MBA - Finance Graduate Programs

Finance Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Students enrolled in an MBA finance program are required to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, as well as have a minimum score on required entrance examinations. Many institutions also require an essay regarding a specific topic. Generally speaking, MBA programs in finance are very competitive, and many schools accept only the top students.

Students who enroll in an MBA finance program will be exposed to numerous aspects of finance, including:

• Management
• Accounting
• Financial planning and strategy
• Investment strategies
• Historical analysis
• Cash flow
• Credit

Students should expect a rigorous course load throughout the entire period of study. Frequent examinations and oral and written presentations are part of the core curriculum for all MBA finance programs, and many online schools require video presentations. Students will participate in classes dealing with complex financial management issues, such as:

• Investment analysis and management
• International financial markets
• Analysis of fixed income securities
• Financial theory
• Managerial incentives

Once students complete a MBA in finance program, they will be ready for a host of financial management jobs in virtually every sector including private industry, government, education, health care and more. Depending on the program, an MBA in finance can take one to two years to complete.

Finance Career Paths

Since most decision-making processes in business and government entail a financial aspect, those with an MBA in finance will have the opportunity to work in a wide range of industries. Although those with a bachelor’s degree in business are qualified to work at entry-level positions in business, financial management positions generally require a master’s degree. Some of these positions include:

• Accounting managers
• Corporate controllers
• Financial analysts
• Investment bankers
• Mergers and acquisitions managers
• Treasury and finance officers

Some finance specialties, such as securities exchange traders, require licensing. However, most financial management jobs do not.

Finance Salary and Future Job Outlook

The future job outlook for the finance industry is very good. Jobs in this sector are expected to grow much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. An increase of 20 percent is expected between 2008 and 2018, with nearly 50,000 new jobs. However, it is important to note that there will be fierce competition for these types of jobs. Only people who have a good understanding of the complex issues in finance can expect to be employed in the top jobs that pay the most money. Companies that are involved in financial investment activities employ the highest number of financial analysts.

Data according to

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Ed.

Those holding an MBA in finance degree can expect good to excellent earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for financial analysts in 2010 was $74,350, which is nearly double the national annual median wage.

Data according to

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2010