[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm” tag=”em”]This article was drafted using natural language generation technology and has been reviewed and fact-checked by our editorial staff.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an online master’s degree in finance from an accredited program is a great way to advance your career. By earning this degree, you will gain expertise in areas like financial analysis, portfolio management, and business valuation. You’ll also develop skills such as investment strategy, financial planning, and market analysis. You may also decide to continue your education and pursue a doctorate in finance.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a master’s in finance, you can pursue a variety of careers, such as stockbroker, financial advisor, or asset manager. Additionally, there may be internships and networking opportunities available, and many schools offer financial aid and scholarships to help with tuition costs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top 5 Master’s in Finance Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”] Rankings Methodology[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Overview: Master’s in Finance[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A student pursuing a master’s in finance online can expect to complete their program in about two years. Common topics covered include corporate finance, investments, financial planning, and risk management. Students can gain a variety of skills, including financial model building, financial statement analysis, and data analysis.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At the end of their program, students typically complete a capstone project. This project often involves hands-on experience and can be tailored to the student’s interests. Depending on the institution and program, students may also be required to take exams or complete other requirements before graduating. Continue reading for more information about the best online master’s in finance programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Demand for Finance Occupations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you are considering a master’s in finance, it is important to understand the career and salary outlook for the field. Common occupations related to finance include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/accounting-degrees/”]Accountants[/hen-ui-link] and auditors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Business teachers, postsecondary[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Credit counselors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Financial clerks[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Financial examiners[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Financial managers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Personal financial advisors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes113031.htm/”]financial managers[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link] earned a median annual salary of $156,100 in 2023, while [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes130000.htm/”]business and financial operations occupations[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link] earned $79,050. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132051.htm/”]Financial and investment analysts[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link] earned a median salary of $99,010 in 2023, and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132052.htm/”]personal financial advisors[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link] had a median salary of $99,580.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS also provides data on the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm/”]projected growth[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link] of careers related to finance. For example, financial managers are expected to grow 17% over the next 10 years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for a Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’re likely concerned about financing your master’s in finance program. It’s important to understand the various sources of financial aid and how to access them. According to 2019-20 data from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/whatsnew/press_releases/7_26_2023.asp”]National Center for Education Statistics[/hen-ui-link], about 42% of graduate students borrowed money for their education. The average amount borrowed for graduate students across all demographics is $26,000.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For most students, [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]scholarships[/hen-ui-link], fellowships, and need-based financial aid are preferable to loans. There are many sources of financial aid, including state and private financial aid, work-study, fellowships, and 529 plans. Additionally, the cost is often different for online versus on-campus programs, and for in-state versus out-of-state students. Make sure to fill out the [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa”]FAFSA[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link] to see what federal aid you qualify for.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online vs. On Campus[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online programs provide the flexibility to learn on your own time from the comfort of home, often at a lower cost. On-campus programs, on the other hand, provide students with the traditional college experience and access to a variety of campus amenities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The choice between an online or on-campus master’s in finance will depend on the student’s particular needs and preferences.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Public vs. Private[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public colleges typically offer a wider range of programs and classes due to government funding. They also tend to have larger student bodies, offering more opportunities for student diversity and extracurricular activities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Private colleges typically have smaller class sizes and a better student-to-faculty ratio, but with higher tuition costs. Ultimately, the decision between private and public colleges is one that rests on the individual student.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to a Finance Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you are applying to a master’s in finance program, there are a few key factors to consider: application requirements, program length, and school reputation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many programs prefer applicants with a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-finance/”]bachelor’s degree in finance[/hen-ui-link]. Undergraduate work in finance or a related field will prepare you to dive deeper into the subject in your graduate studies. Additionally, you should look into the program’s duration to determine if it fits your schedule. If you need to complete the program quickly, an accelerated option may be ideal. Finally, you should research the school’s reputation to ensure it is accredited and has credibility in the finance industry. Solid programs and faculty reputation are also important factors to consider.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Take time to compare these key elements to help you to make an informed decision when applying.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]FAQs about Finance Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the future demand for careers in the finance field?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS projects that several careers in the finance field will experience growth between 2021 and 2031. For example:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm/”]Financial managers[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]: 17% growth[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm/”]Personal financial advisors[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]: 17% growth[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What qualifications do I need to work in finance?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on the career, qualifications for the finance field can vary. Generally, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/occupation-finder.htm/”]BLS reports[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link] that careers like accountants and auditors, financial managers, and personal financial advisors require a bachelor’s degree. Some careers like certified financial planner (CFP) require additional certification. Some positions like postsecondary business teachers may require a doctorate or professional degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What kind of salary can I expect to earn in the finance field?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates of finance programs can enter lucrative occupations. For example, according to the BLS, the median salary for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm/”]financial managers[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link] was $156,100 in 2023, while the median salary for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132052.htm/”]personal financial advisors[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link] was $99,580.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-separator /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Sources[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/emp-by-detailed-occupation.htm/” target=”_blank”]BLS Employment by Detailed Occupation[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]. (Accessed March 9, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/occupation-finder.htm/” target=”_blank”]BLS Occupation Finder[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]. (Accessed March 9, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes130000.htm/” target=”_blank”]Business and Financial Operations Occupations (Major Group)[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]. (Accessed March 9, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132051.htm/” target=”_blank”]Financial and Investment Analysts[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]. (Accessed June 14, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes113031.htm/” target=”_blank”]Financial Managers[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]. (Accessed June 14, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm/” target=”_blank”]Financial Managers[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]. (Accessed June 14, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132052.htm/” target=”_blank”] Personal Financial Advisors[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]. (Accessed June 14, 2023). Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm/” target=”_blank”]Personal Financial Advisors[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link] (Accessed June 14, 2023). Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/” target=”/"_blank"”]College Scorecard Data[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]. (Data retrieved May 12, 2021). U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/use-the-data/download-access-database/” target=”_blank”]IPEDS Access Databases[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]. (Data retrieved November 17, 2022). U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/datalab/” target=”/"_blank"”]Data Lab[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]. (Accessed March 9, 2023). U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/topics/default-management/official-cohort-default-rates-schools/” target=”_blank”]Official Cohort Default Rates for Schools[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]. (Data retrieved March 8, 2023). U.S. Department of Education, Office of Federal Student Aid.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.zippia.com/finance-professional-jobs/” target=”/"_blank"”]What is a Finance Professional?[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]. (Accessed March 9, 2023). Zippia.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]