Online and Distance Learning

This page helps you find out more about online finance masters degree programs. It explains what the courses are, what employers expect, and what you can expect to earn.

Finance is the management of money - something we all have to do in our personal lives.  Because finance is an essential part of any company - there is always a need for financial planners in the budget process and for financial managers in the business of the company. As a financial planner in a company, you provide expertise in analyzing and implementing the financial aspects of managerial decisions. A suitable finance masters degree program is designed to provide you with the technical knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful financial planner in any organizational setting.

If you are interested in this area, you may also find the pages on Accounting, Financial Planning, and Securities useful to you.  If you want to take master in finance programs on-campus instead of online then also look at the on-campus section of the web site.

Where can you study an online finance masters degree?

It is possible to take finance as a specialization or concentration in an MBA or in a separate master of science finance or master of finance.  The following are a few selected schools which offer accredited programs in finance:

• Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University
  • MBA with Specialization in Finance
  • Master's - Accounting and Financial Management
  • Graduate Certificate - Financial Analysis

• American InterContinental University Online
  • MBA - Accounting and Finance

• Capella University
  • MBA - Finance specialization

• Browse more schools and programs at the foot of the page

• Search here for business programs

• If you don't find what you want on this page, you can try searching here: online finance masters degree programs.

What is studied in a finance masters degree?

Masters finance programs are designed to give you a deeper understanding of financial analysis in business. Your finance curriculum will provide you with the fundamental tools to succeed in the analytical and evaluative tasks required for effective financial management. The programs have an evaluative, analytical focused and math intensive curriculum.

The degree you take will cover three interrelated areas: money and capital markets; investments; and, business finance.  It could include courses on: financial statement analysis, financial accounting and reporting, external and operational auditing, taxation, money markets, investment management, risk management and real estate finance.

Your masters program may include a research project.

What qualifications and certification are required for a career in finance?

Many finance professionals qualify by studying an online MBA in finance - it is an excellent way to obtain the qualifications needed.  You may also need relevant professional certification. 

To qualify for Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification, you need at leaast a bachelor's degree and three years of professional experience in a relevant field.  To qualify for Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification, you need academic credits, to pass the CFP exams, and to follow a strict code of ethics.

Other certifications relevant to this field include Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Certified Cash Manager, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

What jobs are there for graduates?

Job prospects in finance are expected to grow faster than average for the next 10 years.  Graduates of online finance programs can find employment in areas such as: business management; corporate and international financial management; financial analysis, planning and advising; insurance and superannuation planning; investment planning; and, stockbroking.  The MBAs with a specialization in finance such as that at Capella University, provide you with business skills and knowledge applicable in many careers.  The Master of Accounting and Financial Management degree program at Keller Graduate School of Management equips you to function as an accounting and financial manager in public accounting, industry, education or government.

The starting salary for graduates of a finance masters degree is around $40,000 in the USA, but the potential for increasing that is great.  Chief Finance Officers and Financial Directors earn over $120,000 per year.