Master’s Degree in Finance

Harvard Extension School says a Master's degree in finance makes a potential employee far more well-rounded in the eyes of a potential employer. "If you are seeking career advancement or a career change to finance, there are no shortage of options. Financial job candidates, especially when bolstered by a master’s degree, have the flexibility to explore different avenues."

Furthermore, some finance jobs "specifically require a master’s because of their high level of experience and rigorous demands" adding, "Finance can be quite a broad term but includes matters regarding the study of money and investments. There are different types of finance, from personal to corporate to public."

Finance as a study arose back in the 1940s and 1950s, however, finance, when it comes to banking, investing, and money in general has been around a very long time.

Finance is a growing field. According to BLS, employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow 5% from 2019-2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Online or In-person

When it comes to getting your master’s degree in finance, you can find an in-person program or an online program. The benefits of an online program may appeal to working professionals or those looking for a career transition. In-person programs may appeal more to those coming from undergraduate programs or those who simply want that in-person experience.

Concentrations in Finance

Different concentrations have different types of coursework. Here are some of the most common that you might find in a master’s of finance program:

• Corporate Finance - Students will prepare to work with businesses’ financial tactics and strategies.
• Investment—Students will learn how to analyze investments and portfolios and how to advise clients on investments.
• Computation and Programming - Students will study technical functions that finance professionals use in order to access data.
• MBA with a Finance concentration - This is for students who would like a broad degree in management but who also have an interest in finance.

Classes in Finance

The classes you take in a master’s of finance program will depend on the concentration. Here are a few examples of classes you might take while getting your master’s degree.

• Corporate Finance – an introduction to the fundamentals of corporate finance such as capital markets, acquisitions, debt securities, and more.
• Managerial Economics – an overview of economic tools and analytic approaches available to the manager of a company.
• Financial Management –  financial management benefits that people are interested in regarding financial planning, investing, and other financial concerns.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary by school and program. However, most will require students to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, complete an application essay, and submit letters of recommendation. Students will most likely need a bachelor’s degree in accounting, economics, finance, statistics, business administration, or other related fields.

Some schools might also require professional experience, but even if the school doesn’t, it can help to have that work experience to put on the application. Schools usually also want students to have a 3.0 GPA or higher.

How to Choose a Program

When choosing the right finance master’s program, many factors should be considered. Students should consider the length of each program, the course format, available concentrations, and final project requirements.

Many programs are two years long, but students might also be able to find an accelerated program and complete it in a year. It might also depend on whether the student goes full or part-time. Students should also consider the curriculum and the cost.

Accreditation status for each program can also make a difference and affect future career opportunities. Departments often receive accreditation from field-specific accrediting bodies. Accreditation indicates that the program meets set standards of quality for the profession.

Top Master’s in Finance Programs

There are many different master’s in finance programs, some are in-person, and some are online.

Here are 10 of the top master’s in finance  programs:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Vanderbilt University
• Princeton University
• University of Southern California
• University of Texas
• University of Rochester
• University of Notre Dame
• Arizona State University
• Georgia State University

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