By: MOFD Staff
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that a master’s degree has become more important than ever, especially for those working in the quickly evolving financial industry. But dropping everything to return to college isn’t so simple for those with jobs and families. Fortunately, a number of colleges and universities offer online master’s in finance degrees that can be completed quickly and easily by just about anyone, located anywhere in the world. While most programs are flexible enough to suit both full-time and part-time students, the master’s degree programs on this list are accelerated and can be completed fast. Keep scrolling for the 15 fastest online master’s in finance degree programs for 2020.
1. University of Scranton
Online Master of Science in Finance
12 months
University of Scranton is a Jesuit university based in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The school — which U.S. News & World Report ranks amongst the best regional universities in the northern United States — offers a slew of degree programs which can be completed online. These include an online Master of Science in Finance. When pursued full-time, the 30-credit program can be completed in as few as 12 months. Coursework is asynchronous, and students complete courses in:
- investment analysis
- advanced financial management
- derivative securities, among other subjects
By the end of the degree program, students are prepared to sit for the chartered financial analyst credential.
2. Baker College
Online MBA in Finance
12 months
Students interested in studying finance by earning a Master of Business Administration would do well to consider Baker College. Baker’s Center for Graduate Studies offers a fully online Finance MBA. Full-time students can complete it in as few as 12 months. The 36-credit degree program consists of courses like Public Finance and The Financial Environment. Though classes are online, the Baker curriculum allows for students to actively participate in class discussions, presentations, and activities.
3. University of Massachusetts Lowell
Online Master of Science in Finance
12 months
The Manning School of Business at University of Massachusetts Lowell has teamed up with the university’s Division of Online and Continuing Education to offer an online M.S. in Finance. Students from anywhere in the world can complete this master’s degree in its entirety, and full-time students can earn their degree in as little as one year. The degree program consists of 10 courses total: five required core classes and five electives of the student’s choice.
4. University of the Southwest
Online MBA in Finance
12 months
University of the Southwest is an ideal choice of university for a student in search of flexibility, affordability, and a fast pace. The school, which caters especially to military students and veterans, offers an online MBA with a concentration in finance which can be completed in as few as 12 months. Uniquely, neither prerequisites nor a bachelor’s degree in a business-related subject are required for this 36-unit degree program. The full degree costs less than $22,000, including books and a laptop.
5. University of Michigan at Dearborn
Online Master of Science in Finance
12 months
University of Michigan at Dearborn doesn’t just offer some of the best online degree programs in the University of Michigan system. It offers some of the best online degree programs in the country — evidenced by the fact that U.S. News & World Report ranks Dearborn as the fifth best university in the Midwest. Full-time students can complete University of Michigan at Dearborn’s online Master of Science in Finance in as few as 12 months. Those who are able to complete the 30-credit program quickly will already have a finance background. Additional courses are required for students who do not. As they complete the master’s degree program, students may choose to concentrate in either corporate finance or investments.
6. California Lutheran University
Online Master of Science in Financial Planning
12 months
California Lutheran University is a private liberal arts university based in Thousand Oaks, California. True to its liberal arts tradition, California Lutheran University offers an online M.S. in Financial Planning that is “focused on the ‘art and science’ of financial planning.” The fully online course consists of 36 units and 12 classes which students can customize to best fit their personal schedules. Though most students take about two years to complete the master’s degree in finance, it is possible for a full-time student to complete it in 12 months.
7. University of St. Francis
Online MBA with concentration in Finance
12 months
University of St. Francis offers another MBA option that can be completed in as little as one year. The university’s online Master of Business Administration allows for a concentration in finance, with a slew of classes students can choose to further customize their degree. Though the MBA can be completed entirely online, students will still have access to case studies, real-world learning experiences, and class discussions.
8. Tiffin University
Online MBA with concentration in Finance
14 months
Tiffin University offers a Master of Business Administration which can be completed entirely online in as few as 14 months. Students may choose to focus their MBA on Finance by taking courses on topics like national and international economies, cooperating and competing markets, and financial ethics. Six start dates exist throughout the year, so students can begin work on their degree at the time it best suits them.
9. Indiana University – Bloomington
Online Master of Science in Finance
15 months
The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University – Bloomington offers many of its top-ranked degree programs via its online program. This includes a Master of Science in Finance which can be completed entirely online in about 15 months. The 30-credit program covers topics like:
- risk management
- capital markets
- value creation, among other subjects. It’s also worth noting that The Kelley School is the number one producer of CFOs among all public universities.
10. Johnson and Wales University
Online Master of Science in Finance
15 months
Johnson and Wales University has solidified itself as a leader in online education. The university — which U.S. News & World Report ranks as one of the best universities in the North — offers an M.S. in Finance which can be completed online in just 15 months. Each course is taught by industry leaders and lasts eight weeks. Classes are focused on real-world experiences, and coursework includes topics lik:
- e retirement planning
- financial management
- financial reporting and control, to name but a few.
11. Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master of Science in Finance
15 months
Since its founding in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University has grown into one of the leaders in online education. Students from all over the world are able to study at Southern New Hampshire University, which offers more than 200 degree programs ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees. For those interested in pursuing a master’s in finance, Southern New Hampshire University offers a Master of Science in Finance which can be completed entirely online in as little as 15 months. The 36-credit program covers coursework in:
- managerial economics
- international corporate finance
- capital markets, among many other topics
By the end of the degree program, students will be prepared to sit for the CFA exam.
12. University of Miami
Online Master of Science in Finance
16 months
Florida-based University of Miami offers nearly 200 degree programs ranging from bachelor’s to doctorates. This includes a 100% online Master of Science in Finance, which full-time students can complete in as few as 16 months. The 32-credit M.S. consists of eight courses on topics like quantitative finance and international investments. Though it’s not required, students completing the online degree are welcome to participate in on-campus networking events held throughout the year. U.S. News & World Report ranks University of Miami #53 on its list of the best schools in the country.
13. Walsh College
Online Master of Science in Finance
18 months
Walsh College has been devoted to finance since its founding in 1922, when it was established to teach accounting skills. Today, students can attend Walsh College from anywhere in the world, thanks to the school’s online program. The Master of Science in Finance consists of 33 credits, and can be completed by a full-time student in as few as 18 months. Students may choose between two concentrations as they complete their degree: financial services or financial management. Required coursework includes classes on global economics and managerial accounting.
14. Aspen University
Online MBA with concentration in Finance
18 months
Aspen University, a leader in distance education, offers an online MBA with a concentration in finance. The 100% online degree program consists of 12 courses and can be completed in just 18 months. Coursework includes topics like:
- business finance
- business ethics
- managerial accounting, to name a few
A capstone course is also required before graduating with the master’s degree. And since classes begin every two weeks, applicants won’t ever have to wait long to get started as students!
15. University of Houston at Clear Lake
Online Master of Science in Finance
18 months
University of Houston at Clear Lake (UHCL) has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best schools in the West. But thanks to UHCL’s online “campus,” students outside of the Houston area can benefit from its excellence. The university offers a Master of Science in Finance that can be completed entirely online in as few as 18 months. The 30-credit master’s program includes courses in international finance and financial statement analysis, among other things. Interestingly, students may also choose to complete six more credits in exchange for a concentration in healthcare administration.
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