Master’s Degree in Finance
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.
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.
Accreditation status for each program can also make a difference and can affect future career opportunities. Departments often receive accreditation from field-specific accrediting bodies. Accreditation will indicate that the program meets set standards of quality for the profession.
Here are 10 of the top master’s in finance programs:
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.A Master’s in Finance
Going to get your master’s in finance will allow you to move up in your career, and allow you to pursue higher-paying jobs. You will be able to take the skills and experience you will gain from the program into your own career. You will also find many networking opportunities from your time in school that can make finding a job that much easier after you receive your master’s degree.Concentrations in Finance
Different concentrations will 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, investment 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 the 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 – this class is an introduction to the fundamentals of corporate finance such as capital markets, acquisitions, debt securities, and more.
- Managerial Economics – this class provides an overview of economic tools and analytic approaches available to the manager of a company.
- Financial Management – this class would concentrate on financial management benefits that people are interested in regarding financial planning, investing, and other financial concerns.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements differ based on the school and program, however, most will require students to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, to complete an application essay, and submit letters of recommendation. Students most likely will need to have 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
There are many different factors when choosing the right finance master’s program. Students should look at the length of each program, the course format, available concentrations, and final project requirements. Most programs are two years long, but students might also be able to find an accelerated program and be done in a year. It also might depend on if 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 can affect future career opportunities. Departments often receive accreditation from field-specific accrediting bodies. Accreditation will indicate 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
Top Online Master’s in Finance Programs
Here are 10 of the top online master’s in finance programs:Filters
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Jobs With a Master’s Degree in Finance
- Budget Analyst - Budget Analysts assist both public and private organizations with managing their finances. Annual Median Pay: $62,520.
- Accountant - Accountants will analyze and audit finances for people, companies, and organizations. Annual Median Pay: $51,796.
- Financial Director - Financial Directors are executives that manage the organization, a company’s financials and work on financial planning within the company. Annual Median Pay: $114,230.
- Stock Broker - Stock Brokers typically work for brokerage firms, buying and selling stocks for their clients. Annual Median Pay: $59,958.
- Personal Financial Advisor - Personal Financial Advisors will help individuals manage their money as well as help them plan for their financial future. Annual Median Pay: $67,421.