provides students with the information and abilities they need to excel in business and grow in finance occupations. Students learn to analyze and solve complex real-world problems in finance and investment and deal with practical issues in the areas of investment analysis and portfolio management, financial markets, corporate finance, financial engineering, financial modeling, derivatives, risk management, and financial policy and strategy, among others. Graduate students interested in careers in asset management, corporate finance, options and futures, and financial markets and institutions are best suited for this program. Employment in finance occupations is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations and the median annual wage for finance occupations was $72,250 in May 2020, promising good potential for graduates of a finance master’s. This page covers the master of finance – its curriculum, degree types, available funding options, scholarships, the best masters in finance programs, and more.
Best Online Masters in
Finance Programs
A good school, quite naturally, should have excellent infrastructure, well-structured programs, trained, qualified, and experienced teaching staff, robust students support services, and more. Accreditation is also what defines a well-recognized school that offers quality through and through. Many schools in the United States offer top masters in finance programs, and most of these are on par with each other, making finding the best ones rather tricky. Factoring several vital components and parameters, various teams at FBD have identified and assessed hundreds of schools to zero in on the best ones to prepare a master in finance ranking. The following is a list of the best masters in finance programs online: *
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
Find Online Masters in Finance
Programs Near Me
Most colleges follow the system of charging a lower tuition fee for in-state students and a higher tuition fee for out-of-state students. Although online programs, in many instances, do not differentiate between in-state and out-of-state students, the location of the college may still be a crucial deciding factor for students who want to pursue their online master’s in finance degree program closer to home. Besides, the cost of the program combined with location can influence one’s choice of a college and program. To make it easy for students to find the best and most affordable college in a location of their choice, here is a list of ‘finance master’s colleges near me’:
What to expect from the Online
Masters in Finance?
Types of Online Masters
in Finance
Areas of Specialization for Online
Masters in Finance
Specializations help students dive ever further into their career goals. They provide specialized knowledge and skills in a particular area of finance that can be used in targeted sectors of business and industry. Concentrations and specializations also significantly drive up one’s earning potential and career prospects. Here are a few online masters in finance specializations that students could opt for:
| Specialization | Description | Careers |
|---|---|---|
| International Finance – Online Masters in Global Finance | This specialization, as the name suggests, focuses on international finance and matters related to it, such as currency, international business law, cross-border trade, international investments, etc. | An Investment Finance Specialist can work in banks, multi-national corporations, governmental agencies, wealth management companies, or independent consultants. |
| Risk Management – Masters in Risk Management Online | This specialization deals with the identification, assessment, and mitigating of pure risk situations for businesses and individuals. Students learn how to minimize investment risks, hedge funds, and deploy various solutions to manage risk. | A Risk Management Specialist can work in businesses, insurance companies, government agencies, wealth management companies, or as an independent consultant, portfolio manager, and asset manager. |
| Corporate Finance – Online Masters in Corporate Finance | This specialization focuses on the management of financial resources of non-financial firms and business houses. It involves the planning, acquisition, and financing of resources for businesses. | A Corporate Finance Specialist can work in businesses, non-banking financial corporations, banks, or independent consultants. |
| Financial Analysis – Masters in Financial Analysis Online | This specialization emphasizes analytical and quantitative approaches to analyze and interpret data and create data-driven investment strategies | A Financial Analyst can work as an independent consultant, portfolio manager, or in insurance companies, wealth management firms, and businesses. |
| Applied Quantitative Finance – Masters in Quantitative Finance Online | This specialization combines the in-depth study of finance theories and principles with advanced technologies, communication, and teamwork. It also focuses on ethics and values in finance. | An Applied Quantitative Finance Specialist can work in corporate finance, investment banking, asset management, portfolio management, or wealth management. |
| Real Estate Finance – Masters in Real Estate Finance Online | This specialization focuses almost entirely on the real estate market, what drives and influences it, how buying, selling, renting, leasing, and mortgaging affect the market and property valuations, and more. | A Real Estate Finance Specialist can work in corporate finance, banking, asset management, portfolio management, wealth management, or small or large real estate and construction firms. |
Some examples of other concentrations/specializations include:
Why should I do Online Masters
in Finance?
How to get into the Online Masters
in Finance program?
The admission requirements for a master’s in finance degree program are pretty much the same as those for other master’s degrees. Students are generally required to have a bachelor’s degree in finance or in another discipline that is closely related to finance or that included finance-related coursework. In instances where the applicant is not from a finance background, the program may require students to take up masters in finance prerequisites, such as Financial Accounting, Marketing, Business & Global Issues, Management Theory & Practices, Introduction to Statistics, Ethical Issues in Business, Survey of Economics, etc. Having work experience will improve the chances of admission and may also lower the cost of the master’s degree by way of fewer credits required. The list below contains most of the general admission requirements for an online masters in finance degree program:
Note: Students are advised to check with the admissions office of their chosen college for exact and specific admission requirements, as they vary by college and program.
How long does it take to complete the Online
Masters in Finance?
Accreditation for Online Masters
in Finance
Accreditation is a key component of the credibility of an institution. It is confirmation that the college meets and maintains set in administrative support and policies, instructor hiring and evaluation, quality of programs, infrastructure, and curriculum requirements, which in turn is an assurance to students and employers that the college or program is of value and reputation. Accreditation from one of the six major regional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S Department of Education is essential for both legitimacy and transferability. The following are the six regional accrediting bodies:
- New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Community and Junior Colleges Accrediting Commission (WSCUC)
Specialty accreditors, who analyze the same qualities as general accreditors but with a focus on the expert capabilities required of students, can also provide accreditation. They ensure that programs are well-rounded in terms of business knowledge, that instructor standards are grounded in real-world experience, and that the curriculum is up to date. Furthermore, a specialist accredited degree signifies that the school meets subject-specific criteria specified by the business world, such as those set forth by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). The following are the three most well-known CHEA-recognized specialty accreditors in the United States:
International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) accredits over 2,000 business and accounting programs worldwide and provides a supportive environment for members to develop high-quality, innovative business programs.
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) is a global business education accrediting body and the first organization to offer accreditation to all levels of collegiate business education degree programs, from associate to doctoral.
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) provides quality assurance, business education intelligence, and learning and development services to over 1,700 member organizations and more than 900 accredited business schools worldwide.
Students can check if their MS finance online AACSB or any other online masters in finance AACSB are authentic on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or U.S Department of Education websites.
Online Masters in Finance no
GMAT Programs
Many universities do not require the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) tests to be taken or scores to be submitted at the time of applying to a finance master’s program. However, applicants should examine if taking one of these exams and submitting test scores may help their candidacy. In some instances where test scores are usually required, they are waived off if the applicant has at least 3 to 5 years of work experience, another master’s degree, or a high Grade Point Average (GPA).
Here are a few examples of online masters in finance no GMAT:
The University of Scranton – Master of Science in Finance
The University of Scranton offers an online MS in Finance program that does not require the GMAT/GRE score; it has been waived through the Spring 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even otherwise, applicants with three years of professional work experience in finance may be waived from the GMAT.
Bellevue University – Master of Science in Strategic Finance
Bellevue University offers an online MS in Strategic Finance program that entirely does away with the GMAT/GRE requirement.
Pace University – Master of Finance for Professionals
Pace University offers a Master of Finance for Professionals, essentially an MS degree type, in the hybrid learning format (consists of online and in-person classes). The program does not require the GMAT/GRE score for entry.
Accelerated Online Masters
in Finance
Accelerated masters in finance online are growing in popularity by the day to save time and money and join the workforce as early as possible. Although most MS finance online degrees can be earned in a little less than 2 years, students who want to graduate quicker can opt for accelerated or fast-track finance degree master’s. Some schools combine a bachelor’s in finance with a master’s in finance in 3+1 years or 4+1 years packages, while others provide the option to take on extra course loads and complete their master’s in finance degree in 1 year.
Here are a few examples of one-year finance masters programs:
The University of Scranton – Master of Science in Finance
The University of Scranton offers an MS in finance online program that not only does away with the requirement of a GMAT/GRE score but can also be completed in 12 months. The program is AACSB accredited and prepares students for CFA certification.
The Seattle University – Master of Science in Finance
The Seattle University, Albert School of Business and Economics, offers a masters of science in finance program in three tracks – financial analysis/investments, risk management, and corporate finance, with the ability to complete the degree in 1 year (full-time) or 2-years (part-time).
Florida International University – Master of Science in Finance
Florida International University offers an online master of science in finance that prepares students for the CFA credential. Students can also opt for a specialization in financial innovation. The degree program can be completed in 12 months.
Colorado State University – Master of Science in Finance
Colorado State University offers a master of finance program that meets the federal definition of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and emphasizes technical skills combined with options for science coursework. The program can be completed in 1 year, with the flexibility of up to 2 years.
University of Arizona – M.S. in Finance
The University of Oklahoma – M.S. in Finance
Colorado State University Global – Master’s in Finance
Ivy League Masters
in Finance
How to Pay for Online Masters
in Finances?
Scholarships for Online Master’s
Degree in Finance
Scholarships are made and awarded to students who exhibit strong academic potential and performance but may lack the finances to fund their education. Several graduate-level scholarships are available to eligible students, handed out by universities, individuals, communities, interest groups, governmental agencies, and more. Here are a few scholarships for a master’s in finance degree program:
| Scholarship | Description | Amount/Award | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship | Funded by the Girard Miller Foundation, the Daniel B. Goldberg Scholarship is awarded to graduate students to recognize their outstanding performances and those who are preparing for a career in state and local government finance. | $20,000 | January 14, 2023 |
| Rhonda J. B. O’Leary Memorial (Seattle Chapter AFWA) Scholarship | The Rhonda J. B. O’Leary Memorial Scholarship is a one-year scholarship for women, awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student attending an accredited school within the State of Washington. | Up to $2,000 | Closed for 2021 | TBA for 2023 |
| Collaratory.org Scholarships | Collaratory.org, by the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, offers scholarships for students and adult learners seeking or continuing education at vocational/technical colleges, community colleges, state colleges, and universities. | Varies | January 12, 2023 |
| Dennis Greeno & Joan Signorille Scholarship | The Dennis Greeno & Joan Signorille Scholarship is awarded to students with academic potential who lack the finances to pursue their education. One or more scholarships will be awarded to Davidson and Sumner County students with academic merit and financial needs. | Varies | February 01, 2023 |
| Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship | The Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship, awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association, recognizes and encourages outstanding minority students enrolled in a course of study preparing for a career in state or local government finance. | $10,000 | January 14, 2023 |
Free Courses for Online Masters
in Finance
Free online masters in finance courses are available to students pursuing a master’s degree in finance who wish to learn more while keeping their educational costs low. Although many of these free courses do not lead to a certificate or culminate in a master’s degree in finance, they provide sufficient knowledge and information to widen one’s horizons and study beyond the textbook. Here are some resources where free courses and classes can be found:
| Course | Description | Offered by |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Finance-related Topics | EdX, a leading study portal, offers a host of finance and finance-related topics across different learning levels. Topics include ‘Deal Structures in Project Finance’, ‘Managing Personal Cash and Credit’, ‘Risk Management’, ‘Fintech: AI & Machine Learning in the Financial Industry’, ‘Financial Development and Financial Inclusion’, and more. | EdX |
| Finance and Finance-related Topics | OpenLearn (The Open University) works with and collaborates with other institutions to provide free courses and resources to students. The site offers 4 free masters in finance courses – ‘Equity Finance’, ‘Introducing Corporate Finance’, ‘Quantitative and Qualitative Research in Finance’, and ‘Stakeholders in Marketing and Finance’. | OpenLearn |
| Finance and Finance-related Topics | MIT Open Courseware has several free graduate-level courses on various finance topics, such as ‘Behavioral Economics and Finance’, ‘Consumer Finance: Markets, Product Design, and FinTech’, ‘The Law of Corporate Finance and Financial Markets’, ‘Financing Economic Development’, and more. | MIT Open Courseware – Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
FAQs about Online Masters in
Finance Programs
What is MS in finance?
Is a masters in finance hard?
Can you get a masters in finance online?
What can you do with a masters in finance?
What is the average fee charged by the colleges?
What are the best masters programs in finance?
What is the difference between accounting and finance?
Career Opportunities and Salaries after
Online Masters in Finance
Earning an online master’s degree in finance is, to a fair extent, a sure shot way to maximize one’s earning potential. Of course, graduates will be pushed to work hard and deliver and will have to constantly prove that they can perform – and perform under pressure, but those who do will reap well through high salaries, incentives, commissions, bonuses, stock options, and promotions.
What can you do with a masters in finance? Master’s in finance graduates can find work in a variety of settings spanning large and small businesses, manufacturing units, start-ups, insurance companies, health-care organizations and hospitals, educational institutions, real-estate firms, non-profits, and more. Some job titles include but are not limited to:
What does a masters in finance get you? Because occupations in finance may share the same title with different applications and job responsibilities, it is hard to estimate the exact compensation one can expect by way of salaries; assessing job growth is also not easy. But as an indicator, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in finance occupations is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations and the median annual wage for finance occupations was $72,250 in May 2020, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations.
Here is a list of a few examples of occupations in finance, online master’s degree finance graduates can explore, and their salaries and growth potential, as reported by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accountant & Auditor | Computer skills, communication skills, analytical skills, detail-oriented, critical-thinking skills, organizational skills | $73,560 | 7% (as fast as average) | An Accountant or Auditor prepares and examines financial records. They also keep track of a company’s financial health by filing taxes and making recommendations to boost revenue and cut costs. |
| Financial Manager | Detail-oriented, communication skills, organizational skills, analytical skills, math skills. | $134,180 | 17% (much faster than average) | A Financial Manager creates financial reports, directs investment activities, and develops plans for the long-term financial goals of an organization. |
| Personal Financial Advisor | Math skills, analytical skills, speaking skills, interpersonal skills, sales skills. | $89,330 | 5% (slower than average) | A Personal Financial Advisor gives advice to help individuals manage their money and plan for their financial future. |
| Top Executive | Communication skills, time-management skills, problem-solving skills, decision-making skills, leadership skills. | $107,680 | 8% (faster than average) | A Top Executives (Finance) plans strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its financial goals. |
| Budget Analyst | Communication skills, writing skills, analytical skills, detail-oriented, communication skills, math skills. | $78,970 | 5% (slower than average) | A Budget analyst helps public and private organizations plan their finances. They review budget proposals to see if they comply with state and federal rules. They also aggregate budgets from many departments to generate a single organizational budget. |
Certifications and Licensing for Online
Masters in Finance
Additional Resources for Online
Masters in Finance
Author Bio:
Derick de Souza
Derick is a business and education consultant working on various projects and scopes. With about 25 years of experience in different settings, he loves to tell others about “how not to be a failure” rather than “how to be successful.” Derick writes and edits articles on online learning, business, employment, and skill development, among others. His hobbies include photography, web design and development, and traveling.
Degrees
Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
Disclaimer:
The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.