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Online Master’s in Finance MS Program

Juan Munoz, who earned his degree from SNHU, sitting in an office chair with a desktop computer in front of him.

Cost per credit $659

Total courses 12

Term length 10 weeks

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Program Overview Why get a master’s in finance degree?

Become a master at minimizing risk and maximizing return when you earn your Master of Science (MS) in Finance online from Southern New Hampshire University. In this program, you'll learn advanced knowledge and skills in investments, capital budgeting, portfolio management and shareholder value.

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.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Corporate investment opportunity analysis
  • Finance theory implementation
  • Hypothesis formulation and statistical testing methods
  • Evaluation tactics for economic events and market conditions
  • Risk management tool utilization
Juan Munoz, who earned his degree from SNHU, sitting at an outdoor table typing on a laptop with an SNHU sticker on the front and a glass of iced tea next to him and a pool in the background.

Courses & Curriculum Online MS in Finance courses that prepare you for your career

Practice real-world financial analysis, decision-making and quantitative skills in the master's in finance online program at SNHU. Your coursework will cover investments, corporate finance, advanced economic theory, financial markets and beyond, helping you prepare for your next career move.

Whether you choose the general track or one of 2 concentrations, you can tailor your degree to suit your career goals – helping give you an edge where it matters most.

Concentrations

Online MS in Finance concentrations

When you enroll in the online finance master's degree at SNHU, you can choose from 2 concentrations or stick with the general track.

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.

Want to position yourself for roles like 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:

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 could 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
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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.

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 or financial services sales agent.

Courses may include:

  • Analytical Tools in Portfolio Management
  • International Investments/Portfolio Management
  • Option Analysis & Financial Derivatives
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Upcoming term starts: Nov. 10, 2025 | Feb. 2, 2026

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

10-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Faculty Profile

Learn from instructors with industry experience

Our faculty bring with them decades of experience in finance. By bringing real-world insights to the classroom, our instructors can help position graduates for success in the field.

Featured Faculty

Sal Sadiq

Sal Sadiq, adjunct instructor.Sal Sadiq is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst who has spent more than 25 years in the regulatory industry. He helps oversee capital raising transactions in the public and private industries and examines companies for compliance by investigating its management teams, background and overall operations.

Position
Adjunct instructor

Joined SNHU
2008

Education

  • Juris Doctorate from Emory University School of Law
  • Asset and Portfolio Management Certificate from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business
  • MBA in Finance from George Washington University
  • BA in Psychology from George Washington University

Read more about Sal Sadiq and other online faculty at SNHU.

Dr. Zuzana Buzzell

Dr. Zuzana Buzzell, associate dean, business programs at SNHU.Dr. Zuzana Buzzell began her SNHU career in 2005 as an adjunct faculty member before taking a full-time position in 2014. She has more than 15 years of experience developing and teaching programs in finance, business and economics, and she's worked in hybrid, traditional and online academic programs, government agencies and in the private sector.

Buzzell’s research interests include digital ethics, finance technology, cryptocurrencies, and the future of finance and blockchains. She has published in several journals, conference papers and blogs on topics including mortgage-backed securities, finance technology, Brexit and more.

Buzzell earned a bachelor’s in business administration, an MBA, a master’s in finance as well as a PhD in International Business.

What our faculty have to say

Hear what some of our SNHU faculty members have to say about our online master's in finance program:

"This program is a good networking opportunity for our students, since many are already working in the industry."
Dr. Zuzana Buzzell, associate dean of business at SNHU

“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."
Kristin Regis, senior associate dean at SNHU

"It is often difficult to start a degree program. But once one starts the degree program, one will embark on a great journey that has long-term dividends and practical benefits both from a career and personal development perspective."
Sal Sadiq, adjunct instructor at SNHU

5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

All it takes is 3 simple steps

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Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on the ACBSP accreditation page.

NECHE Logo ACBSP Global Business Acreditation Logo

Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online graduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$659
$1,977
$23,724
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920

*before previously earned credits are applied

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 vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$1,977 $3,954 $5,931 $7,908
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 3 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $21,747

If 6 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $19,770

If 9 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $17,793

If 12 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,816

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an online master’s in finance?

Getting your master's in finance degree online is a great way to learn advanced skills 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.

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.

Occupations

Finance is a multifaceted field, and your master's in finance prepare you for a rewarding career in a variety of occupations, including:

Manage client investment portfolios, contribute to new business and maintain client relationships.

Evaluate investment opportunities in banks, pension funds, mutual funds, securities firms, insurance companies and beyond.

Manage the financial health of an organization through producing financial reports, directing investment activities and more.

Provide advice on things like investments, insurance, mortgages and estate planning to help people manage their finances.

Assess and monitor clients' financial situations, develop financial strategies and prepare financial status analyses/reports.

Collect and interpret data, study economic trends and meet with investors to assess portfolio recommendations.

8%

Increase nationally in financial analyst positions through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

$99,890

Median annual pay nationally for financial analysts as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.

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 are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Fredericka Thompson '21.

I was challenged by new information, and I was provided great support when I was not certain of the answers.

Fredericka Thompson '21

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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

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 "5 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."

Nathan Yates with the text Nathan YatesA finance degree can open doors to many careers in business — just ask Nathan Yates ’14. Armed with his master's in finance, this self-made leader left a position with a Chicago-based equity research firm in 2014 to look for a new job. Driven by the entrepreneurial itch and a vision that online learning could help growing businesses solve problems and improve workflows, he launched a venture called the Forward View.

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.

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 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.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.

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.

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 graduating, 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.

Yes, an online master's in finance is a 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.

Related Articles

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm (viewed June 4, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm (viewed June 4, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm (viewed June 4, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/securities-commodities-and-financial-services-sales-agents.htm (viewed June 4, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

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.