Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance
What Is an MBA in Finance?
An MBA in Finance explores advanced coursework in financial strategies, investments and corporate efficiency. Candidates broaden their knowledge of portfolio management and macro business strategies, including mergers, acquisitions and partnerships. Working professionals in the financial industry can prepare for management careers with an online finance MBA. GCU offers the Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Finance through the Colangelo College of Business.
Why is an MBA in Finance from GCU right for you?
- Online classes
You take all your classes online so you can do your work at your convenience. - Transfer your credits
GCU’s transfer credit policy means you can transfer additional credits based on your previous business degree background.
This online MBA in Finance degree emphasizes ethical decision-making for future business leaders. The Christian community at GCU supports professionals as they explore ethical practice strategies that promote integrity. In addition, candidates consider the role of an organization in supporting the greater social good. They also learn to design and promote ethical standards within companies.
The Colangelo College of Business believes in these three aspects of how business affects the greater good:
- Business as a force for good
Humanity is bettered when there is a focus on conscious capitalism in your business. - Free markets and purpose for prosperity
Long-term success means putting a focus on your stakeholders. - Business as ministry
Your team will prosper when you love, care and support them as you guide them with a Christian perspective.
The Benefits of an MBA in Finance Degree
Best practices in financial business decisions are at the heart of this MBA degree program. Explore financial forecasting, capital budgeting and the management of working capital. You’ll also learn advanced strategies in portfolio management, including the application of stocks, bonds and derivatives.
While you earn your online MBA in Finance, you will develop these crucial skills:
- Ethical leadership
- Critical analysis
- Effective communication
- Innovation in thought processes
An advanced degree in finance prepares individuals to guide modern organizations that are efficient, profitable and ethical.
What You Will Learn
GCU recognizes the time constraints of working professionals. The Colangelo College of Business offers multiple online MBA programs, including this specialization in finance. The online learning experience offers flexibility and convenience while supporting dynamic class discussions and group work. All online courses are led by fully trained faculty members and adjunct instructors. This program requires a total of 54 credits for completion. Most online courses are eight weeks long.
Some of the core courses you will take in the MBA Finance program include:
- Finance Principles
- Accounting Practices
- Managerial Finance
- Investments
- Advanced Financial Strategies
These courses prepare future business leaders in finance to steer companies toward greater profitability. There is an emphasis on the role of innovation in the competitive marketplace. Candidates study key concepts in leadership and the science of organizational behavior. Other core knowledge areas you will study include:
- Contemporary microeconomics and macroeconomics
- Services marketing concepts
- Design and application of organizational strategy
- Financial management of businesses
- Best practices in efficient internal processes
Careers With an MBA in Finance
Job applicants with an MBA in Finance typically have a competitive edge in the workforce. The MBA is a highly regarded degree that speaks to the job applicant’s communication abilities, critical thinking skills and problem-solving capabilities. When you graduate from the Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Finance program, you will be prepared to pursue opportunities in business leadership.
Some of the possible job opportunities for individuals with an MBA in Finance may include:
- Financial manager, planner or analyst
- Executive
- Consultant
- Director
Graduates of the evening or online MBA in Finance degree program may choose to pursue careers in a diverse range of settings. These may include financial institutions, investment corporations, nonprofit entities and service organizations. Other possible settings include startup businesses, engineering firms, IT firms and government agencies. Graduates of Grand Canyon University may qualify for placement assistance.
Finance MBA Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a desire to work in any business-related field, such as finance or accounting, an MBA in Finance is worth it. An MBA teaches you valuable skills that are directly applicable to any business profession. As well, you would be stepping into an industry that is rapidly growing. As of September 2021, 118,200 new jobs are estimated to open for financial managers from 2020 to 2030.1
The level of difficulty it takes to earn an MBA in Finance depends on a variety of factors. This includes your dedication to your degree and the curriculum in your chosen program. Some topics you may encounter include managerial finances, economics, investment strategies and marketing management. Every program and its details will be different, but the end result will be worth it.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial managers have a median annual wage of $134,180 as of May 2020.2
In general, you will find that online MBAs include the same core courses as in-person MBA degree programs. The biggest difference is the learning platform. Going for a traditional MBA includes on-campus classes and meeting in-person with your peers to network. An online MBA gives you flexibility to learn on your own schedule and the convenience to work on your graduate degree from anywhere. GCU’s online learning platform is built on these aspects as well as affordability and connection with your professors and classmates through online forums.
Fill out the form on this page to take the next step to earning your MBA in Finance.
1COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is based on 2019, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Financial Managers.
2The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Financial Managers as of May 2020. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Financial Managers. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Business. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the College of Business, key concepts of leadership, and an overview of how the science of organizational behavior contributes to effective leaders and managers.
Course Description
This course is designed for students who are preparing for more advanced coursework in business but who have not had accounting in undergraduate work. Topics covered include the principles and practices of financial accounting, including the fundamentals of revenue recognition, the components of the balance sheet, and financial statement analysis. ?The course explores accounting theories using publicly traded companies and case studies.
Course Description
This course is designed for individuals who are preparing for more advanced coursework in accounting and is designed for students who have not had finance in undergraduate work. Topics covered include financial analysis, financial planning, asset evaluation, capital structure, and working capital management.
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to prepare students in mathematical, probability, and statistical concepts for their upcoming studies in quantitative methods. The course is intended for those students who have not had any prior statistical education, although students who have had statistics should also consider taking the course as a refresher.
Course Description
This course introduces microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts that are relevant to contemporary business. Emphasis is placed on using economic data for business decision making.
Course Description
This course is a study in the quantitative tools and techniques used to model business functions and applications. Emphasis is placed on how to set up models, and how to interpret and apply their results. Prerequisite: SYM-506.
Course Description
Management of the marketing function, market environmental analysis, and marketing planning, strategy, and control are fundamentals of marketing management. The course examines the marketing process, marketing research, product development innovation and diffusion, pricing strategy, distribution value drain, advertising and promotion, and strategic marketing issues. Emphasis is placed on case study analysis and current academic research with a marketing plan as a significant curriculum component.
Course Description
This course covers managerial accounting concepts and procedures for internal reporting, including the study of cost behavior, cost systems, budgeting, and performance evaluation. Coursework includes case studies, group projects, and class discussion. Prerequisite: ACC-502.
Course Description
Operations Management examines managerial concepts and strategies relating to the management of operations in both manufacturing and service environments. Emphasis is placed on methods to streamline and drive inefficiencies out of a firm’s internal processes to build a highly efficient organization. The course also focuses on external processes by examining ways to achieve greater supply chain integration with suppliers and customers. Quantitative and qualitative methods and tools are introduced and applied. Prerequisite: SYM-506.
Course Description
This course discusses elements of business financial decisions, including financial forecasting and development of proformas, management of working capital, capital budgeting, capital structure, and raising funds in capital markets. Prerequisite: FIN-504.
Course Description
This capstone course focuses on preparing and conducting a strategic analysis of a selected publicly traded firm to produce actionable intelligence used to formulate recommendations to promote the creation of a value-adding strategy. Based on the results of their strategic analysis, students are then required to prepare the framework of a strategic plan that creates significant value for the selected firm. Prerequisites: MGT-605, MKT-607, ACC-650, and FIN-650.
Course Description
This course is a study of stocks, bonds, and derivatives, and their application in portfolio management. This course discusses securities market and trading procedures, and develops and emphasizes portfolio theory. Material in the course is applicable to both professional portfolio management and individual investment decisions. Prerequisite: FIN-650.
Course Description
A course studying more advanced business strategies including mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs, carve-outs, partnerships, cooperative agreements, and their business applications for strategic growth or survival. It will also cover business value issues, the role of investment bankers, M&A specialists, and the issues to consider in cross-border transactions. Prerequisite: FIN-650.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.