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For graduates who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and are interested in furthering training in the financial services industry, earning an MBA in Finance may be an excellent option. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Finance program often follows a two-year graduate plan to provide students with a broad understanding of business and management principles for working in financial institutions. If you are seeking a well-rounded graduate education that focuses on the finance decision-making process and provides insights into how financial markets work, read on to find a complete overview of what you can expect by enrolling in MBA in Finance degree programs.
Prerequisites for Pursuing an MBA in Finance
Whether graduate students decide to attend courses through a traditional on-campus or online program to accommodate work obligations, there are lists of educational prerequisites that will need to be satisfied prior to admissions into an accredited finance degree program. Applicants who are seeking to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) must have already earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, according to US News and World Report. While major requirements are lax, it is beneficial for students to have prior coursework related to finance, business, accounting, economics, and management. As part of the application process, candidates will also have to provide evidence of academic achievement with a specific grade point average and scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
Curriculum Design for an MBA in Finance
Similar to other degree programs leading to a Master of Business Administration, an MBA in Finance will provide a blend of coursework covering business strategies, management, and organizational leadership with a unique emphasis on financial services. Within the two-year full-time or three to four-year part-time program, graduate students can expect to take courses in financial planning, financial accounting, risk management, corporate finance, management information systems, supply chain management, investing, wealth management, and financial analysis. In addition to classroom learning, most MBA in Finance programs will include practical experiences in the financial industry through an internship and/or corporate residency.
Common Career Options for MBA in Finance Graduates
Once students have graduated with a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, there is a wide array of management-level positions that are available in the wide world of financial services. Among the most lucrative job titles in the finance industry for MBAs are portfolio manager, financial research analyst, investments analyst, personal financial advisor, and credit risk management analyst. Although years past saw at least 45% of graduates with an MBA in Finance enter investment banking each year, the collapse of major financial institutions has caused a rise in job opportunities beyond Wall Street, according to CBS News. It is recommended that graduates now look for jobs in regional banks and venture capital firms as well as corporate finance positions in the booming healthcare and energy industries.
Related Resource: Financial Analyst
Since admissions rates at the top universities offering a Master of Business Administration in Finance program can be as low as 8% each year, graduate students need to find a way to stand out from their equally impressive peers to compete for these selective programs. In order to obtain admissions in an MBA in Finance program, be sure you participate in extra-curricular leadership opportunities, add exceptional references to your application, highlight unique work accomplishments, and network with school contacts to gain the acceptance letter needed to reach your management goals in financial institutions.
