Finance students chatting in class

Finance

Finance Program Overview

Manhattanville University’s Master of Science (MS) in Finance degree program focuses on going beyond the numbers to understand the greater impact of finance on an organization.

The role of the CFO has evolved from crunching numbers to being the CEO’s strategic partner. Meet the demand for smart, communicative, and thoughtful people in top finance careers through convenient weeknight courses, studying part-time for as little as 21 months.

A train ride away from the globe’s financial capital, New York City, Manhattanville’s master’s in finance program is the place to immerse yourself in current financial special topics, financial decision processes, financial statement analysis, and financial institutions. Curate your learning to focus on an area of interest using electives taught by faculty who are titans in their niche.

 

Convenience and Flexibility

Manhattanville University is located in Westchester County, near New York City and Conneticut’s financial markets and many corporate headquarters. In addition to the industry experts in the School of Arts and Sciences, Westchester is home to numerous Fortune 100/500 companies. This program provides a unique opportunity to study among leaders in the financial industry and network with future professional connections.


Our test-optional finance master’s program offers mostly evening and some weekend classes to fit busy schedules and options to accelerate and complete the degree at your own pace. Manhattanville University also provides many lifetime resources for graduate students, such as alumni events, panels, and workshops through the Center for Career Development.

Request Information Visit Campus Apply Now

 

The MS in Finance program at Manhattanville is designed to equip finance professionals with the latest industry knowledge and skills required to succeed in their careers. With a curriculum that covers core competencies such as financial analysis, risk management, and investment strategies, students can expect to gain a deep understanding of the intricacies of the field, no matter their niche.

  • Nine core courses and final case study project
  • Three elective courses in specialized areas

Flexible scheduling allows working professionals to balance their studies with their busy schedules, even if you need to switch between part-time and full-time course loads. With a total of 36 credits, the MS in Finance program allows students to tailor their coursework to their desired career path, whether that be in corporate finance, investment banking, or any other area of finance.

Review complete MS in Finance degree requirements.

Classes you’ll take in the master’s in finance degree program are small and highly interactive, facilitating opportunities to network with fellow professionals and faculty in the classroom.

Courses may be taken individually as Non-Matriculated status. The core courses you take in the master’s program include:

  • International Finance
  • Financial Institutions, Money & Markets
  • Financial Statement Analysis
  • Managing Risk

Students in the master’s in finance program will gain an understanding of both corporate finance and investment management topics and then utilize electives to tailor their coursework to where they are in their careers and where they want to be. With a variety of electives to choose from in the Corporate Finance Pathway or Investment Management Pathway, students can customize their curriculum to gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their chosen field. Electives offered can offer specialized training in areas including:

  • Financial technology
  • Data analytics for business
  • Design thinking
  • Mergers, acquisitions, and leveraged buyouts
  • Special topics and issues

 

The 12-credit (four courses) certificate program in finance provides core knowledge needed in the field of finance. Finance is the basis of all good decisions made in business and the best financial officers create enormous value. Gain an understanding of financial decision processes to maximize shareholder wealth, financial statement analysis, financial institutions as well as other current special topics in finance.

Advance Your Knowledge. Advance Your Career.
Take four courses as a standalone credential or apply all the courses toward the Master of Science in Finance degree. Students select from four classes out of six options to focus their studies on their job and/or interests.


Graduate Advanced Certificates

  • Are in great demand by employers because they offer focused knowledge in a given business discipline.
  • Geared for different levels of employees; those looking to deepen their knowledge in a specific subject area, those seeking to gain a new area of expertise and credential, or for those needing to update their skills.
  • Provide learning opportunities for those who already have a master’s degree or for those students looking to try a few classes before committing to an entire degree.

In light of the ever-evolving financial markets and the heightened regulatory landscape, the demand for adept leaders who can navigate new challenges and guide finance professionals has become more crucial than ever. Holding a graduate degree in finance can position students for higher starting salaries and greater career advancement. According to Indeed, a master’s degree can lead to around a 20% higher salary than that of a bachelor’s degree graduate.

 

MS in Finance Career Pathways

Zippia’s research across the financial and insurance industry reports that financial services comprise a rewarding and and growing field with over 374,000 jobs available and a 2% unemployment rate. This nearly 2 trillion-dollar industry has no signs of slowing down, with a predicted growth rate of 5% between 2020 and 2025.

Graduates of Manhattanville’s MS in Finance degree program are prepared for diverse careers, including areas such as financial services, financial planning, fund management, regulatory compliance, trading, financial management, banking, accounting, and investment management.

The Master of Science in Finance program provides students with the foundation to help them prepare for the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation offered by the CFA Institute. The finance master’s program may also help students meet the 150 credit hour requirement for Certified Public Accounting (CPA) licensure.

Manhattanville’s MS in Finance program is designed for capable students with some work experience and a passion for what they are aspiring to do. We welcome new students, transfer students, those who have served in the military, and international students.

Manhattanville’s finance master’s program is test-optional. You may take and submit scores for the GRE, GMAT, SAT, or ACT, but they are not required elements of your application.

  • Online application
  • Personal essay
  • Résumé
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Application fee $75
  • Health records

Find complete application requirement details for graduate business programs at Manhattanville.

 

How to Apply

Master’s in Finance students are admitted on a rolling basis, and the program may begin in Fall, Spring, or Summer terms.

Learn more about graduate admissions at Manhattanville.

 

Advanced Certificate Option

Manhattanville’s advanced certificate in finance is a 12-credit, four-course program that provides a core understanding of how to make financial decisions to maximize shareholder wealth and other essential tenets of the profession. Our graduate certificates are geared to benefit many different levels of employees, whether they are early in their careers or high-powered professionals.

Pursue this credential in the way that works best for you, your career, and your schedule. Earn the certificate by itself or use it as a stepping stone to further graduate education, later applying your certificate credits to the full Master of Science in Finance degree program.

Review complete requirements for the Graduate Advanced Certificate in Finance.

Our master’s and advanced certificate programs in finance are backed by an engaged advisory board consisting of senior business leaders in their respective fields. This advisory board serves as a valuable resource to ensure that our programs maintain high-quality, industry-driven curricula and provide career connections for our students. With their expertise and guidance, we can continue to offer relevant and practical education that prepares our graduates for success in their chosen fields.

Michael Altamirano Monroe College & King Graduate School
Phil Andersen Dun & Bradstreet
Leslie Bouchard Ethan Allen Global, Inc.
Marc Capiccione Sotheby's
Karen Cashman Central National-Gottesman Inc.
Amanda DePalma The Business Council of Westchester
Kerry Flynn Barrett Northwell Health/Northern Westchester Hospital
Sarina Hoda Boehringer Ingelheim
Ben Melting Corcoran
Barbara Mohl Regeneron
Astrit Rugovac BTIG Financial Services
Tanya Snyder Estee Lauder
Ameil Sloley The Worldwide Group
Maria Stolfi Stolfi Consulting, Formerly Swiss Re
Julie Zhong (Ng) MasterCard
Carmen Martinez-Lopez, Ph.D. Westchester Community College
Eridania Camacho Westchester Community College
Denis Sullivan IdeaStudio
Mark Misercola Nuveen
Jerry Silber Verizon Business Group
Janet Walsh Birchtree Global, LLC
Meghan Makarczuk Manhattanville University Career Services

1. What is the program format of the MS in Finance program?
The master’s in finance program is mostly a weekday evening format, with many classes offered in convenient hybrid or fully online meetings. Most of the core courses are on weeknights starting at 7:00 PM.

2. How long will it take me to complete the Master's in Finance program?
The MS in Finance program can be completed in around 21 months of part-time study, taking two classes per term. Students may begin in the fall, spring, or summer.

3. What is the difference between a Master of Science (MS) in Finance and a Master of Business Administration (MBA)?

Both a Master of Science degree and an MBA degree are graduate degrees, but they serve different purposes. A Master of Science degree is an alternative to an MBA and offers specialized skills in a specific business area, such as finance. On the other hand, an MBA degree provides general knowledge in various aspects of business.

An MS in Finance is a good option for individuals who are starting their career or have limited work experience, as it provides a more specialized focus. However, it can also be beneficial for individuals with significant work experience who are looking to enhance their skills in a particular area.

4. Can international students attend the MS in Finance program?
Yes, international students are welcome to pursue a master’s in finance at Manhattanville. Learn more about becoming an international student. 

5. Is there financial assistance available?
There are also a limited number of graduate assistantships available, and students are encouraged to speak with a financial aid representative regarding federal and state aid options. 

6. What is a typical credit load per term?
The typical credit load ranges from 3-9 credits per term. This varies depending on the student’s employment status. You may flex between part-time and full-time course loads as your needs and preferences change.

7. Are there any career or job placement services?
The Center for Career Development is available to all students for career assistance for life! This can include résumé and cover letter writing, interview preparation, internship and job search strategies, and more.

 

Contact Us

  • School of Arts and Sciences

    Jean Mann

    Program Director
    Graduate Business Programs