An online master’s degree in finance may provide students with advanced study on practical and strategic financial functions. In this one to two-year program, students may learn how to evaluate and interpret financial data, analyze financial documents, and recognize investment opportunities. Program coursework may include some business electives along with major-specific courses such as managerial finance, financial market analysis, and quantitative analysis.

Upon graduation from the program, students may choose to seek entry to upper-level employment or pursue a doctorate degree in finance. Master’s level graduates may seek employment in investment banking, portfolio management, personal finance, government programs, commodities, and stock trading.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 23% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for master’s-level finance degree programs may include core finance coursework along with some advanced business electives. These courses may teach students how to assess the performance of stocks, manage investments, and develop polished quantitative skills. Core finance classes may include the following:

• Analysis of Financial Markets
• Managerial Finance
• Capital Budgeting
• Managerial Economics
• Investment Analysis
• Quantitative Analysis for Decision Making
• Managerial Accounting

Career Options

Graduates of master’s degree in finance programs may pursue employment opportunities in portfolio management, investment banking, private wealth management, and corporate finance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in finance are expected to rise by 23% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Financial Analyst
• Wealth Manager
• Financial Manager
• Personal Financial Advisor
• Securities Manager

Continuing Education

Individuals who successfully complete a master’s degree program in finance may have the opportunity to further their education by enrolling in a doctorate program. A doctorate degree program in finance may provide students with advanced study in financial strategy and research. Employers may require graduates to hold a master’s degree work in senior-level finance positions.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook