Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Finance Degree Programs 2024
A master’s degree in finance can be a boost to your career. We rank the fastest online master’s degree programs in finance for you.
Key Takeaways
- An accelerated online master in finance degree is ideal for working adults or students with a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field who want to continue their education at a fast pace.
- A master’s degree in finance opens the door to many career opportunities including lucrative jobs and advanced credentialing.
- Earning an online master’s degree program in finance from a reputable accredited school will ensure that your degree is a valuable asset as you seek employment after graduation.
Accelerated online master’s in finance programs are faster and shorter than traditional graduate programs, but they carry the same number of credits as the latter. These programs are perfect for professionals and recent graduates who want to accelerate their career advancement.
Some accelerated online graduate programs can be completed in just 12-18 months, all in a convenient and flexible format.
The accelerated online master’s in finance program is one such programs. It consists of a 30 to 36-credit-hour curriculum that you can complete in 12 to 18 months.
Typical courses in a master’s of finance degree program include:
- Financial accounting
- Corporate finance
- Risk management
- International finance
- Financial management
- Financial modeling
Key Point: These courses will develop your knowledge and skills in vital subject areas within the finance industry. These skills will serve you as you pursue a career in finance.
Programs for Working Professionals and Full-time Students
A master’s degree in finance is invaluable if you want to climb the corporate ladder. However, giving up a job to spend two more years in a university translates to lost income and debt.
Luckily there’s a way to pursue a master’s degree while continuing to work. Many of the best colleges now offer the opportunity to get an accelerated online master’s of finance degree. It is not uncommon to complete these programs in less than two years, all while you continue your day job.
An accelerated online master’s in finance program is also a great option for undergraduates who want to continue their education by earning an advanced degree.
Some schools will allow full-time undergraduate students to apply for graduate finance courses. By earning graduate credits, finance students at the undergraduate level may earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as short as five years.
If after graduating from a bachelor’s degree in finance, you want to pursue a graduate degree but find it difficult to do because of work, family commitments, or other constraints, look for schools that offer accelerated online master’s programs in finance.
An online master’s of finance degree program requires significant effort, but it allows you to develop your financial, leadership, analysis, and decision making skills—all crucial skills in a career in finance.
All About the Accelerated Online Master’s in Finance Degree Program
An accelerated online master of science in finance program is a shortened and intensive graduate degree program. It is intended for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in finance or related fields.
Accelerated online master’s degree programs in finance are great for students with work, family, and other commitments. This degree will prepare graduates for promising careers in fields such as financial analysis, investment analysis and management, and corporate finance.
An accelerated online master’s in finance program is also ideal for mid-career professionals seeking career advancement or change. It can help graduates establish rewarding finance careers in government, corporate, or nonprofit institutions.
Choosing an Accelerated Online Master of Finance Degree Program
Why is an accelerated online degree program the right choice for so many students?
- Coursework on your schedule: An online master’s in finance degree program allows you to complete your master’s degree at your pace and time. It gives you absolute freedom to attend your classes anywhere and anytime.
- Multiple start dates: Many colleges that have accelerated online finance degree programs offer multiple start dates throughout the year. This allows you to choose the appropriate time when you are ready for enrollment based on your financial ability and your availability to commit to study.
- Saves time and money: Choosing an accelerated online program in finance allows you to save time and money because you will be graduating sooner and potentially paying for less credits than a traditional program requires.
Key Point: a great accelerated online master’s in finance degree program allows students to complete their coursework more quickly than a traditional degree program, saving time and money.
What is the difference between MS in Finance and MBA in Finance Programs?
This is a crucial question to answer before enrolling in an online master’s degree in finance program.
The Master’s or MS in Finance program focuses on finance-specific courses, such as: financial management, financial econometrics, corporate finance, monetary policies, and some business management topics.
It develops and hones your skills in financial planning, budgeting, financial analysis, risk management, investment analysis, investment banking, corporate finance, and more.
An MBA in Finance program, on the other hand, is a Master of Business Administration program that teaches and trains students to master general business theories, but offers several advanced courses in financial strategy and management.
If you have decided to take on the road toward a career in finance, take the MS in Finance program. But if your interests are in managing or administering business, an MBA in Finance program would be a better fit for you.
General Admission Requirements
Generally, traditional on-campus and online master’s in finance programs have similar admission requirements, but they can vary from school to school.
For example, some schools require only a bachelor’s degree, while others require students to have previous finance work or academic experience to qualify for admission.
Some of the most common admission requirements to the online Master of Science (MS) in Finance degree programs include:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree program from a regionally accredited college or university
- A completed online application
- Transcripts from previous schools attended
- CV or Resume
- Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Essay
- Curriculum and Courses
Key Point: Some degree programs will consider previous work experience in consideration for transfer credits, so CV’s, resumes, letters of recommendation, and personal essays may be particularly useful in establishing that experience.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Accelerated Online Master of Finance Degree
Your journey to a promising career in the finance industry doesn’t start after you graduate from the university. It begins the moment you choose a college or university to enroll.
While all schools offering master of finance degrees intend to develop you into a competent finance professional, some schools are better than others in curriculum, quality of online education, and impact on prospective employers.
As an aspirant for a bright career in the future, choose an online college or university that can provide you with elements beyond knowledge, skills, and a rewarding educational experience.
It should have a reputation for producing quality graduates who are successful in their careers. It makes employers think that as a graduate of a renowned institution, you carry the qualities that are an asset to their business.
If you are a busy working professional seeking in-demand career advancement opportunities, check out our Guide to Online Accelerated Degree Programs.
These are the vital elements to consider when choosing an accelerated online master’s of finance program:
Accreditation
Accreditation is an indispensable factor that you should always look for when choosing a college or university. It indicates that the school’s traditional and online programs and curricula comply with the educational standards of its accrediting body and the Department of Education.
Accreditation is a school’s statement of competence in teaching an online master’s in finance program.
Affordability
Cost is always a factor to consider in every human endeavor. As such, you must choose a school that offers affordable yet quality online master’s in finance degrees.
Availability of Financing Options
Look for a school offering financing options such as financial aid, scholarships, or grants. They can help to minimize financial concerns and allow you to complete your online master of finance degree on time.
Program Format
Online master’s in finance schools deliver their lessons in three different methods.
- Synchronous: a type of distance learning that requires online master’s students and instructors to attend live class sessions simultaneously.
- Asynchronous: a type of distance learning that doesn’t require students to attend class sessions at the same time. It allows online master’s degree students to learn at their own pace.
- Hybrid: a combination of traditional on-campus classes and online or distance learning.
Key Point: When choosing an online college or university, pick one that has a program format that suits your learning style and schedule.
Academic Support
As an online master’s student, you need academic support from your school. It can be in the form of tutorials, reference materials, academic advising, or teacher guidance. There’s no better learning experience than studying in a school that walks the extra mile to help students succeed.
Reputation
A school’s excellent educational and academic performance often results in the production of quality graduates that excel in the workplace. This contributes greatly to the school’s positive reputation.
Incidentally, these are the type of candidates most employers are looking for—even from graduates of online master’s degree programs.
Graduation Rate
A university’s graduation rates can give you insight into the quality of that school as an institution of learning.
Low graduation rates are indicative of issues such as:
- Lack or absence of student support services
- Presence of incompetent members of the faculty
- Poor student performance due to mismatched academic goals
- Management or administrative deficiency
Key Point: As a rule of thumb, you should avoid enrolling in a school with low graduation rates; you might end up in statistics like the others before you.
What You Can Do With an Accelerated Online Master’s in Finance Degree
You can earn a master’s degree in finance through an online accelerated degree program, but what can you do with that degree upon graduation?
An accelerated online master of finance degree can be your key to developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to vie for high-paying, highly sought-after business and financial occupations such as financial analyst, personal financial manager, and budget analyst.
A master’s degree in finance will make you a viable candidate for a career as a financial analyst. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a strong job growth rate of 9% for this position and a median annual salary of $95,570.
A graduate of a master’s in finance degree program could also pursue a job as a financial manager. This occupation has a projected growth rate of an impressive 17% and a median annual salary of $131,710.
The Fastest Accelerated Online Master of Finance Degree Programs
University of Scranton
The University of Scranton’s Master of Science in Finance focuses on providing you with a deep understanding of the 10 areas of focus of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute to prepare you for the CFA certification:
- Quantitative Methods
- Corporate Finance
- Derivatives
- Ethics and Professional Standards
- Economics
- Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Portfolio Management
- Equity Investments
- Strategic Financial Management
- Alternative Investments
The University of Scranton develops financial professionals who appreciate the importance of ethics and social responsibility.
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 12 months
- Format: Online, on-campus
What we love about the University of Scranton:
The Master of Science (MS) in Finance program is a high-quality online master’s degree program that develops a deep understanding of financial systems, policies, and practices. It delivers its online curriculum in a flexible and personalized format through which students can learn at their own pace.
Scranton University’s Master of Science in Finance program prepares students for various professional certifications, including the CFA designation.
The University of Scranton is great for students who:
Want to accumulate knowledge in finance and qualify for a seat in the CFA examination.
With its high graduation rate, Scranton University is a proving ground for individuals aspiring to earn an online master’s in finance degree.
The University of Scranton might not be ideal for students who:
As a Catholic school, Scranton University may not be ideal for students who are not comfortable with Catholic practices in classrooms or other places inside the campus.
University Fast Facts
- Location: Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Institution Type: Private
- Admission Rate: 78.7
- Graduation Rate: 82.4
- Online Student Enrollment: 4,957 (Total undergraduate enrollment)
- Accreditation: MSCHE-Middle States Commission on Higher Education, AACSB-Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Learn More about the University of Scranton.
The University of Michigan at Dearborn
The University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Master of Science in Finance focuses on preparing you for success in the field of finance. It is committed to honing your knowledge and skills in investment management, asset management, corporate finance, financial management, international finance, banking, financial planning, and other finance-related undertakings.
- Required Credits: 30-33
- Completion time: 12 months
- Format: Online, on-campus, hybrid
What we love about the University of Michigan at Dearborn:
The University of Michigan at Dearborn’s online master’s in finance works with the Bloomberg Finance Lab. It’s a finance laboratory that teaches and trains students to manage genuine portfolios. Students who succeed in the finance lab earn a Bloomberg certification that can make them a cut above the rest in the job market.
The University of Michigan-Dearborn is great for students who:
We love the university’s commitment to providing access to work and study opportunities, and making students learn to value responsibility as a key factor of academic and professional success.
The University of Michigan at Dearborn might not be ideal for students who:
Desire a coursework and schedule intended for full-time students. The accelerated master of science in finance program at UM-Dearborn is designed for students with work or family obligations.
University Fast Facts
- Location: Dearborn, Michigan
- Institution Type: Public
- Admission Rate: 67.5%
- Graduation Rate: 55.8%
- Online Student Enrollment: 6,117 (Total-undergraduate enrollment)
- Accreditation: AACSB-Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Learn More about the University of Michigan at Dearborn.
University of Massachusetts Lowell Robert J. Manning School of Business
The online Master of Science (MS) in Finance program of the University of Massachusetts is designed to equip you with a deep understanding and knowledge of financial markets. It aims to produce graduates who are adept in financial management, corporate finance, global financial markets, financial accounting, financial modeling, financial reporting, and statistical analysis.
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 18 months
- Format: Online
What we love about the University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Despite its low tuition costs, the faculty of UM-Lowell’s accelerated Master of Science in Finance program consists of world-class professors from the Manning School of Business. The expertise they impart and the experiences they share provide students with great online learning experiences, especially in financial and risk management.
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell is great for students who:
Are working professionals juggling their online master’s studies with work and family commitments to reach their educational and professional goals.
The University of Massachusetts might not be ideal for students who:
Are more comfortable taking a master’s degree program as a full-time student. Its online master’s program is designed for working professionals and they might find it unfit for their lifestyle and end up getting bored or stressed instead.
University Fast Facts
- Location: Lowell, Massachusetts
- Institution Type: Public
- Admission Rate: 75.2%
- Graduation Rate: 62.2%
- Accreditation: NECHE-New England Commission of Higher Education and AACSB-Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International
Learn More about the University of Massachusetts - Lowell Robert J. Manning School of Business.
Saint Joseph’s University
The online Finance MS offered at Saint Joseph’s University is a master of science in finance program designed to provide you with advanced skills in financial analysis, international finance, risk management, portfolio management, security analysis, corporate finance, financial management, and many more.
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 12 - 18 months
- Format: Online, on-campus
What we love about Saint Joseph’s University
SJU’s CFP-certified program is the main attraction to students who enroll in its online master’s degree in finance program. It is a learning hub for people who want to develop the ability to create solutions and contribute to the advancement of their business organization.
Saint Joseph’s University is great for students who:
Are proactive and have a positive outlook toward change.
Saint Joseph’s University might not be ideal for students who:
Are not self-driven, don’t value vision and are content with the status quo. Their chances of coping with an online master’s in finance program may be slim.
University Fast Facts
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Institution Type: Private, Catholic
- Admission Rate: 80.1%
- Graduation Rate: 80%
- Online Student Enrollment: 4,196 (Total undergraduate enrollment)
- Accreditation: MSCHE-Middle States Commission on Higher Education and AACSB-Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Learn More about Saint Joseph’s University.
Indiana University – Kelly School of Business
Indiana University offers its online Master of Science in Finance through its business school, the Kelly School of Business. This online master’s degree program intends to provide you with the knowledge and skill set you will need to lead the financial aspect of a business organization. It aims to equip you with a deep understanding of financial and wealth management, economics, risk management, quantitative analysis, corporate finance, managerial accounting, and many more.
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 18 months
- Format: Online
What we love about Indiana University’s Kelly School of Business:
The online Master of Science (MS) in Finance program at Indiana University is a great learning hub for students aspiring for top financial positions such as Chief Finance Officer.
Indiana University’s Kelly School of Business is great for students who:
Are talented thinkers, able problem solvers, and proactive team players.
Indiana University’s Kelly School of Business might not be ideal for students who:
Are not comfortable with group assignments or team projects.
University Fast Facts
- Location: Bloomington, Indiana
- Institution Type: Public
- Admission Rate: 80.4%
- Graduation Rate:77.9%
- Online Student Enrollment: 8,353
- Accreditation: AACSB-Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International
Learn More about Indiana University – Kelly School of Business.
Johnson and Wales University
Johnson and Wales University’s Master of Science - Finance program is a great training ground for students who want to succeed as finance professionals. It also allows you to choose one of two tracks that can lead to a career as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Financial Planner.
- Required Credits: 30 - 36
- Completion time: 15 months
- Format: Online
What we love about Johnson and Wales University:
For students who want to take the financial planner track, JWU is offering the CFP Certification Professional Education Program. It is a rare CFP Board-registered program that allows enrollees to meet the education requirements that qualify them for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) Certification Examination. Only about 200 higher education schools across the country are able to provide students with the education and documents to comply with such requirements.
Johnson and Wales University is great for students who:
Aspire to become Certified Financial Planners or Certified Financial Analysts.
Johnson and Wales University might not be ideal for students who:
Are not comfortable with hands-on projects or experiential learning which JWU has pioneered, perfected, and practiced for more than 100 years.
University Fast Facts
- Location: Providence, Rhode Island
- Institution Type: Private
- Admission Rate: 36.5%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Online Student Enrollment: 2,152 (Total undergraduate enrollment)
- Accreditation: NECHE-New England Commission of Higher Education
Learn More about Johnson and Wales University.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire’s online master’s in finance degree program was developed with one goal in mind: prepare you for professional success—via a deep understanding of real-world financial matters, and impeccable decision-making and quantitative analysis skills.
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 15 months
- Format: Online
What we love about Southern New Hampshire University:
SNHU’s tuition rates for online master’s degrees are among the lowest in the US. But being an AACSB-accredited institution, it provides the quality of education only highly respected higher education institutions can deliver.
Southern New Hampshire University is great for students who:
Are seeking quality yet affordable online master’s of science education in finance. It has a network of established and well-connected alumni which can work well for students who need access to networking and internship opportunities.
Southern New Hampshire University might not be ideal for students who:
Need more time and focus to adapt to a flexible self-paced online master’s in finance degree program.
University Fast Facts
- Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
- Institution Type: Public
- Admission Rate: 84.8%
- Graduation Rate: 77.2%
- Online Student Enrollment: 135,000 (Online)
- Accreditation: NECHE-New England Commission of Higher Education and ACBSP-Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Learn More about Southern New Hampshire University.
University of Miami Online
The Online Master of Science in Finance at the University of Miami commits to providing students with a strong knowledge of financial principles and a mastery of executive leadership. Its curriculum consists of essential finance subjects including corporate finance, wealth management, strategic management, economic theory, and statistical analysis.
- Required Credits: 32
- Completion time: 16 months
- Format: Online
What we love about the University of Miami:
We love UM’s commitment to providing its students with world-class knowledge, impeccable business management skills, and a possible boost in their earning potential. These are factors that drive working professionals and full-time students to its master of science in finance program.
The University of Miami is great for students who:
Aspire to develop exceptional business and problem-solving skills to stand out in the ever-evolving world of finance.
The University of Miami might not be ideal for students who:
Cannot devote enough time to focus on their screens or monitors due to eye, concentration, and other problems—no matter how serious they may be with their intention to pursue UM’s online master’s degree program in finance.
University Fast Facts
- Location: Coral Gables, Florida
- Institution Type: Private
- Admission Rate: 33.1%
- Graduation Rate: 81.6%
- Online Student Enrollment: 4,000 +
- Accreditation: AACSB-Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Learn More about the University of Miami Online.
California Lutheran University
The online Master of Science in Financial Planning at California Lutheran University is a CFP Board-registered graduate degree program that qualifies graduates to sit in the CFP certification exam. Aside from being delivered online, it also allows you to customize your courses to make the best preparation for your chosen career.
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 12 - 24 months
- Format: Online, Synchronous, and Asynchronous
What we love about California Lutheran University:
The online classes in California Lutheran University’s master of science in financial planning program are available in synchronous and asynchronous formats. We love the program because it allows students and faculty to meet online to interact or collaborate, share content, and exchange ideas relevant to the current subject matter.
California Lutheran University is great for students who:
Are critical thinkers who love a collaborative online learning environment where students and instructors develop close working relationships and professional networks.
California Lutheran University might not be ideal for students who:
Are agnostic, because Cal Lutheran, although a nonsectarian private university, is an evangelical university.
University Fast Facts
- Location: Thousand Oaks, California
- Institution Type: Private
- Admission Rate: 74.4%
- Graduation Rate: 69.4%
- Online Student Enrollment: 3,615 (Total student population)
- Accreditation: ACBSP-Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs
Learn More about California Lutheran University.
University of Houston - Clear Lake
The Finance M.S. Online degree program at the University of Houston - Clear Lake provides fulfillment to individuals seeking an affordable online master of finance program.
A combination of quality and convenience, UHCL’s AACSB-accredited master of finance commits to providing you with the knowledge, training, and confidence to become a leader in the finance services industry.
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 18 months
- Format: Online
What we love about the University of Houston - Clear Lake
UHCL’s online master’s degree in finance has one of the lowest costs of all online master’s degree programs in Houston. Yet, all faculty members of its finance department are Ph.D. holders coming from different top-caliber industries. They are committed to imparting their first-hand real-world business and corporate finance experience to students like you.
The University of Houston - Clear Lake is great for students who:
Seek valuable education from faculty members who are experts in their discipline.
The University of Houston - Clear Lake might not be ideal for students who:
Don’t have the commitment and determination to cope with the pace and demands of an accelerated online master of finance degree program.
University Fast Facts
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Institution Type: Public
- Admission Rate: 80.7%
- Graduation Rate: 58.7%
- Online Student Enrollment: 6,679 (Total undergraduate enrollment)
- Accreditation: AACSB-Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Learn More about the University of Houston - Clear Lake.
Career Outlook for Students with Finance Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolFinance
Degree Level: Master's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,286
- Avg. Expenses*: $17,317
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $77,780
- Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 4 years
- Job Growth: 7.58%
- Number of Jobs: 5,647,199
- * denotes ‘annually’
- ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Career Salaries
| Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | -7.26% | $143,553 |
| Financial Managers | 16.86% | $127,448 |
| General and Operations Managers | 6.73% | $100,171 |
| Financial Risk Specialists | 8.14% | $90,395 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | 6.19% | $84,571 |
Average Career Salaries
| Bottom 10% | Median | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|
| $47,142 | $77,886 | $120,733 |
Promising Job Markets
| State | Cost of Living | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #2 New York | 5% higher than average | $108,109 |
| #3 Michigan | 15% higher than average | $78,234 |
| #4 Missouri | 16% higher than average | $77,043 |
| #5 Ohio | 14% higher than average | $78,803 |
| #6 North Carolina | 11% higher than average | $80,764 |
Top Industries
| Industry | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|
| Tobacco Manufacturing | $184,544 |
| Other Electric Power Generation | $167,550 |
| Textile Furnishings Mills | $166,832 |
