Overview: Finance Graduate Degree Program
Take your career to the next level through the master’s degree program in the field of finance at Harvard Extension School.
In this graduate program, you will master the foundational knowledge and practical skills you need to advance your career in the world of finance. Through our comprehensive offering of core and elective courses, you will:
- Gain an understanding of core elements of organizational finance decisions, including accounting and financial statement analysis, principles of finance, investments, corporate finance, and business valuations.
- Build advanced knowledge of economic theory, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, international markets, and risk management.
- Develop quantitative and problem-solving skills in resolving complex financial decisions through a local, regional, and global lens.
- Earn an optional certificate in business economics, principles of finance, corporate finance, data analytics, or real estate investment.
Your Harvard Degree
Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: Finance.
Careers
Our finance graduate program is designed for anyone interested in taking on greater responsibility for the financial operations of their organization.
This graduate degree may enable you to advance into roles such as account manager, cash manager, financial analyst, financial risk analyst, or financial auditor. It may also qualify you for senior management positions such as controller, treasurer, or even chief financial officer.
Alumni Outcomes
Roles held by recent graduates include:
- Hedge fund analyst
- Credit analyst
- Compliance analyst
- Corporate strategy manager
- Vice president of mergers and acquisitions
Alumni work at a variety of organizations, including:
- Bain Capital
- Bank of America
- Citizens Bank
- HBO
Admissions, Courses, and Degree Requirements
Admission to Harvard Extension Finance Graduate Program
At Harvard Extension School, your admission is based largely on your performance in three specific Harvard Extension courses that you complete before submitting an application. These courses count toward the 12 total courses once you’re admitted.
To get started, we invite you to explore the degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.
Course Curriculum
Our highly interactive courses will prepare you to develop practical and creative solutions to the challenges you’ll encounter as you advance your career in finance.
To earn your master’s degree in the field of finance, you’ll need to successfully complete 12 courses.
You’ll choose eight core courses to develop foundational knowledge in economics, finance, accounting, investments, and statistics. Your four electives allow you to customize the program to meet your specific career goals.
Online & on-campus study. You may take most courses online, but you’ll come to campus to complete two courses in person. Our low-residency option requires coming to campus for just two weekends.
To get started, we invite you to explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.
Featured Faculty
You'll learn from instructors who are experts in the field of finance, including the areas of corporate finance, business valuation, mergers and acquisitions, economic development, and international finance. They also bring a passion for teaching. The average faculty rating from students is 4.6 out of 5. Here are just a few of our many talented instructors.
Our Community at a Glance
Our finance graduates work in a range of finance-related industries including accounting, banking, biotechnology, information technology, investment and asset management, and management consulting.
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33
Average Age
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1
Average Courses Taken Each Semester
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89%
Work Full Time
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97%
Would Recommend the Program
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60%
Professional Experience in the Field
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Most
Pursued for Career Advancement
Completing a degree at HES has raised the bar for my ability to take on new challenges. The education and experience received at HES has allowed me to see the big picture.
Cost and Financial Aid
Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.
| Our Tuition (2022–23 rate) | $3,100 per 4-credit course ($775 per credit) |
|---|---|
| Average Tuition of Peer Institutions | $5,476 per course |
| Average Total Cost | $37,200 |
After admission, you may qualify for financial aid. Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.
FAQs
What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Finance?
A master’s degree in finance gives you foundational knowledge and practice skills to help your organization better manage its finances and investments. Whether you specialize in mergers and acquisitions, real estate investment, sustainable finance, or monetary policy, a master’s degree will give you the skills and tools you need to keep your career moving forward. It may even help you advance into mid- or even senior-level positions or start a new career in finance.
For more information on how a master’s degree in finance can help advance your career, read our blog Corporate Finance Career Path: How to Keep Your Growth on Track.
Is a Degree in Finance Useful?
A degree in finance is a great way to supplement and expand the real-world experience you’ve developed in the office. Our curriculum offers the theoretical and academic knowledge you need to solve problems and develop solutions in creative and practical ways. You’ll find yourself applying the tools you learn in class right from the start.
Is a Career in Finance a Good Career?
The outlook for careers in finance is strong.
Careers in finance tend to be stable, even during economic downturns. And the job market for experienced finance professionals is likely to continue to grow over the next decade. The potential for a high-income career—especially for individuals with an advanced degree and several years’ of experience—is excellent.
How Long Does It Take to Complete the Finance Graduate Program?
Our finance graduate program is designed to be as flexible as possible for working professionals.
While you need to complete the degree within five years, you choose the pace. You can take your time with one to two courses a semester. You can choose to attend full time, taking three or four courses. Or you can do a combination of both throughout your journey: one course one semester, three the next.
Typically, candidates take about three years, but 40 percent of recent graduates completed the degree in under three years. As you can see, the pace varies. It is all up to you.
How Will This Finance Master’s Degree Program Help My Career?
A master’s degree in the field of finance demonstrates your mastery of the key knowledge and critical skills to build and advance a successful career in finance.
Whether you are seeking to advance your career in finance or taking the first step in a career change, adding a master’s degree in finance to your resume can help you achieve your goals.
