Earn an online MS in Finance
- $637/credit (36 credits total)
- Transfer up to 12 graduate credits
- Financial manager occupations projected to grow 16% by 20321
- Based on CFA® Institute's Candidate Body of Knowledge
- No application fee or SAT/ACT scores
- 24/7 online accessibility – attend class when and where it's convenient
Master’s in Finance Program Overview
Position yourself for greater success by earning a Master of Science (MS) in Finance online from Southern New Hampshire University. Prepare to become a leader in the field with real-world financial analysis, decision-making and quantitative skills gained through coursework in investments, corporate finance, advanced economic theory and financial markets.
SNHU has a long history of providing highly respected finance-related undergraduate and graduate degrees, having been founded as an accounting school in 1932. Our MS in Finance online degree program continues this tradition.
As an SNHU student, you'll have access to networking opportunities through well-connected alumni who have earned their graduate finance degrees.
The courses in the MS in Finance program are based on Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) Institute's Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK), which supports students with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed investment decisions.
What You'll Learn
- Corporate investment opportunity analysis
- Finance theory implementation
- Hypothesis formulation & statistical testing methods
- Evaluation tactics for economic events & market conditions
- Risk management tool utilization
How You'll Learn
At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.
MS in Finance Concentration Options
The online master's in finance at SNHU allows you to choose from two concentrations that can give you an edge in the job market, as well as the option to take the general track and choose electives that best suit your career goals.
Corporate Finance
Gain a broader advanced education in the way money and accounting affect businesses by earning your Master of Science (MS) in Finance with a concentration in Corporate Finance.
This online degree program expands the career opportunities available to you. You'll position yourself to become a CFO, corporate treasurer, controller, director of finance, financial analyst, credit manager or cash manager. The corporate finance-focused curriculum will enhance your understanding of liquidity analysis, payment systems, cash forecasting, quantitative risk assessment and more.
The corporate finance concentration focuses on today’s corporate environment and how theory, strategy and financing approaches are employed to make decisions in a complex and ever-changing environment.
Successful graduates of this program should be able to analyze capital structure, capital budgeting and financial policy – and apply theory, strategies and long-term finance approaches to various decision-making situations.
Career outlook:
The globalization of companies, tighter financial markets and regulatory changes are increasing the demand for business professionals with financial expertise. Those with experience in accounting and finance, and especially professionals with a master's in finance or corporate finance, may encounter the most success in securing corporate finance jobs.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, personal financial advising jobs are projected to grow 13% through 2032.1 Employment of financial analysts is expected to rise by 8% and financial managers by 16% in that same time period.1 Positions in finance will continue to grow for those with a master's degree, both inside and outside of the finance industry.
Courses may include:
- Creating Value: Merger/Acquisition
- Long-Term Financing & Capital Structure Theory
- Short-Term Financial Management
Investments & Securities
Enhance your professional skill set with a broad range of invaluable analytical and technical skills when you earn an online Master of Science (MS) in Finance with a concentration in Investments & Securities. You'll gain a greater understanding of how to analyze assets, debt and equity, securities, investment strategies, portfolios and other financial instruments, as well as fiscal and monetary policies and procedures. With this specialized knowledge, you'll be well poised to seek an advanced career in the securities industry.
SNHU instructors are finance professionals, so you’ll be learning from people with high levels of financial experience who can teach you the ins, outs and best methods for analyzing, reporting and presenting financial data for any senior financial job function.
As an SNHU student, you'll have access to internship and networking opportunities through our extensive alumni network.
Successful graduates of the program should be able to analyze equity and alternative investments using quantitative techniques and financial theories in relation to portfolio management.
Career outlook:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, investments and securities careers show positive signs of growth in the coming years. Sparked by an increase in global investments in securities and commodities, along with a growing demand for investment advice, the BLS projects that employment as securities, commodities and financial services sales agents will increase by 7% by 2032.1
By earning an online MS in Finance with a concentration in Investments & Securities from SNHU, you can increase your leverage when competing for top jobs. A master's, combined with the appropriate licensing, can position you for a career as a broker, investment banker, trader and financial services sales agent.
Courses may include:
- Analytical Tools in Portfolio Management
- International Investments/Portfolio Management
- Option Analysis & Financial Derivatives
Career Outlook
The skills you gain from a master's degree in finance may just be the forward momentum you need to attain the senior finance, corporate or personal advisor title you seek.
An advanced degree can help you discover new avenues and job opportunities to pursue in this fast-paced industry. Whether you choose a career that directly involves finance or prefer to focus on a more administrative role managing a financial organization, earning your MS in Finance can help prepare you for success.
“A graduate degree in finance lets you learn more about some of the more specific or challenging finance topics, such as options, futures and other derivatives, which can then help you advance in those areas,” said Kristin Regis, senior associate dean at SNHU.
And, should you decide to pursue a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) designation or enter into other financial analyst roles without it, you'll be able to help clients make investment decisions and provide services to enhance financial markets. The scope of these services can include trading, asset management and regulation of these systems.
Where Could You Work?
Wealth Management
Manage client investment portfolios, contribute to new business and maintain client relationships.
Financial Analysis
Evaluate investment opportunities in banks, pension funds, mutual funds, securities firms, insurance companies and beyond.
Financial Management
Manage the financial health of an organization through producing financial reports, directing investment activities and more.
Personal Financial Advisement
Provide advice on things like investments, insurance, mortgages and estate planning to help people manage their finances.
Consulting
Assess and monitor clients' financial situations, develop financial strategies and prepare financial status analyses/reports.
Investment & Portfolio Management
Collect and interpret data, study economic trends and meet with investors to assess portfolio recommendations.
Career opportunities for MS in Finance degree holders are varied, but the number of jobs continues to grow. This increase can be attributed to industry growth, in addition to replacement needs.1
Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for personal financial advisors is projected to grow 13% through 2032.1
Salary
The median annual salary was $95,390 for business and financial occupations in 2022.1
Understanding the Numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Finance Degree
Why SNHU For Your Master's in Finance
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
Prior coursework and work experience could also help you save time and money. SNHU’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 12 credits from your previous institution. You could also earn college credit for previous work experience.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
- Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:
- Completed free application
- Undergraduate transcripts, which we can retrieve for you by submitting a transcript request form
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:
- Complete free graduate application
- Submit undergraduate transcripts
- Work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through application process
What SNHU Students Are Saying
"I was challenged by new information, and I was provided great support when I was not certain of the answers."
Courses & Curriculum
Coursework for the online master's in finance provides hands-on experience through case studies that resemble real-world finance reports. You’ll gain a solid understanding of quantitative tools and analysis relative to financial markets, financial institutions, government and corporate applications.
SNHU instructors are finance professionals with past and current experience in the industry, so they can teach you the best methods for analyzing, reporting and presenting financial data for any senior financial job function.
"During our discussions, the responses (from instructors) were well thought out and showed the knowledge that the professor had," said Fredericka Thompson '21. "This happened in all of my courses, so SNHU has some very talented and knowledgeable educators on their staff."
Our online master's in finance curriculum is based on the CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst) Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK). This credential – administered through the CFA Institute – helps you earn an industry-leading designation that can help you expand your knowledge on corporate finance, economics, ethics, financial reporting and analysis, portfolio management, quantitative methods and security analysis.
"It's one of the most coveted financial designations in the world," Buzzell said. "Only about 5% of professionals get it."
Another benefit of the MS in Finance is that it is one of only about 150 accredited programs around the world that counts toward eligibility for the AFA Accredited Financial Analyst® by Global Academy of Finance and Management. Upon completion of your master's, you can apply for the designation.
The coursework throughout the program was worth it, according to Thompson.
"It did meet my expectations – and more!" she said.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| MS in Finance |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| MS in Finance Online | ||
| ECO 500 | Managerial Economics | Managerial economics involves applying economic theory and using the tools of decision science to examine how an organization can achieve its objectives most efficiently in the face of constraints. Background preparation: 6 credit hours in mathematics and 3 credit hours in microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics or equivalent. |
| FIN 550 | Corporate Financial Management | This course is a study of finance from a corporate perspective including investments, capital structure and re-structuring, budgeting, financial markets, policy, and portfolio management. Students will analyze a firm's opportunities and risk level within these categories to evaluate the impact on shareholder's value. |
| FIN 620 | Money and Capital Markets | This course analyzes processes within the U.S. financial system. Students study the nature of its major participants and their objectives and procedures for assessing opportunities and pricing risk. Students also analyze the role of the financial system in the allocation of credit to different sectors, its responsiveness to economic activity and its continuous adaptation to changing needs. Emphasis is placed on the role and functions of the Federal Reserve System. |
| FIN 685 | Risk Management | This course focuses on assessing and mitigating risk within the financial industry. Students will evaluate corporate investments, diversification, and portfolios using current industry tools and strategies to manage both risk and return. |
| FIN 691 | Financial Modeling | The course focuses on financial modeling as a tool in contemporary financial analysis. The course includes theoretical development, financial analysis, applications of financial modeling, and modeling approaches. Students use mathematical tools and apply statistical tests to evaluate and analyze a company's financial health, performance, and risk level of informed decision making. |
| FIN 700 | Graduate Finance Capstone | This capstone course is the culminating experience for the M.S. in Finance program. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework, rather than introducing new concepts. This course is structured to support student success in fulfilling program requirements. |
| INT 620 | International Corporate Finance | Analyze functions of international financial markets. Discuss corporations' exposures to financial risks in global markets and how corporations address these risks and global funding strategies. Examine exchange rate systems, interest rate parity, and management of real exchange rate risk. |
| QSO 510 | Quantitative Analysis for Decision Making | This is a survey of the mathematical, probabilistic and statistical tools available for assisting in the operation and management of industrial organizations. |
| Total Credits: 36 | ||
Minimum Hardware Requirements
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Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
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Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
|
Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
|
Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
|
Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
|
SNHU Purchase Programs |
||
|
Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on College Navigator.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer a 25% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
| Online Graduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 15 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $1,911 | $637 | $9,555 |
|
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* |
$1,410 | $470 | $7,050 |
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs:
Course Materials ($ varies by course). Foundational courses may be required based on your undergraduate course history, which may result in additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I study finance?
Studying finance will give you a strong foundation in banking, economics and financial markets. Degree concentrations in finance dive deeper into corporate finance, private equity, venture capital, financial planning and risk management. You’ll explore global financial markets, how they function and fluctuate, and how to wisely and effectively manage and mitigate the risks inherent in investing.
You’ll also learn communications, quantitative analysis and industry best practices – all valuable skills for future businesspeople. The best finance professionals have in-depth knowledge of the stock market and other types of investments and know how to interpret mathematical and statistical data.
For Fredericka Thompson '21, earning her master's in finance was a personal goal.
"I don't work in this industry, but a former professor told me that I had an aptitude for finance, and I decided to see if that was true," she said. "And it is!"
Are finance jobs in demand?
From family-run local businesses to multinational corporations, nearly every type of business needs financial analysts and managers in order to operate effectively. Regular demand and a wide range of career options make finance an excellent choice for anyone looking for a smart educational investment. The BLS projects 911,400 openings within business and financial occupations annually, on average, through 2032.1
What can I do with a master's in finance?
An advanced degree in finance can open up a wide range of opportunities. You can pursue a traditional career path in banking, asset management, insurance, venture capital or private equity. Alternatively, you might consider a nontraditional career path as an educator.
Along with professional experience, most upper-management positions in finance require an advanced degree or certification, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) credential.
- Financial and research analysts and similar roles – budget, research, risk and investment analysts among them – require an advanced degree in finance and gain an edge with a CFA.
- Financial advisors and private wealth managers will have an added advantage in the job market by earning or working toward a finance certification such as the Certified Financial Planner™ credential.
- Corporate financial managers typically have "five years or more of experience in another business or financial occupation, such as an accountant, auditor, securities sales agent, or financial analyst," according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
In addition, those with financial expertise may want to consider self-employment.
"A finance degree has long been recognized as one of the top degrees when owning a small business," said Dr. Zuzana Buzzell, associate dean of business at SNHU. "Understanding the financial aspects of small business operations and smart budgeting is a key to long-term success of small business owners."
In the most recent data available, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shared that personal financial advisors were projected to have a high rate of self-employment: 12% in 2022.1
Is a degree in finance worth it?
A year later, after growing the Forward View team with specialties and skills he didn't have, Yates took a new approach. He wanted another financial analyst by his side, so he hired a former SNHU classmate with a bachelor's in finance.
Each subsequent hire has had a strong background in finance and economics, and Yates has since launched the Sporting Goods Monitor, a game-changing service that provides unique coverage and forecasts for the sporting retail industry.
In October 2014, Yates once again tapped into his network and became an adjunct finance instructor at SNHU. By the following September, he accepted the role of finance and economics team lead. Today, he continues to inspire students looking to maximize the value of a finance degree.
Is corporate finance a good career?
There is a myriad of opportunities for finance majors on the corporate side, from local firms to global conglomerates. Entry-level finance positions generally conduct research and present their findings to their financial managers, who in turn help organizations or industries meet their financial goals, according to BLS.1
If you aspire to become a CFO, corporate treasurer, controller, director of finance or related position, an MS in Finance with a concentration in Corporate Finance can help expand your career opportunities. This program’s focus on corporate finance digs into topics such as liquidity analysis, budgeting, comprehensive risk assessment and ethical considerations for corporations.
If you’re not sure which type of finance job is right for you, seek out corporations that offer rotational programs to new employees. Programs like these let you experience different areas of the business so you can find your best fit and may even lead to opportunities to specialize.
Is a master's in finance the same as an MBA?
A master’s in finance is not the same as an MBA. Both accomplishments can help you reach your career goals, but a master's in finance allows you to develop a more specific skill set.
With a focus in math, markets and financial reporting and analysis, an MS in Finance sets you up for advancement in more specialized roles, like those in investments, trading and risk management.
An MBA is more broad, and it's accepted across a variety of professions. You'll also cover many business topics, like operations management, marketing, social responsibility and, yes, finance. SNHU offers 20 career-focused concentrations in the online MBA program, including an MBA in Finance and MBA in Accounting.
Whether you pursue a master's degree in finance or an MBA, you’ll be well-positioned for career advancement: The demand for business school graduates in finance/accounting industries should increase in the next 5 years.2
Which is better — a master's in finance or accounting?
A master's in finance and a master's in accounting are equally valuable degrees. However, when it comes to which degree is better for you, it all depends on your personal goals.
Put simply, finance is the management of money. It's heavily focused on the future, studying the market to effectively manage and mitigate the risks of investing.
Students pursuing a master's in finance at SNHU can expect to learn things like:
- Corporate investment opportunity analysis
- Finance theory implementation
- Hypothesis formulation & statistical testing methods
- Evaluation tactics for economic events & market conditions
- Risk management tool utilization
Upon graduation, these students may acquire jobs in wealth management, financial analysis and beyond.
While finance is primarily future-focused, accounting generally works with existing records and documents. Accountants use financial data to answer questions like: What happened? Why did it happen? What does it mean?
Those who earn a master's in accounting can gain knowledge of:
- Accounting principles
- Complex financial statement creation
- Tax liability minimization
- Financial statement preparation
- Audit assessment and compliance
Graduates from SNHU with this degree often pursue roles in banks, tax services and more.
Is an online master's in finance a respected degree?
Yes, an online master's in finance is a very respected degree.
SNHU was founded as an accounting school in 1932 and has a long history of providing highly esteemed finance-related undergraduate and graduate degrees. MS in Finance students at SNHU have access to networking opportunities through well-connected alumni and often pursue senior roles in financial management, consulting and the like.
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References
Sources & Citations (1, 2)
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/home.htm (viewed Nov. 15, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm (viewed Nov. 15, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm (viewed Nov. 15, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm (viewed Nov. 15, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/securities-commodities-and-financial-services-sales-agents.htm (viewed Nov. 15, 2023)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2Graduate Management Admissions Council, Demand of Graduate Management Talent: 2021 Hiring Projections and Salary Trends [PDF], on the internet, at https://www.gmac.com/-/media/files/gmac/research/employment-outlook/2021_crs-demand-of-gm-talent.pdf (viewed Nov. 15, 2023)
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, the CFP® (with plaque design) certification mark and the CFP® (with flame design) certification mark in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements. CFP Board also owns the CFP BOARD® service mark. Any marks owned by CFP Board are used with permission.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.