Getting an MBA in Finance Online

For those who want to become financial leaders in businesses, it’s worth considering an MBA in finance online program. Graduates may go on to pursue financial leadership roles in a variety of business settings, as well as apply their finance knowledge to advance their current business careers.

This resource outlines what you could expect in terms of what the program covers, course curriculum, salary figures and job outlook to help you determine if an MBA in finance online program is for you.

The Online MBA From Syracuse University

Skip the GMAT and earn a world-class MBA online from Syracuse University’s AACSB-accredited Martin J. Whitman School of Management. The program features a rigorous curriculum with six career-focused specializations.

  • As few as 24 months to complete 
  • No GMAT required to apply 
  • Six concentrations available 
  • AACSB accredited

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UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School – Online MBA

Kenan-Flagler Business School is STEM-designated and prepares professionals to lead in an evolving business landscape. GMAT waivers are available. 

  • Complete in as few as 18 months  
  • GMAT waivers for experienced professionals  
  • 25+ electives available across five concentrations 

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The Online MBA from Rice Business

MBA@Rice, the online MBA program from Rice Business, helps aspiring business leaders rethink their approach to finding innovative solutions to modern business challenges.

  • Complete in 24 months
  • Small school, big ideas
  • Join a tight-knit community of bold, entrprenuerial thinkers

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The Online MBA from the University of California, Davis

The online MBA from UC Davis brings a culture of collaboration and Silicon Valley connections to students worldwide. Earn your MBA in as few as 24 months. 

  • The Graduate School of Management at UC Davis is AACSB accredited
  • Students can complete the program in as few as 24 months
  • Combine business with data in a STEM-designated online MBA

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Can You Earn a Finance MBA Online?

Yes, several institutions offer an MBA in finance online programs. Like on-campus programs, online formats provide Master of Business Administration students the quantitative, analytical, and communication skills necessary to become proficient business leaders. Online programs further offer optimal flexibility for students with commitments outside school.

What Does an Online Finance MBA Cover?

Whether you are an undergraduate or a mid-career professional interested in pursuing an MBA in finance, you may not be sure if the degree is worth it. An MBA in finance online program covers an array of areas that will encourage the development of both soft and technical skills. Besides learning material on financial markets, corporate finance, real estate and mergers and acquisitions you will likely also study:

  • Leadership
  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Strategy
  • Flexibility
  • Self-awareness
  • Resilience

MBA Concentration in Finance Curriculum

A master of business administration with a concentration in finance program usually takes two years to complete and consists of 36-60 credits, with some programs culminating in a capstone project. Although the curriculum between institutions may vary, here’s an overview of typical finance courses:

  • Financial Reporting: The foundation of this course is financial statement preparation, and how to read and analyze them. Students study a variety of forms, including income and cash flow statements and balance sheets. This is a necessary course for any student seeking to enter the business world, especially a corporate career in accounting or finance.
  • Cost Analysis and Profit Planning: Typical course discussions include cost and profit analysis, current trends and strategic planning. Students learn how to analyze financial models and acquire the insight needed to predict futures and plan economic strategies.
  • Managerial Ethics: This course is important for any student preparing for a professional career. Abundant in societal ethics, financial and corporate responsibility and organizational decision-making, this managerial course can benefit any student desiring to enter the world of finance.
  • Short-Term Financial Management: Topics discussed can include cash management, payment processing systems and banking relationships. Additional subjects discussed may include cash forecasting, inventory management and short-term borrowing. This course helps students prepare for financial careers within both private and public business organizations.
  • Investment Portfolio Management: Topics studied generally include market theory, equity, corporate bonds, risk and return measurement and performance evaluation. This course is beneficial for those seeking a career in financial planning or corporate financial management positions.
  • Financial and Managerial Accounting: As a critical part of any online MBA program, accounting courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how to prepare and analyze income and balance sheets and cash flow statements. Studies may also include budgeting and forecasting.
  • Corporate Financial Management: In this course, students will examine investments and capital structure from an organizational viewpoint. They learn how to properly budget for their business needs, manage financial portfolios and analyze risk. Students may research case studies on existing firms to analyze risk and generate mock budgets.

Topics covered may include:

  • Short-term and long-term borrowing
  • Risk management
  • Financial analysis
  • Business law
  • Statistics
  • Leadership and ethics

You may also need to take a few electives which can cover a host of areas. They might include courses that crossover with a school’s law or healthcare curriculum, international business courses or advanced classes in any of the topics above.

Master of Finance vs MBA in Finance: What’s the Difference?

When researching an MBA in finance program, you may come across discussions on the master of finance degree. Although finance is the core of these two programs, and both offer the potential for career advancement, your career goals will determine which one is best for you. What’s the difference between them?

A master of finance degree is specific to finance, whereas, an MBA in finance offers flexibility in curriculum, part-time classes and readies students with a broader skill set and a body of knowledge from multiple facets of a business.

What Jobs Can You Get With an Online MBA in Finance?

Your career options with an MBA in Finance are generally related to finance in a range of organization types, such as for-profit, nonprofit and public companies. However, your degree can prepare you for a variety of positions with unique job duties. 

  • Financial Analyst: Job responsibilities usually include the collection of operational information, the establishment of standard costs and cost analysis for products and services, and more.
  • Financial Manager: Tasks include overseeing a team of financial analysts and monitoring the organization’s cash flow and financial means.
  • Accounting Manager: Responsibilities include overseeing the daily accounting department operations and preparing standard financial statements and documents.
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Job duties involve coordinating the development and delivery of financial projections, maximizing returns on investment funds and establishing productivity, quality and customer service indicators and tracking methods from a finance position.
  • Corporate Controller: Job responsibilities include establishing, coordinating and executing accounting functions for an organization, preparing forecasts and overseeing payroll.

What is the Average MBA in Finance Salary?

Average MBA in finance salaries vary by career path. Choosing a finance concentration ,au prepare you with within the finance field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) breaks out the median salaries in 2019 for the following careers:

Explore Accredited MBA in Finance Online Programs

Because your education is an investment, you should explore an accredited MBA in finance online program to ensure you receive a business education of the highest quality. Here are several programs accredited through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

To find other accredited schools and learn more about accreditation, visit Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Last Updated August 2020