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General Master of Science in Finance degree questions

What is a Master of Science in Finance?

An M.S. is a graduate program designed for students who want to gain an in-depth knowledge of finance topics like financial modeling, risk management, and capital budgeting. The online M.S. program at Middle Tennessee State University gives students of any background the opportunity to apply financial concepts to real-world scenarios with hands-on, collaborative coursework.

M.S. in Finance vs M.B.A.: What’s the difference?

While both master’s in finance and M.B.A. programs both provide a high quality education, an M.B.A. imparts a broader business education that covers topics including marketing, operations, and management, along with finance. Conversely, a master’s in finance gives you a more specialized education, in which you gain practical finance knowledge and get hands-on experience with various financial modeling and valuation concepts, tools, and techniques.

Learn more about what makes up an M.S. in Finance by visiting our curriculum page.

Is the Jenning A. Jones College of Business accredited?

Yes, the Jenning A. Jones College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is the premier accrediting body for colleges of business, and AACSB accreditation is the gold standard of accreditation. The accreditation process includes a rigorous review of the school’s mission, faculty qualifications, curricula, and ability to provide the highest-quality programs.

Applying to the online M.S. program

Does my undergraduate degree need to be in finance to apply? Who is the online M.S. in Finance designed for?

Our online Master of Science in Finance degree has no prerequisites; students with a bachelor’s degree in any field are welcome to begin our program. While every student in our program has an interest in finance, not everyone has a background in it. Our program can benefit:

  • Recent college graduates who want to continue their finance education
  • Finance professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge and take the next step in their career path
  • Career changers who want to transition into a financial role

Can students transfer credits into the program? What is the maximum number of credits accepted?

Yes, students can transfer up to 6 congruent credits from a previous institution. Core or elective courses can be transferred, however, the capstone cannot be fulfilled in any part with transfer credits.

Do you need a GMAT/GRE to apply?

Yes, our online M.S. in Finance requires you to submit GMAT or GRE test scores when applying for our program. However, the GMAT/GRE requirement may be waived for applicants that meet any of the following conditions:

  • An earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with GPA 3.0 or higher. International transcripts must have an official evaluation by a NACES member.
  • An earned bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.75–2.99 and five or more years of professional/managerial work experience (resume required)
  • An earned graduate or professional degree from a regionally accredited college or university

Visit our admissions page to learn more.

What is the GMAT/GRE code for the online M.S.?

The GRE program code for the MTSU is 1466. The GMAT code is 6ZR-KJ-07.

When are admissions decisions made?

Once we’ve confirmed that you’ve submitted all required materials, the MTSU College of Graduate Studies committee will contact you with an admissions decision. Typically, you should hear a response within approximately a week or two.

How many start dates are there per year?

We offer two start dates each year: fall and spring.

Program experience

Is the program full-time or part-time?

We offer both a full-time and part-time schedule to fit your specific needs. Full-time students can earn their degree in one year, while part-time students can earn their degree in two years.

Will I need to attend classes at specific times?

While not every class is synchronous, many in this program are. Virtual, live classes throughout the program will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. CST on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Most faculty record these classes and are accepting that students are working professionals with outside responsibilities. Because of this, they tend to work with you if you are unable to join a live session.

Learn more about our program structure on our curriculum page.

What are accelerated courses?

Accelerated courses meet once per week for three hours over approximately seven weeks. These courses will have both an in-class and out-of-class component. Each traditional semester (fall/spring) is divided in half so that you have two accelerated terms during the fall and another two during the spring.

Who teaches the courses?

Our faculty is made up of the same full-time finance faculty that teach in-person undergraduate and graduate classes in our finance department. We are proud to host a team of faculty members that are both deeply experienced in the field of finance and genuinely interested in student success.

Visit our faculty page to meet our team of industry experts.

Can this program be completed fully online?

Yes, while there are synchronous components to our M.S., everything can be done virtually. Our goal is to provide students with the best of both worlds—the flexibility of an online program with the same opportunities for collaboration as in-person classes.

Does this program prepare you to become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)?

Though more concentrated study outside of our program is needed to become a CFA, our program acts as a great stepping stone on your journey.

Tuition and financial aid

Is financial aid available?

Yes, financial aid is available to students in our online M.S. in Finance. Please see our tuition and financial aid page for more information.

What is the FAFSA school code for MTSU?

The MTSU school code is 003510.

Is there assistantship funding available?

Yes, each year the finance department offers five graduate assistantships that cover tuition in exchange for 20 hours of work per week. These positions are highly competitive and are only offered to those students starting in the fall term.

Connect with an enrollment representative to learn more about our funding opportunities.

Career outcomes

What can you do with a master’s in finance?

Finance careers are an integral part of every industry. In fact, Economist Intelligence reported that financial services make up over 20 percent of the global economy. Every business wants experienced finance professionals who can solve problems and increase revenue—and they are willing to pay for the best. According to Payscale, the average base salary for professionals with master’s in finance careers is $81,000 per year.

There are many master’s in finance career paths. According to Payscale, potential jobs with a master’s in finance include:

  • Financial analyst
  • Finance manager
  • Data analyst
  • Financial planner
  • Investment analyst
  • Financial controller
  • Accountant
  • Real estate analyst

Where do MTSU online M.S. alumni work?

Graduates of our online M.S. in Finance have gone on to work at:

  • Ascend Federal Credit Union
  • Goldman Sachs
  • UBS
  • AllianceBernstein
  • State of TN
  • United Health Care

Request Information

Learn more about the MTSU online Master of Science in Finance by filling out the fields below and downloading a program brochure. You can also call us toll-free at 888-891-6780 to talk with one of our enrollment representatives.

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