Masters Degree in Finance

The masters degree in finance is a very focused, highly specialized advanced business degree that focuses on the technical aspects of financial analysis. It is steeped in learning how to put various financial theories into practice in the real world of finance and investments. The focus is on understanding, evaluating and giving advice on investments and ways to limit risk within any organization.

Course work for a masters in finance will include some work in economics and accounting, although the focus will be on courses in money management, capital markets, risk management, the world of corporate finance, real estate investment strategies, international banking and investment theory and analysis. You will learn how to evaluate and test pricing models for a variety of business models as well as gain a strong foundation in asset and liability management.

Preparing financial plans and comparing actual results to forecasts as well as evaluating possible alternative strategies is a major aspect of financial analysis that will enable you to recommend ways for companies to expand their business opportunities, restructure for growth or develop new programs for capital spending. Raising new money through stock and bond issuances and management of pension funds and investments is also part of the work usually handled by a specialist with at least a masters degree in finance.

What You Do With a Master of Finance Degree

Individuals with a master in finance can go a number of ways with their degree, although the two most common are working for a large corporation or going into private wealth management.

Corporate finance involves handling millions or even billions of dollars in funds and often determines the path for a company for years. As a corporate finance specialist you will assess both the assets and liabilities of the business in order to determine the best possible investment strategy, including evaluating mergers and acquisitions. You will provide quantitative statistical analysis of various investments to decision makers and company officers. The information will be used to make portfolio management decisions, determine budgets and propose business changes.

Merchant banking, proprietary trading and risk analysis are all careers that demand the in-dept skills a someone with a masters degree in finance. You will rely on your knowledge of trading and principal investments for these positions, including stocks, bonds and derivatives.

Private wealth management focuses on the investments of individuals with a high net worth. You will provide a wide range of services to them, including asset management, fiduciary and tax services, brokerage advice and portfolio oversight. In many cases, these services are provided through firms designed specifically to offer these services across a wide range of investment options and multiple firms. You may handle purchase of initial public offerings, derivatives, stocks and bonds for your client or clients.

Is A Masters in Finance Right for You?

If you are fascinated with the stock market, financial investments and strategies for getting the most return on investments and appreciate the complexities of risk management, a masters degree in finance may be the right choice for you. It will give you the expertise to advise others, from individuals to multi-national corporations, on the best way to handle their assets and avoid costly financial mistakes.

Schools offering a Finance Masters Degree