A Master’s degree in Finance can act as the springboard to a management position or pave the way toward a doctoral degree in this area of study. Working toward this designation online makes good sense. You can work toward your educational goals on your own schedule. Universities offer the same curriculum in their online programs as they do on campus, and in many cases, courses are taught by the same instructors. We looked for accredited programs that represent better-than-average opportunities for online students in the way of depth in concentrations and overall program reputation.

#1 Carnegie Mellon University

Executive Summary

Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business is one of the top schools of its kind in the world. A group of academicians from Mellon was responsible for developing the management science approach to teaching business principles, and it is been adopted by a number of schools as an alternative to the case study method.

Tuition

Students pay $3,372.00 per course.

Unique Features

The Master in Computational Finance online degree can be completed entirely online. Students participate in classes via live video stream from their laptop. They can ask questions and be called on by their instructor, or have the option of watching the recorded version later.

#2 Saint Joseph’s University

Executive Summary

SJU has been providing students with rigorous educational programs for over 160 years. This Jesuit school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Only 30 percent of business schools in the United States share this designation.

Tuition

Students at SJU pay $918.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

The online MS in Financial Services degree program gives students the opportunity to prepare for a career in the financial services sector. Courses cover material related to tax planning, international finance, risk management, and portfolio management.

#3 Penn State University

Executive Summary

Penn State has been offering distance education programs for over a century. The University is a world-class institution with a reputation for academic excellence.

Tuition

Graduate students pay $1,025.00 per credit.

Unique Features

The MS in Finance program works on a cohort model. All students start at the same time and work through their courses together. This model allows them to develop teamwork skills while learning from anywhere.

#4 Golden Gate University

Executive Summary

Golden Gate University was established in 1901. This private, non-profit institution is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Tuition

GCU students pay $2,520.00 per three-unit course.

Unique Features

The average class size for the MS in Finance program is 18. Over 80 percent of courses are taught by practicing professionals. Students must write at least one supervised exam per course. Exams may be supervised at any GCU campus location, by a student’s employer, or at a local library.

#5 Northeastern University

Executive Summary

Northeastern University was founded in 1898. This private research school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Tuition

Graduate students pay $1,275.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

The MS in Finance online can be completed in as little as 16 months. Six start dates are offered per year.

#6 Colorado State University

Executive Summary

Colorado State University is a public, not-for-profit institution. The University offers flexible programs designed to meet the needs of adult learners.

Tuition

Tuition is $350.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

Courses start every four weeks. Students enrolled in the online MS in Finance at CSU take courses in advanced math and statistics, investments, insurance and risk management, and derivatives and assets pricing. They also complete a capstone course as part of their program.

#7 Bellevue University

Executive Summary

Bellevue University is a private, non-profit institution which was founded in 1966. It has won the Corporate University Best in Class (CUBIC) award on two occasions. Bellevue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition

Students pay $485.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

The MS in Finance- Strategic Leadership of Value and Risk degree program includes courses in business conditions in global markets, capital sources, integration of markets, leadership and communication in business, and enterprise risk management.

#8 New England College of Business

Executive Summary

The New England College of Business was founded in 1909 in Boston. The school focuses on preparing students for “high-demand, high-growth disciplines.” The College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Tuition

Tuition is $2,400.00 per course.

Unique Features

The College offers eight start dates per year. Graduate-level courses run in five-week sessions with one week off between classes.

#9 Southern New Hampshire University

Executive Summary

SNHU has been offering degree programs for eight decades. It has received a Best Online Degree Program Award (2013) from New Hampshire Business Review. The University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Tuition

Students pay $960.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

Courses in the online MS in Finance program includes ones focusing on managerial accounting, short-term financial management, capital budgeting and financing, money and capital markets, and quantitative analysis for decision-making.

Concentrations

Corporate Finance
Investments and Securities

#10 Kaplan University

Executive Summary

Kaplan University welcomed its first students in 1937. It updates its course materials regularly to ensure that it is meeting employer demands. Kaplan is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition

Tuition is $441.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

The University operates on a quarterly schedule (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer). Coursework includes assignments, presentations, reports and group projects to help students develop skills required to deal with real-life financial issues.

Concentrations

• Financial Analysis
• Financial Planning

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Additional Resources

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Top 10 Online MBA in Accounting Degree Programs
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Top 10 Online Bachelor’s in Finance Degree Programs