Online Master of Science in Finance
Specialized degree for in-depth knowledge of Finance.
Specialized business master’s degrees in the fields of finance and accounting have been on the rise in recent years and there’s no evidence for slowing down demand in the near future. If you’re looking to advance your position in your current financial sector job or plan to transition into a finance career, a Master of Science in Finance will provide the necessary skills and in-depth knowledge of applied finance you will need.
Why UW-Whitewater Online?
- Flexible and convenient for your schedule
- Top-notch, 100% doctoral instructors
- Strong alumni network
- AACSB accreditation
MS in Finance Admission Criteria
Courses in the Online Master of Science in Finance emphasize quantitative financial analysis, investments and portfolio management, derivatives, corporate finance, capital budgeting, business valuation, financial markets, multinational finance, security valuation, investment banking, and alternative investments.
If you do not have prior education or experience in finance, additional foundation courses can prepare you to succeed in the MS in Finance program.
CFA alignment
The CFA® Institute is internationally recognized as promoting the highest standards of ethics, education and professional excellence, and our MS in Finance has been recognized as a CFA Institute University Affiliation Program. This distinction signals that the program meets specific curriculum standards that are grounded in professional practice. Completing the degree program also helps position students to sit for CFA exams and ultimately obtain the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation.
Ideal for working professionals
The MS in Finance program, which has been designed to be completed in about two years, requires 30 credits of comprehensive coursework and completion of an exam.
The Master of Science in Finance curriculum has been designed to prepare you for success as a student in the program and your subsequent career.
To earn the UW-Whitewater Online MS in Finance, you must:
- Complete the 30-credit course requirements.
- Pass the comprehensive examination.
- Maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to graduate.
- Complete Common Body of Knowledge courses, as required (see below).
- Candidates with an undergraduate degree in business may not need to complete, or requirements may be very limited.
- Requirements (0-4 credits) are determined based on transcript review.
More information on the program structure and courses can be viewed in the Graduate Catalog.
To ensure a high quality graduate student group, all MS in Finance students must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution and meet graduate admission criteria, in addition to one of the MS in Finance admission criteria provided below. Many applicants will qualify for admission without GMAT/GRE scores.
Our interactive evaluation form can help you review the admission requirements and the documentation needed for official admission review.
If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if you could be admitted on a conditional basis.
International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for information and assistance.
Finance admission criteria
Applicants must satisfy any one of the criteria from any of the four categories.
Military Service
- Qualified veteran or currently active military personnel
Education
- AACSB- or ABET-accredited bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Regionally-accredited bachelor's degree with a 3.25 GPA or higher
- Graduate degree from a regionally-accredited or equivalent institution
- UW-Whitewater graduate business certificate
Work Experience
- Four or more years of professional work experience
- Two or more years of professional work experience with a 3.0 GPA
- Approved professional certification
GMAT Scores*
- A composite score of at least 1,100 based on the following formula
- (GMAT score) + [200 x (overall undergraduate GPA based on a 4-point scale)]
- A composite score of at least 1,150 based on the following formula
- (GMAT score) + [200 x (last half of undergraduate GPA based on a 4-point scale)]
- A composite score of 950 - 1,100 for consideration of conditional admission based on the following formula
- (GMAT score) + [200 x (overall undergraduate GPA based on a 4-point scale)]
*GRE scores are converted to comparable GMAT scores
Students enrolling in the program are also expected to have existing knowledge in financial accounting, economics, and corporate finance. Students who do not meet basic requirements can take prerequisite courses before starting the graduate coursework.
A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for financial analysts, personal financial advisers, loan officers and other positions; however, there is a graduate degree wage premium.
In one research study, financial professionals with master's degrees reported earning 38% ($28,000) more than those with just bachelor's degrees.1
Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics2 shows that positions in the financial industry have both strong wage rates and occupational outlooks. Financial analysts earned a 2022 median pay of $96,220 per year and expected an employment growth of 8% by 2032, while financial managers earned a 2022 median pay of $139,790 per year and expected an employment growth of 16% by 2032.
1Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce Analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, 2009 - 2013
2Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022
This graduate program at UW-Whitewater are a superior value at $678 USD per credit for the 2023-24 academic year — whether you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state student, or international student within the major. Additional fees and non-resident tuition may apply to other courses. Visit the Tuition and Fees webpage for complete information.
Course materials
Graduate students can purchase textbooks and other instructional materials through the University Bookstore or elsewhere online. Students should verify what materials are needed with their instructor.
Financial aid
Students enrolled in a graduate certificate program only are not eligible for federal aid.
Students completing a certificate with a degree program may be eligible for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed. To find out, or if you have other financial aid questions, contact the financial aid staff person assigned to you or try uwwfao@uww.edu or 262-472-1130.
Master of Science in Finance - Online Graduate Certificates
Designed to put you in control of your educational path, graduate certificates in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater get you into the virtual classroom quickly and on your schedule.
Within the field of finance are two prominent focal areas: investment analysis and corporate finance. The M.S. in Finance curriculum is also delivered through two 15-credit certificates focusing on these subjects. Students who do not want to earn the M.S. in Finance degree can earn one, or both, of the finance certificates.
Dive into a high-demand field with the Corporate Finance graduate certificate. Corporate finance is one of the most prominent focal areas within the discipline of finance.
Gain the knowledge and advanced skills needed to boost your career with an Investment Analysis graduate certificate. Qualified analysts guide companies in valuing financial assets, assessing risk and designing risk management strategies.