Online Master's in Finance MS Program
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Online graduate finance courses
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.
Our MS 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.
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.
Courses may include:
Managerial Economics
Course ID:
ECO 500
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.
Corporate Financial Management
Course ID:
FIN 550
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.
Money and Capital Markets
Course ID:
FIN 620
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.
Risk Management
Course ID:
FIN 685
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.
Financial Modeling
Course ID:
FIN 691
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.
Graduate Finance Capstone
Course ID:
FIN 700
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.
International Corporate Finance
Course ID:
INT 620
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.
Quantitative Analysis for Decision Making
Course ID:
QSO 510
This is a survey of the mathematical, probabilistic and statistical tools available for assisting in the operation and management of industrial organizations.
Visit the course catalog to view the full MS in Finance curriculum.
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- 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.
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.
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Upcoming term starts: October 14, 2024 | January 06, 2024
Next term starts:
July 29, 2024
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
10-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
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
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
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
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 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.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
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Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
You’ll fill out one form to verify your high school completion or GED. Then, if you’ve attended college before, you’ll submit a form for each school so we can request your transcripts for you. (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
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), which means we meet certain standards of academic quality, and have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful. 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.
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 programs
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$22,932
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:
$1,911 $3,822 $5,733 $7,644If 3 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $17,199
If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288
If 9 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $13,377
If 12 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $11,466
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.
Ways to save on online tuition
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:
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.
8%
Increase in financial analyst positions through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
$99,890
Median annual pay for financial analysts as of May 2023, according to the BLS.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.
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.
Fredericka Thompson '21
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.
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
Do I need a master's degree for a career 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 "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."
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 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.
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.
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 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.
Is an online master's in finance a respected degree?
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.