Skip to main content
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Search

M.S. in Finance

Mastery makes your career move faster. Our M.S. in Finance program will help you earn the credentials you need for that next big promotion. Learn from Big Ten faculty in relevant online classes and plan for advancement with personalized career coaching.

Get More Information

* = required
We respect your privacy and will never sell, share, lease or give your information to a third party.

Get More Information

* = required
We respect your privacy and will never sell, share, lease or give your information to a third party.

Prepare to Advance Your Career

The value of our Master of Science in Finance degree continues to rise as it was recently accepted into the CFA® Institute University Affiliation program. Entry into this program signifies our curriculum is closely tied to professional practice and prepares students to sit for the Chartered Financial Analyst examinations.

#3Career Services in the world

Financial Times (2022)

#25 best online master's in business programs

in the nation (U.S. News & World Report, 2024)

More than 70% OF CFA PROGRAM CANDIDATE BODY OF KNOWLEDGE INCORPORATED

to prepare you for the CFA exam

Expert Instruction

Learn from Big Ten Faculty who will provide you with relevant, hands-on experience.

Learn More

Projected Growth in Demand

The job outlook for finance is strong with projected growth of 11% over the next decade, so now is the perfect time to become proficient in finance and have the credentials to prove it.

Learn More

May Start

Apply by April 1

August Start

Apply by July 1

Januart Start

Apply by November 1

Review Admission Requirements
Review Admissions Process

Admission Requirements

The M.S. in Finance program application deadlines are July 1 for August start, November 1 for January start and April 1 for May start.


Prerequisites for M.S. in Finance

Prerequisites for the M.S. in Finance include college-level statistics and college-level calculus. We also recommend students have taken introductory courses in finance, accounting and economics prior to applying to the program.


Bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA recommended

Official transcripts are required for admission.


GMAT or GRE score

  • A GMAT score of 600 (GMAT Focus Edition equivalent score: 555) is highly recommended. Alternatively, a comparable GRE score will be considered. Scores must be from the last five years.
  • Applicants who hold a Ph.D., JD, MD or Pharm D, or are currently enrolled in medical school do not have to submit a GMAT or GRE score. Applicants who have been admitted to the Nebraska College of Law do not have to submit a GMAT or GRE score.
  • If you have 5 or more years of significant managerial, operational or decision-making experience and an acceptable undergraduate GPA, you are not required to submit a GMAT score. You must, however, submit as a reference your current supervisor who can verify your work experience. Please include this person as one of your references in section 3 below. In the first part of your Personal Statement, you should include your request for the GMAT waiver based on your work experience. All GMAT waivers will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To be considered for a GMAT waiver, candidates must start an application.
  • If you choose to take the GMAT, please have your results forwarded to Nebraska (school code S40-HW-48). Once you take the exam, enter your unofficial scores into the graduate application. GMAT scores more than five years old will not be accepted. Please visit the official GMAT website for more information and to register for the test.
  • If you choose to take the GRE, please have your results forwarded to Nebraska (school code 6877). Once you take the exam, enter your unofficial scores into the graduate application. GRE scores more than five years old will not be accepted. A comparison tool is available to see how your GRE scores compare to our recommended 600 GMAT. Please visit the official GRE website for more information and to register for the test.

Three reference names and contact information

All three references must be former or current supervisors or professors. Nebraska will contact your references only if the committee deems it necessary. You do not need to include letters of recommendations.


Personal Statement

All applicants are required to submit a personal statement of 750 words or less through the graduate application. The statement is evaluated on content, sentence structure and grammar. Your personal statement should include the following:

  • Briefly describe your past professional experience and relevant skills.
  • What would you contribute to our program?
  • What are some of your short- and long-term professional goals?
  • How would a University of Nebraska–Lincoln M.S. in Finance assist you in achieving your goals?

Professional Resume

A professional resume should be submitted through the graduate application. Please include the following: relevant work experience, skills and involvement and education.


TOEFL exam (required for international students)

TOEFL score (minimum score of 550 written, 213 computer based or 80 iBT)

Alternatively, international students may submit IELTS scores. A score of 6.5 is required.

Please note: The M.S. in Finance program welcomes international applicants wishing to study remotely from their country of residence; but, as an online program, the M.S. in Finance does not meet requirements to sponsor student visas for study in the United States.

Admissions Process

Apply

Apply online and submit the $50 application fee.

Apply Online Now


Upload Supporting Documents

All Supporting Documents including unofficial transcripts and test scores are uploaded directly via the graduate application.

You are required to submit an unofficial transcript from each post-secondary institution you have attended during the application review process.


Submit Official Transcripts

If you are admitted, you will be required to submit an official transcript sent directly from each institution you have attended to The Office of Graduate Studies. We recommend that you complete this task before your admitted term begins. A hold will be placed on your account if they do not receive your official transcripts by October 1 for the fall term, February 1 for the spring term and July 1 for the summer term. Students will have until that day to submit official transcripts or your admission will be rescinded.

Transcripts can be sent electronically to graduate@unl.edu or by mail to

University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Graduate Admissions
1100 Seaton Hall
Lincoln, NE 68588-0619

International Student Transcript Submission

If you are an international student, please refer to the Nebraska Office of Graduate Studies for transcript and document information.

International Transcript Information

Additional information on Application Requirements can be found at Graduate Studies website.

Allison Dahl

As a working professional, wife, mother of busy kids and someone who prioritizes time for my own health, I needed a program that would offer time flexibility without compromising the rigorous curriculum of finance. Nebraska has done just that.

Allison Dahl, '21

Info Session

Join us to learn more about the Nebraska Business graduate program in Finance. There is no cost for the webinar. Please register to receive the Zoom information and your online passcode.

October 17 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (central) Register Now

Expect Relevant & Interactive Classes

Nebraska pairs easy-to-use and engaging course technology with world-class Big Ten faculty to give you a dynamic, yet accessible learning experience.

Learn More

Balance Class with Life Commitments

Your current job and commitments are priorities—yet balance is possible. Nebraska offers all classes online, optimized for mobile and in 8-week sections. Nebraska’s classes are offered online in 8-week sections and are optimized for mobile platforms.

Learn More

Learn from Big Ten Faculty

Finance courses are developed and taught by highly respected faculty in one of the strongest academic conferences in the nation.

Learn More

Grow Your Network

After gaining access to a global classroom, you can make meaningful connections to experienced colleagues around the world.

Learn More

Team Up with Career Advancement Professionals

Resources such as a career coach, a strong culture of networking and our online resume review will help launch you ahead in your career.

Learn More

Fair Tuition

$700 per credit hour

Nebraska's online master's programs are one of the best values for the money because of our combination of fair program cost and strong preparation for career advancement.

The flat $700 per credit hour rate applies to all students, regardless of where you live. Compared to similar programs, our students pay over $18,000 less over the course of the program.

In accordance with Federal Financial Aid requirements, Nebraska provides an estimated Cost of Attendance as a standardized estimate of the overall cost of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for a specific period. It represents the best estimate of expenses a student might expect to incur.

Breakdown of Tuition & Fees:
Tuition $639.00
Technology Fee $11.00
Library Fee $8.25
Online Course Fee $35.00
Registration Fee $20.00 per 3 credits
Total $700.00
*Based on 2024-25 Tuition Rates

Talent Investment Program

We offer three-year flexible partnership agreements for companies and organizations to offer a 15% tuition reduction for Nebraska's online business master's degrees and graduate certificate programs to their employees and members. There is no minimum or maximum number of students required to take advantage of the program.

Learn More

Advance Your Career with a Purposeful Curriculum

The M.S. in Finance curriculum is designed to provide you with the fundamental skills that employers need to make the smartest financial and investment decisions, and it’s the same curriculum that will assist in preparing you for certification exams or your next career move.

10

Core Classes

x

3

Credit Hours Per Class

=

30

Credit Hours to Your M.S. in Finance

100% Online

8-week courses

Richard DeFusco

Students graduate with a competitive edge due to their advanced understanding of the principles of financial markets. This advanced degree sets you up for success because you are trained in the latest quantitative methods and apply it through case studies.

Dr. Richard DeFusco, Chair of the Department of Finance

Managerial Finance

Corporate finance presents risk, return and time-value of money along with other concepts that can be applied to valuation of securities and capital budgeting. This course is designed to develop skills in financial analysis and planning by evaluating theory and application through case studies.

Managerial Economics

Private- and public-sector managers face economic problems that demand an applicable understanding of economic theory. Prioritizing practicality, this course covers economic problem solving, consumer demand, demand elasticity, complex pricing decisions, strategic game theory, international economics and more for a comprehensive understanding.

Multinational Financial Analysis

Market imperfections are easy targets for multinational corporations, which is why this course focuses on how to identify and exploit them through applied principles and tools of economics, accounting and finance specific to multinational corporations.

Portfolio Management

The theory of investment focuses on investment decisions, portfolio strategies and the structure of capital markets. This course explores how modern portfolio theory affects investment decisions and performance evaluation.

Options, Futures and Derivative Securities

The worldwide derivatives market consists of financial contracts. This course deals with the world of financial instruments—known as derivatives—and their role as contracts in managing risk that arises from interest rates, exchange rates, stock prices and commodity prices.

Financial Accounting

Through constructing and interpreting financial statements, this course gives you a thorough understanding of accounting from a user’s perspective, both internal and external, as well as the basics of financial accounting and reporting.

Quantitative Methods for Finance

Statistics is the art and science of collecting, analyzing, presenting and interpreting data with the objective of improving decision-making. As such, it plays an important role in financial decision processes, which is why this course involves practice in using statistical methods that have wide applicability in business and financial decision making.

Fixed Income Analysis

This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of fixed-income markets, fixed-income securities and tools employed by market participants to the analysis of fixed-income investments.

Cases in Financial Management

Learn how to apply strategic financial decision-making to real-world financial and business problems through case studies and projects.

Portfolio Management II & Ethics

This course reviews the investment management process including risk, return and investment constraints then culminates with the creation of an investment policy statement. A code of ethics and the standards of professional conduct for finance professionals are also explored.

Created to Advance Your Career

Our esteemed finance faculty, comprehensive coursework, and intuitive learning platform will enable you to strengthen your investment and finance management skills.

Designed for Balance

Each course follows an 8-week schedule, which means you can continue advancing your career while excelling in your current position. This format allows you to take multiple classes per semester, concentrate on one concept at a time, and keep your family commitments.

Designed by Experts

All classes for the M.S. in Finance are designed by faculty who are advancing finance research and leading the conversation on what's next in the discipline.

Built with Leading-Edge Learning Technology

The online program for M.S. in Finance uses the Canvas learning management system, which is designed for easy and efficient use.

Guided Video Walkthroughs

Forget the standard PowerPoint presentation. Professors will frequently serve as on-camera guides to break down the lesson.

A Classroom in Your Pocket

Our mobile app will send you notifications for course updates and give you the option to message faculty or jump into coursework no matter where you are.

Live Class Sessions

Live group discussions that are also recorded for later access will keep you on track and allow you to collaborate with faculty and fellow scholars in your class.

Consistent Class Structure

Tech stress won’t slow you down as you easily jump from one class to the next, finding a consistent structure that helps you focus on what’s important.

Technology Requirements

Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements include a webcam and microphone, as well as an operating system that is compliant with the online learning platform, Canvas.

Screen Size

Canvas is best viewed at a minimum resolution of 800x600. If you want to view Canvas on a device with a smaller screen, we recommend using the Canvas mobile app.

Operating Systems

• Windows 7 and newer (users on Windows 10 need to download the 10 Anniversary Update to submit Canvas assignments)
• Mac OSX 10.6 and newer
• Linux - chromeOS

Mobile Operating System Native App Support

• iOS 7 and newer (versions vary by device)
• Android 4.2 and newer

Computer Speed and Processor

• Use computer less than 5 years old if possible
• 1GB of RAM
• 2GHz processor

Internet Speed

Along with compatibility and web standards, Canvas has been carefully crafted to accommodate low bandwidth environments.

Minimum of 512kbps

Screen Readers

• Macintosh: VoiceOver (latest version for Safari)
• PC: JAWS (latest version for Internet Explorer)
• PC: NVDA (latest version for Firefox)
• There is no screen reader support for Canvas in Chrome

Additional Requirements

Some courses may require additional technological components. Please review the syllabus and contact the instructor with specific questions about technology required for a given course.

Learn from Distinguished Big Ten Faculty

MBA@Nebraska faculty bring real-world expertise and their research findings into the classroom. Our students benefit from working with professors who are thought leaders connecting the classroom to the real world.

Julian Atanassov

Finance

View Profile

Brian Baugh

Finance

View Profile

Richard A. DeFusco

Finance

View Profile

Donna Dudney

Finance

View Profile

Kathleen Farrell

Dean

View Profile

Geoffrey C. Friesen

Finance

View Profile

Stanislava Nikolova

Finance

View Profile

Roberto Stein

Finance

View Profile

Emre Unlu

Finance

View Profile

Liying Wang

Finance

View Profile

Julie Wu

Finance

View Profile

Expert and Personalized Career Coaching

Connect to a Personal Career Coach

Finance students and alumni have the ability to work with professional Career Coaches, either in person or online. Career Coaches will help you assess your current career stage as well as think strategically about new opportunities. They are available to assist you in reviewing new positions and help you market yourself more effectively.

Beyond B School

Beyond B School is a career management resource for all business graduate students. It covers job searching topics such as resumes, interviewing and cover letters. Beyond B School differentiates between other career management resources by thinking about how to market oneself as an experienced professional and highlighting the value the MBA brings.

24/7 Nebraska Business Network

As a part of the Nebraska Business community, you’ll have the opportunity to network with students, alumni, employers and friends of the college by making connections that lead to career advice, recognition and further developing professional relationships.

Contact Us

MBA Apply
mobile-phone-portrait(mobile-phones)

Phone
402-472-2338

email(email)

Email
businessgrad2@unl.edu

calendar-add-2(time)

Schedule an Appointment

Connect With Us