Online Masters in Financial Analysis
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The online Master of Science degree in Financial Analysis at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) allows students to build the needed data-analytic skills for conducting advanced-level analysis and interpretation of complex financial data and instruments. Offered through the OLLU School of Business and Leadership, the program provides students with expertise in applied finance in corporate finance, financial institutions, financial analysis, fixed-income analysis, derivatives and portfolio management.
The program focuses on:
- Advanced-level skills in financial-economic theory and applications
- A deep understanding of the financial processes of complex business organizations
- The fundamental knowledge and technical skills for presenting and interpreting complex financial information
Master of Science in Financial Analysis
Program Overview
The demand for financial experts with advanced analytical skills in on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of financial analysts will grow by 8% in the next eight years, faster than the average for all occupations. Individuals with a MS in Financial Analysis degree and advanced skills will be in demand and the median annual wage is $95,000.
OLLU’s online master’s program is designed for busy professionals in the finance field who do not want to pause their careers while earning an advanced degree. Program highlights:
- Fully online program with no synchronized class times – allows for maximum flexibility
- 10-course, 30-credit hour program with a one-year, fast-track option or part-time option that can be completed in less than two years
- Networking with peers from a variety of industries
Accreditation
This business program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). ACBSP is a leading specialized accreditation association for business education, supporting, celebrating and rewarding excellence on a diverse global scale.
Program Benefits
Online for maximum flexibility
Only 10 courses required
No GRE/GMAT required
What is an Online Master’s in Financial Analysis?
An Online Master’s in Financial Analysis is a graduate-level program that provides advanced education and training in finance, specifically focusing on analyzing financial data. This program typically covers topics essential for understanding and evaluating financial markets and instruments, such as financial theory, statistical analysis, corporate finance, risk management, and more.
This program is designed to be completed online, allowing students the flexibility to study from anywhere. Part-time students can complete the online Master of Science in Financial Analysis in less than two years. However, those who wish to fast-track and attend classes full-time can complete the program in one year.
The flexibility of online learning makes this degree accessible to working professionals seeking to advance their careers or individuals looking to transition into finance.
What Will I Learn in This Financial Analysis Master’s Degree?
In the MS Financial Analysis program at OLLU, students will comprehensively understand applied finance across various sectors. Core courses cover essential topics like financial theory, mathematics, and financial statement analysis, providing the foundation for analyzing financial data and making informed decisions.
As students progress, they delve into specialized areas such as statistical analysis in finance, financial risk management, and corporate finance.
The curriculum also explores other complex financial areas, like data analytics in finance and derivatives. Based on this curriculum, the program prepares students for diverse financial roles, including corporate finance, investment management, and consulting, ensuring they have the expertise to succeed in any financial environment and scenario.
Is an Online Master’s Degree in Financial Analysis Worth It?
An online Master’s Degree in Financial Analysis offers a rich curriculum that provides students with expertise in various areas of applied finance. With a focus on in-depth financial analysis and expertise, this program opens doors to lucrative opportunities in areas such as financial analysis, portfolio management, and risk assessment.
Furthermore, the increasing demand for financial experts means that a Master’s degree can significantly boost earning potential and lead to more senior positions, providing a solid return on investment.
Moreover, the flexible online format allows professionals to balance work and study commitments effectively. While completing the 30-credit hour program in less than two years, individuals can maintain their current employment and apply their newfound knowledge and skills directly to their roles.
Courses in the Online Financial Analysis Master's Degree
The online Master of Science in Financial Analysis program requires only 10 courses.
FINC 8301 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Provides students with a comprehensive background in the theoretical foundations of
modern financial economics. Themes include: individual investment decisions under
uncertainty, stochastic dominance, mean-variance theory, capital market equilibrium
and asset valuation, arbitrage pricing theory, option pricing and the potential application
of these themes.
FINC 8303 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Provides students with a comprehensive background in the mathematical topics required
for learning quantitative finance, business analytics, and data science. The mathematical
topics covered include calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and probability
and statistics. Broad familiarity with linear algebra, statistics, stochastic process,
finance, and economics is helpful but not required.
FINC 8305 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Seeks to extract, analyze, and interpret information from sources of financial communication
between corporate managers and outsiders. The analysis includes the detailed footnote
disclosures in a company’s annual or quarterly report to determine its accounting
policy for a particular type of transaction and how that policy choice both affects
its primary financial statements and reflects the underlying economics of the firm.
Will explore financial statements, voluntary disclosures, and interactions with information
intermediaries.
FINC 8302 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Provides a comprehensive background in the statistical theory, methods, and models used in the study of modern corporate finance. Covers discrete and continuous statistical techniques for the analysis of financial market data, securities, and option pricing. Time series methodologies will be explored.
FINC 8304 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Covers the underlying theory of risk assessment in asset valuation and financial markets,
and the modeling and valuation of cash flows. Investigation of estimation techniques
for valuation, the measurement and mitigation of risk of financial securities, and
the examination of risk management tools.
FINC 8329 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Covers the tools, methods, and theory of the managing corporate financial decisions.
The optimization of investment, financing, and dividend policies requires the understanding
of the risk and return, capital budgeting, and capital structure. The tools of regression
and time-value of money are explored.
FINC 8330 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Covers the key quantitative methods that are employed in modern finance, such as financial
econometrics and statistical inferences. Emphasizes financial applications through
the use of dynamic optimization, Monte Carlo simulations, structured and unstructured
data, random effects models, fixed effects models and Bayesian techniques. Applications
in the areas of predictive analysis (trading), sentiment analysis, financial fraud,
credit rating, pricing and consumer segmentation will be explored. Includes guest
lectures from practitioners in the finance industry.
FINC 8331 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Covers derivatives markets: structure, valuation and strategies. Main applications
include the equities markets, foreign exchange and commodities. It has two parts:
The first part deals with the structure of forward and futures markets, pricing and
hedging with such contracts. The second and larger part deals with options markets;
strategies, pricing and position analysis. Includes topics like: Short Selling, Value
at Risk, Exotic Options, Volatility Derivatives and Trading Volatility. Consist of
lectures, discussions and problem solving.
FINC 8311 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Explores the valuation methodology in modern finance. The use of discounted cash flow
models and option pricing are explored. Financial assets are examined including: debt
and equity securities, and option, future, and forward contracts, and the evaluation
of the investment portfolio is addressed. Techniques are applied to value the firm.
FINC 8335 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Facilitates an integration of the courses in the MS in Finance degree program. Students
will apply what they have learned about financial economics, data, statistics, and
modern corporate finance in terms of the decision-maker. Each student will frame a
research project, by employing the analytical tools and methods from which they have
developed in throughout the program. The final capstone project will select from financial
scenarios. The student will work with a faculty member to assist in the project.
Admission Requirements
All candidates for admission to any graduate program must fulfill the following general admission requirements:
- An earned baccalaureate degree in a related discipline from a regionally accredited institution
- A grade point average of 2.50 for all undergraduate work or 3.00 for the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work
- English proficiency: Applicants educated in a primary language other than English must present a TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper test or 213 on the computer-based test, or 79 on the Internet-based test (iBT). Score reports cannot be more than two years old, and official score reports must be sent directly to OLLU from ETS. Contact international admissions at international@ollusa.edu or alternatives to the TOEFL.
In addition to the requirements for graduate admission to OLLU, applicants will provide:
- A personal statement of one to two, double-spaced pages describing long-range professional and scholarly interests
- Three references (university provides forms) from persons knowledgeable about the applicant's professional and academic background
- Résumé highlighting educational and professional backgrounds
After a review of the completed admission files, selected applicants will be invited to a face-to-face or Skype interview with the program head and/or committee that allows the applicants to share his/her passion for the field, accomplishments and enthusiasm for the school.
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Faculty
Full-time faculty members in the Business Department have extensive professional and academic experience. Most have doctoral degrees and/or professional certifications. Seasoned practitioners who teach selected courses complement full-time professors as adjunct faculty. View Business Faculty
What Can You Do With an Online Master's Degree in Financial Analysis?
An online Master’s degree in Financial Analysis prepares students with advanced skills in analyzing financial data and making informed decisions that can impact businesses and organizations.
Some potential careers for graduates with an online Master’s degree in Financial Analysis include:
- Financial Analyst
- Portfolio Manager
- Fixed Income Analyst
- Risk Manager
- Investment Banker
- Financial Consultant
These roles can be found in various industries, including finance, accounting, consulting, and investment firms.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The online Master of Science in Financial Analysis will sharpen your data-analytic skills and help you prepare for the next level in your career. It is an investment in your future. The online program design allows maximum flexibility to balance work, family and school.
| Tuition | Costs |
|---|---|
| Our Tuition (2024–2025 rate) | $2,973 per course |
| Average Tuition of Peer Online Institutions | $4,330 per course |
| Average Total Tuition Cost | $29,730 |
You should begin the Financial Aid application process at the same time that you apply to the graduate program. To be considered for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov . Please list Our Lady of the Lake University, federal school code #003598, as one of the schools to receive your application information. OLLU will receive your results electronically and use them to award your financial aid.
Please note: You must be officially accepted for admission to the university before a financial aid award can be processed.
FAQs
A Master’s Degree in Financial Analysis is an advanced program focusing on quantitative and qualitative aspects of financial analysis. It equips students with skills in financial modeling, valuation techniques, risk management, and strategic decision-making in finance.
Pursuing an online Master’s Degree in Financial Analysis offers flexibility and convenience, allowing students to balance their studies with work or other commitments. Additionally, online programs often provide access to the same quality education and resources as traditional on-campus programs.
In addition to the requirements for graduate admission into Our Lady of the Lake University, applicants will provide:
- A personal statement of one to two, double-spaced pages describing long-range professional and scholarly interests
- Three references (university provides forms) from persons knowledgeable about the applicant's professional and academic background
- Résumé highlighting educational and professional backgrounds
Graduates with a Master’s Degree in Financial Analysis can pursue various career paths in finance, such as financial analyst, investment analyst, portfolio manager, risk manager, or financial consultant. They may find employment opportunities in investment banks, asset management firms, corporate finance departments, consulting firms, and government agencies.