The Finance Specialization in the MBA degree program immerses graduate students in interesting and emergent topics in the dynamic field of finance. Your MBA program will provide you with a solid grasp of business fundamentals, including both “hard” and “soft” business skills. These are taught through a fixed sequence of required courses, or “core classes.”

In the MBA with a specialization in Finance, you will be a business administration professional first and foremost, but with an enhanced understanding of financial management of business, government, and not-for-profit entities. The program provides students with specific skills in finance to complement the broad business competencies required of managers in a dynamic and global economy. Students will appraise the planning, funding, and investment decisions made by managers to create value for their organizations in the context of environmental, social, and governance risks and responsibilities. Students must examine best practices to meet the challenges of innovative and disruptive technologies, internationalization, intellectual property disputes, conflicts of interest, and other ethical dilemmas.

What is the Difference between an MBA in Finance and an MS in Finance with specific concentrations or specializations?

The major difference between these programs is that the MBA equips students with broader skills and knowledge in business and helps graduates apply them in many different areas. On the other hand, Master of Finance programs are more finance-specific. The individual’s career goals should determine which program to choose.

The Master of Science in Finance offers a traditional core graduate curriculum in finance combined with a specialization in one of three professional areas: financial analysis, financial management, or financial risk management, and prepares students for careers in commercial banking, corporate treasury, insurance, investment banking, and real estate. Meanwhile, the broad coverage in MBA programs prepares students to work in different fields and hold positions as financial managers and controllers. Those who want an MBA career may work in commercial banks and deal with things like trusts, mortgages, lending and investments. MBAs can also assume responsibilities like managing large financial institutions and administering individual branch office functions. Governments and non-profits also hire graduates from best MBA degrees to help them run the organization effectively.

Admission Requirements:

• The completion of a Bachelor's degree.
• A cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0
• Students whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 may be considered for admission and matriculation with the following conditions:
  • Business undergraduate majors with a GPA below 3.0 must take BUSI 599 in the first semester and attain a grade of B or better to continue in the MBA or MS program
  • Non-business majors must take BUSI 599 in the first semester and attain a grade of B or better to continue in the MS or MBA program 
• Meet all minimum requirements of the Graduate Studies Office including: completed application; transcripts; recommendation letters; essay; and resume; and test results as required. An interview may be requested.
• Additional requirements for international students include: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test results, and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), or World Education Services (WES) evaluation of international transcripts.
• Up to nine graduate course credits in applicable content from other institutions may be accepted with approval of the School of Business.

To apply for graduate study go to the Graduate Application web page. 
For more information about the TOEFL exam go to TOEFL. 

Curriculum Requirements:

   Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Finance program, students will be able to:

1. Identify ethical issues and understand the implications of social responsibility for sustainable business practices.
2. Evaluate information and apply critical thinking skills to identify solutions and inform business decisions.
3. Utilize technology, apply quantitative methods and interpret data to solve business problems.
4. Integrate knowledge of core business concepts and collaborate productively as part of a team.
5. Work effectively in a diverse environment and understand how global and cultural issues effect the organization and its stakeholders.
6. Compose clear and concise forms of written communication to effectively convey ideas and information associated with business topics.
7. Communicate business concepts effectively through oral presentation.
8. Use finance theory/ concepts, techniques and models for qualitative and quantitative analysis.
9. Communicate complex financial information and analysis effectively both in speaking and writing.
10. Apply financial knowledge/skills and an ethical compass to guide business decisions in academic simulations or real-world professional environments.
11. Formulate financial management solutions based on qualitative and quantitative analysis.