Online MBA: Finance Emphasis
Online MBA: Finance Emphasis
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Offered by the Colangelo College of Business, our MBA with an emphasis in finance explores advanced coursework in financial strategies, investments and corporate efficiency. You will have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge of portfolio management and macro business strategies, including mergers, acquisitions and partnerships. Working professionals in the financial industry can position themselves to potentially prepare for management careers with this online MBA finance emphasis.
Further your education and pursue your career aspirations with our MBA program.
Fundamental courses prepare students for the curricular content they will encounter within this MBA program. Upon evaluation of their transcripts, students with business-oriented undergraduate degrees may waive all MBA fundamental courses. All students will undergo transcript evaluations. If they have earned grades of C or better in equivalent course content, students with non-business undergraduate degrees may have the option to waive one or more of the following fundamental courses associated with their chosen MBA program.
We are a forward-thinking university that provides a flexible learning experience through online classes. This approach empowers you to balance your educational goals with your busy schedule. As an MBA with emphasis in finance student, you can take advantage of a user-friendly and engaging learning platform, along with various helpful online resources.
GCU is proud to be an institutionally accredited university, a distinction that reflects our commitment to maintaining excellence in education. The Higher Learning Commission has granted us accreditation since 1968, assuring students that we adhere to high standards of quality and integrity in the field of higher education.
Many of our business degrees are ACBSP accredited. This accreditation ensures that these programs meet rigorous standards established by the accreditor and that our faculty, student outcomes and overall program effectiveness are aligned with best practices in business education.
Best practices in financial business decisions are at the heart of this online MBA finance program. Explore financial forecasting, capital budgeting and the management of working capital. You’ll also be taught advanced strategies in portfolio management, including the application of stocks, bonds and derivatives.
As you work through the program, you will have the opportunity to develop these crucial skills:
Ethical leadership
Critical analysis
Effective communication
Innovation in thought processes
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
This program curriculum involves course topics designed to 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. You will study key concepts in leadership and the science of organizational behavior.
Some key topic areas you will cover in the MBA finance program include:
Learn more about pursuing a career in finance and earning your MBA by reading through our frequently asked questions.
If you have a desire to work in any business-related field, such as finance or accounting, a finance MBA may be beneficial to you. You have the opportunity to gain valuable skills that are directly applicable to any business profession. As well, you would be stepping into an industry that expects much faster than average job growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023, 138,300 new jobs are estimated to open for financial managers from 2023 to 2033.2
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 focusing on your goals can keep you driven.
While finance MBA and regular MBA programs may teach many similar topics, there are a few differences to note. A regular MBA program focuses on providing students with a broad education in business management, covering various aspects such as marketing, human resources, leadership, economics and accounting. In contrast, an MBA with a finance focus incorporates specific financial principles and practices. This program dives deeper into areas such as investment analysis, corporate finance, risk management and financial markets.
As a candidate for potential future jobs, a finance MBA may speak to your communication abilities, critical thinking skills and problem-solving capabilities. Upon graduating from the Master of Business Administration finance program, you may be prepared to explore potential opportunities in business leadership and financial management.
Graduates 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.
Some of the possible job opportunities for graduates may include:
Management analyst
Chief executive
Cost estimator
Compensation and benefits manager
Median annual wage of financial managers as of May 20231
This finance MBA emphasis degree focuses on ethical decision-making for future business leaders. Our Christian community supports you as a professional as you explore ethical practice strategies that promote integrity. In addition, you will consider the role of an organization in supporting the greater social good, while also being taught 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 through a Christian perspective.
