Why You Should Study Master In Finance In The USA

A Master’s in Finance is a course that teaches you how to apply numerical models, quantitative analysis, and statistical techniques to carry out financial management, investment analysis, and risk management. 

Furthermore, a Master’s degree in Finance will provide you with the analytical skills and knowledge to compete in the financial and economic world and get the best, highest-paying jobs there are. Additionally, the program involves programs like: 

• Investments
• Financial Analysis
• Securities Analysis
• Financial Markets and Institutions
• Global Finance
• Financial Strategy
• Portfolio Management

Additionally, these programs will help you develop the ability to gather and analyze various kinds of financial data. 

Furthermore, to apply for a Master’s in Finance in the USA, one must have a degree in mathematics, economics, accounting, business administration, statistics, or computer science. Additionally, the average annual tuition fee for a Finance master’s program in the USA is between $30,000 and $65,000. 

However, it is worth it, as data scientists can go on to earn a high salary of $65,000 to $180,000 per year. This is because they are in high demand, as the industry has seen substantial growth over the years. 

Therefore, the USA is the home of the best Finance universities that will provide you with world-class education, skill development, a multicultural environment, and lots more for international students.

Studying MS In Finance In The US

MS in Finance is regarded as a business field in the US. It includes courses like: 

1. Financial Management
2. Investment Analysis
3. Corporate Finance
4. Financial Markets and Institutions
5. Financial Modeling and Analysis
6. Quantitative Methods in Finance
7. Risk Management
8. International Finance
9. Financial Reporting and Analysis
10. Ethics in Finance

Also, the duration of a master’s degree in Finance spans two years, and the average cost of study is between 30,000 and 65,000 USD. However, this price is subject to change and varies according to individual universities. 

Advantages Of Studying MS In Finance In The US

Businesses now understand the importance of Finance in the day-to-day running of the financial field. As a result of this, there is a growing demand for professionals in this field, and it is not surprising that international students are embracing it. Therefore, as an international student seeking to pursue a degree in Finance, below are the lists of things you stand to gain:

1. Career Opportunity: 

The U.S. has both internship and job opportunities for Finance graduates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected growth rate for Finance jobs is 7% between 2021-2031. Additionally, with various large and small companies in the USA looking for financial analysts, your chances of getting a job are high.

2. A wholesome learning experience: 

As stated earlier, the US houses some of the best universities in the world. This means that students who study here will gain in-depth knowledge and skills from top professionals in the industry. Also, the presence of vast companies makes it easy for students to get opportunities from such brands. 

3. Opportunities to Work After Studies: 

A master’s degree in Finance helps boost your credibility and exposure to high-paying job opportunities. It qualifies you for jobs like  

• Vice President of Finance, 
• Controller, 
• Treasurer, 
• Internal audit director, 
• Tax director, 
• Risk management director, 
• Manager of Finance, 
• Investment banker. 

The Eligibility Requirement To Study MS In Finance In The US

To study Finance at a master’s level abroad, students must meet the requirements stated below. Additionally, it is important to note that the requirements stated below will vary according to the individual university criteria. 

1. Bachelor’s Degree: 

It is expected that they have an excellent GPA in a relevant field. The minimum score is 3.0-4.0 on the 4.0 grading scale. However, it might vary according to the individual university criteria. 

2. Standardized Tests: 

The GRE and GMAT are important requirements needed to gain admission to a master’s program in the US. The minimum requirement is 300, but the score varies according to the university’s rules. 

3. English Proficiency Test: 

Since America is an English-speaking nation and Finance is an English-taught skill, students will all need to prove their English proficiency by taking exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. The minimum expected score is 6 or it’s equivalent in the other tests. 

4. Resume: 

Applicants will also need an updated resume with prior work experience. Your resume should also be properly written with no errors. Therefore, universities might not necessarily need a GRE test score if applicants have enough relevant experience in the given field. 

Important Documents Needed To Study MS In Finance In The US

In addition to the eligibility requirements, applicants should ensure that the following documents are saved to make the application easier. These documents include: 

• Academic transcripts (10th, 12th, and Bachelor’s)
• Scores from entrance examinations like the GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, and others (if required by your preferred university).
• English proficiency test scores (like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
• 2 LORs (Letter of recommendation) (one from the previous educational institution and one from the workplace)
• A well-drafted SOP (Statement of Purpose)
• A valid passport (must be valid till your whole course duration)
• Updated CV
• Certificate of Work Experience
• Proof of funds
• Two passport-sized photographs

The Best University for a Master’s In Finance In The U.S. 

The United States currently has over 200 universities that offer a master’s degree in Finance to international students. Additionally, some of these schools also offer scholarship opportunities for students who might be interested. Some of the top universities for an MS in Finance are: 

1. Harvard University
2. Stanford University
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
4. University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School
5. Columbia University
6. New York University – Stern School of Business
7. University of Chicago – Booth School of Business
8. Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management
9. University of California, Berkeley – Haas School of Business
10. Duke University – Fuqua School of Business
11. University of Michigan – Ross School of Business
12. University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business
13. University of Southern California – Marshall School of Business
14. Boston University – Questrom School of Business
15. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Gies College of Business

Jobs Opportunities Available In Finance

As one of the fastest-growing career fields, there are many opportunities available for graduates of the MS in Finance program in the United States. 

The US has many companies that are seeking to hire financial analysts from top universities, including: 

• Investment Banks: Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
• Financial Services: BlackRock, Fidelity Investments, Vanguard, Charles Schwab, and Prudential Financial.
• Consulting Firms: McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY).
• Technology Companies: Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Intel, and IBM.
• Insurance Companies: AIG, Allianz, Prudential, MetLife, and AXA.
• Asset Management: Blackstone Group, The Vanguard Group, T. Rowe Price, Franklin Templeton, and State Street Global Advisors.
• Private Equity and Venture Capital: The Carlyle Group, KKR & Co., Sequoia Capital, Accel Partners, and Andreessen Horowitz.
• Manufacturing and Industrial Companies: General Electric (GE), Procter & Gamble, 3M, Caterpillar, and Honeywell International.
• Retail and Consumer Goods: Walmart, Amazon, Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, Unilever.
• Energy and Utilities: ExxonMobil, Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell, General Electric (GE), Siemens.

Job Profiles And Salaries For Data Scientists 

1. Financial Analyst: $55,000 – $100,000 per year
2. Financial Manager: $80,000 – $150,000 per year
3. Investment Banker: $100,000 – $200,000 per year 
4. Portfolio Manager: $80,000 – $150,000 per year 
5. Risk Manager: $80,000 – $130,000 per year
6. Financial Consultant: $60,000 – $120,000 per year
7. Corporate Treasurer: $90,000 – $150,000 per year
8. Financial Controller: $80,000 – $130,000 per year
9. Credit Analyst: $50,000 – $90,000 per year
10. Financial Planner: $50,000 – $100,000 per year

Read also: Top 10 Easiest STEM Courses To Study In The US

Funding Opportunities That Are Available To Aid In Studying MS In Finance In The US

Generally, funding opportunities available to aid studying abroad for international students include grants, scholarships, student loan options, etc. Below is a list of the available options:

Scholarship Options

• Columbia Business School Federal Work-Study Program
• Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
• Fully-Funded Rotary Peace Fellowships
• Golden Scholarships
• McDonough School of Business Scholarship
• Scheller College of Business Graduate Assistantships
• AAUW International Fellowships in USA for Women

Deadline: 15 Nov 2023 (annual)
The next course starts on 1 July 2024

Also read: 9 Scholarships For IT Students Abroad 2024

Student loan options

1. MPower Finance
2. Prodigy Finance
3. Ascent Funding
4. Citizens Financial Group, Inc.
5. Quorum

Also read: Top International Student Loans For African Students

Get Started With Us Today

Seeking to start a career in Finance or any other field in business? Enrolling in the top universities in the world can increase your chances with employers. Unfortunately, it can be quite expensive to study abroad due to the current economic crisis. But this shouldn’t limit you, as there are other options you can explore to enhance your career. 

MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require a cosigner or collateral before an application. 

At EdXtra Associates, we can help you with your loan application process. We also provide educational consulting services for international students to help make their journey easier and faster. You can reach out to us, as we’d love to guide you through this journey. 

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