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MS in Finance
Request InformationAdvance your career as a financial planner, manager, or analyst with one of three specializations in our master’s in finance degree program.
Transfer Credits
- Up to 15 Credits
Prepare to meet the increasing demand for trained finance managers and finance analysts
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.
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.
Program Savings
Receive up to a $3,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on March 8, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowFinance With Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®)* Certification Emphasis
The coursework in this specialization is aligned with the content covered in the competency-based CFP® exam.
Finance With Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)/Investment Emphasis
The coursework in this specialization is aligned with the content covered in the internationally recognized CFA exam.
Finance for the Professional (Self-Designed)
Advance in your finance career and influence the future of your organization with this self-designed specialization that allows you to meet your unique career goals and focus on facing today’s financial challenges.
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of this program, you will be prepared to:
- Demonstrate analytical skills essential for the financial professional.
- Employ communication strategies that display an acute awareness of the needs of the intended audiences.
- Evaluate financial problems to provide reliable recommendations for decision making.
- Evaluate risk and return strategies in the context of an organization’s mission and objectives.
- Apply appropriate principles of valuation to major financial assets and securities.
- Demonstrate the ability to develop recommendations for investment and financial policies to maximize firm value.
- 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®).1
Potential career options include:
- Budget analyst
- Banking professional
- Chief financial officer
- Credit analyst
- Finance officer
- Financial advisor
- Financial analyst
- Financial manager
- Financial planner
- Investment analyst
- Investment banker
- Mortgage advisor
- Treasury manager
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Top 5 Careers With a Finance Degree
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MS in Finance Career Options
FAQ About Walden’s Online MS in Finance Program
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A master’s in finance is one of a new breed of specialized degrees that provides a popular alternative to earning a traditional Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Long the gold standard of graduate business degrees, the MBA is facing serious competition from a growing group of master’s degrees that focus on key areas of business administration, such as finance, accounting, and human resource management. An MS in Finance program aligns with industry standards and demands to help you advance your career as a financial planner, manager, or analyst by providing a fully integrated set of high-level skills needed by most—if not all—businesses throughout the world. By contrast, a typical MBA curriculum is built off of a multifaceted business approach.
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MS in Finance degree-seekers have many options when it comes to choosing the program that is right for them. However, a few key factors should always be considered before deciding, including flexibility, diversity, and support. First, flexible scheduling can be key for working professionals, which is why online degree programs are such a popular choice. It’s also important for you to be able to connect with other professionals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, which can greatly enhance your master’s experience. Lastly, be sure you choose a university with a strong support team that is invested in helping you succeed as you work toward your MS in Finance.
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There are a few key differences between Walden University’s MS in Finance and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. The master’s in finance program is ideal for students who wish to deepen their real-world knowledge of finance and gain higher-level financial skills. The MBA program is less specific to finance and offers students a broader understanding of the different facets of business administration and leadership. The other key difference is that the MS in Finance program’s capstone course in the CFA/Investment Emphasis specialization and the CFP® Certification Emphasis specialization can prepare students to sit for CFA® or CFP® certification exams, whereas the MBA program does not include this preparation in its coursework but does offer a corporate finance specialization.
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As U.S. and global economies continue to grow, so will career opportunities for professionals in the finance field. Walden University’s MS in Finance program can help you prepare for a wide variety of rewarding professional and management positions in corporate finance, investment banking, financial management, financial markets, securities firms, government, or as an independent financial consultant. Walden’s master’s program can also help prepare you for professional certification as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). Both certifications enjoy global recognition.
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
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CFAs work for large organizations. They can be part of an investment team at a bank, hedge fund, or other financial institution; work in the finance department of a corporation; or work at nonprofits such as universities, helping grow endowments. Some CFAs are tasked exclusively with choosing investments and executing trades. Others serve in an analyst role, working with leaders at their organization to set investment strategies. They focus almost exclusively on investments and the growth and/or management objectives of their organization.
CFPs work in private practice or in the divisions of financial institutions that are focused on helping individuals with financial planning. CFPs work directly with individuals to plan their financial future. While they can and do handle investments, they also advise individuals on other financial issues such as buying a home, saving for retirement, and setting up college funds for children. Their focus is primarily on the long-term financial security of their clients.
Questions about our MS in Finance?
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