Degree Overview: Master of Finance (M.Fin.) Degree Program
Majors Overview May 26, 2015Get information about Master of Finance (M.Fin.) degree programs and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master of Finance (M.Fin.) Programs
Master’s degrees in finance leading to Master of Science (M.S.) are available at many schools; however, some culminate in Master in Finance (M.Fin.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) awards. In some programs, the coursework is offered with an eye on specific careers, such as corporate finance or financial engineering. Coursework is devised to cover topics such as econometrics, investment banking, econometrics, and financial modeling. Students usually take 1-2 academic years to complete the program, parts of which may be available online.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold an undergraduate degree, and may prefer those with a degree in finance or a related field. However, in some other schools there is no emphasis on the bachelor’s degree field of study and applicants are only expected to have specific math skills. Professional experience is also a requirement at some schools.
Coursework
Enrolled students learn new theories, technologies and trends to help them stay relevant in an evolving field. They opt for classes relevant to managing, economics, analysis and financial accounting while completing courses in quantitative methods. Core coursework may cover common topic areas such as:
•Mergers and acquisitions
•Financial institutions
•Financial reporting
•Risk management
•Portfolio management
•Managerial accounting
•Financial investments
•Econometrics
•Financial markets
Career Choices
Program graduates may choose from various career options in various work settings, such as commercial banking, financial planning, investment banking, insurance and real estate. Financial experts may also avail opportunities with local, state and federal government agencies. They may choose from popular job positions such as:
•Chief financial officer
•Financial analyst
•Portfolio manager
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth rate of 16% has been predicted for financial analysts. Over the same period, personal financial advisors are expected to see a 27% growth (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, financial analysts brought in an average annual wage of $76,950, while personal financial advisors earned $67,520 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates may seek continued education by earning a Ph.D. in Finance that may lead to careers in research or academia. They may also seek professional certifications, such as Chartered Financial Consultant, Certified Financial Planner, or Chartered Financial Analyst, by passing exams to demonstrate that they satisfy professional standards.
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