What Can You Do With a Master's in Finance Degree for 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Finance graduates may feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty of choosing a career path after earning their master’s degree. They worry about job competition, unclear industry expectations, and whether their investment in graduate school will pay off. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for financial managers are projected to grow by 16% from 2022 to 2032—much faster than average. This article, prepared by career planning experts, explores top career options for 2025, offering insights on salaries, growth areas, and how to turn your degree into a successful career.

Key Things You Should Know about Master’s in Finance Degree

• Job growth for financial managers is projected at 16% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations, highlighting strong career prospects for master’s in finance graduates.
• Median annual salaries reach $161,700 for financial managers, and even entry-level roles like financial analysts earn over $101,000, indicating a strong return on investment for the degree.
• Finance master’s students pursue the degree specifically to change industries or job functions, underscoring its versatility and value for career changers.

Table of Contents

1. What careers can you pursue with a master's in finance?
2. How does a master’s in finance compare to other graduate degrees?
3. What industries are hiring finance graduates in 2025?
4. What certifications and licenses pair well with a finance master’s?
5. What is the salary potential with a master's in finance?
6. What are the best graduate programs in finance?
7. Can you switch careers with a master’s in finance?
8. How Should You Evaluate and Select a Master’s in Finance Program?
9. What is the return on investment of a master’s in finance?
10. Can a master’s in finance help you excel in project management?
11. What advanced roles require a master’s in finance?
12. What skills will you develop in a finance master’s program?
13. What are the alternatives to a master's in finance?
14. Other Things You Should Know About Master's in Finance Degree

What careers can you pursue with a master's in finance?

A master’s in finance prepares you for a wide range of high-level finance careers across industries. Graduates often move into roles that involve managing investments, analyzing risk, or advising companies on how to grow their money. Whether you're aiming for a finance role or comparing alternatives like the cheapest MLIS degree online, understanding the career potential of each path is essential.

With a master's in finance, you can work in areas like:

• Investment Banking – Help companies raise capital, manage mergers, or go public.
• Corporate Finance – Handle budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning inside large firms.
• Asset Management – Manage portfolios for individuals or institutions, focusing on long-term growth.
• Financial Planning – Advise clients on how to reach their financial goals.
• Risk Management – Identify financial risks and develop strategies to avoid losses.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial analyst roles are expected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032—faster than the average for all occupations. This growth shows steady demand for professionals with advanced financial skills.

Finance careers also span industries like healthcare, tech, and energy. For example, tech companies increasingly hire finance professionals to manage rapid growth and international investments. Here are some roles you can pursue:

Financial Analyst / Senior Financial Analyst

Financial analysts evaluate economic and business data to help companies make investment decisions. With experience and a master’s degree, you can advance to senior analyst roles, often in corporations, banks, or investment firms. These positions offer stability, growth potential, and salaries that can exceed $100,000 with bonuses.

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio managers oversee investment strategies for clients, institutions, or mutual funds. They analyze market trends, balance risk, and aim to deliver returns that outperform benchmarks. A master’s degree provides the technical and strategic foundation needed to succeed in this highly competitive field, where compensation often includes generous bonuses.

Corporate Finance Manager

In this role, you’ll be responsible for managing budgets, forecasting, and guiding financial strategy within a company. Corporate finance managers are crucial to long-term planning and profitability. Companies across all industries rely on finance professionals to optimize their internal operations, offering steady career progression and strong salaries.

Risk Manager

Risk managers identify potential threats to a company’s financial health and develop strategies to mitigate them. This role requires strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of financial systems and regulations. With demand growing in financial services, consulting, and tech, this is a secure and well-compensated path.

How does a master’s in finance compare to other graduate degrees?

A master’s in finance is more specialized and focused than broader business graduate degrees like the MBA. It’s designed for students who want deep expertise in areas like investment analysis, financial modeling, and risk management.

Here’s how it compares to other common graduate programs:

• Master’s in Finance (MSF): Offers technical, finance-specific training. Often completed in 12–18 months.
• MBA (Master of Business Administration): Covers a wide range of business topics (marketing, management, operations) and takes 2 years on average. Ideal for leadership or general business roles.
• Master’s in Accounting (MAcc): Focuses on accounting theory and practice, often for CPA candidates.
• Master’s in Economics: Emphasizes theory, data analysis, and policy—less practical for corporate finance careers.

Students exploring graduate finance education often weigh options like MBA vs MS accounting to determine the best fit. While MBAs provide a broader business foundation, a master’s in finance or accounting offers deeper specialization in financial strategy, preparing graduates for distinct roles within corporate, government, or investment sectors.

While an MBA may offer broader networking opportunities, an MSF can be more cost-effective and better aligned with roles in investment banking or asset management.

What industries are hiring finance graduates in 2025?

In 2025, finance graduates are in demand across multiple industries—not just traditional banking and investment firms. Companies in tech, healthcare, energy, and even government sectors are actively hiring professionals with advanced finance skills. While students researching APA accredited PsyD programs are often focused on psychology careers, those pursuing finance degrees are discovering equally strong opportunities in both established and emerging sectors.

Here are the top industries looking for finance talent:

• Technology – Tech firms need finance experts for mergers, acquisitions, and rapid scaling.
• Healthcare – Hospitals and health systems require analysts to manage costs, investments, and regulatory compliance.
• Energy – Oil, gas, and renewable energy companies hire financial analysts to support capital planning and risk analysis.
• Government and Public Sector – Agencies employ finance grads for budgeting, auditing, and economic policy roles.
• Fintech and Startups – Fast-growing companies seek finance professionals for forecasting, capital raising, and valuation.

What certifications and licenses pair well with a finance master’s?

Earning a finance master’s is a strong foundation, but adding certifications or licenses can make you more competitive and expand your job options. These credentials show employers that you have specialized skills and meet industry standards.

Here are top certifications that pair well with a master’s in finance:

• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): Highly respected in investment management, asset management, and hedge funds.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): Ideal if you want to focus on accounting, audits, or corporate finance roles.
• FRM (Financial Risk Manager): Focuses on risk analysis and is valued by banks and insurance firms.
• CFP (Certified Financial Planner): Best for personal financial planning and wealth management careers.
• Series 7 and Series 63 Licenses: Required for selling investment products; often needed in brokerage and advisory roles.

Although less traditional in finance, certifications outside core finance areas—such as affordable PCT certification programs online—highlight the growing interdisciplinary value of healthcare and financial expertise. These certifications can be especially useful for finance professionals working in medical or biotech companies where clinical knowledge adds strategic insight.

Most of these certifications require passing multiple exams and gaining relevant work experience. For example, the CFA exam pass rate has been around 40% in recent years, showing the level of difficulty and commitment needed.

What is the salary potential with a master's in finance?

Earning a master's in finance can significantly enhance your earning potential, opening doors to various high-paying roles across the financial sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), here are some median annual salaries for key finance positions:

• Financial and Investment Analysts: $101,910
• Financial Risk Specialists: $118,950
• Financial Managers: $161,700

These figures indicate that professionals with advanced finance degrees can expect competitive compensation, especially in roles that require specialized knowledge and experience. For instance, financial managers, who often oversee the financial health of organizations, command higher salaries due to their strategic responsibilities. While students may explore options like colleges with nutrition majors for careers in health and wellness, finance graduates enjoy strong income potential across diverse industries.

Salaries can vary based on factors such as industry, location, and individual experience. For example, financial analysts working in securities, commodity contracts, and other financial investments and related activities had a median annual wage of $124,050.

What are the best graduate programs in finance?

The best graduate programs in finance offer strong academic reputations, hands-on experience, global recognition, and connections to top employers. These programs are often ranked for their curriculum quality, faculty expertise, alumni success, and placement rates.

Some of the most highly rated finance master’s programs include:

• University of Pennsylvania (Wharton): Known for its rigorous quantitative training and investment focus.
• University of Chicago (Booth): Offers strong research and ties to top financial firms.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT Sloan): Highly analytical program ideal for careers in investment and data-driven finance.
• London Business School: A top international option with strong global finance connections.
• Columbia University: Strong in corporate finance and financial engineering.

When choosing a program, consider factors like faculty-to-student ratio, internship support, and career placement rates.

Can you switch careers with a master’s in finance?

Yes, a master’s in finance can be a powerful tool for switching careers—especially into roles that require strong analytical, financial, or investment skills. Many professionals use this degree to transition from unrelated fields like engineering, education, or the arts into finance-heavy roles. While some explore options like the easiest MSW programs to get into for a social work career change, others find that a finance master’s offers a faster track to high-paying, analytical roles.

Here are common career switch scenarios:

• From engineering to investment banking – Use your problem-solving and technical background with financial modeling.
• From education to corporate finance – Transition into budget planning, analysis, or finance operations.
• From operations to risk management – Shift into roles that analyze financial systems and mitigate business risks.
• From marketing to financial consulting – Combine communication skills with finance knowledge to advise clients or companies.

According to a recent survey from the Graduate Management Admission Council, over 40% of finance master’s students pursue the degree to change industries or job functions. That means you're not alone in using this path to pivot.

Career changers from non-traditional fields often ask questions similar to what can you do with a military science degree, evaluating how their background translates into finance. A master’s in finance can equip them with quantitative and strategic tools to pivot into roles like budgeting, logistics finance, or risk analysis.

How Should You Evaluate and Select a Master’s in Finance Program?

When assessing programs, focus on accreditation standards, curriculum structure, faculty expertise, and post-graduation outcomes. Compare data on employment rates, industry partnerships, and internship opportunities to ensure the program aligns with your career objectives and learning style. Also, consider cost efficiency and flexible learning options; for example, review masters in finance online cheapest to identify affordable, high-quality online alternatives.

What is the return on investment of a master’s in finance?

Evaluating the return on investment involves analyzing both the direct costs—such as tuition and potential opportunity costs—and the long-term benefits including accelerated career progression, salary increases, and enhanced professional networks. Data on starting salaries and mid-career earnings can be compared across various programs to quantify potential gains. Additionally, sectors where advanced quantitative skills and strategic insight are highly valued tend to offer faster payback, making detailed cost-benefit comparisons essential. For example, exploring options like the fastest online MBA program can provide an alternative benchmark for evaluating financial and career outcomes.

Can a master’s in finance help you excel in project management?

A master’s in finance sharpens analytical and strategic skills that are essential when managing multifaceted projects within financial organizations. Finance professionals are often tasked with overseeing initiatives that require scheduling, budgeting, risk assessment, and interdepartmental coordination. Strengthening these project management capabilities can enhance leadership in executing financial projects and driving organizational change. For professionals seeking to complement their finance expertise, pursuing a fast track online project management degree offers tailored insights into effective project planning and execution.

What advanced roles require a master’s in finance?

A master’s in finance opens the door to advanced roles that demand specialized financial knowledge, strategic thinking, and leadership skills. These positions often involve high levels of responsibility and significant decision-making power.

Here are some advanced roles that typically require or benefit from a master’s in finance:

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Responsible for overseeing all financial operations in an organization, including budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning.

Investment Banker

Helps companies raise capital, manage mergers and acquisitions, and provide financial advisory services. This role involves complex financial modeling and client negotiations.

Financial Consultant

Advises companies on strategies for growth, mergers, acquisitions, or restructuring based on in-depth financial analysis.

Most of these positions involve strategic financial decision-making that influences the overall direction of companies and require strong analytical and leadership capabilities, often honed through a master’s program.

What skills will you develop in a finance master’s program?

A finance master’s program equips you with a broad set of technical, analytical, and soft skills that are essential in the finance world. These skills not only prepare you for high-paying roles but also make you adaptable across various sectors. Whether you're aiming for leadership in finance or exploring options like an affordable master in taxation online, building this skill set opens doors to specialized and versatile career paths.

Here are key skills you will develop:

Financial Analysis and Modeling

Learn how to analyze financial statements, build financial models, and assess the financial health of companies.

Risk Management

Understand how to identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks—skills vital in sectors like banking, insurance, and investment management.

Corporate Finance

Gain expertise in managing a company’s finances, including capital budgeting, financial forecasting, and strategic decision-making.

Investment Strategies

Master techniques in portfolio management, asset allocation, and evaluating securities, helping you make sound investment decisions.

Data Analysis and Quantitative Skills

Finance programs often focus on quantitative techniques, including the use of statistical tools and software to analyze financial data.

Communication and Negotiation

Enhance your ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and persuasively, a critical skill for client-facing roles and leadership positions.

These technical skills, paired with strong communication and problem-solving abilities, prepare you to succeed in various financial leadership roles.

What are the alternatives to a master's in finance?

While a master’s in finance is a popular choice for advancing in the finance field, there are several other educational paths and certifications that can also lead to high-paying and fulfilling careers in finance.

Here are some notable alternatives:

Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)

One practical alternative is an MBA with a finance concentration. For those wondering what is MBA in finance, it's a program that combines business management skills with financial acumen, making it a versatile choice for future executives, consultants, or investment professionals seeking broader leadership roles.

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Certification

The CFA program is one of the most recognized certifications in finance. It focuses on investment management, financial analysis, and ethical standards, making it a great alternative for those interested in investment banking, asset management, or corporate finance.

Master’s in Accounting

For those who prefer a more accounting-focused career, a master's in accounting provides deep knowledge of financial reporting, tax strategies, and auditing, which are essential for roles like auditor, tax advisor, and CFO.

Financial Risk Manager (FRM) Certification

This certification focuses on risk management and is ideal for those who want to work in positions related to risk assessment and control, such as a risk manager or compliance officer.

Economics Master’s Degree

For individuals interested in the broader economic impacts of finance, an economics degree offers a strong foundation in economic theory and its application to global markets, which is especially valuable in roles like financial economist or policy advisor.

Each of these options has its own set of benefits, and choosing the right one depends on your career goals, interests, and the specific areas of finance you want to pursue.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say about Their Master's in Finance Degree

Earning my Master’s in Finance gave me the technical depth I needed to move from a general accounting role into investment banking. The program sharpened my skills in valuation and financial modeling—and gave me the confidence to lead high-stakes client presentations. — Aaron

The Master’s in Finance opened doors I never thought possible. Beyond the career advancement, I gained a global perspective on financial markets and felt a real sense of belonging among driven, like-minded peers. — Elena

I transitioned from engineering to finance, and the master’s program made that leap possible. It equipped me with both the quantitative rigor and the credibility to land a role in fintech strategy right after graduation. — Jason

Key Findings

• The U.S. sees approximately 963,500 finance-related job openings projected each year, reflecting sustained demand in the sector.
• Financial analyst roles are expected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
• Job postings in tech and healthcare for financial analysts increased by over 20% between 2023 and 2024.
• Workplace flexibility in finance jobs shows 59% on-site, 25% hybrid, and 16% remote roles.
• 56% of all CFA charterholders are located in the Americas, with the majority based in the U.S.

Other Things You Should Know About Master's in Finance Degree

Is it worth getting a master's in finance?

Yes, a master’s in finance is worth it for those aiming for specialized roles in investment banking, corporate finance, or asset management. The degree offers in-depth financial expertise, strong earning potential, and access to competitive job markets. It’s especially valuable if you’re early in your career or lack finance-specific experience. Graduates often see improved job prospects and higher salaries, with many roles requiring or preferring advanced education in finance.

Which master's degree is best for finance?

The Master of Finance (MFin) is generally considered the best for a focused career in finance. It offers technical depth in financial analysis, modeling, and quantitative skills. For broader business leadership or management roles that involve finance, an MBA with a finance concentration is also a strong choice. Your career goals—whether specialized or managerial—should guide the decision.

Which is better, MBA or Master of Finance?

The better degree depends on your career goals. An MBA is better if you want a broad business education and leadership roles across industries, while a Master of Finance is ideal for deep financial specialization. The MBA also typically requires more work experience and includes networking across business disciplines. In contrast, an MFin is more technical and often pursued right after undergrad.

Can work experience substitute for a graduate degree in finance?

Yes, in some cases, significant work experience can substitute for a graduate degree in finance. Professionals with strong analytical skills, industry credentials like the CFA, and a proven track record may advance without a master’s. However, for roles in investment banking or at top financial firms, a graduate degree still offers a competitive edge and broader opportunities.

References:

• BuiltIn. (2025). Finance director salary. BuiltIn. 
• CFA Institute. (2025). CFA program. CFA Institute. 
• Robert Half. (2025). Data reveals which finance and accounting roles are in highest demand. Robert Half. 
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Business and financial occupations. Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Financial analysts. Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Financial managers. Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: Financial and investment analysts (13-2054). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.