Perhaps because the state is known not only as a prime recreation destination but also as a good home for business ventures, it is possible to find a number of accredited finance degree programs in Colorado. For the most part, these programs are offered at the graduate level and include the MBA in finance as well as other programs emphasizing global finance or risk management. Students can find both online and traditional campus-based options. With a its robust economy, vibrant cultural life, and wide-ranging recreational opportunities, Colorado is an excellent setting in which to prepare for a career in finance.

Aspen University

School of Management

The philosophy of Aspen University’s online School of Management is to bridge the gap between textbook learning and “the messy realities of real-world business environments.” Students are expected to apply the lessons from their own work experience and that of other practitioners to develop critical leadership and problem-solving skills for success in a rapidly changing global business environment. The School emphasizes training in proven best practices in marketing, finance, strategy, accounting, and supply chain management. Students also develop skills in collaboration, conflict management, and the use of technology. Within the MBA program, students can elect specializations in a number of areas, including finance.

Master in Business Administration Finance Concentration

Aspen’s program in Finance offers the standard MBA curriculum with a particular focus on developing skills and knowledge in the area of finance. Students pursuing this degree are often preparing for careers as accountants, financial and budget analysts, financial planners, and personal financial counselors.

The Finance degree program is 36 credits, which includes eleven 3-credit core classes and one 3-credit capstone course. The core program involves courses in management, marketing, economics, business ethics, and organizational behavior. Specialized finance courses include “Business Finance,” “Innovative Finance and Venture Capital,” and “Global Corporate Finance.” The capstone course is intended as an individualized final project that encourages students to apply what they have learned in the program to a particular challenge in their own work environment. Requirements for the degree also include proctored exams at the midpoint and end of the program.

Accreditation

  • Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
  • Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Contact
Aspen University
720 S. Colorado Boulevard, Suite 1150N
Denver, Colorado 80246-1930
Phone: (303) 333-4224
Email: info@aspen.edu
Website: http://www.aspen.edu/degrees/masters-degree/master-in-business-administration-finance

College for Financial Planning

The College’s mission is to provide technologically advanced training in finance to professionals in the financial services industry. CFP students are typically financial advisors in the areas of insurance, investments, taxes, and retirement and/or estate planning. The school offers a range of online degree and certificate programs in finance, as well as continuing education courses. The emphasis of all programs is on using real-world scenarios to develop critical thinking skills that lead to effective problem-solving. Courses feature industry experts and make use of a range of online technologies. The CFP’s Certificate programs offer a substantial foundation in particular areas of finance, with the option to apply credits earned in the program towards a future graduate degree.

Personal Financial Planning Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Personal Financial Planning provides a comprehensive overview of key areas of planning. The program involves eight courses, each lasting eight weeks, which total 22 semester hours of credit. Along with an introductory course on communication and research techniques, the program includes courses on the overall financial planning process, insurance, investment planning, income tax planning, retirement, and estate planning. The curriculum is based on a client-centered, problem-solving method using case studies that gives students a hands-on approach to the material. After completing the certificate program, students are also eligible to take the Certified Financial Planner course and sit for the CFP certification exam.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact
College for Financial Planning
9000 East Nichols Avenue, Suite 200
Centennial, CO 80112
Phone: 1(800) 237-9990
E-mail: CFFPEnrollmentGroup@apollogrp.edu
Website: http://www.cffpinfo.com/pfp_cert.html

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Business

The College of Business offers a number of programs leading to the MBA degree. Students can choose an Executive MBA, Professional MBA, Early Career MBA, or Global Social and Sustainable Enterprise MBA. The College offers three different study options: a traditional campus experience in Fort Collins, a customized program for executives in downtown Denver, and an online program. Both the online and traditional MBA programs offer specializations in marketing, finance, or computer information systems.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Finance Emphasis

In both the online and traditional programs, students pursuing the MBA in finance can choose from a 21-month flex program or an extended part-time program of up to 5 years. Prior business experience is required. The program focuses on fundamental aspects of advanced business, focusing on issues directly relevant to the workplace.

Accreditation

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International

Contact
College of Business
Colorado State University
1201 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1201
Phone: (970) 491-6471
E-mail: GradInfo@biz.colostate.edu
Website: http://biz.colostate.edu/degreesCertificates/mbaPrograms/Pages/default.aspx

COLORADO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

Business Department

The university’s Business department prides itself on “shaping tomorrow’s business leaders” in programs that emphasize interactive learning involving real-world business scenarios. The department has worked to develop an innovative business curriculum that makes use of specialized adaptive software as well as the award-winning MUSE learning technology and that integrates problem-based learning models. Further, the department relies on a curriculum advisory board composed of industry experts. The department is especially proud that its online MBA program is ranked in the top ten worldwide.

Master of Business Administration Finance Concentration

The MBA with a concentration in Finance is available at the Denver or Colorado Springs campuses or as an online program. In addition to the traditional MBA core curriculum, this 48-credit program involves courses in financial statement analysis, corporate portfolio management, and multinational corporate management, as well as a finance capstone project. This degree is available online as well as at the Colorado Springs and Denver campuses.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission North Central Association (HLC NCA)
  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

Contact
Colorado Springs Campus
4435 North Chestnut Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Phone: (719) 598-0200

Denver Campus
3151 South Vaughn Way
Aurora, CO 80014
Phone: (303) 632-2300
Website: http://www.coloradotech.edu/degrees/masters/business/finance

Regis University

School of Management, College for Professional Studies

Regis University’s School of Management trains students to think systemically and rely on theories and practices that promote effective leadership, service and positive change within organizations and their environments. The School embodies the university’s Jesuit heritage in its effort to prepare students for creative and ethical leadership in the 21st century business environment.

MBA in Finance and Accounting Degree

Intended to prepare students for careers as financial analysts, CFOs, controllers, or management consultants, the 36-credit master’s degree program in finance and accounting can be pursued in a traditional classroom setting at the Denver campus or online. The curriculum involves 18 credits of core requirements, six credits of specialization requirements and another nine credits of specialization electives, with a final three credit elective of the student’s choice.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association (HLC NCA)

Contact
College for Professional Studies
3333 Regis Boulevard
Denver, Colorado 80221-1099
Phone: (800) 388-2366
E-mail: info@regis.edu
Website: http://www.regis.edu/CPS/Academics/Degrees-and-Programs/Graduate-Programs/MBA-Finance-Accounting.aspx

University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

College of Business

UCCS has offered business degrees since 1965 and in that time has developed a strong reputation through its excellent faculty, relevant research, and a distinctive focus on business ethics. In keeping with its motto, “We are in the business of building successful futures,” the school offers flexible programs that include online and campus learning, evening classes, and the option to complete the degree in anywhere from 16 months to five years.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance

The MBA in Finance can be earned online, in a traditional campus-based program, or in a combination of the two types. The 36 to 48-credit program consists of foundation, core, and specialized courses. Foundation courses are taken in accounting, economics, business, and statistics, though these courses may sometimes be waived based on prior credits. Core courses include further study of accounting, management, and information systems, as well as training in leadership and financial strategy. Students specializing in finance take three additional courses in finance and investment management, along with two general business electives of their choosing.

Accreditation

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International
  • The Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association (NCA HLC)

Contact
Graduate School of Business Administration
1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Office: Dwire Hall, Suite 333
Phone: (719) 255-3408 or (800) 990-UCCS x3408
Email: mba@uccs.edu
Website: http://www.uccs.edu/business/index/academics/master-of-business-administration-(mba)/mba-curriculum/mba-areas-of-emphasis/finance-(campus-and-online).html

University of Colorado, Denver

Business School

Home to the J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities Research and Education, the first academic commodities center in the nation, UC Denver’s Business School boasts an excellent faculty, technologically advanced facilities, and a global focus. With many events and speaker series, along with its access to the Denver business community, the school offers a host of resources to prepare students for leadership in a rapidly-changing business environment.

MS in Finance and Risk Management

This 30-credit program prepares students for a host of careers in corporate finance and investment management, and offers specializations in commodities risk management, economics, financial analysis and management, and risk management and insurance. Classes are held in the evening and students have the option to take online courses when they are available. The program consists of 18 credits of core finance courses, which train students in areas such as quantitative methods, economics, financial management, and derivatives, and 12 credits of electives, which students can use to complete a specialization within the program.

Related Resource: https://www.master-of-finance.org/faq/how-much-can-i-make-in-corporate-finance/

Accreditation

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International
  • North Central Association of Colleges and School Higher Learning Commission (NCA HLC)

Contact
The Business School
1475 Lawrence St.
Denver, CO 80238
Phone: (303) 315-8000
E-mail: business@ucdenver.edu
Website: http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/business/degrees/ms/finance/Pages/Finance.aspx

University of Denver

Josef Korbel School of International Studies

Founded in 1964 as the Graduate School of International Studies, the school was renamed in 2008 to honor its founder and first dean. Today, the Josef Korbel School is highly regarded for its programs in international relations, and was recently ranked 11th in the world for master’s degrees in the field. Known for its innovative interdisciplinary programs that train students to be effective and creative problem solvers in a global context, the school is proud of the accomplishments of its alumni in a range of fields. Notable graduates include former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; retired U.S. Army General George Casey the 38th chief of staff of the U.S. Army; Heraldo Munoz, Chile’s ambassador to the United Nations; and former Iranian ambassador to the U.N., Javad Zarif.

Master’s of Global Finance, Trade, and Economic Integration

This 75-credit program is intended for students who want to prepare for careers as policy analysts for public sector agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Commerce; financial analysts in multilateral institutions and organizations, such as the World Bank or the United Nations; researchers and analysts within non-governmental organizations, such as Oxfam and Action Aid; and private sector economic policy consultants, country risk or international project analysts, or international project managers. Courses within this degree focus on the complex changes underway in the global economy, including the emerging patterns of financial, trade, and human capital flows and their effect on national economies; the effect of globalization on national economies; the relationship between economic, political, and social forces; corporate governance and competition; and the interaction of interest groups, states, and multilateral organizations. Students fulfill core requirements in international political economy and international trade and monetary relations, and also develop skills in statistics and econometrics. In addition to completing elective courses in their area of concentration, students must develop proficiency in a foreign language and undertake an internship. A master’s thesis is optional.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC NCA)

Contact
Office of Graduate Admissions
118 Ben M. Cherrington Hall
University of Denver
2201 South Gaylord Street
Denver, CO 80208
Phone: (303) 871-2544
Email: korbeladm@du.edu
Website: http://www.du.edu/korbel/programs/masters/gftei.html

It is evident from the above list that one can discover a multitude of options for pursuing graduate studies in finance in Colorado. The trend is certainly moving toward online education, whether for the entirety of a program or in conjunction with traditional classroom instruction. Finance programs based at Colorado schools and universities are committed to making academic work relevant by basing it on real-life situations and expecting students to be creative problem-solvers in real-world scenarios. From programs with a global focus to programs strictly for financial analysts, there are accredited finance degree programs in Colorado to suit almost any need.