By Kalli Kauffman (BA 27)
An MBA in finance concentration combines broad business and leadership training with specialized coursework focused on financial strategy and decision-making. Students pursuing this type of degree receive the well-rounded foundation of a Master of Business Administration, while also developing deeper knowledge in areas such as corporate finance, investments, financial analysis, and budgeting. This combination helps prepare graduates to lead while understanding the financial decisions that shape organizations.
The field of business allows a wide variety of job opportunities. Whether you’re an undergraduate student or a hard-working member of the workforce, pursuing an accredited online MBA in finance allows you to learn more about the relationships between different businesses. If you’re self-disciplined, intrinsically motivated by business, and interested in exploring finances, discover the benefits of this degree.
What business concepts do you study with an MBA in finance concentration?
An MBA in finance will provide you with a broad overview of the ways businesses communicate and engage within society. To succeed within these classes, you’ll need a solid understanding of accounting, business, and economics to gain a deeper knowledge of these facets. Read about these essential concepts you will study in your MBA program.
Business Valuation
Business valuation, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is a concept that examines the numerous economic assets a business may have. In this field, a certified business evaluator will conduct an assessment of how a business runs, taking into consideration the different factors that influence its value. For example, business evaluators will analyze a company’s capital or how much their assets are worth.
Corporate Finance
In corporate finance, you’ll learn how larger corporations function and the approaches needed to handle the capital within the company. This entails planning ways to generate finances while managing current funding or strategies used to increase earnings.
“The ultimate purpose of corporate finance is to maximize a business’s value by planning and allocating resources while balancing risk and profitability,” said the Corporate Finance Institute.
One underlying idea you’ll also need to understand within this complex structure is capital budgeting. With capital budgeting, as explained by the Association of Financial Professionals, you’ll assess, plan, and strategize about where to invest money in order to drive revenue and decide what business projects are profitable.
Banking System
Understanding how banks operate is important for understanding the role of finance. The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History explains that the American banking system is in charge of three primary responsibilities: issuing money from the bank, loaning funds, and maintaining an ordered structure for payment. By understanding the role of the bank and a more national scope of this field, you’ll learn how the Federal Reserve also navigates these responsibilities, developing your knowledge of macroeconomics.
What types of jobs can you pursue with an accredited online MBA program?
An accredited online MBA program prepares you for leadership opportunities across a wide range of industries. Because students develop leadership and financial skills, graduates pursue roles in corporate finance, accounting, financial management, and more.
“The finance concentration allows you to have various roles, including corporate positions,” said Dr. Thomas Pycraft, dean of the School of Business. ”You’ll see many people in the finance and accounting divisions of corporations, small business management, and finance or management positions in healthcare. It’s quite broad.”
For professionals looking to advance their careers or step into leadership roles, an MBA in finance provides valuable skills in strategic decision-making, budgeting, and financial analysis.
One career path you might pursue with an MBA in finance is a job as a financial controller. In this role, Forbes states you’ll oversee accounting, examine fiscal reports, analyze current budgets, and organize or plan for future finances. These professionals collaborate with auditors to track transactions and achieve company financial objectives through reliable, data-driven tactics.
Another option for those who have an MBA in finance is to become a fraud investigator. In this field, you will analyze fraud claims and collaborate with others to ensure financial information is accurate, according to Indeed. This may include interviewing suspects and implementing procedures to prevent future dishonest financial gain.
Whether your goal is career advancement, leadership development, or increased financial expertise, an MBA in finance can open doors across many growing industries.
What are the benefits of an accredited online MBA program with a finance concentration?
An accredited online MBA program with a finance concentration allows you to build upon your prior business knowledge, providing you with a graduate-level education and a flexible schedule from the comfort of your home.
If you wish to complete your degree in two years, you’ll take each course over eight weeks, learning and applying your knowledge in the field. If you prefer an accelerated study, you may pursue two classes together, graduating with your master’s degree sooner than anticipated.
Whether you choose to work a full-time or part-time job, travel, or live at home, this degree will allow you to further develop your repertoire in business and finance. No matter the learning pace, you’ll finish your degree with a final capstone class, completing a project that demonstrates and applies your knowledge of business and finances.
Are you curious about pursuing an MBA in finance? Explore our finance concentration and learn more about our MBA with a financial planning concentration.
