But how do you know if a finance master’s program is right for you?
A finance master’s program provides students with highly transferable skills, such as risk analysis, accounting, investment planning, and strategic decision-making, which can be applied to many different roles and industries.
Most students find a finance master’s program to be rewarding and intellectually stimulating, and the skills and knowledge gained can be potentially very valuable in a wide range of careers.
Armed with a master’s degree in finance, graduates possess specialized knowledge that can make them more competitive in the job market and in many fields, such as investment banking, corporate finance, or risk management.
Key Takeaways:
- A master’s degree in finance is a graduate-level degree that focuses on advanced financial concepts, quantitative methods, and financial analysis. A finance master’s program typically covers a range of topics, including corporate finance, financial markets, investment management, financial modeling, risk management, and accounting.
- There are many advantages to getting a master’s degree in finance, including increased job prospects, career advancement, and higher earning potential.
- Completing your finance master's degree qualifies you for a range of rewarding roles, including financial analyst, chief financial officer, or private wealth manager.
- The benefits of an online graduate program in finance include flexibility, the ability to study at your own pace while working a full-time or part-time job, the availability of online tools that enhance your marketability, and very often, reduced tuition costs.
What jobs am I eligible for with a Master’s in Finance?
Earning a Master of Science (MSC) in finance can open up new career opportunities and lead to higher salaries. Many companies require or prefer candidates with advanced degrees for management and executive positions. A graduate program in finance also provides you with a chance to network with other students and industry professionals, which can lead to job opportunities or partnerships in the future. So, what can you do with a master’s in finance?
Completing your MSC in finance can make you a competitive candidate for a wide range of top roles, including:
Senior Financial Analyst: Financial analysts are employed by banks, hedge funds, and insurance companies to conduct in-depth investigations into the financial performance of a company. They try to find opportunities to improve a company’s profitability and provide better financial prediction. The median annual wage for financial and investment analysts was $91,580 in May 2021, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and for financial risk specialists it was $100,000.
Chief Financial Officer: A chief financial officer (CFO) oversees all financial operations within an organization or company. They are responsible for everything from preparing financial reports and setting budgets to auditing financial performance and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Another critical aspect of their role is to provide financial information to company leadership and provide critical financial guidance during high-level decision-making. The median annual wage for top executives including CFOs was $179,520 in May 2021, according to the BLS.
Private Wealth Manager: Private wealth managers advise high-net-worth individuals on investment opportunities, retirement planning, tax reduction strategies, and how to best reach their greater financial goals. They are solely responsible (at the strategic level) for their clients' portfolios and ultimately strive to maximize returns for the individuals they serve. The median annual wage for personal financial advisors was $94,170 in May 2021, according to the BLS.
What other benefits can I gain from a Master’s Degree in Finance?
Anyone thinking of pursuing a master’s degree in finance of course wants to know what the return on their investment will be. Is a master’s in finance worth it? Some of the most important things to think about before you decide to pursue a finance graduate program are the benefits you will receive. A few of these are highlighted below.
A Competitive Edge: Students understandably want to see their graduate degree in finance translate into gainful employment, which is why many programs focus on both theoretical and practical, hands-on knowledge in equal measure. From capital budgeting to long-term debt management, graduate programs in finance cover crucial topics in a way that allows you to succeed not only in the classroom but also in the real world, where it matters most.
Critical Skills: Students in a finance master’s program are given the tools, technology, and expert guidance required to thrive in a career field that's constantly evolving at an accelerated pace. You'll use a variety of cutting-edge technologies, including blockchain applications, AI and machine learning, and digital experience platforms, ensuring your knowledge is relevant to today's modern world. You'll also study advanced financial modeling techniques, preparing you for senior-level roles in your chosen industry.
Expert Guidance: The professors in a finance master’s program aren't just educators — they're typically real-world professionals who bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge to each class they teach.
In the University of Miami UOnline Master’s in Finance program, the faculty are engaged in various professional pursuits, like serving as a financial economist for the Federal Reserve Board, being published in the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, or getting featured in the New York Times, that inspire students to strive for excellence.
"Our program is constantly renewing itself and incorporating new things and new events into the coursework, such as the FinTech and decentralized finance revolution," said Michael Fuerst, associate professor for the Miami Herbert Business School, who teaches in the UOnline Master of Finance program and specializes in financial markets, corporate finance, and macrofinance. "We ensure that these topics are integrated into the program as they evolve."
Networking Opportunities: One of the best components of a finance master’s program is the opportunity to connect with professionals from various backgrounds – both your classmates, as well as a large network of successful graduates. Often, students can find new professional opportunities in a classroom or at a school event. Perhaps you are looking for a mentor or mentee. All these connections are made possible through a graduate program in finance. Many graduates say they meet colleagues and friends that last a lifetime.
Many graduates say they meet colleagues and friends that last a lifetime. Mark Smith is a senior financial analyst who earned his Master of Science in Finance online through the University of Miami UOnline. He said the value of the alumni network was a big plus. "The value of the University of Miami network is exponential. The strength of our network comes from the quality of our relationships. That's where our true value resides."
Should I consider an online finance master’s program?
There are many reasons why you might want to consider choosing an online master’s in finance program like the one offered through University of Miami UOnline.
On-Campus Experience, 100% Online
If you’ve been researching finance master’s programs online in hopes of finding an engaging, collaborative, and outcome-focused program, the UOnline Master of Science in Finance may be just right for you. We have designed our online learning portal to support your lifestyle and increase your likelihood of successful completion.
Not only are our classes pre-recorded with built-in checkpoints, but we make our team of dedicated academic advisors available to you 24/7 so you always have access to the support and guidance you need.
We aim to provide an interactive learning environment customized to the needs of self-motivated students just like you. We understand that completing your master’s degree in finance online is a significant undertaking, so we’re committed to making it the most enjoyable and worthwhile experience possible.
"The online master’s in finance is the same professors, the same courses, and you earn the same degree as the in-person program," said Leila Pinto-Campillo, director of the program.
The Value of Your Degree
The connections you make at the University of Miami will help you carve your path in the finance industry. Our faculty and alumni are leading industry experts that recognize the power of your degree.
You will earn a top-ranked graduate degree from the University of Miami, Florida's #1 private university. Our programs are fully accredited, and we are recognized in the distinguished "Best Online Programs – Graduate Education" rankings by US News & World Report.
The UOnline Master of Science in Finance degree enables students to meet their professional goals with graduate certificate options available to customize and deepen their learning experience. All classes are taught by the same world-renowned faculty that teach on campus at the University of Miami.
"The UOnline Master of Science in Finance program is designed to elevate the careers of working professionals in finance by providing cutting-edge knowledge in this dynamic field," said Ann Olazabal, vice dean of the Herbert School of Business at the University of Miami.
"This online program combines academic rigor with practical application, enabling students to put the concepts they learn into immediate use. Whether you're looking to take your career to the next level or stay ahead of the curve in the fast-changing world of finance, our program delivers the real-world skills you need to succeed."
What Is It Like Studying in UOnline?
For alumnus Mark Smith, now a senior financial analyst with the McKesson Corporation, working full-time and being able to balance his coursework with his other responsibilities was of critical importance. He found exactly what he needed at UOnline.
"One of the first things I looked at when I went and evaluated programs was what would fit with my work schedule. I was really looking at flexibility," he said. "I also wanted a program that valued helping students in terms of building relationships through a vast connection of alumni, as well as the prestige and the magnitude of the program. UM checked all of those boxes for me."
Added Lily Yeung, also a senior financial analyst who graduated from the UOnline Master of Finance program: "The program is designed to fit your schedule, and you will still learn what you would learn in an on-campus program, but you can still be a full-time professional. If you are self-motivated, this program is perfect."
"We aim to provide an interactive learning environment customized to the needs of self-motivated students just like you," she added. "We understand that completing your finance master’s online is a significant undertaking, so we’re committed to making it the most enjoyable and worthwhile experience possible."
"This program exposes you to different students from all walks of life," said alumnus Mark Smith. "It gives you a more holistic understanding of how the world works and how to work with anyone, anywhere. It opens doors because former classmates and even alumni that you may not have met will reach out to you with job opportunities. It is truly an invaluable experience."
The connections you make at the University of Miami will help you carve your path in the finance industry. Our faculty and alumni are leading industry experts. The UOnline Master of Science in Finance degree was designed to help students meet professional goals with graduate certificate options available to customize and deepen their learning experience.
All UOnline courses are interactive, and faculty are available to assist you every step of the way.
We have office hours, by Zoom or in person and we welcome you to come to campus if that is something that you can do," said Dr. Indraneel Chakraborty, an associate professor of finance and the department chair for finance at the Miami Herbert Business School. "I have had coffee and lunch with many of the students."
Said alumnus Mark Smith: "Being able to interact with the faculty through an online messaging system or office hours, was important to me. I always took opportunity to meet with faculty. They are very hands-on, and they will help you every step of the way."
"There are also so many transferrable skills," he added. "Whatever your background is before this program or your career aspirations after the program you are always going to be able to leverage this degree. There is a level of rigor to it that anyone who is a professional and wishes to advance perhaps to a C-suite, the level of work ethic is one that this program provides.
"For those on the fence, I would say take the plunge. It’s a calculated step that has a huge ROI."
Extensive Alumni Network: As University of Miami alumni, UOnline graduates will have access to many unique opportunities through our vast alumni network, including access to resources like career volunteers who are available to provide advice, information on jobs, industry information, interviewing tips, and more. Career coaches are also available to help teach students how to market their talents and guide throughout their careers. Each year the University of Miami Alumni Association connects members through exclusive events and programming opportunities.
Support for Your Future Career: The centralized University of Miami career center prepares students for a lifetime of success. Students gain access to highly trained career advisors as they move forward to advance their careers. UOnline students have access to the same career resources as on-campus students. Resources such as networking opportunities, career fairs (on-campus and virtual), shadowing opportunities with potential employers, skill development, resume building, and interview preparation prepare students to achieve their professional aspirations.
Build a Business through the Launchpad: If you have entrepreneurial aspirations, the Launchpad can help you launch and grow your business idea by offering venture consulting to evaluate and develop your ideas into viable, self-sustaining enterprises. This service is confidential, free to all UM students and alumni and comes with no strings attached.
Complement Your UOnline Degree with Specialized Certificates in Finance
We've developed online certificates that align with the curriculum of the master’s in finance program, helping students advance professionally and academically in unique areas of interest that align perfectly with their goals. Certificates amount to fewer credit hours than a full degree program to allow students to focus on a specialty within their chosen field. Our certificates in Corporate Finance or Financial Decision Making offer industry-specific knowledge that is difficult to find elsewhere.
Begin your journey toward an online Master of Finance degree
Download the UOnline Application Checklist for a step-by-step guide through the simplified application process and contact an enrollment advisor to waive your $300 deposit fee. One of our enrollment supervisors would be happy to assist you with your application process and answer any questions you may have. Start an online chat today!
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