The Top 10 Schools
ArticleFinancial concerns, decisions and forecasting can define the success or failure of an organization. An online MBA in finance gives students exceptional skills in all areas of business finance, including investing, financial accounting, economic analysis and statistics. Graduates of an accredited finance MBA online have significantly increased career opportunities, and can pursue positions at the senior management level in most organizations, including private, nonprofit and governmental agencies. Many online MBA finance programs offer specializations in a variety of fields, including international business, accounting, financial reporting and quantitative analysis. In addition, the MBA signifies to the business community that a graduate holds advanced leadership and management skills.
What to Expect from the Best Online MBA Programs in Finance
Finance MBA programs online offer students the opportunity to increase their skills in critical areas of need within an organization. Strong analytical and theoretical knowledge is crucial for an organization seeking solid, consistent financial growth. Graduates of an online finance MBA program hold much-needed skills in these areas, as well as excellent leadership skills that are critical to advancing an organization in an ethical, competent manner. Students should expect advanced mathematical and finance coursework during their online finance MBA program, and should have some knowledge of economics or economic theory. As most online MBA programs in finance are self-paced and can be accessed during a student’s personal time, the program can benefit those already working in finance to advance their careers, or those with family or other job responsibilities. Students may have internship opportunities to hone their skills, and will have a mentor during the program to assist them in challenging areas.
Finance MBA programs are challenging, whether in a traditional format or online. Students pursuing an online MBA in finance should be prepared to work almost entirely independently, and during non-working hours. Students should have 10-20 additional hours per week for study time, and many online programs have study groups online. It is recommended that students choose their coursework carefully, and complete difficult classes during times they know their external responsibilities may be lessened. Coursework is intensive, and students gain knowledge and skill with each course that translates into significant career opportunities in the future.
Accredited Online Finance MBA Programs
The best online MBA finance programs provide a solid academic foundation that aims to support the individual in improving his or her professional portfolio. The following is a list of schools that offer an online MBA in finance:
While American InterContinental University offers traditional campuses in Atlanta, South Florida, Houston, and London, it also has an extensive online curriculum that focuses on providing students with excellence in practical, industry-current degree programs in a convenient, portable format. Students in the online MBA finance program are offered a variety of courses, including Strategic Management, Global Financial Management, and a Managerial Approach to Marketing. In addition, students may take more specific classes in finance, such as Derivatives, Financial Statement Analysis, and Economics for the Global Manager. While the online MBA finance program through American InterContinental University offers flexibility in coursework, students have extensive opportunities to connect with classmates, collaborate in study groups, and network with faculty and alumni.
General Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
- Minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Official Transcript
- Official Application
- Application Fee
- Interview
Program Length: American InterContinental University’s online MBA in finance requires 48 credits, and can be typically completed within 2-3 years.
Baker College’s most proud achievement is to boast a graduate employment rate of 97% which is a result of their emphasis on practical-skills training and the excellence of the curriculum. Students seeking to earn an online MBA in finance at Baker College will find that all of their required courses, such as The Financial Environment, Money and Banking, Financial Accounting, International Business Finance, and Public Finance, are all geared toward helping students become effective employees in the finance industry. In addition to these courses, students take 33 hours of basic business classes and are also required to complete a graduate seminar before they are eligible for graduation.
General Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
- Minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Official Transcript
- Official Application
- Application Fee
- Interview
Program Length: Baker College’s finance MBA degree online requires 48 credits, and can be typically completed within 2-3 years.
Finance is a highly competitive field in today’s business environment; the online MBA program in finance offered by Benedictine University is designed to provide students with a competitive edge as well as refine skills. Domestic and international financing are both covered in greater detail as part of this program’s study requirements, and students enrolled in the finance MBA program online can expect courses like Managerial Accounting, Financial Management, and Financial Planning in Health Care Organization to be a part of the degree program. Students who are planning to enter the program may be required to provide additional documents in order to gain acceptance into the program, such as a BA in a related field.
General Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
- Minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Official Transcript
- Official Application
- Application Fee
- Interview
Program Length: Benedictine University’s online MBA in finance requires # credits, and can be typically completed within 2-3 years.
The virtual campus of Colorado Technical University is a career-advancement choice for working professionals who need the flexibility and accessibility of online courses for higher education degrees in programs like the online masters of business administration in finance. CTU provides accounting, finance, or budget-savvy business employees with additional training that can lead to management positions and higher earning potential. The online MBA finance courses include Advanced Training in Financial Analysis, Budgeting Reviews, New Capital Development, Strategic Decision-Making, and Leadership Strategies. Graduates of online MBA finance programs at Colorado Technical University are prepared to move competitively into financial management positions in a variety of fields.
General Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
- Minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Official Transcript
- Official Application
- Application Fee
- Interview
Program Length: Colorado Technical University’s finance MBA degree online requires 48 credits, and can be typically completed within 2-3 years.
A graduate who has earned an online masters of business administration in finance from Kaplan University will have the education, skills, and training necessary to succeed in today’s competitive business world. In addition, individuals with an MBA in finance from Kaplan graduate fully equipped with the technical and innovative skills required of finance professionals. Students in the program will take courses such as Capital Markets and Investments, Mergers and Acquisitions, International Finance, and Financial Statement Analysis, in addition to 15 broadly ranging core business classes. Students will gain experience with practical application in their courses, but are also encouraged to participate in internships and work-study, which the school can often help students find.
General Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
- Minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Official Transcript
- Official Application
- Application Fee
- Interview
Program Length: Kaplan University’s finance MBA degree online requires 48 credits, and can be typically completed within 2-3 years.
The College of Business Administration at Northeastern University offers accredited programs that help prepare students for acquiring jobs in the competitive business world. Through curriculum in a convenient online format with various MBA specializations, including an MBA in finance, Northeastern’s online programs provide an education that is on par with traditional universities, with the added benefits of convenient classroom schedule. The online MBA finance program provides students with an opportunity to analyze and understand complicated financial issues faced by modern corporations, including budgeting, investment, cost and risk analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and prevailing methods of quantitative valuation. Some of the classes in the finance concentration include Investment Analysis, Valuation and Value Creation, Health Care Finance, Investment Banking, and Financial Strategy.
General Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
- Minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Official Transcript
- Official Application
- Application Fee
- Interview
Program Length: The finance MBA online at Northeastern University requires # credits, and can be typically completed within 2-3 years.
Post University’s online MBA program with concentration in finance was created to give working professionals additional opportunities to expand their career options. However, it is also an excellent choice for those that are new to the field and are looking to gain a solid foundation and focused specialization in finance, with the end goal of a successful career in the finance industry. The course material was developed by analyzing example situations culled from real world business transactions, and provides the student with an excellent overview of finance in general. The finance concentration program curriculum includes courses such as Integrated Marketing Mix Strategies, Financial Modeling, Competitive Intelligence, and Project Management. There is both a capstone research project as well as an additional capstone course that must be completed before graduation, giving students a chance to research their fields of interest independently.
General Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
- Minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Official Transcript
- Official Application
- Application Fee
- Interview
Program Length: Post University’s finance MBA degree online requires 48 credits, and can be typically completed within 2-3 years.
Benedictine University, supported by its rich Roman Catholic heritage, is dedicated to providing competitive liberal arts and professional education to a diverse student body. The online financial management MBA program gives graduating students the necessary management and financial analysis skills to succeed in the current job market. Some of the classes available in the 16 credit-hour online MBA program include Managerial Accounting, Theory and Practice of Financial Reporting, Financial Management, Investment Theory and Portfolio Analysis, and Financial Planning in Health Care Organization. Upon receiving an MBA in financial management from Benedictine University, many individuals find themselves well equipped to find secure employment, or to advance in their current careers.
General Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
- Minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Official Transcript
- Official Application
- Application Fee
- Interview
Program Length: Benedictine University’s financial management MBA degree online requires 48 credits, and can be typically completed within 2-3 years.
Jones International University, founded by visionary Glenn Jones, is the first online university to receive regional accreditation, and specializes in innovative delivery systems for internet-based education. Online MBA programs in financial planning from Jones International University requires students to take core courses relating to vital business skills, including Marketing, Accounting and Business Communications, and also take part in high level financial planning courses, such as Corporate Finance, Short Term Investing, and Control Mechanisms. In addition, coursework meets the requirements of both the American Academy of Financial Management and the Chartered Asset Manager credentials. To supplement classroom learning, many students participate in internships, part-time jobs, or take classes to supplement their current career, ensuring that graduates from JIU are well-rounded students and employees.
General Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
- Minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Official Transcript
- Official Application
- Application Fee
- Interview
Program Length: Jones International University’s financial planning MBA degree online requires 48 credits, and can be typically completed within 2-3 years.
Although most online MBA programs teach identical fundamentals in finance, specialized classes may vary from program to program. Be sure to research a school’s specific program, as well as validate national accreditation and online finance MBA rankings.
Skills Acquired Through Top Online Finance MBA Programs
A good online masters of business administration in finance will produce future professionals who will be able to face the challenges in a variety of work environments. Some common skills that are focused on include:
- Working with a variety of methods of data analysis for investment valuation.
- Understanding and implementing strategies for long-term investment and development of acquisitions.
- Applying best practices in determining capital expenditures.
- Understanding evaluation techniques for funding sources.
- Written communication/leadership skills, and how those can impact the long term health and growth of an organization.
The benefits gained from a top online program will become necessary when competing for the best finance MBA jobs.
Careers with an Online MBA in Finance
Graduates of top finance MBA online programs can expect a multitude of career choices, including:
- Financial Manager: Financial managers work with financial organizations to direct key components of the financial fitness of the company, including investments, accounting and reporting. Financial managers earn an average of $123,970 and can expect faster than average growth, especially for those with a finance MBA.
- Financial Analyst: Online finance MBA graduates can pursue a career in the lucrative field of financial analysis, in which employees analyze and direct future financial decisions for an organization. Financial analysts earn an average of $98,220 per year, and have excellent, above average career potential.
- Personal Financial Advisor: Strong interpersonal communication skills, leadership skills and an understanding of the financial market are key skills of a successful personal financial advisor. Personal financial advisors analyze and direct personal investments, retirement and insurance for individuals and their families. While competition in this field is keen, those holding an MBA can expect average salaries of $89,920 per year and excellent job prospects.
