Online MBA Programs in Finance and Financial Services

“My goal was to leverage business school as a platform to explore and build upon my entrepreneurial ambitions, particularly in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space. This approach led me to recommend to anyone with similar interests the importance of curiosity and networking. Joining groups like the MIT Sloan Blockchain Club and the MIT Bitcoin Club proved invaluable.”

Leandro (Locha) Schlottchauer, MBA

Companies of all kinds need experts in financial analysis and planning. Managing a company’s finances is essential to all industries and can make or break the success of an organization, from the largest multinational bank to the smallest retailer.

Finance is one of the most popular MBA specializations. An MBA in finance can open the doors to higher salaries and more advanced positions and prepare junior or mid-level management professionals for executive leadership positions. That said, the work involved in an online program in finance takes incredible self-discipline but should be seen as a lifetime investment for both individuals and companies.

Graduates of MBA in finance programs can expect to find work in various businesses and financial institutions, including investment companies, international law firms, financial services firms, banks, and mortgage companies. Possible job titles include risk analyst, portfolio manager, credit manager, hedge fund manager, treasurer, and finance officer, among many others.

There are various MBA programs in finance and financial services throughout the United States, available both on campus and online. This guide showcases some of the most notable and three outstanding faculty members from universities offering some of the programs outlined.

Meet the Expert: Leandro (Locha) Schlottchauer, MBA

Leandro Schlottchauer

Leandro “Locha” Schlottchauer, a seasoned entrepreneur on his third venture, boasts an impressive track record in performance marketing. He co-founded Trocafone, the largest marketplace for second-hand electronics in Latin America, and BullMetrix, a growth marketing agency recognized for its achievements.

Hailing from Argentina, Schlottchauer turned to Bitcoin in 2014 to protect against his country’s hyperinflation. By 2020, he explored growth consulting within the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector, pinpointing a significant gap in scalable user acquisition strategies for web3 projects. This insight inspired the creation of Fuul, an innovative affiliate marketing protocol tailored for the emerging web landscape. With an MBA from MIT, Schlottchauer applies his education and vast experience to spearhead advancements in technology and cryptocurrency arenas.

BSchools.org: How has graduating from an MBA program enhanced your career?

Schlottchauer: My entrepreneurial journey began well before attending MIT. I co-founded my first venture-backed company at age 23, just one year after graduating from college. My work had taken me across Brazil and Argentina, dedicating six intense years to my ventures. Viewing business school as a pivotal step for my next entrepreneurial venture in the crypto space, particularly from a U.S. perspective, MIT was an ideal choice. It promised a global platform to connect with influential investors and technological advancements.

I entered the MBA program without lofty academic expectations; my focus was more on personal growth, networking, and cultural immersion. Meeting people with diverse backgrounds was incredibly enriching, providing a stark contrast to my upbringing and experiences in Argentina.

The program significantly broadened my worldview and deepened my entrepreneurial acumen, transforming how I perceive business. Entrepreneurship is more art than science, a perspective reinforced by engaging with fellow entrepreneurs and professors at MIT. These encounters didn’t offer a formula for success but challenged us to examine our ideas and underlying assumptions critically. This critical thinking, questioning of fundamentals, and exposure to diverse perspectives were the most valuable takeaways from my MBA experience.

Bschools.org: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective MBA student wanting to specialize in the decentralized finance sector?

Schlottchauer: Unlike those aiming for finance, investment banking, or consulting careers, I wasn’t convinced that an MBA would directly enhance my chances of successfully launching a startup. My goal was to leverage business school as a platform to explore and build upon my entrepreneurial ambitions, particularly in the blockchain space. This approach led me to recommend to anyone with similar interests the importance of curiosity and networking. Joining groups like the MIT Sloan Blockchain Club proved invaluable. This network includes current students and alumni, fostering connections and discussions, especially during conferences, through active chats and meetups. Such clubs provide a sense of community and a collaborative environment where individuals can amplify their collective curiosity.

The Bitcoin Club at MIT, known for its pioneering role in the crypto space, and the broader network of alumni involved in DeFi ventures, are incredible resources for tapping into the ecosystem. Guest speakers and professors at MIT, including notable figures like Gary Gensler, the current Chairperson of the SEC, provide rich learning experiences and connections to the industry. However, navigating this path requires proactive engagement—it’s about surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals, reaching out, and building relationships. Unlike more traditional career paths with clear steps, thriving in the DeFi space is about leveraging curiosity, networking proactively, and seizing opportunities to learn and connect without waiting for invitations.

Featured Finance Programs
Southern New Hampshire University Online MBA In Finance View Full Profile
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Online MBA in Finance View Full Profile
Purdue Global Online MBA - Finance View Full Profile
Lamar University Online MBA - Financial Management View Full Profile
Eastern Washington University Online MBA - Finance View Full Profile
Boston University Graduate Certificate - Corporate Finance View Full Profile
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Featured Online MBA Programs in Finance and Financial Services

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers an online MBA with a concentration in finance, providing students with the management skills and insights they need to rise to new opportunities as financial leaders in the business world. Graduates will be qualified to work within financial services across various industries. They will acquire the core business skills and knowledge needed in management or administrative roles with added focus on finance.

This 36-credit program includes finance courses in multinational finance; investment & portfolio theory; financial markets & institutions; and personal financial planning.

The university also offers an accounting concentration providing students with the leadership skills and accounting expertise they need to stand out in a competitive workforce. With core business knowledge in areas such as operations management, organizational behavior, and economics, the program includes accounting courses such as forensic accounting; advanced auditing & assurance services; oil, gas & energy accounting; and taxes & business strategy.

Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months

SNHU offers an MBA in finance for those interested in acquiring financial management and investment analysis skills. This online program can be completed in just over a year and is designed for security analysts, investment brokers, project analysts, and financial analysts. The program’s core courses include leading people and organizations; organizational strategy in a global environment; innovation and strategy for high-performance organizations; measuring success in an organization; optimizing brands; and strategic opportunity management.

The finance courses explore topics such as short-term financial management; corporate financial management; and investment analysis & portfolio management. SNHU prides itself on its affordability; by illustration, the school has held the same tuition rates for the last four years, a rarity in higher education. Students can attend classes when most convenient for them, completing two courses per ten-week term. No GMAT is required with the application.

Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: As few as 15 months

Texas A&M International University’s online MBA in international banking and finance enables students to deepen their knowledge of banking and finance and apply their skills on a global scale. Students in this rigorous program will study central banking practices, interest rate mechanics, securities trading, ethical dilemmas in banking, and regulatory environments. They will examine techniques for analyzing international parity relationships, international trade financing, and international portfolio investments; measuring exchange rate exposure; and forecasting exchange rates.

The core curriculum of this 30-credit includes courses such as business research methods; strategic management; financial statement analysis; financial management; managerial economics; seminar in management concepts; and seminar in marketing management. Courses in the concentration include international financial markets & institutions; international investments; and international finance.

Location: Laredo, Texas
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 21 months

UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School provides a wealth of online MBA programs, including one with a concentration in finance. This specialized MBA@UNC program features classes such as analytical tools; business communication; business strategy; strategic economics; leading and managing; and financial accounting, among others.

The finance specialization courses include financial statement analysis; derivatives; global finance and emerging markets; taxes and business strategy; mergers and acquisitions; information for decision-making, incentives and strategy; and information for product and customer strategy. The program comprises 62 credits.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and submit two letters of recommendation, GRE or GMAT scores, and three essays (with the option to submit a fourth). Additionally, they must have at least two years of work experience. A test score waiver is available for those with six or more years of work experience.

Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online with two global immersions
Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 36 months

Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management has created an online MBA program for working professionals seeking to advance or change careers. Students build on their business knowledge by taking finance, marketing, accounting, economics, quantitative analysis, law, human behavior, information systems, strategy, management, and leadership classes.

They can focus their MBA through one of the program’s seven concentrations: finance; leadership and managing organizational change; marketing; business analytics; digital innovation and information systems; entrepreneurship; or global business. Students can also choose the general track. The program also includes a weekend immersion in Los Angeles, where students will examine business ethics and develop leadership skills while working in tight-knit settings.

In the finance specialization, students study courses such as real estate investing and finance; valuation and corporate combinations; global capital markets and institutions; and investments and portfolio management. U.S. News and World Report highly ranks the Graziadio School.

Location: Malibu, California
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online with one required immersion
Expected Time to Completion: 20 to 48 months

The Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University offers an online MBA program that requires students to attend at least two in-person field experiences. Students in this highly customizable curriculum will develop their understanding of essential business principles such as business analytics, financial accounting, leadership, finance, and marketing strategy. They will then learn to apply these concepts throughout an organization as they hone their skills with their choice of electives.

With 13.5 elective credits, students can choose electives that align with their specific interests by taking the general management approach or select one of seven career or industry focus areas: corporate strategy; entrepreneurship; corporate finance; energy; investment management; healthcare; or marketing.

Comprising 54 credits, the program includes 36 credits of core coursework, 13.5 credits of electives, and 4.5 credits of field experiences. Core courses include financial accounting; data analysis; managerial accounting; operations management; economic environment of business; corporate social responsibility; enterprise acquisition; and strategic business communication. The corporate finance specialization includes courses such as accounting-based valuation; corporate investment policy; applied finance; mergers and acquisitions; and using financial statements.

Location: Houston, Texas
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Grand Canyon University’s Colangelo College of Business offers an online MBA with a concentration in finance. Students in this program will be able to broaden their knowledge of macro business strategies and portfolio management, including acquisitions, partnerships, and mergers. This finance MBA emphasizes ethical decision-making for future business leaders. Some courses students will take in this 54-credit program include advanced financial strategies; investments; managerial finance; finance principles; and accounting practices.

Grand Canyon University also offers an online MBA with a concentration in accounting that features courses such as advanced financial statement analysis; advanced financial accounting; managerial accounting; and accounting practices.

Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

The University of Scranton’s Kania School of Management offers a top-ranked, AACSB-accredited online MBA program with eight unique specializations: accounting; business analytics; enterprise resource planning; finance; healthcare management; operations management; human resources management; and international business.

The finance specialization empowers students with a unique perspective that combines graduate-level business education with a rigorous focus on modern finance. Students in this specialization gain both the financial acumen and the advanced business foundations needed to succeed in some of the world’s largest companies. The curriculum includes courses such as financial institutions; advanced financial management; investment analysis; international finance; derivative securities; portfolio theory; and treasury management.

Courses in the accounting specialization include accounting integration and configuration; international accounting; financial reporting and research; advanced auditing; advanced taxation and regulation; advanced managerial accounting; and financial reporting fraud: detection & prevention.

Location: Scranton, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Eastern Washington University’s online MBA with a concentration in finance helps students deepen their managerial decision-making capabilities and financial management knowledge through coursework focusing on important financial management aspects in the international arena. The program empowers students with skills in international financial management, international investment, and financial statement analysis while giving them techniques with real-world application.

The program’s flexible curriculum includes core courses in corporate finance; data-driven decision-making; marketing management; operations management; leadership and ethics; and advanced accounting. Students also must complete a capstone course. Courses in the finance concentration include courses such as financial statement analysis; international financial management; and international investments.

Eastern Washington University also offers an accounting concentration with courses such as financial statement analysis; international forensics accounting; and advanced cost accounting for MBA students. Each program requires the successful completion of 44 credits.

Location: Cheney, Washington
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 10 months

University of North Carolina Pembroke offers an online master of business administration program with a concentration in finance. The program helps students deepen their understanding of investment analysis, corporate finance, and hedging opportunities so they can lead in quantitatively rich roles such as commodities traders, portfolio managers, and financial analysts.

The program’s core MBA curriculum covers all aspects of business, including managerial finance, accounting, economics, marketing, and an introduction to international business. The concentration in finance allows students to tailor their MBA so the degree fits their career goals and highlights their quantitative strengths. Finance courses include investment analysis; bank management and financial services; and corporate finance.

UNC Pembroke also has a concentration in financial services providing students with a broad understanding of financial restructuring, portfolio management, and corporate finance. Both programs are made up of 36 credits each.

Location: Pembroke, North Carolina
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 12 months

One program worth noting is Boston University’s Metropolitan College’s online master of science program in financial management. This specialized program offers instruction in global quantitative finance, including two concentrations in international finance and investment analysis. Ideal for students seeking careers in financial management, corporate finance, multinational finance, and investments, this program prepares graduates for leadership roles in modern global finance. The program also provides several laboratories covering statistics and mathematics with advanced Excel, R, Python, and management applications.

Made up of 40 credits, the program includes courses such as financial and managerial accounting; financial regulation and ethics; quantitative methods for finance; corporate finance; financial markets and institutions; mergers and acquisitions; and investment analysis and portfolio management.

Location: Brookline, Massachusetts
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 24 months

Purdue Global offers a range of online MBA programs, including a concentration in finance. This program is 100 percent online and requires no campus visits. No work experience or GMAT/GRE scores are required to apply for this program.

Through 76 credits of coursework, students learn about advanced business fundamentals such as business perspectives; business communications; business analytics; financial accounting principles and analysis; measurement and decision-making; strategic human resource management; marketing management; economics for global decision-makers; designing, improving, and implementing processes; managing the value chain; strategic management; ethics in business and society; leadership strategies for a changing world; and MBA capstone. The concentration-specific topics include financial institutions and markets; risk analysis and management; corporate finance; and financial statement analysis.

Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 30 months

Wake Forest University provides a two-year online MBA program with a specialization in finance. Core courses in this program include financial management; information technology management; business analytics I-II; global strategic management; financial accounting; managerial accounting; business law; behavior and leadership in organizations; an introduction to strategy; managerial economics; operations management; and marketing management. Concentration courses include training in tactical asset allocation and portfolio management; advanced financial management; and financial modeling and forecasting.

To qualify for admission, applicants must submit contact information for two references, a resume, proof of a bachelor’s degree, and GRE or GMAT scores. Please note that waivers are available for candidates with at least five years of professional experience, a master’s degree, or a 3.2 GPA (or higher) in a bachelor’s program. The WFU online MBA currently accepts students from Florida, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia.

Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Villanova University provides an online MBA with seven concentrations. Applicants must submit GRE or GMAT test scores (waivers available), two letters of recommendation, two essays, and a current resume. Although work experience is not required, it is considered in the admissions process.

The online MBA program offers instruction in ethical business practices; information technology as a strategic lever; team leadership & group dynamics; and management for innovation and creativity. The finance focus adds training in international finance and a selection of other electives integral to the discipline.

This specialization provides students with opportunities to immerse themselves in the financial markets, excel at understanding corporate finance, learn how businesses make and finance investments, and develop a foundation for making solid financial and operational business decisions.

Location: Villanova, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online with practicum experiences
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Maryville University’s John E. Simon School of Business has an online MBA with a financial services concentration. Applicants must submit a personal statement and application. No GRE or GMAT scores, application fees, or work experience are required.

This online MBA in financial services has courses such as strategic marketing; business ethics; the legal environment of business; global business; accounting for managers; corporate financial policies; organizational behavior and development; and business economics. The concentration includes courses such as financial institutions, money, and the economy; integrated marketing communications; investment alternatives and portfolio construction; and financial statement analysis.

Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 14 months or more

Ohio University’s online MBA program consists of 35 credits and takes six semesters to complete as students take five to six credits per semester. The program’s core courses provide students with a strong understanding of business, while the concentration courses allow students to specialize in finance, healthcare, executive management, and business analytics, among others.

Students learn about financial markets and institutions, investments, and advanced corporate finance in the finance track. The U.S. News & World Report recognized Ohio University as one of the best business schools and one of the best online MBA programs in the country. While the program is mostly online, all MBA candidates are required to attend one on-campus professional development workshop and can participate in two or more optional workshops throughout the program.

Location: Athens, Ohio
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: Six semesters

JHU’s Carey Business School offers a full-time, on-campus global MBA in Baltimore, and a flexible part-time MBA program, which is available on-site, online, or in a hybrid format. The 54-credit online program takes about two years to complete. It consists of eight-week courses in business foundations, including communications, negotiations, and corporate finance, as well as electives in subjects like cybersecurity, data analytics, and power and politics.

Students can concentrate on several topics, including financial management. Courses in this specialization include investments; financial modeling and valuation; advanced corporate finance; advanced portfolio management; and financial institutions. It is also possible for MBA candidates to obtain a dual degree from one of the school’s other colleges. GMAT or GRE scores are not required for admission.

Location: Baltimore, Maryland; and Washington, D.C.
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

The online MBA program from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland is designed for students who wish to gain business expertise for leadership positions at local, regional, and international organizations. Students have the option to specialize in one of five tracks, including two finance tracks: accounting and finance. Students will be required to complete four credits of residency courses.

In the accounting track, students can expect to learn how to analyze, track, and communicate financial information and how those practices relate to business strategy and the management of financial assets. Courses in the accounting concentration include fraud examination, detection, and deterrence in the business environment; financial planning and control systems for managers and consultants; and the impact of taxation on business entities.

In the finance track, students learn how to manage money in the modern business environment. Courses in the finance track include commercial bank management; financial restructuring; and applied equity analysis. The program consists of 54 credits.

Location: College Park, Maryland
Accreditation: American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online with four residency credits
Expected Time to Completion: As few as 24 months

UAB offers an online MBA program that can be completed in two years or more. Students gain financial and economic knowledge and build skills in foundational business principles such as web analytics, real estate decision analysis, operations and supply chain management, and organizational management. Students can complete a general MBA or opt into a specialized track in finance, marketing, management information system, business analytics, or health services.

The program is broken down into foundational business skills and principles courses, functional management and technological courses, electives, and a capstone project. Students who enroll in the finance program take classes on portfolio theory and construction; mergers and acquisitions; financial risk analysis and management, and treasury management.

Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Accreditation: American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months

The WSU online MBA program offers four focus areas and a general track. What makes this program unique is the possibility of international field study. Students take courses in strategic leadership and functional business practices. Additionally, they must complete a capstone project and final presentation.

They can choose from one of four concentrations: marketing, finance, international business, or hospitality and tourism. All four are available as standalone nine-credit MBA certificates. In the finance track, students explore courses such as investment analysis; interest rates and financial markets; and international finance. The school has been recognized for providing outstanding military and veteran students opportunities, including a significant tuition discount.

Location: Pullman, Washington
Accreditation: American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 22 to 29 months

NJIT is one of the country’s most affordable colleges and offers a strong academic program. The online MBA program at NJIT is grounded in technology and offers several specializations, one of which is dedicated to finance. Students who choose the finance track gain an understanding of e-commerce, automation, data capture, cloud-based computing, and other related technologies. Outside of the 36 credits of core business courses, students in the finance track take 12 credits of classes in advanced corporate finance, financial investment institutions, derivatives markets, and investment analysis and portfolio theory. All MBA students are expected to complete a total of 48 credits.

Location: Newark, New Jersey
Accreditation: American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: Eight semesters

Seton Hall University’s Stillman School of Business offers an online MBA with three concentration options: accounting, finance, or marketing. The finance concentration prepares students to excel across industries in financial business roles by connecting financial theory to practice and exploring the impact of capital and money markets on business activity. The program requires all students to attend a two-day on-campus orientation residency at the start of the program.

This 40-credit program includes core courses such as corporate social responsibility; international perspective; accounting for decision makers; management theory and practice; market decision making; economics for managers; and financial decision making. The finance concentration includes courses such as capital and money markets; security analysis; portfolio analysis; corporate finance. All students will be required to complete a capstone project on business consulting.

Location: South Orange, New Jersey
Accreditation: American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online with a two-day on-campus orientation residency
Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 36 months

University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics offers an online MBA that can be completed in as few as 16 months of full-time study. This top-ranked online MBA program provides students with a solid foundation in business management and essential business functions. With concentration options in business analytics, finance, healthcare management, international business, and strategic leadership, this flexible fully online program is ideal for working business professionals.

Core courses in this 44-credit program include financial reporting and analysis; fundamentals of analytics; managing people, teams, and organizations; economic analysis for business policy; operations management and management science; marketing management; financial management; and corporate strategy.

The finance concentration includes courses such as financial modeling and valuation; corporate financial analysis; and investment analysis and portfolio management.

Location: Newark, Delaware
Accreditation: American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 16 months

University of Saint Mary’s one-year online MBA has eight concentration options with finance being one of them. Students in this finance concentration will gain an in-depth understanding of financial best practices crucial for all industries, ranging from government and health care to banking and entertainment. Graduates of this program will learn about properly gauging investments, creating future growth, and distributing capital soundly. With both part-time and full-time options, this program offers eight-week courses with convenient start dates and does not require GMAT or GRE scores for admission.

Made up of 33 credits, the program’s core courses include organizational management; marketing management; managerial economics; legal environment & commercial transactions; managerial accounting; managerial finance; forensic accounting; and international accounting, to name a few. Courses in the finance concentration include advanced financial topics; financial and capital issues; and financial decisions.

Location: Leavenworth, Kansas
Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 12 months

Utica University’s online MBA program offers four specialization options apart from the general track. Concentrations include business analytics, entrepreneurship finance/accounting, and healthcare management. Students in this program will gain the confidence and skills needed to meet management and leadership challenges head-on. Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission.

Students in the finance concentration explore economic forces and learn how they relate to an organization’s growth and profitability. Through this specialization, they will be introduced to managerial accounting, where they will examine the factors influencing contemporary issues in cost management. Courses in this concentration include forensic accounting; advanced managerial accounting; financial statement analysis; and advanced corporate finance. The program comprises 30 credits.

Location: Utica, New York
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Northeastern University’s 50-credit MBA curriculum is divided into two segments: 21 core credits and 29 elective credits. It also offers optional focus areas in finance, business analytics, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The online MBA helps students develop their effectiveness, leadership abilities, and knowledge and is centered on experience-powered learning, a learn-by-doing approach in which students will take on real business challenges, including competing in a changing business environment.

The program’s core curriculum includes courses on global strategy and innovation. Some core courses include analyzing accounting data for strategic decision-making; experiential business decision-making; innovating and creating futures; financial management; managing the organization; customer value and the enterprise; and managing operations and the supply chain.

Courses in the finance focus include financial strategy; international financial management; financial modeling; financial risk management; investment banking; and mergers and acquisitions.

Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Accreditation: American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 18 months or more

Besides the general MBA option, Norwich University’s online MBA program allows students to specialize in one of seven industry-relevant concentrations: energy management; finance; construction management; project management; organizational leadership; technology management; and supply chain management. In the finance concentration, students will learn about the most relevant theories, skills, and best practices focused on foreign exchange markets, managing the global financial environment, multinational corporations, portfolio management, and other areas of concern.

This fully online 36-credit program includes core courses such as strategic resources management; managerial finance; and strategic marketing and operations management. Courses in the finance concentration include multinational business finance; investments and portfolio management; and strategic management in finance.

Location: Northfield, Vermont
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 18 months

Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business offers an online master of business administration program, allowing students to focus on one of four areas of emphasis: international business, finance, marketing, or supply chain management.

This 49-credit program’s core curriculum includes courses such as organizational theory: leading people, teams and organization; statistics for managers; financial performance reporting; operations and supply management; decisions, market structure, and games: managerial economics; create and deliver customer value: marketing management; and ethical issues for managers.

Students in the finance concentration will be able to further their current career path in the financial services industry or corporate finance. Electives within this specialization highlight international finance, investment fundamentals, or mergers and acquisitions, giving students working knowledge of the leading-edge financial theories and the analytical techniques and concepts necessary for managing business strategically.

Location: Tempe, Arizona
Accreditation: American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Syracuse University’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management offers a 54-credit online MBA program providing students with the knowledge and skills required for becoming effective leaders and tackling tomorrow’s business challenges. This top-ranked online MBA program allows students to tailor their MBA experience based on their career interests by choosing from six available specializations in accounting, entrepreneurship, business analytics, marketing management, supply chain management, and finance. During this program, students will be required to attend three in-person residencies where they will explore timely topics in the evolving business landscape.

The finance specialization prepares students to take on leadership roles within the finance industry. They gain expertise in areas such as corporate finance, investments, quantitative finance, risk management, real estate, and international finance. Courses in this specialization include financial analytics; introduction to derivatives; corporate financial policy and strategy; and investment analysis.

The specialization in accounting includes courses such as principles of fraud examination; financial statement analysis; advanced financial accounting; advanced topics in auditing; principles of taxation; and auditing theory & practice.

Location: Syracuse, New York
Accreditation: American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

American University’s Kogod School of Business offers an online MBA ideal for mid-career professionals who wish to learn communication and strategic management skills. Students in this 48-credit program can choose from seven pre-designed focus areas or create their own by selecting electives that best suit their goals. These focus areas include entrepreneurship, finance, business analytics, cybersecurity, consulting, legal studies, and marketing.

Students in the finance concentration will study how organizations manage risk and make investments in today’s ever-changing economy. Courses include international finance; investment analysis and portfolio management; and fraud examination and litigation support.

Location: Washington, D.C.
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months

The Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver offers an online MBA that can be completed in 21 months. With four optional concentration options, this program will help students deepen their understanding of a specific field or discipline of their choice. Each concentration requires four courses and can be included in the 60-credit degree program. Concentration options include marketing, executive healthcare administration, finance, and executive leadership.

The core curriculum includes courses such as managerial economics; leading with integrity; leading people and organizations; business data and analytics; and managerial finance. The finance concentration includes courses such as financial planning and analysis; financial markets and investments; equity analysis; and advanced business valuation. The program also includes two required in-person immersions.

Location: Denver, Colorado
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online with two immersion experiences
Expected Time to Completion: 21 months

Queens University of Charlotte’s flexible online MBA has concentrations in finance, cybersecurity, global business management, management, healthcare management, executive coaching, and leadership and change.

In the finance concentration, students will examine how managers harness finance expertise to power their decision-making. They will learn to use analyses, budgeting, financial statements, control, and planning to impact day-to-day business. Additionally, they will learn how corporate finance and valuation affect cash distribution, mergers and acquisitions, and capital budgeting. Graduates will be ready to manage large accounts while ensuring their organization avoids risk, remains financially stable for years, and makes informed capital investments.

Courses in this 39-credit program include investment analysis; international financial management; futures & options; leadership development; managerial accounting; managerial finance; strategic planning & implementation; and marketing management.

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 24 months

Babson College’s F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business offers a part-time online MBA program with three concentration options: entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing. Throughout the finance concentration, students will learn how securities issued by companies are traded, valued, and combined into portfolios for achieving investment objectives. Students will also get a better understanding of how to create shareholder value by making effective financing and investment decisions within firms small and large.

Graduates of this concentration often go on to careers in portfolio management, securities analysis, wealth management, sales and trading, venture capital, private equity, financial analysis, strategic planning, investor relations, and treasury management.

This 45-credit program includes core courses such as entrepreneurship; financial and sustainability reporting; managing people and organizations; finance; operations and information management; and marketing. Concentration courses include capital markets; equities; risk management; corporate finance: raising capital; corporate finance: evaluating opportunities; managing portfolios; and finance for new ventures.

Location: Babson Park, Massachusetts
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 18 months

The University of West Alabama offers a 33-credit online MBA program with 14 concentration options. One such concentration is finance, which takes a deep dive into economic-financial analysis in international and national markets in nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Offering project-based courses, the program provides graduates with the experience they need for the role they want after graduation.

Core courses include foundations of business; managerial accounting; comparative business law and ethics; research methods and design; emerging technologies; managerial economics; financial management; strategic management and business policy; and marketing management. The nine-credit finance emphasis includes courses in financial and economic analysis; behavioral finance and organizational decisions; international finance and capital markets; and independent study in finance.

Location: Livingston, Alabama
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 12 months

Virginia Wesleyan University’s accelerated online MBA provides students with leadership skills and gives them the foundation needed for succeeding in any field, regardless of their background. Offered in a participative online learning environment, this 10-course program can be completed in as little as 12 months, and students may enroll on either a full-time or a part-time basis. This program does not offer concentration options, but empowers students to pursue several career paths in health services management, finance, public relations, entrepreneurship, and business operations.

Students will be able to take charge of an organization’s finances and manage its financial strategy with the skills they learn from their MBA. The program’s 30-credit curriculum includes courses such as accounting information and management decisions; managerial finance; managerial economic analysis; ethical management in a global environment; operations management and supply chain management; applied leadership theory; negotiations; and advanced strategy and policy integration.

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 12 months

Southern Oregon University offers an online master of business administration program with a concentration in finance that combines a solid business base with the financial tools required for managing international and domestic assets, retirement portfolios, and investments while enhancing students’ negotiation and analytical skills. Students will be provided with an in-depth understanding of today’s business concepts and financial realities. They will be prepared to move into higher-level management or leadership positions such as portfolio managers, investment banking managers, chief financial officers, or finance directors.

The program’s core curriculum includes courses such as managerial accounting for decision-making; financial management practices; strategic operations management; marketing management and strategies; economic analysis; and advanced organizational behavior. Courses in the finance concentration include investments; financial statement analysis; and international financial management.

Notably, Southern Oregon University also offers an MBA with an accounting concentration that includes courses such as accounting information systems; financial statement analysis; and business valuation using financial statements. Both programs require students to complete 45 credits of coursework each.

Location: Ashland, Oregon
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 16 months

Career Outlook & Salary for Finance Managers

The job outlook for finance managers from 2022 to 2032 shows promising and consistent growth, highlighting their pivotal role in guiding financial strategies across all sectors of the economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) anticipates a notable expansion in this field, mentioning an impressive 16 percent growth rate for financial managers, compared with 3 percent for the national average for all occupations. The finance sector’s growth is fueled by the ongoing need for innovation and technology development in all sectors of financial products and services.

For an accurate reflection on finance managers’ compensation, here are the salary percentiles as reported by the BLS as of May 2023:

  • 10th percentile: $82,870
  • 25th percentile: $110,190
  • 50th percentile (median): $156,100
  • 75th percentile: $210,830
  • 90th percentile: >$239,200
Farheen Gani
Farheen Gani
Writer

Farheen Gani is an expert in online MBA programs, having covered MBA programs in computer science, economics, healthcare management, and fraud and forensics, among others, since 2018. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).

Rachel Drummond, MEd
Rachel Drummond, MEd
Writer

Rachel Drummond has offered a unique blend of metrics-based mindfulness to BSchools.org since 2019. She teaches future business leaders to prioritize their well-being to sustain professional success and personal fulfillment over the lifetime of a corporate or entrepreneurial business career.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.