Best online master’s in finance 2021: Top picks

Individuals who work in finance work as analysts, managers, and advisors in public and private sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% growth in business and financial occupations to 2030. Whether you already work in a position that involves finance or hope to enter the field, a finance master’s provides the knowledge and skills you need. 

We’ve ranked the top online master’s in finance degrees for 2021. Scroll down to find out which program is right for you.

The best online master’s in finance degrees

ZDNet’s ranking methodology takes numerous factors into consideration to help you choose the best online master’s in finance. By looking at cost, convenience, curricula, and overall outcomes, our rankings provide insight into the top finance master’s degrees. 

Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.

Insights from a finance master’s graduate

Johnny Medina earned a master of science in finance from John Hopkins University. He is co-founder and CEO of Nabla FInancial. Nabla tackles wealth inequality through proper financial planning, investments, and guidance by making it accessible and affordable to all. Johnny hopes Nabla can carve the path for many individuals in a financial aspect. He also has over five years of finance experience, starting from his time as a Research Analyst Fellow in the Bureau of the Census. He is a proud member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. 

ZDNet: In what cases is a finance master’s program worth it to pursue? In what cases might it not be worthwhile? 

Johnny Medina: When completing an undergraduate degree in finance, you typically get an overview of what finance is. However, with a master’s degree, you learn a lot more about the subsectors of finance. There’s much more to finance than meets the eye. For example, wealth management focuses on combining behavior with finance, and asset management focuses more on statistics. 

A master’s in finance might not be something to pursue if you completed an undergraduate degree in finance, and you’re now working for a company where you can easily see a growth path for yourself. You may be able to get to where you want to go without a master’s degree in finance.

ZDNet: What were the biggest takeaway(s) you got from your master’s in finance program that you may not have gotten otherwise?

JM: Finance fundamentals always remain the same, but the methods and channels that finance is used for are constantly changing. My master’s in finance program taught me how to take my fundamental finance knowledge and use it in a proactive way. As technology continues to drive the world, finance is no exception, and it was essential to learn how both worlds merge. 

I like to think that my master’s program upgraded my fundamental finance knowledge to the next level. Then, I got to refine the sub-sector of finance that I wanted to pursue. 

ZDNet: What was the most challenging, rigorous course you took in your finance master’s program? What advice would you give to students who are about to start this course?

JM: I would definitely say the most challenging course was behavioral finance. Humans are constantly evolving and unpredictable, which is the opposite of finance, where everything can be quantified. 

For anyone taking this course in the future, I would say don’t underestimate the difficulty of a course with an easy name. You’ll be surprised how much you don’t know. The professors in Behavioral Finance have also conducted multiple research projects and are great resources when you catch yourself struggling. 

What to expect in an online master’s in finance degree program

An online master’s degree in finance trains students to be competitive in any financial field through coursework in economics, accounting, and investments.

Elective classes give students the opportunity to focus on an aspect of finance, like international finance, corporate finance, and finance for nonprofit management. Research coursework teaches learners to collect, assess, and interpret financial data.

During a master’s in finance program, students work independently and as part of a team. Learners complete projects and presentations to help them apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. 

Finance courses

While finance master’s programs vary in specific course offerings, there are common classes offered across curriculums. A master’s degree in finance includes foundational coursework in economics, financial reporting, quantitative research, and financial accounting.

Financial economics

Coursework in financial economics introduces students to the functions and structure of financial systems. Learners develop understanding of financial mathematics, financial instruments, and financial documentation while building skills to solve value problems, explain stock and bond markets, and identify financial trends. 

Financial reporting and analysis 

Classes in financial reporting and analysis integrate accounting, finance, and economic fundamentals to develop financial decision-making skills. Students learn about different types of financial documentation alongside tools and techniques to make decisions based on the information they contain. Specific topics include asset valuation, income determination, and financial forecasting.

Quantitative methods in finance

Quantitative methods classes emphasize statistical methods and models used to make financial decisions. Students explore topics like probability theory and distributions, hypothesis testing, and how to calculate the time value of money as they learn how to use computer software common to the field of finance. 

Financial accounting

Students learn to prepare and assess financial activities by exploring the fundamentals of accounting and developing skills to apply accounting concepts and practices to finance. Topics include transaction recording, cash flow and valuation, and managing credit risk. 

Finance degree levels

Depending on your educational background, professional experience, and career goals, there are several finance degree options. Undergraduate degrees in finance include two to four years of coursework and prepare students for entry-level careers in the field. Finance master’s degrees and doctoral programs help professionals advance to leadership and executive roles.

Associate in finance

• Length: Two years
• Cost: $8,000-$20,000
• Post-grad careers: Bookkeeper, accounting clerk, finance associate

An associate degree in finance includes two years of introductory coursework in accounting, economics, and financial practices. Coursework includes fundamentals of financial planning, personal finance, and the stock market and investments. 

By applying financial theory to real-world scenarios, students gain practical skills to pursue entry-level careers in finance. A finance associate degree also equips learners to continue onto a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field. 

Bachelor’s in finance

• Length: Four years
• Cost: $14,000-$100,000
• Post-grad careers: Financial advisor, auditor, commercial banker 

A bachelor’s degree in finance provides learners with essential knowledge and skills in accounting, statistics, and economics. With an emphasis on business, finance bachelor’s degrees often integrate coursework in management, corporate finance, and financial markets. Coursework blends independent learning with group projects and cooperative learning activities. As part of a bachelor’s degree in finance, learners often have opportunities to complete an internship. 

Some institutions offer bachelor of science and bachelor of arts finance degrees. A bachelor of science in finance focuses on technological and statistical aspects of the field to prepare students to enter the workforce. A bachelor of arts in finance provides a more comprehensive curriculum, ideal for students who want to pursue a career in finance or continue onto graduate study. 

Master’s in finance

• Length: Two years
• Cost: $18,000-$90,000
• Post-grad careers: Financial planner, venture capitalist, financial analyst

Finance master’s degrees hone existing knowledge and skills to prepare students for leadership roles in the field. A master’s degree in finance includes classes in financial economics, modeling, and assessment alongside coursework in quantitative methods and analysis. 

When exploring options for a finance master’s degree, students may opt to pursue an MBA with a concentration in finance. As one of many MBA concentration options, learners who focus in finance compute comprehensive business coursework with specialized courses in topics such as corporate finance, international banking, and investment management.

Doctorate in finance

• Length: 3 to 5 years
• Cost: $30,000-$95,000
• Post-grad careers: Chief financial officer, finance professor, investment researcher

A doctorate in finance emphasizes theoretical aspects of finance while training students in advanced financial research and assessment. Learners explore topics such as macro- and microeconomics, asset pricing and portfolio management, and financial markets and institutions through didactic coursework.

Students complete an assessment examination, followed by an advanced research project and the completion of a dissertation. By looking closely at an issue or problem within the world of finance, learners apply theoretical modeling and empirical testing to the world of finance. 

In conclusion

No two finance degrees are exactly alike. If earning a degree in finance sounds right for you, take a look at the programs ranked on this page to help you decide. We’ve provided comprehensive assessments of the top online master’s programs to help you take the next step in earning your finance degree.