MS in Finance

In today’s economy, clients and companies rely on finance professionals more than ever to help them effectively manage cash, assets, investments, and business risk. Gain relevant skills with an online MS in Finance.

Prepare to meet the increasing demand for trained finance managers and finance analysts with our online master’s in finance degree program. Gain hands-on preparation for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) exam, Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) exam, or Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) qualification exams. In fact, depending on the specialization you choose, you will take a simulated certification exam as your capstone project.

This master’s in finance aligns with industry needs to help you advance your career as a financial planner, manager, or analyst. Designed and taught by experts in the field, the employer-focused program features a practical approach that combines case studies, engaging discussions, and project-based learning. You can gain the in-depth knowledge and specialized skills you need for certification and a career in corporate finance, investment banking, financial management, financial markets, securities firms, government, and other settings.

An Online Master’s in Finance for the Career You Want

Our master’s in finance online degree program is designed to prepare you for in-demand finance careers. Depending on your goals, you can choose from three specializations that focus on the specific competencies you need:

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
  Prepare to sit for the internationally recognized CFA exam through coursework and a capstone simulation experience in which you answer past exam questions. Gain the research and analytical skills to help clients assess risk and make informed investment decisions.
• Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®)*
  Prepare to sit for the CFP® exam through coursework and a capstone simulation experience in which you answer past exam questions. Gain the tools needed to advise clients and managers on decisions about investments, insurance, retirement, and estate planning.
• Finance for the Professional (Self-Designed)
  Advance in your organization by designing a program to meet your unique goals in this specialization. Core coursework explores best practices in corporate financial management and analysis, business risk assessment, and investment strategies that transcend international borders.

Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of this program, you will be prepared to:

1. Demonstrate analytical skills essential for the financial professional.
2. Employ communication strategies that display an acute awareness of the needs of the intended audiences.
3. Evaluate financial problems to provide reliable recommendations for decision making.
4. Evaluate risk and return strategies in the context of an organization’s mission and objectives.
5. Apply appropriate principles of valuation to major financial assets and securities.
6. Demonstrate the ability to develop recommendations for investment and financial policies to maximize firm value.
7. Employ financial knowledge to promote sustainable, socially aware organizations and ethical decision making.

Career Impact

As U.S. and global economies grow, so do career opportunities for professionals in the finance field. Our MS in Finance program can help you prepare for professional and management positions in corporate finance, investment banking, financial management, financial markets, securities firms, government, and other settings. The program also helps prepare you for professional certification as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA^®) or Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP^®).*

Potential career options include:

*Certified Financial Planner™ and CFP® are certification marks owned by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). Walden University’s MS in Finance program is not a CFO Board-Registered Program and is not in any way sponsored or endorsed by, or otherwise affiliated with, CFP Board.

*CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® are certification marks owned by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP Board”). Walden University’s MS in Finance program is not a CFP Board-Registered Program and is not in any way sponsored or endorsed by, or otherwise affiliated with, CFP Board.

Note on Certification
The MS in Finance with Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®)* Certification Emphasis is a specialized program with coursework that is aligned with the content covered in the competency-based CFP® exam. Walden enrollment advisors can provide general information relating to CFP® certification exam requirements; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to certification exams for the state in which he or she intends to practice. Walden makes no representations or guarantee, however, that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain CFP® certification. For more information about the CFP® exam, students should visit www.cfp.net/become-a-cfp-professional/cfp-certification-requirements.

Find detailed information for this program, including possible occupations, completion rate, program costs, and median student loan debt. At the master’s level, Walden University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) and MS in Accounting are the only programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The MS in Finance is not accredited by the ACBSP. Please visit our accreditation page to see the list of Walden accreditations.