With a finance master's degree, graduates can pursue opportunities in financial management and analysis, investment, and managerial accounting.
TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you ready to discover your college program?
Online Master's in Finance
Students who are passionate about finance and culture can access professional opportunities by earning an MS in finance online degree. A master's in finance is an advanced degree focused on developing skills in financial management and analysis, investment, and managerial accounting. With a finance master's degree, graduates can pursue opportunities in business, insurance, professional services, and government.
Careers in finance offer good salaries and job stability. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 16% increase in employment of financial managers between 2018 and 2028. These professionals earn a median income of $129,890 each year.
Prospective students interested in advancing their careers can earn an online master's in finance without ever visiting a college campus. Below, we take a look at the 25 best online programs in finance, exploring admission requirements, learning outcomes, and typical courses.
Read on to learn how a master's in finance can help turn your passion into a lucrative career.
Master's in Finance Degree Overview
An online master's in finance degree provides students with the advanced graduate education they need to pursue finance careers. Core coursework generally covers the fundamentals of finance, such as financial market analysis, portfolio management, and corporate finance. Elective coursework delves into niche areas and sometimes includes internships.
Students in master's in finance programs develop quantitative skills that can be used to evaluate financial information, make financial decisions, choose and assess portfolios, and manage risk. Students learn to apply financial strategies to practical business needs.
Featured Online Schools for Master's in Finance
The Best Online Master's in Finance Programs
#1 Best Online Master’s in Finance
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
4 years
Online + Campus
Graduate students interested in a master's in finance can earn their master of science in finance from Johns Hopkins University, located in Baltimore. The program strengthens specialized skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles with a higher earning potential. With a master's degree, candidates can advance their current career or more into new professional paths.
The master's curriculum emphasizes theory and practice in finance. Learners take electives and other specialized courses to gain career-specific training. Applicants with a background in finance typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. Internships and other practicum activities build both hands-on experience and professional connections.
Johns Hopkins University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, four-year
Admission Rate: 11%
Total Online Master's Programs: 30
Program Name: Master of science in finance
Graduate Tuition In State: $55,350
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $55,350
Average Tuition
In-state
$55,350
Out-of-state
$55,350
Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
27,079
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Online Master’s in Finance
Boston University
Boston, MA
4 years
Online + Campus
The master's in finance program at Boston University offers a flexible online format. The master of science in financial management program builds specialized skills for leadership roles in the finance field and related industries. A master's degree can also prepare candidates for opportunities in new fields.
The master's curriculum emphasizes current research in finance. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants who majored in finance or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees complement the classroom experience with internship opportunities in their local area. Graduate students often expand their professional network through online events.
Boston University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, four-year
Admission Rate: 19%
Total Online Master's Programs: 24
Program Name: Online master of science in financial management
Graduate Tuition In State: $54,720
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $54,720
Average Tuition
In-state
$54,720
Out-of-state
$54,720
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
19%
Students Enrolled
33,720
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Online Master’s in Finance
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
The master's in finance degree at Syracuse University uses a flexible distance learning format. The MBA in finance program encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for leadership positions. A master's degree can also prepare candidates for opportunities in new fields.
The master's curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the field. Learners focus their training by choosing electives based on their interests and career goals. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in finance.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. Graduate students expand their professional network through experiential learning and online events.
Syracuse University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, four-year
Admission Rate: 44%
Total Online Master's Programs: 16
Program Name: Online MBA with a finance specialization
Graduate Tuition In State: $38,880
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $38,880
Average Tuition
In-state
$50,616
Out-of-state
$50,616
Retention Rate
92%
Admission Rate
44%
Students Enrolled
22,850
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Online Master’s in Finance
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill hosts a top-ranked master's in finance program. The online MBA in finance program helps graduates move into leadership roles and increase their earning potential. A master's degree also helps candidates pursue new career paths.
The master's curriculum emphasizes theory and practice in finance. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants without a finance background may need to complete prerequisite courses to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees gain hands-on experience during professional internships in their local area. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through networking events.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 23%
Total Online Master's Programs: 14
Program Name: Online MBA specializing in finance
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,552
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $28,278
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,019
Out-of-state
$34,198
Retention Rate
96%
Admission Rate
23%
Students Enrolled
29,877
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
12%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Master’s in Finance
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
4 years
Online + Campus
The master's in finance program at Georgetown University, located in Washington, offers a flexible online format. The blended online MS in finance program helps graduates increase their salary potential and take on more professional responsibilities. After completing a master's degree, candidates often advance in their current field or pursue new opportunities.
The master's curriculum emphasizes theory and practice in finance. Learners prepare for the job market by choosing a specialty through electives. Applicants with prior experience in finance or a related field often meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. Other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
Georgetown University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, four-year
Admission Rate: 14%
Total Online Master's Programs: 7
Program Name: Blended online MS in Finance
Graduate Tuition In State: $51,336
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $51,336
Average Tuition
In-state
$55,440
Out-of-state
$55,440
Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
14%
Students Enrolled
19,593
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#6 Best Online Master’s in Finance
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Massachusetts Amherst enrolls master's students in its top-ranked online finance program. Graduates train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree from the master of science in finance program. After completing a master's degree, candidates often advance in their current field or pursue new opportunities.
The master's curriculum emphasizes the best practices in finance. Learners take specialized courses to stand out in a competitive job market. The admission requirements include a background in finance or a related field.
Online enrollees gain real-world experience through internships offered in their local area. Graduate students expand their professional network through online events.
University of Massachusetts Amherst at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 64%
Total Online Master's Programs: 8
Program Name: Master of science in finance
Graduate Tuition In State: $14,014
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $29,529
Average Tuition
In-state
$15,791
Out-of-state
$35,112
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
31,350
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#7 Best Online Master’s in Finance
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
From its campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Temple University offers an online master's in finance. The master's in accounting and financial management program helps graduates increase their salary potential and take on more professional responsibilities. A master's degree helps candidates advance in their current field or pursue a new career path.
The master's curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in finance. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in accounting and finance.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. Graduate students grow their professional connections through experiential learning and virtual networking events.
Temple University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 60%
Total Online Master's Programs: 10
Program Name: Master's in accounting and financial management
Graduate Tuition In State: $16,956
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $23,346
Average Tuition
In-state
$16,080
Out-of-state
$28,992
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
38,794
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
21%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#8 Best Online Master’s in Finance
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
4 years
Online + Campus
The online master's in finance degree at the University of Cincinnati, located in Ohio, prioritizes flexibility. The MS in finance program encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for leadership positions. Earning a master's degree helps candidates move into a new career path or advance in their current field.
The master's curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to finance. Learners choose electives or a specialization to gain focused career training. Applicants with prior experience in finance or a related field often meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. Practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
University of Cincinnati at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 77%
Total Online Master's Programs: 21
Program Name: Master of science in finance
Graduate Tuition In State: $12,790
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $24,532
Average Tuition
In-state
$9,476
Out-of-state
$24,810
Retention Rate
88%
Admission Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
39,263
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Online Master’s in Finance
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Based in Coral Gables, Florida, the University of Miami hosts a top-rated online master's in finance. The master of science in finance program draws on a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates for leadership responsibilities. With a master's degree, candidates can advance their current career or more into new career paths.
The master's curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners individualize the course of study by selecting electives and concentrations. The master's program recommends that applicants bring a background in finance or a related field.
Online enrollees gain real-world experience through internships offered in their local area. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
University of Miami at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, four-year
Admission Rate: 27%
Total Online Master's Programs: 11
Program Name: Master of science in finance
Graduate Tuition In State: $37,800
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $37,800
Average Tuition
In-state
$50,400
Out-of-state
$50,400
Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
27%
Students Enrolled
17,811
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
22%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online Master’s in Finance
Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN
4 years
Online + Campus
Indiana University Bloomington hosts a top-rated online master's in finance. The program emphasizes specialized skills, preparing graduates for increased responsibilities and a higher earning potential. A master's degree can also prepare candidates for opportunities in new fields.
The master's curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in finance. Learners individualize the course of study by selecting electives and concentrations. Applicants without a background may need to complete prerequisite courses to enroll in the master's in finance program.
Online enrollees complete internship programs in their local area to gain hands-on experience. The program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help graduate students expand their professional connections.
Indiana University Bloomington at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 78%
Total Online Master's Programs: 10
Program Name: Finance, MS
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,501
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $31,932
Average Tuition
In-state
$9,575
Out-of-state
$35,140
Retention Rate
90%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
43,260
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
19%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#11 Best Online Master’s in Finance
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
4 years
Online + Campus
Located in Alabama, Auburn University offers an online master's in finance. Graduates prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous master's program. A master's degree can also train candidates for roles in new industries.
The master's curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to finance. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. The school recommends a background in finance for those applying to the program.
Online enrollees work with the program to find internship opportunities in their local area. The program encourages graduate students to attend networking events to expand their professional connections.
Auburn University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 81%
Total Online Master's Programs: 20
Program Name: Master of science in finance
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,828
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $29,484
Average Tuition
In-state
$9,816
Out-of-state
$29,448
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
30,460
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
27%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#12 Best Online Master’s in Finance
Ohio University
Athens, OH
4 years
Online + Campus
Graduate students seeking an online degree can enroll in the finance master's program at Ohio University, located in Athens. Graduates train for leadership roles in the field while earning their MBA from the program. Earning a master's degree can help candidates advance in their current career or pursue a new career path entirely.
The master's curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants without a background in finance may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the MBA program.
Online enrollees work with the program to find internship opportunities in their local area. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
Ohio University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 82%
Total Online Master's Programs: 23
Program Name: MBA finance concentration
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,444
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $17,436
Average Tuition
In-state
$12,612
Out-of-state
$22,406
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
27,367
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#13 Best Online Master’s in Finance
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE
4 years
Online + Campus
The master's in finance program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a flexible online format. The program strengthens industry-specific skills, preparing graduates for leadership responsibilities. A master's degree also helps candidates pursue new career paths.
The master's curriculum emphasizes current research in finance. Learners specialize the program by choosing from a variety of electives. The master's program recommends a background in finance or a related field when applying.
Online enrollees gain hands-on experience during professional internships in their local area. The program encourages professional development activities, including networking events, so graduate students can expand their professional connections.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 78%
Total Online Master's Programs: 11
Program Name: MS in finance
Graduate Tuition In State: $5,976
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $17,280
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,560
Out-of-state
$24,000
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
25,390
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#14 Best Online Master’s in Finance
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ
4 years
Online + Campus
The master's in finance degree at Stevens Institute of Technology, located in Hoboken, uses a flexible distance learning format. The program draws on a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates for leadership responsibilities. With a master's degree, candidates can also pursue new career opportunities.
The master's curriculum examines theoretical and practical perspectives on finance. Learners take specialized courses to stand out in a competitive job market. The MS program recommends that applicants bring a background in finance or a related field.
Online enrollees complement the classroom experience with internship opportunities in their local area. Experiential learning activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
Stevens Institute of Technology at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, four-year
Admission Rate: 40%
Total Online Master's Programs: 16
Program Name: Online MS in finance
Graduate Tuition In State: $36,680
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $36,680
Average Tuition
In-state
$52,134
Out-of-state
$52,134
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
40%
Students Enrolled
7,283
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
27%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#15 Best Online Master’s in Finance
Washington State University
Pullman, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
Based in Pullman, Washington State University hosts a top-rated online master's in finance. The MBA program helps graduates increase their salary potential and take on more professional responsibilities. A master's degree also helps candidates pursue new career paths.
The master's curriculum examines theoretical and practical perspectives on finance. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. Applicants with prior experience in finance or a related field often meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
Washington State University at a Glance:
Type of school: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 76%
Total Online Master's Programs: 12
Program Name: Online MBA with a finance concentration
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,493
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $25,248
Average Tuition
In-state
$9,953
Out-of-state
$24,531
Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
31,607
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
21%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Online Master's in Finance Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
The motto of TheBestSchools.org is Finding the best school for you. Here is how we do it:
The value of any ranking list of schools and/or degree programs depends on having a methodologically sound assessment of each school’s/program’s characteristics, especially insofar as these can be objectively measured. A college or university is a complex entity, with numerous factors to consider, and distilling these down to the place where meaningful comparisons can be made to form a defensible ranking list becomes part science and part art.
To meet this challenge—and thereby provide you with the most useful and insightful educational rankings on the Internet — TheBestSchools.org formulates our rankings based on five informational categories (six, when considering online schools). The major metrics and qualities for which we rank are these (with expanded, detailed considerations and weights listed):
1. Academic excellence based on a school’s curriculum generally or within the selected discipline [weight = 25%]
Weighs school against known leading schools in that discipline
Weighs number of core curricula listed as advanced courses within that discipline and compares against introductory courses
Weighs school’s curriculum against known knowledge needs of major employers in that discipline
Considers number and types of specializations offered within that discipline
Considers faculty expertise in that discipline
Considers range of electives within that discipline
Considers quality of online environment offered to students (if applicable), particularly within that discipline
2. Strength of faculty scholarship [weight = 25%]
Considers education background of the faculty
Considers years of faculty experience both inside and outside of academia.
Considers faculty membership and leadership within relevant, prominent associations
Considers academic papers published by faculty in relevant, prominent periodicals
Considers awards and recognitions given to faculty members from prominent organizations and from other sources
3. Reputation [weight = 20%]
Considers a school’s reputation among academic peers and employers regarding the following:
Faculty
Curriculum
“Freshness” of academic knowledge
Adaptability to changes in employment sectors
Suitability of graduates for the workplace
4. Financial aid [weight = 10%]
Mandatory: Requires full accreditation from an agency endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and listed on the federal register to accept student federal financial aid
Considers range of degree levels: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral and professional
Considers range of degree subjects offered, such as art & design, computers & technology, education & teaching, criminal justice, and business
6. Strength of online instruction methodology (if applicable) [weight = 25%; subtract 5% from each of the above for online schools/programs]
Considers the following of the online classes:
Types of online technology used to deliver content
Pedagogy style: asynchronous, synchronous, or both (depending on the degree)
Extent and quality of the online, community learning environment, including options for communication, interactivity, and collaboration between students and also between students and instructors
Variety, breadth, and depth of coursework, and its support, including project options and online tutoring
Considers the following of instructors:
Extent of training for teaching within an online learning environment
Amount of timely, consistent feedback to students
Extent of collaboration with prospective employers to ensure suitability of instructional materials for achieving desired skills
Ratio to number of students in a class
Number and quality of internships in a student’s geographical area for applicable degrees
Because students tend to review a variety of information when choosing a school, the weight a student gives any one criterion will vary. For instance, it’s not enough to offer a carefully constructed ranking of great schools if many are too expensive or too difficult to get into.
To better serve the needs of prospective students, we are therefore increasingly offering filters that help you better use our rankings to find the schools that match your specific needs. These supplement our ranking criteria and include:
Accreditation
Public or private status
Acceptance rate
Retention rate
Graduation rate
ACT/SAT requirements
Cost in-state / out of state
Undergrad, grad, or both offered
Region
State
City
Get the best rankings here AND get them to suit your personal needs. That’s TheBestSchools.org advantage!
If you have any questions about our ranking methodology, please contact us.
Citations: For a broader account of our ranking methodology, especially as it relates to TheBestSchools.org's underlying educational philosophy and, in other ranking articles, looks beyond academic excellence (as here) to such factors as return on investment or incidental benefit, see our article "Ranking Methodology: How We Rank Schools at TBS." Reputation of schools and degree programs can at least in part be gauged through the school or department's publishing activity, citations, and desirability. At TheBestSchools.org, we keep track of such social and peer validation: "Making Sense of College Rankings." For nuts-and-bolts information about colleges and universities, we look to the National Center for Education Statistics and especially its College Navigator. Insofar as salary and inflation data are relevant to a ranking, we look to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Finally, nothing beats contacting schools and degree programs directly, which our researchers often do, with the result that all the entries in this article should be considered as belonging to this citation!
Choosing an Online Master's in Finance Program
Selecting an online program requires careful consideration of cost, curriculum, formatting, and any in-person requirements, and each prospective student has unique needs, goals, and priorities. Visit the link below to learn more about choosing the right online program for you.
What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Finance Program?
Finance master's programs online focus on specialized concepts like financial accounting, financial marketing, corporate valuation, and risk management. Concentrations in areas like wealth management, investment baking, and corporate finance allow students to focus on the areas that align with their career goals.
Finance Concentrations
Wealth Management: This concentration prepares students to offer clients financial services, including portfolio management, asset management, mergers and acquisition assistances, estate planning, and investment management. Wealth managers work with corporations, small business owners, and individuals to develop strategies to meet financial goals.
Investment Banking: Investment bankers focus on the buying or selling side of financial services. Learners studying the sales side analyze how brokers and bankers trade and promote securities, including debit, equity, and derivatives. Those on the buying side delve into how hedge funds, asset managers, and investors look after private equity funds, unit trusts, mutual funds, and other capital.
Corporate Finance: This concentration teaches students to manage the financial well-being of corporations by generating compliant financial statements and evaluating long-term organizational health using data collection and models. For example, by selling assets to gain capital when needed, professionals in this field help achieve the goals of executives and board members
Finance Curriculum
Corporate Valuation: This course is about learning to add corporate value. Students work through the theory and application of organizational finance policy, budgeting, restructuring, and investment options. They also survey and use key valuation tools.
Negotiations: Prospective financial service employers frequently require that applicants have strong negotiation skills. This course fosters communication and interpersonal expertise by reviewing case studies and doing mock simulations. Learners analyze bargaining styles, mediation strategies, and ethical issues of negotiation across the dynamic structures of teams and coalitions.
Audit Institutions and Processes: Students in this course explore the concepts, risks, and procedures of the auditing process. Topics include professional ethics, the impacts of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, corporate compliance, the role of a board of directors, liability, and fraudulent financial reporting.
What's the Difference Between a Master's in Finance and an MBA in Finance?
Both degrees provide the graduate education needed for lucrative professions in finance. However, a master's in finance is a more specialized degree, whereas an MBA is more generalized.
A master's in finance focuses entirely on the study of finance, delving into niche knowledge, skills, and approaches to success in finance professions. An MBA in finance has some specialized focus in finance while taking a broader approach that covers business administration, managerial practices, organizational management, and other related concepts.
Finance Careers
While graduates can begin many entry-level finance careers with an undergraduate degree, earning an online master's in finance enables professionals to pursue advanced roles within their organizations.
In the list below, we explore three of the most popular fields in finance: accounting, financial examination, and compliance.
Accountants
Median Salary
$71,550
Median Salary: $71,550
Projected Job Growth: 6%
Prepare and examine financial records to maintain accuracy and ensure that taxes are paid in a timely manner. Accountants may work on behalf of a single organization or with multiple corporate, government, and individual clients. Common tasks include examining financial statements, preparing tax returns, and suggesting methods of cost reduction.
Most accountants need at least a bachelor's degree in accounting, but some employers prefer applicants with a master's degree. Pursuing certifications, such as certified public accountant, certified management accountant, or certified internal auditor, can improve job prospects. This career requires keen analytical, communication, and mathematics skills.
Median Salary:
$71,550
Financial Examiners
Median Salary
$81,090
Median Salary: $81,090
Projected Job Growth: 7%
Work with banks and other financial institutions to ensure compliance with laws, evaluate risk level of loans, and assess bank management. Financial examiners often specialize in either risk assessment or consumer compliance. Common tasks include reviewing balance sheets and expense accounts, preparing detailed reports, and reviewing new government regulations.
Entry-level financial examiners typically hold a bachelor's degree and receive on-the-job training. Advancement to senior positions often requires a master's degree in accounting, business administration, or a related field. Financial examiners must be detail-oriented, with excellent analytical, mathematics, and writing skills.
Median Salary:
$81,090
Compliance Officers
Median Salary
$85,660
Median Salary: $85,660
Projected Job Growth: 6%
Compliance officers examine, evaluate, and investigate an organization's conformity with applicable laws and regulations. In finance, compliance officers also help assess risks and reduce financial crime. Common tasks include evaluating financial data, conducting investigations, and working with management to address issues.
Professionals can typically find work in this field with a bachelor's degree and relevant experience. Employers may prefer or require certified anti-money laundering specialist or certified fraud examiner certification. Compliance officers working in finance must have keen analytical, mathematics, and computing skills.
Median Salary:
$85,660
FAQ's About Master's in Finance Degrees
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Master's in Finance Program?
Full-time students can earn a finance master's degree in 1-2 years. Part-time students may take longer to graduate.
What Can I Do With a Master's in Finance?
This versatile degree allows graduates to pursue advanced careers in finance, insurance, business, and government, including leadership positions.
Is a Master's in Finance Better Than an MBA?
MBAs offer broad curricula, covering finance, statistics, and management. A master's in finance is best suited to students who want to focus narrowly on finance, investments, and risk management.
Is a Finance Degree Hard?
All college programs are difficult to some degree. Students may consider different components of a master's degree easy or hard depending on their individual strengths and weaknesses.
Featured MBA Programs
Related Articles
Popular with our students.
Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.
Take the next step toward your future with online learning.
Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.
