Degree Overview: Master’s Degree Programs in Investing
Majors Overview June 5, 2015This article talks about master’s degree programs in investing and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master’s Programs in Investing
Students interested in being trained in cutting-edge management strategies and financial theories would benefit from enrolling in a master’s degree in investment management that can help them build upon a solid foundation of accounting and business principles. Students enrolled in the program can expect to become adept at developing, managing and marketing investment products for individual or corporate clients and making sound investment decisions. Students enrolled in many programs become eligible to seek professional certifications in financial planning.
The master’s degree program in investment management is devised to equip students with the financial tools necessary for making informed investment decisions. Programs also arm them with an advanced background in economics, accounting, qualitative and finance methods. Students become adept in the application of principles of research and finance to real-world investment portfolios. Students complete most programs within 18 months and in some cases, within a year. Schools often devise programs to facilitate working professionals, by offering evening, online, and weekend courses.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Prospective students from a more executive level (working professionals seeking career advancement) could choose from other master’s programs in the field. Such applicants would need to have both a bachelor’s degree and working experience before they are admitted to the program.
Coursework
Program coursework uses practical tools devised to train students to work in the real-world of portfolio management and investing. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Equity analysis
•Corporate finance
•Financial management
•Business mathematics
•Macroeconomics
•Microeconomics
•Risk management
•Futures and options
•Investment product design
•Fixed income investing
Career Choices
Program graduates can choose from many possible job options including:
•Equity analyst
•Director of investments
•Municipal bond analyst
•Portfolio manager
•Private investment analyst
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2010 – 2020 decade, a job growth rate of 16% has been predicted for all financial analysts (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, these professionals brought in an average annual wage of $76,950 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates may seek career advancement and improve earnings through continued education by earning Certified Financial Advisor (CFA) credentials, for which they can become eligible through the passage of an exam and having the necessary experience.
