Online Master of Science in Finance
Specialized degree for in-depth knowledge of Finance.
Specialized business master’s degrees in the fields of finance and accounting have been on the rise in recent years and there’s no evidence for slowing down demand in the near future. If you’re looking to advance your position in your current financial sector job or plan to transition into a finance career, a Master of Science in Finance will provide the necessary skills and in-depth knowledge of applied finance you will need.
Why UW-Whitewater Online?
- Asynchronous program lets you learn day or night
- Build connections through online assignments and discussion boards
- Strong alumni network
- AACSB Accredited - 50 years of continuous accreditation
CFA Aligned Curriculum
Included in the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.
No. 46 Online MBA in the Nation
Ranked by U.S. News & World Report, 2025.
Largest AACSB-Accredited
Business school in Wisconsin.
MS in Finance Admission Criteria
The MS in Finance is a 30-34 credit program. This program can be started in the spring, summer or fall terms, and at a pace that works best for you. Full-time students can finish in as little as three semesters.
For a comprehensive overview of the program structure and required courses, please refer to the Graduate Catalog.
To ensure a high quality graduate student group, all students must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and meet graduate admission criteria, in addition to one of the admission criteria provided below. Many applicants will qualify for admission without GMAT/GRE scores.
Admission criteria
Applicants must satisfy any one of the criteria from any of the four categories.
Military Service
- Qualified veteran or currently active military personnel
Education
- AACSB- or ABET-accredited bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Regionally-accredited bachelor's degree with a 3.25 GPA or higher
- Graduate degree from a regionally-accredited or equivalent institution
- UW-Whitewater graduate business certificate
Work Experience
- Four or more years of professional work experience
- Two or more years of professional work experience with a 3.0 GPA
- Approved professional certification
GMAT Scores*
- A composite score of at least 1,100 based on the following formula
- (GMAT score) + [200 x (overall undergraduate GPA based on a 4-point scale)]
- A composite score of at least 1,150 based on the following formula
- (GMAT score) + [200 x (last half of undergraduate GPA based on a 4-point scale)]
- A composite score of 950 - 1,100 for consideration of conditional admission based on the following formula
- (GMAT score) + [200 x (overall undergraduate GPA based on a 4-point scale)]
*GRE scores are converted to comparable GMAT scores
Deadlines vary by term and are subject to change without notice. Accurate and up-to-date admission deadlines can be found on the graduate admission deadlines website.
If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if you could be admitted on a conditional basis.
International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for information and assistance.
A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for financial analysts, personal financial advisers, loan officers and other positions; however, there is a graduate degree wage premium.
In one research study, financial professionals with master's degrees reported earning 38% ($28,000) more than those with just bachelor's degrees.1
Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics2 shows that positions in the financial industry have both strong wage rates and occupational outlooks. Financial analysts earned a 2022 median pay of $96,220 per year and expected an employment growth of 8% by 2032, while financial managers earned a 2022 median pay of $139,790 per year and expected an employment growth of 16% by 2032.
1Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce Analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, 2009 - 2013
2Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022
This graduate program at UW-Whitewater are a superior value at $695 USD per credit for the 2024-25 academic year — whether you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state student, or international student within the major. Additional fees and non-resident tuition may apply to other courses. Visit the Tuition and Fees webpage for complete information.
Course materials
Graduate students can purchase textbooks and other instructional materials through the University Bookstore or elsewhere online. Students should verify what materials are needed with their instructor.
Financial aid
Students completing a degree program may be eligible for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed. To find out, or if you have other financial aid questions, contact the financial aid staff person assigned to you or try uwwfao@uww.edu or 262-472-1130.
Like to learn more about degree options through UW-Whitewater School of Graduate Studies? There are a few ways you can get the information you need.
Visit our information sessions website to select a virtual information session related to the program you are interested in.
You can also fill out a request for information to connect with an advisor who can discuss your goals and help guide you to the right program to pursue your dreams.
Interested in taking a tour of UW-Whitewater campus? You can visit in person or virtually.
Master of Science in Finance - Online Graduate Certificates
Designed to put you in control of your educational path, graduate certificates in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater get you into the virtual classroom quickly and on your schedule.
Within the field of finance are two prominent focal areas: investment analysis and corporate finance. The M.S. in Finance curriculum is also delivered through two 15-credit certificates focusing on these subjects. Students who do not want to earn the M.S. in Finance degree can earn one, or both, of the finance certificates.
Dive into a high-demand field with the Corporate Finance graduate certificate. Corporate finance is one of the most prominent focal areas within the discipline of finance.
Gain the knowledge and advanced skills needed to boost your career with an Investment Analysis graduate certificate. Qualified analysts guide companies in valuing financial assets, assessing risk and designing risk management strategies.
