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Online Masters in Finance
An online master’s in finance is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want advanced, specialized training in financial analysis, investments, or corporate finance. Programs may emphasize quantitative methods, leadership, or a specific practice area depending on the school.
This page explains how master’s programs are structured, what coursework typically includes, and what to compare across schools.
Quick answers
What is an online master’s in finance?
It is a graduate-level program that builds advanced financial analysis, investment, and corporate finance knowledge through online coursework.
What degree titles are common?
Common options include a Master of Science in Finance (MSF) or an MBA with a finance concentration, depending on the institution and your career goals.
How is an MSF different from an MBA in finance?
An MSF typically goes deeper into technical finance topics such as valuation, derivatives, and quantitative methods. An MBA with a finance concentration usually covers broader general-management coursework alongside finance electives.
What is typically included in the curriculum?
Most programs include a shared core in corporate finance, investments, and financial modeling, plus electives or a concentration and often a capstone project.
What do admissions requirements usually include?
Most programs require a completed bachelor’s degree. Common elements include transcripts, a resume, and a statement of purpose; some programs request GMAT or GRE scores or relevant work experience.
What online formats and pacing options are common?
Programs may use standard term schedules, accelerated shorter terms, or part-time options with lighter course loads for working professionals.
At a Glance
- Degree type: Master of Science in Finance (MSF) or MBA with finance concentration
- Typical duration: 1-2 years full-time
- Credits: Typically 30-36 semester hours
- Format: Online, often designed for working professionals
- Accreditation: Check for AACSB or ACBSP business-school accreditation
Schools to compare
No school data available.
Typical topics in a master’s program
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Advanced Corporate Finance | Capital structure, mergers and acquisitions, valuation methods |
| Investment Analysis & Portfolio Management | Asset allocation, portfolio construction, and performance measurement |
| Financial Modeling | Building and interpreting quantitative financial models |
| Derivatives & Risk Management | Options, futures, and hedging strategies |
| Financial Markets & Institutions | Advanced study of banking, regulation, and market structure |
| Capstone or Applied Project | Applied financial analysis project or comprehensive case study |
Skills and outcomes to compare
Outcomes vary by program, but you can compare:
- Depth of quantitative and modeling coursework
- Applied project, case competition, or practicum requirements
- Concentration or elective options, such as investment management or corporate finance
- Career services support, including recruiting relationships with financial-services employers
For pacing and delivery comparisons, see: How Online Finance Degrees Work
How to compare online master’s programs
- Identify the program type: general MSF, specialized concentration, or MBA with a finance track.
- Review the core curriculum and capstone or applied-project requirements.
- Check concentrations and electives that fit your target career path.
- Confirm admissions expectations, including test-score policies and work-experience preferences.
- Compare online format and pacing options against your schedule.
- Verify institutional accreditation and, where relevant, AACSB or ACBSP accreditation.
Admissions requirements
Requirements vary by school, but most programs require a completed bachelor’s degree. Common elements include transcripts, a resume, and a statement of purpose. Some programs request GMAT or GRE scores, letters of recommendation, or relevant professional experience, though many online programs offer test-optional admission.
Master’s vs a bachelor’s in finance
A bachelor’s in finance is generally the entry credential for analyst and associate-track roles. A master’s in finance is typically pursued to build deeper quantitative and analytical skills, support a career pivot into finance from another field, or position for advancement into management or specialized advisory roles.
Compare degree options:
For a value and fit discussion, see: Is an Online Finance Degree Worth It
Data verified: July 30, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.
Back to Online Finance Degrees: Levels, Careers, and How to Choose