Do any of these opportunities sound exciting? Managing the financial health of organizations? Consulting on investments? Developing company valuations? Handling the money side of mergers and acquisitions? An online MBA in finance can help you develop the skills necessary to take on these and other advanced responsibilities and work in high-level positions that oversee major financial decisions.
Whether you’re seeking advancement in your current business career or looking to change careers entirely, earning an MBA in finance online can help you get there. With an emphasis on flexibility, finance MBA degree programs support busy students looking to balance personal, professional, and academic responsibilities. Ready to take the first step? Then keep reading to learn all about the best online MBA in finance programs available today, common courses, available careers, and admission requirements.
B-School Spotlights: Best Online MBA in Finance Programs in 2023
There are many MBA in finance online degrees programs out there, but not all are created equally. Finding a best-in-class program takes careful research and asking the right questions. We identified some of this year’s top options to help you make an informed and confident program decision. The three programs highlighted below offer a healthy mix of affordability, accreditation, and flexibility. These spotlights also serve as a preview of our full online finance MBA rankings coming later this year.
Eastern Washington University (EWU)
EWU is home to an online MBA with finance concentration that can be completed in as few as 11 months. Comprised of 44 credits, this flexible program requires no visits to the school’s campus whatsoever. Additionally, the program is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Course topics include, among others, international financial management, advanced accounting for managers, qualitative analysis in business, and financial statement analysis. Students complete their studies with a comprehensive capstone course and project.
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college earned with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (exceptions available), official transcripts, and a professional resume. GMAT waivers are available to qualifying applicants.
The current per-credit tuition rate for all students is $350. New students can select from eight different start dates spread throughout the year. If you come from a non-business undergraduate background, plan to complete some foundational coursework prior to admission.
University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill
The renowned Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC Chapel Hill offers an online MBA specializing in finance consisting of 62 credits and requiring between 18-36 months to complete. UNC’s program uses a synchronous model, requiring students to attend live weekly class sessions comprised of a small number of fellow students.
Data from alumni show a 24% average salary increase upon graduation and a 39% increase one year after graduating. The program’s tuition includes attendance to two in-person summits lasting three days each. These are held on the Chapel Hill campus and in some of the world’s largest business centers. Examples of previous locations include London, Mumbai, New York, and Taipei.
Application requirements include GMAT/GRE scores if you possess fewer than five years of professional experience, official transcripts, two recommendation letters, two essays, a $150 application fee, and a personal interview. International students must provide TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores.
LaSalle University
LaSalle University offers an AACSB-accredited online MBA with a finance specialization that requires only 39 credits to complete. Course subjects include financial instruments and markets, global financial management, and managerial accounting for decision making. As the program concludes, you’ll participate in an integrated competitive strategy capstone course.
The current estimated total cost of this program is $31,020 regardless of the applicant’s state of residency. Four program start dates are available annually
Admissions requirements for LaSalle University’s online finance MBA program include official transcripts, a professional resume, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and letters of recommendation. Applicants who have the right mix of professional experience and/or a passing GPA may bypass the GRE/GMAT score requirements.
What to Expect from an Online MBA in Finance Program
While every online MBA in finance program is different, you can expect certain foundational qualities from each. Common core business course topics include economics, information systems management, marketing, and organizational behavior. The finance specialization covers advanced topics such as financial markets and institutions, financial analytics, and contemporary issues in finance. Being a professional degree, most finance MBA programs culminate in a capstone project. If your interest is more research-based or academic, you may be able to write a thesis. Some programs also allow you to take several elective courses to further customize your studies.
Most programs include both synchronous and asynchronous formatted coursework to ensure ample opportunities to interact with peers and professionals while also maximizing study convenience and flexibility. Online learning systems use live webcasts, forums, chat boards, and other technology to keep students connected and projects moving forward. Many programs allow students to use their current workplaces as part of case studies and projects.
Common Courses
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Corporate Finance
Typically taken in the first semester, this foundational course lays the groundwork for advanced business finance subjects. Topics commonly covered include analysis of financial decision-making, corporate capital budgeting, capital asset pricing, corporate financial policy, and discounted cash flow techniques.
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International Financial Markets
Designed for those who want to work in international business settings. This course familiarizes students with how global markets and the varying laws and regulations that govern them work. International stock and bond portfolios, global money markets, risk management in international investments, and foreign exchange rates are all examined.
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Valuation
Understanding how to properly value companies and their assets is a core skill required of financial professionals. This class ensures that students are able to do just that. Course topics include valuation frameworks, price multiples, discounted cash flow techniques, and leveraged buyout analysis methods.
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Buyouts and Acquisitions
Whether negotiating a friendly acquisition or hostile takeover, understanding the fundamentals of buyouts and acquisitions is critical to business success. Through the use of case studies, students in this class learn how to structure and evaluate transactions, examine valuation approaches, and address both parties’ financial concerns.
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Behavioral Finance
By combining studies in financial management and psychology, this takes a look at the (sometimes irrational) choices investors make that result in market fluctuations and volatility. Students consider how employing a “behavioral finance lens” helps explain issues concerning capital structure, investments, merger decisions, and corporate decision-making.
What You Can Do with an MBA in Finance
Prudent financial management is a cornerstone of a healthy business. That’s why the finance MBA is such a highly transferable and desired degree. Whether working at governmental agencies, nonprofits, or private companies, your in-depth finance knowledge and skills will be in demand. We’ve listed below several popular well-paying career options for graduates with MBAs in finance. Consider how each may fit with your career goals.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts work with individuals and businesses to help them make sound financial decisions. Financial analysts provide insights and recommendations on present and future investments, report on economic and market trends, create statements of valuation, and review financial data to determine the financial stability of an organization and/or individual.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$47,230 |
$81,590 |
$156,150 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
Financial Manager
These professionals help manage and ensure the financial health of organizations. Working alongside other financial colleagues, they oversee investments in stocks and bonds, create long-term financial plans, prepare financial reports and budgets, find ways of reducing costs, and look for ways to maximize earnings based on market trends.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$68,370 |
$129,890 |
$208,000 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Budget Analyst
Budget analysts perform a wide range of financial tasks aimed at ensuring that businesses stay within their financial means. These tasks include developing organizational budgets, reviewing funding proposals, overseeing spending, and keeping tabs on fund availability for short- and long-term needs.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$50,230 |
$76,540 |
$116,510 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Securities, Commodities, or Financial Services Agent
Whether working in-house or in a consultative role, these professionals help individuals and companies buy and sell securities and commodities, conduct trades, and make sound investment decisions. Security, commodity, and financial services agents additionally keep track of investment performance and provide advice on future investment choices based on a client’s unique needs.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$35,320 |
$62,270 |
$204,130 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Financial Advisor
Financial advisors help individuals plan for their financial futures. Whether discussing investments, college savings plans, tax burdens, retirement, or estate planning, they offer specialized guidance based on monetary goals. Much of the work of financial advisors involves educating clients on various investment options so they can make sound, informed financial decisions.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$42,950 |
$87,850 |
208,000 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Costs and Financial Aid for Online MBA Degrees in Finance
Pursuing an online finance MBA program often means taking on a significant debt burden. Before committing to any program, therefore, it’s critical that you understand completely the financial obligations you’ll be taking on. If you’re looking to save money, attending a public online university offering in-state tuition is likely your best bet. You should also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to learn about federal loans, grants, work-study funds, and other funding opportunities. Financial aid can play an important part in lowering costs, so be sure that you consider all potential financial aid resources before you commit to any degree program.
How Much Your Online MBA in Finance Might Cost
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
30 |
$627/credit |
$19,110 |
|
|
30 |
$415 |
$12,474 |
|
|
33 |
$940/credit |
$31,020 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Finance MBA Programs
What are the typical admissions requirements for an online MBA in finance?
Specific admissions requirements for online MBA in finance programs vary from school to school. That said, however, there are a number of requirements common to most programs, including:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Completed application and application fee
- GMAT scores if you do not meet waiver requirements
- GPA 3.0 or higher
- Interview
- Letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Resume demonstrating previous professional experience
- Statement of purpose
- TOEFL/IELTS scores for international students who are non-native English speakers
Are there online finance MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT?
In recent years, more schools have begun either not requiring GMAT scores and/or providing waivers to applicants meeting certain qualifications. These schools have decided that there are better indicators of academic success of program applicants than the GMAT. These indicators include high undergraduate GPAs and professional and leadership work experience. Examples of top schools with no GMAT score requirements include Syracuse University, Florida Institute of Technology, and Webster University.
How long will it take to finish my MBA in finance online?
The amount of time you spend in an online finance MBA depends on a number of variables, including your chosen study pace. Students in full-time programs, for example, typically complete their studies in around 18 months, while part-time students average about three years to complete all degree requirements. The University of Akron provides both options for maximum flexibility. In addition, some schools, including Southern Utah University, offer accelerated pathways that permit students to graduate in as few as 12 months.
Can I earn my MBA in finance 100% online or do I need to go to campus?
There are several online finance MBA programs that deliver all course content online, allowing for students to complete their degrees without ever stepping on the school’s physical campus. Some programs, however, include mandatory or optional in-person weekend intensives, internships, and/or international learning excursions.
What’s the difference between an MBA in finance and a master’s in finance?
Both finance MBA and master’s in finance programs are available, each catering to specific student academic and career needs. If you’re looking for a more interdisciplinary curriculum that includes coursework in such topics h as marketing, entrepreneurship, and corporate responsibility, then a finance MBA is likely the best best option. A master’s in finance, conversely, focuses more on building finance-specific skills and knowledge.
Does a master’s in finance sound like the better choice for you? Then be sure to check out OMD’s guide to the best online master’s degrees in finance.
