Online MBA Finance
Programs

An online MBA in finance combines the traditional MBA curriculum, including courses in management, leadership, and human resources, with financial courses, such as financial accounting, banking, and investment analysis. Students interested in the broad financial field earn this degree, and some look for specific specializations and courses to learn new skills. 

Common Specializations for an Online MBA in Finance

Some schools allow students to specialize in their online MBA in finance, leading to niche positions in high-paying industries. Pursuing one of these focuses could lead to a specific job outcome. 

Online MBA in Finance Admission Requirements

Each college and university sets its own online MBA in finance admission requirements. However, most accredited online schools use many of the same criteria, including the following:

• GMAT: Many online MBA programs require applicants to submit GMAT test scores. Created specifically for graduate-level business programs, applicants who submit scores often must earn a minimum score. 
• Bachelor’s Degree: All MBA concentrations cover graduate-level concepts, so applicants must earn a bachelor’s degree before starting the program. While preferred, students are not always required to complete their bachelor’s degree in business. 
• Professional Experience: Some of the top MBA in finance programs only accept candidates with 1-2 years of business experience related to finance. Even if not required, earning professional experience improves your application. 
• Letters of Recommendation: Online MBA programs often require applicants to submit 2-3 letters of recommendation. Schools use the letters of recommendation to determine whether the applicant is a good fit for the program. 
• Official Transcripts: Every online MBA in finance requires applicants to submit official transcripts. If you attended more than one school to complete your bachelor’s degree, then you must send in transcripts from each school you attended. 

Curriculum for an Online Master of MBA in Finance Program

• Corporate Finance Management: Ideal for anyone who wants to become a financial manager, corporate finance management looks at finance, including investing, budgeting, and portfolio management, at the corporate level. This course usually provides students with real-world portfolios and teaches them to evaluate potential risks. 
• Marketing and Strategy: A mixture of finance and marketing topics, marketing and strategy teaches students to look at a business’s brand and determine how to market products. Learners then perform market analysis and determine the most strategic financial move to accomplish marketing goals. 
• Ethics and Social Responsibility: Usually required in all MBA in finance programs, ethics and social responsibility teach students to conduct finances to grow business while following corporate values and ethics. Students also cover laws and regulations associated with investing and create investment strategies that remain compliant with local, state, and national laws. 
• Interest Rates and Financial Markets: Building off topics covered in banking courses, interest rates and financial markets analyzes interest rate theory, the pricing of bonds, and risk associated with different interest rates. Students determine the best investment opportunities using short and long term interest rates and apply them to real-world scenarios. 
• International Finance: Often taken as an introductory course to broader international topics, international finance looks at how corporate finance professionals create investment decisions in international markets. This course introduces various international markets and teaches students to analyze potential risks with each market. 

Skills Gained in an Online MBA in Finance Program

MBA in finance graduates become leaders in the workplace. To function at a high level, graduates learn a set of skills while completing an MBA. Students obtain these skills through lectures, coursework, collaboration, and sometimes internships. Some skills students obtain during an online MBA in finance include: 

• Analytics: Many positions that graduates earn after completing their MBA require a significant analysis of data and information. Students develop analytical skills through meticulous practice during courses. 
• Decision Making: Whether leading a team or determining the best positions for a portfolio, MBA in finance graduates must make important decisions. Class projects and internships help develop decision-making skills. 
• Communication: Finance professionals regularly communicate with clients, coworkers, and other financial professionals. Expect to develop these skills through group projects. 
• Mathematics: While not required for all career outcomes, many finance professionals use mathematics to determine the risk of assets, analyze financial statements, and find effective investment strategies. 
• Attention to Detail: Many financial experts work with reports and complex portfolios. Graduates learn to pay special attention to important documents and decisions, ensuring no mistakes are made. 

The cost of an online MBA in finance may seem steep, but most students use various methods to reduce, or completely cover, the cost of a graduate degree. 

Internships

Not only can students help cover tuition costs with a paid internship, but many programs also allow students to count the internship toward class credit. 

Tuition Assistance

Schools like Harvard University provide tuition assistance to students who demonstrate financial need or academic merit. Many schools offer similar programs.  

Student Loans

After reducing the cost of an MBA, students who prefer not to pay out-of-pocket take advantage of student loans. Various types of student loans exist, including friendlier loans offered by the government. 

Scholarships for Online MBA in Finance Students

Scholarships remain one of the best ways to help finance an online MBA degree. Some scholarships, including the following options, only apply to students that plan on pursuing an MBA. 

• AICP Scholarship Who Can Apply: Both part- and full-time MBA students may apply for this scholarship. Applicants must plan on pursuing a degree related to finance, mathematics, or a business-related field. Amount: $1,500
• Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Who Can Apply: Only full-time students currently enrolled in a program may apply. Applicants must be pursuing a degree related to business administration or finance and should plan on beginning a career in fraud examination.  Amount: $1,000 – $10,000
• Forte MBA Fellowship Who Can Apply: Created for women, the Forte MBA Fellowship works more like a scholarship, awarding hard-working women with funds to help finance their MBA. Applicants must be studying full-time.  Amount: Varies
• Military MBA Scholarship Who Can Apply: Only U.S. residents who both served in the military and earned a bachelor’s degree can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must submit official transcripts and two letters of recommendation, one of which must come from a supervising officer.  Amount: Varies
• GFOA Scholarships Who Can Apply: The Government Finance Officers Association awards four different scholarships to graduate-level students, and both part- and full-time students may apply. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in working in public administration.  Amount: Varies

Online MBA in finance graduates end up working in an array of industries. Those that specialize in international business might find work outside of the country, and corporate finance specialists often work for large corporations. An MBA graduate could even decide to start their own business or join a startup. While no amount of education guarantees any specific career outcome or salary, MBA in finance graduates often end up in these roles. 

Those interested in or currently pursuing an online MBA in finance can take advantage of professional organizations and networking sites. These resources help students connect with current professionals, learn new skills, and find careers in finance. 

• American Association of Finance & Accounting: With locations across the United States and Canada, AAFA primarily works to connect finance and accounting professionals with career opportunities, particularly for those looking to advance their careers. 
• Association for Financial Professionals: Based in Washington, D.C., AFP supports finance and treasury professionals and administers the Certified Treasury Professional and Certified Corporate FP&A certifications. Members receive industry data, online training, and career counseling. 
• LinkedIn: The social media site LinkedIn hosts millions of professionals, many of whom actively seek qualified finance candidates. Current students should begin networking via LinkedIn, look for job opportunities, and learn from seasoned professionals. 
• National Association for Personal Financial Advisors: The top organization for fee-only financial advisors, NAPFA offers several levels of membership, including options for current professionals and students. Members receive access to career listings, podcasts, virtual learning, and various member discounts.  
• National Black MBA Association : Created to empower a historically underrepresented community, the National Black MBA Association connects Black MBA graduates across the nation. NBMBAA hosts an annual conference, provides members with digital learning and certifications, and advocates for Black MBA graduates.