Whether you’re a newly minted college graduate or a professional with a dozen years of work experience, an online master’s in finance can prepare you for the career you’ve always wanted. An advanced degree demonstrates mastery in the field and provides training in a specific branch of finance. Graduates are prepared to work as financial analysts, financial managers, entrepreneurs and much more.
The online format also suits finance students perfectly. In an online program, distance learners can take courses and complete assignments at their convenience. This is perfect for working professionals, who don’t have time to take classes on campus and who need the flexibility to manage their work, school and at-home responsibilities. Most finance programs don’t require any on-campus attendance, allowing students to pursue their degree without disrupting their other obligations.
Below, we’ve ranked the top online master’s in finance (M.Fin) programs in the country. As part of our list, we’ve also included schools offering an MBA with a concentration in finance and schools with business and accounting degrees that present material similar to what can be found in most finance curriculums. We’ve also provided a detailed profile of the academic strengths and online platform at each school under our purview. If you are interested in pursuing an online master’s in finance, begin your research with a look at these top programs.
Featured Online Programs
Rank | School Name | School Logo | City | Cost | Address & Contact Info | School Links | Acclaim for Online Programs | School Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore | $$$$$ | 525 North Wolfe Street Baltimore, MD 21205 (410) 955-4766 | School Profile | Founded in Baltimore in 1876, Johns Hopkins University offers flexible degree options for business majors. The Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, which holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, now features an online master's in finance tailored to working professionals who need to take classes at a part-time pace. The 54-credit online MBA with a concentration in financial businesses typically takes 2.5 years to complete. Course topics include economics for decision-making, corporate finance, and wealth management. Real-world projects incorporated across the curriculum allow learners to apply their studies to their current place of work. The program requires three brief residencies at the Baltimore campus: two for three days each and one for 1.5. Online learners can access eight-week courses through the Blackboard learning management system, which mixes asynchronous and synchronous elements. Johns Hopkins University holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. | ||
2 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York | $$$$$ | West 116 St and Broadway New York, NY 10027 (212) 854-1754 | School Profile | Established in 1754 as the fifth oldest institution of higher education in the nation, Columbia University brings the same high educational standards from its on-campus programs to its numerous fully online degrees. Columbia's online catalog now includes an online master's in finance that offers diverse elective options and emphasizes engineering and research methods. The 30-credit online master's degree takes two years to complete and prepares learners for work in industries such as securities, financial management, and consulting. After two course sequences in engineering methodologies and quantitative research, learners can choose four electives to specialize their degree tracks. Elective course topics include pricing models for financial engineering, quantitative risk modeling, and security pricing models. Each applicant must present a bachelor's in a relevant technical discipline with a 3.0 minimum GPA and a competitive GRE score. Columbia holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. | ||
3 | Johnson & Wales University | Providence | $$$$$ | 8 Abbott Park Pl Providence, RI 02903 (401) 598-1000 | School Website | A private university founded in 1914 in Providence, Rhode Island, Johnson & Wales University maintains its commitment to practical, career-focused degrees for returning and working learners. The school's online degrees include a well-regarded,affordable online master's in finance that warrants consideration for learners on a budget. The MBA with a concentration in finance comprises 36-42 credits and typically takes two years to complete. Foundational course topics include financial management, global economic environments, and strategic marketing. An enrollee can substitute some of the program's nine required credits in electives with an internship or study abroad program. The learning experience culminates with a career capstone project exploring how to create, assess, and manage a competitive advantage for an organization. Each applicant must present a bachelor's degree in any major with a 2.85 minimum GPA for consideration. The MBA program does not require applicants to take the GMAT. JWU holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education. | ||
4 | Harvard University | Cambridge | $$$$$ | Massachusetts Hall Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 495-1000 | School Profile | Established in Cambridge in 1636, making it the oldest institute of higher education in the U.S., Harvard University is one of the most academically rigorous and comprehensive universities worldwide. Its global reach encompasses an array of online degrees offered through the Harvard Extension School, which includes an online master's in finance. The 48-credit master of science in finance typically takes two years to complete. In addition to online coursework, learners complete 12 credits of on-campus classes, either at a regular pace during the week or over four intensive weekend meetings. Concentration-specific course topics include microeconomic theory, introduction to econometrics, and financial accounting. An applicant who holds a bachelor's degree in a relevant field should first register to take three preparatory courses to earn a "B" or higher. Harvard holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education. | ||
5 | Webster University | Saint Louis | $$$$$ | 470 E Lockwood Ave. Saint Louis, MO 63119-3194 (314) 961-2660 | School Profile | Founded in Webster Grove, Missouri in 1915 as a Catholic women's college, Webster University expands its respected programs in liberal arts, teaching, and business into the online realm. The school's online master's in finance offers flexibility for a working professional and can potentially lead to advanced professional certification as a chartered financial analyst or certified financial planner. The 36-credit program usually takes two years to complete and gives students a comprehensive overview of corporate finance, investments, and markets and institutions. Course topics include management accounting, financial modeling, and international finance. The learning experience culminates with a research-oriented capstone experience that integrates major topics from the curriculum, like mergers and acquisitions. The school also allows learners to earn their master's in finance as a dual degree with an MBA in 45 credits. Online learners can access coursework through the Canvas learning management system, which mixes asynchronous and synchronous formats. Webster holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. | ||
6 | Boston University | Boston | $$$$$ | Boston, MA 02215 (617) 353-2000 | One of the largest private colleges in the nation, Boston University, established in 1869, serves a student body of over 33,000 with quality on-campus and distance learning programs. BU's respected online catalog includes a fully online master's in finance offered through the Metropolitan College that can prepare graduates to sit for certification as chartered financial analysts. The 40-credit master of science in financial management usually takes two years to earn and gives learners abundant opportunities for degree customization through specialization coursework. Specialization course topics include fixed income analysis, case studies in current corporate financial topics, and mergers and acquisitions. Learners can use up to two elective courses counting from the master's in financial management curriculum towards an additional graduate certificate in administrative sciences. Online coursework utilizes the Blackboard learning management system in a combination of asynchronous and synchronous formats. BU holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education. | |||
7 | Georgetown University | Washington | $$$$$ | 37th and O St NW Washington, DC 20057-0001 (202) 687-0100 | School Profile | The oldest Jesuit and Catholic institute of higher learning in the U.S., Georgetown University boasts high-quality programs in liberal arts, business, and medicine, many of which come in accessible online formats. The school's online offerings include a flexible hybrid master's in financial management that accommodates both working professionals and recent graduates. Learners can complete the 32- to 36-credit master of science in finance degree within 21 months at either a part- or full-time pace. Core course topics include corporate finance, financial econometrics, and principled financial leadership. Though all courses come in an online format, each student must attend a weeklong residency in October of their first year, along with a residency in their second year for a final global consulting-themed capstone project. Online courses use the Blackboard and Canvas learning management systems, usually in an asynchronous format. Georgetown holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. | ||
8 | Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration | Troy | $$$$$ | 3838 Livernois Troy, MI 48083-5066 (248) 689-8282 | School Profile | Based in Troy, Michigan and founded in 1922, Walsh College continually adapts its pragmatic degrees and certificates to fit the needs of busy online learners. Walsh's repertoire of fully online degrees now includes an online master's in finance that learners can combine with an MBA for a dual degree. The 33-credit master of finance degree with a financial management concentration takes two years to earn. The curriculum focuses on leveraging finance theory and practice for business growth strategies. Concentration-specific course topics prepare learners for specific career paths. Some available specializations include international finance, business valuation, and mergers and acquisitions. Learners can take advantage of the school's investment club as an opportunity for professional networking and development. Each applicant needs both a 2.75 minimum GPA for consideration and about two years of professional work experience upon entering the program. Walsh holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. | ||
9 | Bellevue University | Bellevue | $$$$$ | 1000 Galvin Rd S Bellevue, NE 68005 (402) 291-8100 | School Website | Since its founding in 1966, Bellevue University has focused primarily on providing returning and working learners with affordable, practical degrees and certificates at the undergraduate and graduate levels. BU's catalog of online programs includes an online master's in finance, which offers diverse concentration options. The 36-credit master of science in strategic finance develops learners' knowledge of value optimization, enterprise risk management, and business strategy from a holistic approach. Core course topics include accounting for performance management, investments, and financial management and strategy. The program also allows students to pursue many relevant concentration options through electives, including finance, project management, and acquisition and contract management. Online learners can access courses through the Blackboard learning management system, which mostly uses asynchronous teaching elements. Each applicant must hold a bachelor's or master's with a 2.5 minimum GPA for consideration. BU holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. | ||
10 | Colorado State University Global | Aurora | $$$$$ | 585 Salida Way Aurora, CO 80011 (800) 920-6723 | School Website | Based in Fort Collins as Colorado's land grant university since 1870, Colorado State University has expanded its reach into online programs through its Global Campus. The reasonably priced online degrees at CSU-Global include an online master's in finance, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The 36-credit program takes two years to complete and offers learners specialization options such as international management, finance, and strategic innovation and change management. Foundational course topics include principles of finance, bank management, and insurance and risk management. The learning experience culminates with an integrative capstone project that learners often apply to their current places of employment. Online courses use the Canvas learning management system, which combines asynchronous and synchronous learning tools. Each applicant needs a bachelor's with a 3.0 minimum GPA for consideration, though the school may waive the GPA requirement under exceptional circumstances. CSU-Global holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. | ||
11 | Pennsylvania State University - World Campus | University Park | $$$$$ | President's Office 201 Old Main University Park, PA 16802 (814) 865-5403 | School Website | Pennsylvania State University features many online degrees through its World Campus. Students can enroll in an online master's in finance that may lead to chartered financial analyst certification. The 30-credit program takes two years to complete, exposing learners to the advanced theory needed to address contemporary financial sector issues. Course topics include analysis of financial markets, current issues in corporate finance, and speculative markets. The learning experience concludes with an integrative capstone project focused on the analysis and valuation of a firm's equity securities. Successful completion of the degree also entails attending a four-day residency at Penn State's Great Valley campus outside of Philadelphia. Online learners can access courses through the Canvas learning management system, which mixes asynchronous and synchronous learning formats. PSU holds accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. | ||
12 | University of Houston - Clear Lake | Houston | $$$$$ | 2700 Bay Area Blvd Houston, TX 77058-1002 (281) 283-7600 | School Profile | As a member of the University of Houston system since in 1971, University of Houston-Clear Lake serves the area surrounding Pasadena with numerous online degrees tailored to returning and working learners. UHCL offers an online master's in finance through its Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-accredited College of Business. The 30-credit master of science in finance takes 18 months to complete and allows learners to enroll part or full time. Course topics include managerial economics, quantitative methods in finance, and financial statement analysis. As a culminating project, learners can complete a capstone project that approaches issues in the financial sector from a microeconomic perspective. Online coursework uses the Blackboard learning management system, which combines asynchronous and synchronous learning tools. Transfer students can take advantage of UHCL's transfer advising team for help with planning their course of study. UHCL holds accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. | ||
13 | Indiana University - Bloomington | Bloomington | $$$$$ | 107 South Indiana Ave. Bloomington, IN 47405-7000 (812) 855-4848 | School Profile | In 1867, Indiana University Bloomington became one of the first state universities to admit women. IU has embraced distance education and features a variety of online degrees, including an online master's in finance offered by the Kelley School of Business. The 30-credit master of science in finance takes two years to complete and can prepare graduates for work as financial analysts, budget analysts, or auditors. Learners can fulfill a weeklong introductory residency requirement at the Kelley School. Course topics include economics for managers, managerial accounting, and valuation and capital investment. The curriculum allows learners to customize their degree tracks to their unique needs with diverse elective options offered in the second year. Online learners can access coursework through the Canvas learning management system, which uses both asynchronous and synchronous learning tools. IU holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. | ||
14 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken | $$$$$ | Castle Point On Hudson Hoboken, NJ 07030-5991 (201) 216-5000 | School Profile | Founded in Hoboken in 1870, Stevens Institute of Technology features many of its innovative degrees in an online format. Working professionals should strongly consider its online master's in finance, offered both part time and full time. The 39-credit MBA with a specialization in finance takes two years to complete and allows students to earn a dual degree in a related field. Specialization-specific course topics include venture capital, investment management, and corporate finance. The learning experience culminates with a capstone project where students can choose from an entrepreneurship-oriented practicum, a field experience consulting for a real company, or a high-intensity business simulation. Online learners can access coursework through the Canvas learning management system, which mixes asynchronous and synchronous learning tools. Each applicant must present a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 minimum GPA and competitive GMAT/GRE scores for consideration. Stevens holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. | ||
15 | Texas A&M University - Commerce | Commerce | $$$$$ | 2600 South Neal Commerce, TX 75429-3011 (888) 868-2682 | School Profile | As a member of the oldest public university system in its home state since 1889, Texas A&M University-Commerce maintains its commitment to providing an affordable, quality education through its online programs. The growing online catalog at TAMUC now features an online master's in finance. The master of science in finance comprises 30-39 credits, takes two years to earn, and prepares graduates to sit for the chartered financial analyst and certified financial planner certification exams. An undergraduate degree in business permits a degree candidate to waive nine credits of foundational coursework. Core course topics taken by all students include international business finance, applied financial research, and investment. An array of electives relating to either finance or economics allow greater degree customization. Online learners can access coursework through the Blackboard learning management system, which combines asynchronous and synchronous learning tools. TAMUC holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. | ||
16 | University of Maryland - University College | Adelphi | $$$$$ | 3501 University Blvd East Adelphi, MD 20783-8010 (301) 985-7000 | School Profile | Established in 1947 in Adelphi, University of Maryland University College began as a distance education division in the University of Maryland and has since distinguished itself as a standalone school focused on online education. Those interested in earning finance degrees online should consider UMUC's online master's in finance. The 36-credit master of science in accounting and financial management takes two years to earn and can prepare a graduate to sit for the certified public accountant certification. Course topics include financial accounting, investment valuation, and strategic financial management. The learning experience culminates with a capstone research project where learners investigate a nascent trend or issue in finance or accounting. Online coursework utilizes the Blackboard learning management system in both asynchronous and synchronous formats. Many degree candidates take advantage of opportunities for professional development and networking through the school's Accounting and Finance Forum. UMUC holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. | ||
17 | West Texas A&M University | Canyon | $$$$$ | 2501 4th Ave Canyon, TX 79016-0001 (806) 651-0000 | School Profile | A public university established in 1910 in Canyon, West Texas A&M University's many online undergraduate and graduate-level degrees and certificates feature small class sizes and flexible degree customization options. The school's online offerings include an online master's in finance with no residency requirement. The 36-credit master of science in finance and economics takes two years to complete on a part- or full-time basis. The school allows learners to customize their core curriculum from seven proficiency areas, which include corporate governance, asset valuation, and quantitative analysis. Specific core course topics include current issues in industrial organization, portfolio management, and multinational finance. Learners can conclude their programs with a comprehensive exam. Online coursework uses the Blackboard learning management system and mixes asynchronous and synchronous learning tools. Each applicant must present a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 minimum GPA for consideration. West Texas A&M holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. | ||
18 | University of Nebraska - Lincoln | Lincoln | $$$$$ | 14th and R St Lincoln, NE 68588 (402) 472-7211 | School Profile | The oldest and largest university in its home state, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln accommodates working and returning learners with many hybrid and fully online degrees and certificates. Its hybrid master's in financial management stands out through Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditatio. The 48-credit MBA with a concentration in finance typically takes two years to complete. Core courses include introduction to business strategy, applied organizational behavior, and business analytics. The school expects a learner who enter the program with little professional experience to complete an internship with department guidance. The learning experience concludes with an exit exam, an exit survey, an employment survey, and a department assessment. Online coursework uses the Canvas learning management system, which combines asynchronous and synchronous learning tools. Applicants with a 3.0 GPA, 600 GMAT score, and two years of experience receive priority consideration. UNL holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. | ||
19 | University of Miami | Coral Gables | $$$$$ | University of Miami Coral Gables, FL 33146 (305) 284-2211 | School Profile | Since 1925, the University of Miami has upheld a reputation as a major research hub among East Coast private schools. An online learner hoping to earn a well-regarded finance degree at their own pace should consider pursuing UM's online master's in finance, which holds accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The 47-credit online MBA with a concentration in corporate finance usually takes 24-28 months to complete. Course topics include the foundation of marketing management, management information systems, and intermediate corporate finance and investments. Instructors deliver the curriculum in a fully online format, and UM invites online degree candidates to attend a weeklong on-campus residency featuring speakers and interactive events. Online learners can access coursework through the Blackboard learning management system, which mixes asynchronous and synchronous learning tools. The school allows applicants to waive the GMAT under exceptional circumstances. UM holds accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. | ||
20 | University of Massachusetts - Lowell | Lowell | $$$$$ | 1 University Ave Lowell, MA 01854-5104 (978) 934-4000 | School Profile | A public university established in 1894, University of Massachusetts Lowell began as a teaching school but expanded into a well-regarded member of the UMass system. The school now also offers multiple online programs, including an online master's in finance that boasts accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The 42-credit MBA with a concentration in finance typically takes two years to complete at a part- or full-time pace. Undergraduates with relevant bachelor's degrees and exceptional grades can waive up to 12 credits of foundational courses in topics that include accounting, marketing, and organizational behavior. Concentration-specific topics include financial derivatives, advanced portfolio management, and fixed income securities. Online coursework utilizes the Blackboard learning management system in an asynchronous format. The school allows learners to waive GMAT/GRE requirements under special circumstances. UMass Lowell holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education. | ||
21 | Auburn University | Auburn University | $$$$$ | Auburn, Alabama Auburn University, AL 36849 (334) 844-4000 | School Profile | Founded in 1856 and now serving over 28,000 students annually, Auburn University is one of the highest-rated universities in Alabama. The school's diverse, flexible degree offerings for working professionals include an online master's in finance that holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The 30-credit master of science in finance takes two years to complete. The school expects all degree candidates to complete prerequisite coursework in microeconomics, business analytics, and calculus before beginning coursework that counts towards the degree. Required coursework includes courses in applied financial management, financial analysis, and cost analysis and systems. Beyond these three required courses, learners may customize their degrees through a wide range of financial electives. Online coursework uses the Canvas learning management system, primarily in an asynchronous format. Currently, only U.S. and Canadian citizens and U.S. military may apply to the program. Auburn holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. | ||
22 | University of Michigan-Dearborn | Dearborn | $$$$$ | 4901 Evergreen Rd Dearborn, MI 48128-1491 (313) 593-5000 | School Profile | As a member of the University of Michigan system since 1959, the University of Michigan-Dearborn caters to the needs of returning and working learners with multiple hybrid and online business-related degrees. This includes a fully online master's in finance that warrants consideration from busy working professionals. The master of science in finance comprises 30-33 credits and typically takes 12-18 months to complete, allowing learners to enroll part or full time. Foundational course topics include applied statistical modeling, developing and interpreting financial information, and finance fundamentals and value creation. The program also allows each learner to pursue a specialization in corporate finance, financial institutions, or investment management. Online learners can access coursework through the Canvas learning management system which uses both asynchronous and synchronous formats. The school offers a dual-degree option that combines the master's in finance with the master's in accounting and MBA programs. UM-Dearborn holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. | ||
23 | Saint Joseph's University | Philadelphia | $$$$$ | 5600 City Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19131-1395 (610) 660-1000 | School Profile | Established in Philadelphia in 1851, Saint Joseph's University enjoys a strong reputation for its School of Business, which now features many hybrid and online degrees. The Catholic university's online master's in finance holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and prepares graduates to sit for certified financial planner (CFP) certification exams. The master of science in financial services degree comprises 30-41 credits and generally takes two years to complete, allowing learners to enroll part time or full time. Foundational course topics include statistics proficiency, managerial economics, and financial management. Students with exceptional GMAT/GRE or ALEKS placement test scores can waive certain math-related foundational course requirements. Students seeking CFP certification can complete a specific set of electives and a financial planning capstone project. Online coursework utilizes the Canvas learning management system, mostly in an asynchronous format. SJU holds accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. | ||
24 | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester | $$$$$ | 2500 North River Road Manchester, NH 03106 (603) 668-2211 | School Website | Southern New Hampshire University, a private university founded in 1932 in Hooksett, is a leading provider of affordable online degrees and certificates. Its many business-related online degrees include an online master's in finance with no GMAT or GRE requirement. The 36-credit master of science in finance typically takes 1-2 years to complete. The curriculum uses interactive case studies to show how quantitative research methods and analysis can apply to the financial sector. Core course topics include financial modeling, corporate financial management, and international corporate finance. The learning experience culminates with an integrative capstone project that students can apply to their current places of employment. Online coursework utilizes the Brightspace learning management system, mixing asynchronous and synchronous learning tools. Each applicant must hold a 2.75 minimum GPA for full acceptance or a 2.0 for provisional acceptance. SNHU holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education. | ||
25 | Northwood University - Michigan | Midland | $$$$$ | 4000 Whiting Dr Midland, MI 48640 (800) 622-9000 | School Website | Founded in 1961, Midland's Northwood University features small class sizes and a strong commitment to providing accessible distance education for returning and working learners. NU's array of practical online business degrees include an online master's in finance that prepares graduates to sit for chartered financial analyst certification exams. The 30-credit master of science in finance typically takes 24 months to complete and prepares graduates for work as financial managers. Course topics include corporate financial decision-making, financial statement analysis, and business financial strategic planning. The learning experience concludes with a capstone project focused on useful methodologies and tools for creating investment portfolios. Online learners can access coursework through the Blackboard learning management system, which mostly uses asynchronous learning tools. Each applicant must present a 3.0 minimum GPA, sit for an interview, and complete a 30-minute writing sample for consideration. NU holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. |
A master’s in finance online degree prepares you for a variety of ambitious and well-paying careers. While the degree provides graduates with plenty of flexibility on the job market, those settling into traditional positions are doing quite well financially too. According to the BLS, the average salaries for financial managers, financial analysts and personal financial advisors all exceed $65,000 annually. Additionally, each field is growing quickly:
Job | Average Annual Salary | Growth Rate |
---|---|---|
Financial Manager | $156,100 | 9% |
Financial Analyst | $99,010 | 15% |
Personal Financial Advisor | $99,580 | 27% |
Like students in most departments, those studying in a M.Fin program should have some idea of the career they want after graduation. Once enrolled, students should always weigh the applicability of their coursework to their intended career and pursue electives in relevant subjects.
It’s also helpful for finance students to pursue internships or apprenticeships while they’re in school. This is particularly true for students without a long resume. Internships provide relevant work experience and can help students begin to network and make connections in the field before applying for a full time job. Networking is vital throughout the business community, and students should work on building relationships and professional contacts in all aspects of their program. Attending networking events, making friends with classmates and meeting professors is valuable and helps you get the most out of your degree.
Ultimately, an online master’s in finance prepares working professionals for a rewarding and lucrative career in business. If you’re interested in finance and are looking to jumpstart your career, consider pursuing your finance master’s online.