The MBA That Fits Your Life
- Just over $19K total tuition
- Earn credentials along the way
- Program accredited by ACBSP
- Can complete in about 1 year
- Curriculum revised in 2021
- Start your path to become a leader in finance
MBA in Finance Online Program Overview
Earn the finance graduate degree that fits your finances – and your career goals.
At just over $19,000 in online tuition and with courses that can be completed in about a year, you can increase your marketability with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from Southern New Hampshire University.
Suited for investment brokers, small business owners, project analysts and top executives, the MBA in Finance program combines exceptional business training with a focused examination of topics such as short-term financial management, capital budgeting and portfolio management.
Integrated with themes of leadership, ethics, innovation and strategy, an MBA in Finance couples financial management know-how with business leadership savvy – which can make you an asset to any organization.
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 MBA in Finance continues this tradition.
What You'll Learn
- Analyze financial data using quantitative and qualitative techniques
- Use data for decision-making
- Develop and foster adaptable strategies for an organization
- Evaluate and implement various models and processes in the design and continuous improvement of organizations and their practices
- Cultivate globally aware and culturally responsive teams and organizations
- Create and implement plans around culture, ethical and legal standards, and sustainable practices
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.
Career Outlook
The MBA in Finance online program prepares you to enter or advance in a number of exciting careers. Professional opportunities range from investment banking to securities to small business development.
And because the program core is founded on traditional MBA training, you'll learn practical, valuable skills in areas such as marketing, strategy and change management – all of which are in demand.
While your MBA in Finance degree can prepare you for many careers, the future appears especially promising for highly skilled finance professionals.
Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for business and financial occupations is expected to increase 7% through 2031, and 6% for top executives across the U.S.1
Salary
The BLS sites that the median annual wage for business and financial occupations was $76,570 in May 2021.1 The median salary for top executives was $99,980.1 Both are considerably higher than the median annual wage for all occupations nationwide.
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.
It’s important to note that your education from an MBA in Finance can allow you the opportunity to apply your skills to organizations of all sizes, from small, independent businesses to large corporations, from private industry to government agencies and nonprofits.
Where Could You Work?
Analytics
Find yourself in a role as a budget analyst, investment analyst, business intelligence analyst, risk analyst or management analyst. Help organizations manage finances and investments, or share recommendations to help limit risk.
Financial advising
Consult with clients on personal investment needs and provide advice for how to meet short- and long-term financial goals.
Financial management
Responsible for the overall financial health of an organization, a financial manager may oversee the budget process, billing or other business matters.
Accounting
Help your organization make critical financial decisions by collecting, tracking and correcting the company's finances.
Auditing
Examine, analyze and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate reports prepared by others.
Financial leadership
Take responsibility for operations, planning and finances. Whether your role is a chief financial officer or financial controller – the duties tend to be wide-ranging in scope and require a high level of management expertise.
Getting an MBA in Finance could also allow you to enjoy owning and operating your own business. This includes creating business plans, hiring and managing staff, developing marketing strategies and handling all financial matters. A strong holistic view of business can help you succeed in this role.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Finance Degree Concentration
Why SNHU For Your Online Finance MBA
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7. Our online MBA program offers more fluidity around assignment due dates than before and course resources better suited for the on-the-go learner.
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 MBA transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 6 credits from your previous institution. You could also earn college credit for previous work experience.
Respected
Founded in 1932, SNHU 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) — which means our 200+ associate, bachelor's and master's programs meet high academic standards. In addition, many of SNHU's degree programs also carry specialized programmatic accreditation. This includes our portfolio of business programs, which are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
To be regionally accredited, one of 7 regional accreditation organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) has determined that the university meets its high academic standards and expectations. Most nonprofit institutions are institutionally accredited.
In addition, SNHU's suite of online business programs, including the MBA, are also programmatically accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
In addition, SNHU has been nationally recognized for its efforts to lead 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
Extensive Business Alumni Network
Since our first MBA graduate class in 1974, we’ve welcomed over 20,000 MBA graduates to our alumni network. For current students, that means an extensive business networking group, an opportunity to seek out college mentorship opportunities and learn from students who have already walked the path.
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
Preparing You for Success
Kristin Regis, associate dean of business programs
“The MBA in Finance provides the knowledge to help a business owner or a corporate executive achieve success because finance impacts every strategic decision.”
Courses & Curriculum
With curriculum revised in 2021, the MBA in Finance online degree program provides you with the skills you need to confidently engage in such careers as small business owner, project manager, investment analyst or chief executive officer.
By providing a solid foundation in all areas of business, the curriculum offers the flexibility and diversity in scope you need with the financial focus you desire to apply your degree to any area of business you choose.
“Finance impacts every area of business,” said Kristin Regis, associate dean of business programs at Southern New Hampshire University. “A deeper understanding of finance will help the MBA graduate with small business management as well as a chief executive who needs to understand financial implications of strategic decisions and the company’s financial position.”
In the relaunched program, you'll cover traditional topics like marketing, accounting and ethics, but they'll be weaved throughout your 7 core courses – like in Leading People and Organizations, or Organizational Strategy in a Global Environment.
As a finance student, you might find one of these courses – Measuring Success in an Organization – aligned with your financial interests. Required of all MBA students no matter their concentration, this class can give you a solid understanding of financial and management accounting principles, analytical techniques and computer-based tools. In addition, you can develop skills that position you to prepare, monitor and evaluate financial and accounting reports and metrics, and then present your findings and recommendations.
In addition to the core courses, the MBA in Finance offers 3 classes dedicated to the close study of finance principles to create this specialized degree. This may include courses such as:
- Corporate Financial Management: Survey finance from a corporate perspective. Topics include investments, capital structure and re-structuring, budgeting and financial markets, as well as policy and portfolio management. You may analyze a firm's opportunities and risk level within these categories to evaluate the impact on shareholder's value.
- Short-Term Financial Management: Examine traditional working capital topics, such as liquidity analysis and management, inventory, and receivables and payables management. Additional emphasis is given to core cash management, payment systems and banking relationships. You may also study cash forecasting, short-term borrowing and risk management.
- Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management: Study the various techniques used to assess the value of securities and the methods used in the management of investment portfolios. You may also discuss stocks and bonds in terms of valuation, risk-return measurement and diversification. Other aspects of portfolio theory may be examined as well.
Across these courses, students will “create an in-depth financial analysis report and use a Harvard Business Review working capital simulation program,” Regis said. “They will write a detailed comparative analysis paper to assess the economic environment. They will also create an investment analysis report based on market and industry trends.”
Overall, students in the MBA in Finance degree program graduate with a strong knowledge of “strategic financial management skills and a deep understanding of cash management, budgeting, financial markets, investments and portfolio management," Regis said. "You will also learn capital structure to support decision making."
Don't have a business background? No problem. Our MBA is accessible to everyone. Interested students must have a conferred undergraduate degree for acceptance, but it can be in any field. Those without an undergraduate degree in business or a related field may be asked to complete up to 2 foundation courses to get started. These foundations cover essential business skill sets and can be used to satisfy elective requirements for the general-track MBA. With foundations, the maximum length of your online MBA would be 36 credits.
Attend full time or part time. Students in the MBA have the option to enroll full time (at 2 classes per term) or part time (with 1 class per term). Full-time students should be able to complete the program in about 1 year, while part-time students could finish in about 2 years. Our students are busy, often juggling jobs, family and other obligations, so you may want to work with your academic advisor to identify the course plan that works for you. The good news is, you can switch from full time to part time and back again as often as you want.
View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
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MBA - Finance |
Courses May Include | ||
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MBA Finance | ||
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 610 | Short-Term Financial Management | The course covers traditional working capital topics, including liquidity analysis and management, inventory, and receivables and payables management. Additional emphasis is given to core cash management, payment systems and banking relationships. Other topics include cash forecasting, short-term borrowing and risk management. |
FIN 640 | Investment Analysis & Portfolio Management | Students study the techniques used to assess the value of securities and the methods used in the management of investment portfolios. Stocks and bonds are discussed in terms of valuation, risk- return measurement, diversification and other aspects of portfolio theory. |
MBA 620 | Measuring Success in an Organization | Effective leaders need a comprehensive understanding of financial and management accounting principles, analytical techniques, and computer-based tools. Students will prepare, monitor, and evaluate financial and accounting reports and metrics and present their findings and recommendations. From reporting to planning, students will develop an acute awareness of a perpetually changing business environment and how entities measure its success, challenges and resources. |
MBA 699 | Strategic Opportunity Management | Impactful leaders move strategic initiatives forward with innovation, collaboration, and informed, data-driven decision-making. In this course, students will assess conditions, processes, and resources that impact how leaders design adaptive strategies, using emotional and business intelligence to manage strategic objectives. Students will solve complex problems, manage opportunities, and build sustainable stakeholder relationships. |
Total Credits: 30 |
Minimum Hardware Requirements
Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
---|---|---|
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.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Technical Requirements
Video Communication Platform:
- Mac or PC desktop or laptop (not a mobile device or tablet)
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Required: At least 1 Mbps upload/download speed
- Learn more about our detailed technical requirements
Internet Connectivity for Virtual Labs:
- Recommended: 5Mbps upload/download speed with less than 40ms latency
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.
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
What can I do with an MBA in Finance?
With an MBA in Finance, your career options are truly limitless. You can combine your business acumen with your financial expertise to serve in any number of business roles in private business, government or nonprofits.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in the business and financial occupations sectors are expected to grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031.1 That's higher than the national average for all occupations.
Some career opportunities with a finance MBA are:
- Investment banker. In this role, you may help clients raise funds to finance various activities. You may play a key role in helping to develop businesses. You may also provide financial advice to clients on how to raise necessary capital to fund their own interests. This role requires financial savvy as well as strong communication skills.
- Management consultant. This is a dynamic role with many opportunities to serve businesses of all sizes. Your role may be to solve complex financial problems and identify financial strengths and weaknesses of a business. Problem solving and analytical skills are key for success in this role.
- Accountant or auditor. In this role, you'd be the expert who ensures financial compliance for your organization. You may compute any owed taxes and prepare tax returns. You may also make recommendations for best practices to manage the financial health of your organization overall.
- Chief executive officer. While most corporations have a chief financial officer dedicated to overseeing financial matters, it’s important for the CEO to have a clear understanding of the implications for different decisions. The person in this role also needs to be prepared to speak to the company’s overall financial position, which is where the MBA in Finance can come in handy.
- Small business owner. Every decision a small business owner makes impacts finances. And, as a small business, they typically can’t afford to hire someone dedicated to financial management. The breadth of skills gained in the MBA program provides an excellent foundation to own or manage a small business.
How can I get MBA in Finance?
We strongly recommend considering an online MBA in Finance. You'll be able to take courses at your own convenience, with 24/7 access to all course material. Faculty are all professionals in the field, offering top-notch instruction.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field from an accredited school, you may be able to waive the foundation requirements. If your bachelor’s degree is in a non-business-related field, you may have to complete up to 2 foundational courses to ensure you are best prepared to succeed. No GRE or GMAT scores are required.
Our team of admission counselors can also discuss with you any credits you have received previously from other institutions and give you a credit assessment to see if there is an opportunity for transfer. (At SNHU, you can transfer up to 6 credits toward your MBA program from previously attended institutions.)
Our student support services team members are ready to assist you throughout your time with SNHU, from admission and advising, to our career team and our alumni network for continued networking.
How much does a graduate with an MBA in Finance make?
Because there are so many directions in which you can take your career with an MBA in Finance, there is a wide range of what you can earn with this degree.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prospects for job growth across all business and financial occupations look bright. There is an estimated 7% of growth through 2031, which is higher than the national average.1 The median average across all business and financial occupations is $76,750, which is much higher than the national average wage for all occupations.1
Financial analysts, in particular, earned a median salary of $95,570 in 2021.1 And top executives earned a median salary of $99,980 in 2021.1
The earning potential is great, but so is the competition. The better prepared you are with a credential like an MBA in Finance, the more you can stand out in a tough job market.
Is a master's in finance better than an MBA?
While both an MBA in Finance and a master’s in finance can lead to a rewarding career, there are some key differences between the two. Most notably, an MS in Finance is focused on exactly that: finance. An MBA in Finance, on the other hand, has a business foundation with a 3-course finance emphasis. The MBA can be seen as more versatile if you are open to a wide variety of careers.
“The master’s in finance is excellent preparation for a finance-specific career, while the MBA in Finance is good for a variety of business careers,” said Kristin Regis, associate dean of business programs for Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). “The MBA offers a broader range of skills that will make it easy to switch tracks if you decide you’d rather not focus on finance. The MBA also has the added benefit of preparing you for management positions.”
At SNHU, our online MBA in Finance offers a solid business foundation with a comprehensive understanding of business-related finance. You can graduate with this degree ready to excel as a high-level business executive in a variety of professional fields. You can also be prepared to view an organization holistically from a well-informed, business-related vision.
Is getting an MBA in Finance worth it?
If you have a mind for business and a head for numbers, a finance MBA could be right for you. This degree is an extremely marketable credential because it offers you training in a sought-after skill set that combines business principles with the finer points of finance.
With an MBA in Finance, you could apply your project management, portfolio management and overall financial acumen to work in career fields such as:
- Banking: With an MBA in Finance, you may wish to work in banking management and financial institutional operations.
- Corporate finance: Your degree could lead to a career in any number of organizations, from large to small corporations to government entities or nonprofit organizations. In any of these organizations, you may analyze financial statements or corporate investments, lead portfolio management, or make recommendations with regards to global investment opportunities.
- Supply chain management: An MBA in Finance degree does more than prepare you to run a business. It helps facilitate and improve the day-to-day function of an organization. And it can help you develop long-term, fiscally viable strategies to help your organization stay operational in the face of unforeseen economic changes.
- Information technology: An MBA shows that you have the training needed to speak the language of business in a variety of professional settings. Your degree can stand for the fact that you have received training in leadership, operations management, marketing and business ethics with an emphasis in financial literacy. These are beneficial qualities to any business including IT, where innovation often leads the way. Developing business plans that align to a company's strategic goals and innovation tactics is essential in IT and many other industries.
- Education: Perhaps you wish to teach at college level. An MBA in Finance could lead to opportunities to give back. Engaging with your community through teaching courses to students in business and finance, you can bring real-world experience in the industry into the classroom. You may also wish to build on your MBA with a doctorate in business or finance and teach at the university level as well.
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References
Sources & Citations (1)
1Bureau 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. 21, 2022)
- https://www.bls.gov/OOH/management/top-executives.htm (viewed Nov. 21, 2022)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm (viewed Nov. 21, 2022)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.