Online MBA in Finance Degrees
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The master's degree in business administration with a focus in finance is excellent preparation for a number of finance careers, including financial analysis, management, and securities brokering. During these 2-3 year programs, students take classes in a variety of general business management skills, as well as advanced finance topics. Finance, or the speculation in stocks, bonds, commodities, and other financial instruments, is a booming industry in the U.S., despite the recent economic collapse. The MBA in finance can prepare graduates for well-paying careers in this field, by teaching them the complexities of various financial investments and techniques. Graduates of this degree program may go on to work inside companies, as financial managers, or as consultants in financial analysis and personal investment advising positions. Others may become the sales agents involved in the exchange of financial securities.
The MBA degree program is aimed at students with some experience in the business world. It strives to teach these students all aspects of running a business; in the second year of the program, students focus their attention on different advanced finance areas. Although certain areas of finance, including financial consulting, will have many new job openings in the coming years, keen competition will be present for these positions, due to the fact that many educational backgrounds can prepare individuals for these careers. However, MBA in finance degree holders should have the best job prospects, despite this competition.
Featured Accredited Schools Offering Online MBA in Finance Degrees
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Learn more about Kaplan University - Business Programs
What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
- Financial Analysts: These professionals advise their clients on making investments that fit their financial goals. They look at the risk and potential gains in different stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments, and present their findings to businesses, the media, or other clients.
- Financial Managers: Financial managers are the specialized administrators who take care of an organization's financial transactions. They prepare balance sheets, invest the organization's money, and develop its financial strategies.
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents: These professionals act as brokers for the sale of financial instruments. They help businesses sell their stocks to the public, in order to raise the capital they need to fund their operations.
- Personal Financial Advisors: Personal financial advisors help individuals with their financial situations. They may advise them on investment decisions, tax issues, retirement, and other common financial goals.
What degree levels are available?
- Master of Business Administration: 2-3 years to complete
What are the educational and certification requirements?
The master's degree in business administration with a focus in finance is a practical degree program, designed for business professionals who want to improve their overall business knowledge and finance skills. Most MBA degrees require program applicants to have at least two years of experience in the business world, along with a bachelor's degree, before they may be accepted into the program. The degree is aimed at imparting real, hands-on business knowledge for running all aspects of an enterprise.
During the first two semesters of the program, students take a wide variety of courses related to every area of business. Classes in operations and supply chain management teach students the logistics for actually finding materials and creating a product; classes in human resources management and information management discuss how to most effectively build a business from the inside out. The second year of the program revolves around the finance focus, and the classes necessary for becoming a finance expert. Classes in debt markets, corporate finance, portfolio management, and financial modeling explore advanced finance areas that are helpful for any professional in the finance field.
Certain areas of the finance industry require workers to have licenses. Financial analysts may be required to have licenses from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), depending on their position and duties. Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents must also be registered with FINRA, after passing the General Securities Registered Representative Examination; some states also require the United Securities Agents State Law Examination. Personal financial advisors may need licenses, depending on the types of securities they broker for their clients. Certain financial management positions require managers to also be Certified Public Accountants.
While not required by law, many financial professionals also choose to pursue the Chartered Financial Analyst credential, offered by the CFA Institute. (BLS; BLS; BLS; BLS)
What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?
- Law and Business: This class instills in you a respect for the legal ramifications of a career in business and finance. Learn about the importane of the SEC, ethical practice, and the art of maintaining transparency.
- Marketing Fundamentals: Even those MBA hopefuls who opt to focus on finance will likely encounter at least one marketing course. The case studies in this class will focus on advertising and public relations, among other topics.
- Capital Markets: Practice and Theory: This is a critical course for all finance hopefuls, a mandatory offering in almost every MBA program. It focuses on the ins and outs of securites trading, primary and secondary markets, and IPOs.
- Financial Reporting and Controls: If you have hopes of becoming a senior level manager in a business, this class is key. Issues such as accountability to shareholders and corporate governance are topics you can expect here.
- Corporate Finance: This is yet another important course for finance MBA students; it provides an overview of a variety of the terms and practices which color and characterize the entire specialization. Mergers and acquisitions, financial taxation, venture capital versus private equity, risk management, and debt equity are among the topics covered here.
If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?
This really depends on the MBA program that you will be attending. Certain programs demand absolutely no requirement for their students to ever appear in person. Others may stage symposiums, colloquia, or in-person group projects that occur on-site, as a way to prepare students in a practical and live fashion.
What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
Business: The student will work though intensive course study in order to find work upon graduation in research, at universities and colleges, or find high-level leadership positions in corporations and institutions.
Accounting: Those enrolled in the accounting degree program will learn advanced accounting techniques and be prepared to teach or enter into research based work upon degree completion.
Economics: Topics will include comprehensive discussion on production, distribution, wealth, and many other issues. Students will be prepared to go into teaching, research, or upper-level positions in business and government upon degree completion.
Insurance: Like the aforementioned programs, a degree in insurance will allow students to enter into teaching careers and scholarly research upon completion. Many insurance programs will come with a risk management addendum to the title.
Public Relations: Students may find leadership possibilities in areas such as nonprofits, universities, hospitals, and many other potential institutions.
