Information on Master’s Degree Programs in Business Finance
Majors Overview June 7, 2015This article talks about master’s degree programs in business finance and their education requirements, coursework, and career choices.
Master’s Programs in Business Finance
Students enrolled in a master’s degree program in business finance are prepared for careers in the fields of business operations and financial consulting. Schools most commonly offer graduate-level degrees in finance and business in the form of a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Finance. Program graduates are trained to assume the positions of stockbrokers, treasurers, and financial planners to direct the financial decisions of private clients, corporations, government agencies, small businesses, and non-profit organizations.
Through a combination of group discussions, classroom lectures, and individual research projects, students can expect to learn the coursework in most master’s degree programs related to business and finance. In some, a thesis paper or capstone project is required to be completed by students. The thesis paper is expected to have an in-depth exploration of pressing concerns or emerging technologies related to the world of finance.
Schools offer numerous fast-track, executive MBA programs in Finance to current business professionals who seek additional credentials and knowledge in the field. Students typically take one to two years to complete these programs that include several online or evening classes covering marketing, accounting, risk management or financial reporting.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree. An MBA may be an attractive proposition for holders of an undergraduate degree in various majors including economics, accounting, mathematics, finance, and business administration. Many schools require prospective MBA students to submit scores from the GRE, in addition to previous grades.
Coursework
Program coursework is devised to provide students with a strong grasp of financial systems, business principles, international finance, financial analysis, and financial management. Students learn ways of combining market figures and data with a deep grasp of the contemporary state of the financial market aimed at making the best financial decisions for a client or company. Program coursework is devised to equip students with a solid grasp of financial systems, data analysis, and business principles. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Risk management
•Financial consulting
•Managing financial institutions
•Marketing concepts
•Economics analysis
•Financial reporting
•Legal issues in business
•Market and data analysis
•Accounting
•Fundamentals of finance
Career Choices
Program graduates may seek various types of positions such as:
•Commodities trader
•Financial planner
•Executive vice president of planning
•Stock broker
•Chief executive officer
•Financial consultant
•Financial controller
•Insurance adjuster
•Treasurer
•Pension fund manager
