For those who successfully complete master of finance degree programs in Pennsylvania, the job outlook looks excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for finance degree graduates ranges from $50,000 to $103,000. Personal financial advisors have the highest annual salary at $103,000 while management analysts have an average annual salary of $88,000. Loan officers average almost $71,000 per year, while financial examiners average $73,000 per year. Nationwide, positions in the financial world are expected to grow over the next ten years. Personal financial advisors are expected to grow by 27 percent while management analyst positions are expected to grow by 19 percent. This indicates that those who hold master of finance degrees from accredited universities should see more employment opportunities than those who have not completed such programs.

The American College of Financial Services

Financial Planning

The Financial Planning Department at The American College of Financial Services has educated more financial planners than any other college in the area. The department has provided over eight decades of exceptional, practical results for professionals. It has a deep presence in securities, insurance, banking and the world of independent advisers. Students gain a sustainable advantage with in-depth instruction in financial planning disciplines.

Master of Science in Financial Services

The Master of Science in Financial Services at the American College of Financial Services provides skills and confidence that allow students to implement complex financial strategies. As clients seek increasingly complicated solutions to meet financial needs, financial planners must have the tools necessary to analyze, plan and implement financial and life strategies. The program includes practical case studies and client/practitioner scenarios that provide students with hands-on experience in a real-world setting. Students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and submit transcripts from each college or university attended in order to be admitted to the program. Students may take up to three Master of Science in Financial Services courses without submitting a transcript or completing an application. After the third course, students must apply to the program to continue.

Accreditation

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Contact

The American College of Financial Services
270 South Bryn Mawr Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Telephone: 610-526-1385
Email: graduate.school@theamericancollege.edu
Website: http://www.theamericancollege.edu/graduate-degrees/msfs-master-in-financial-planning

The University of Scranton

Kania School of Management

The Kania School of Management at the University of Scranton was named in 1998 after Arthur J. Kania, Esq., a senior partner in the Bala Cynwyd law firm of Kania, Lindner, Lasak & Feeney. The naming of the business school was named in honor of Mr. Kania and his wife, Angela’s, lifelong commitment to the school. Mr. Kania earned his bachelor’s degree from the university in 1953. The Kania School of Management offers highly innovative business programs that are focused on educating students for a lifetime of success. The college places emphasis on ethics and responsibility while providing students with the latest technology and business applications.

Business Administration, M.B.A.

The MBA Program at the University of Scranton requires 36 credit hours that include three credits in a cornerstone course, 30 credits in extending courses and three credits in a capstone course. Students may specialize their studies in Finance in order to customize their degree. Students may choose to study more than one focus during their MBA, but the same course may not be used to satisfy the requirement for more than one focus area. Students must have background knowledge in the area they choose to focus. Students who do not have a background in the focus area will be required to take up to twelve one-credit qualifying courses or may take an equivalent undergraduate course. All students must take a course that has been designated as an international course.

Accreditation

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Educatoin

Contact

The University of Scranton
College of Graduate and Continuing Education
Scranton, PA 18510
Telephone: 570-941-7600
Email: cgce@scranton.edu
Website: http://catalog.scranton.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=25&poid=4730&returnto=2257

University of Pennsylvania

Wharton School of Business

In 1881, Joseph Wharton established the world’s first collegiate school of business at the University of Pennsylvania. His vision was that students would become pillars of the state in both private and public life. Today, Wharton has expanded the scope of Mr. Wharton’s vision to become the most comprehensive source of business knowledge in the world, educating 5,000 students each year and boasting 93,000 alumni. The school has a history of leadership over more than 130 years.

MBA Program, Finance Major

Students in the MBA Program at the Wharton School of Business build on the school’s broad management foundation. The Finance Major consists of five course units that allow students to further develop specialties in management. Courses may count toward more than one major and approximately 30 percent of students pursue a double major. There are also additional electives available that help round out the curriculum. Students may also design their own major and five percent of students choose to do so in order to meet their specific needs. The finance major focuses on analytical and theoretical tools necessary to succeed in the field of finance. Primary emphasis is on analytical foundations, emphasizing theory and methods of analysis. Education is also provided in the descriptive, institutional and historical aspects of finance, as well as extensive use of relevant techniques of economic analysis, mathematics and statistics.  Wharton’s MBA Finance major is ranked number 24 of “The 30 Best Master of Finance Degree Programs under $22,000 per year” by our editors.

PhD Program Finance Department

The Wharton PhD in Finance provides students with a solid foundation in the theoretical and empirical tools of modern finance with a focus on economics. The program prepares students for careers in research and teaching with a concentration in Asset Pricing and Portfolio Management as well as Corporate Finance, International Finance, Financial Institutions and Macroeconomics. Faculty at Wharton is widely recognized for their contributions to the financial industry. The PhD program is desibned for those with undergraduate training in economics, mathematics, engineering, statistics and other quantitative disciplines. The program is 18-credit hours and the eight courses taken in the first year normally include one micro-economic theory course, two economics or statistics courses as well as the first five finance courses. The program is divided into two phases – pre-candidacy and post-candidacy. Students must also complete two research and four teaching fellowships.

Accreditation

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Contact

The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
2300 Steinberg-Dietrich Hall
3620 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6367
Telephone: 215-898-7622
Email: jconway@wharton.upenn.edu
Website: http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/mba/academics/majors.cfm

University of Pittsburgh

Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business

The Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business is named in honor of a man with a strong dedication to family and the entrepreneurial spirit. Mr. Katz began a small printing shop in his family’s garage as a teenager where he learned that paper was more profitable than printing, starting Printer’s Paper Supply Company with money he earned selling photos of the 1936 Pittsburgh Flood and proceeds from the sale of a book he published himself. In 1945, he established Papercraft Corporation, a gift-wrap printing company. In 1987, Mr. Katz and his wife, Agnes, gifted $10 million to the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Business and the university renamed the school in his honor.

Master of Business Administration, Finance Concentration

The Master of Business Administration with a Finance Concentration allows students to sharpen specific skill sets in order to reach their career goals. Students who graduate from the program have found positions that include Investment Management, Banking and Financial Institutions, Corporate Finance, and Financial Consulting. Students are required to take business administration courses required for all MBA programs, but may concentrate their studies with the following electives Efficiency of Capital Markets, Short Term Finance, Valuation I and II, Creating Value Through Restructuring, International Financial Management, Topics in Investment, Applied Corporate Finance, Introduction to Derivatives, Derivatives: Application to Valuation and Venture Creation, Commercial Banking, Investment Banking and Venture Capital, Real Estate Financing, Financial Modeling, Investment Management/Capital Markets, Practicum in Portfolio Management and Securities Analysis, Independent Study in Finance, Markets and Trading, and Fixed Income Securities.

Accreditation

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business

Contact

University of Pittsburgh
Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business and College of Business Administration
Mervis Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Telephone: 412-648-1700
Email: mba@katz.pitt.edu
Website: https://fnce.wharton.upenn.edu/programs/mba/program-information/fnce-major/

Villanova University

School of Business

The Villanova School of Business offers undergraduate, graduate and executive programs. Villanova was founded by the Roman Catholic Order of Saint Augustine and all programs throughout the college promote the values of truth, community, caring and leading through service. The School of Business was founded in 1922 and has been known for its academic rigor, creativity, innovation and hands-on learning opportunities with a strong focus on ethics.

Master of Science in Finance

The Master of Science in Finance degree at Villanova School of Business is a rigorous, 12-month program requiring full-time study. The program includes hands-on learning through connections with local businesses as well as traditional classroom study. Courses include Financial Theory, Financial Decision Making, Applied Corporate Financial Analysis, Derivatives, and Management of Real-World Investment. The college offers a professional development program that provides support and mentoring so that graduates are able to reach their career objectives in an industry that is highly competitive.

Accreditation

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Contact

Villanova University
College of Business
800 East Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085
Telephone: 610-519-4500
Email: cfinfo@villanova.edu
Website: http://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/business/graduate/specializedprograms/msf.html

Waynesburg University

Graduate & Professional Studies

Waynesburg offers four graduate degree programs as well as two professional degree programs. All programs are designed with the working professional in mind, offering rigorous curriculum that challenge and reward those who enter the college. With several off-campus locations, students are provided the flexibility that many working professionals need when they choose to advance their education. Students are prepared for a life of leadership and purpose for the glory of God.

Master of Business Administration, Finance

The Master of Business Administration at Waynesburg is one of the most successful MBA programs in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The curriculum promotes moral and ethical leadership with real-world experience in business organization and enterprise. Students may choose to concentrate their MBA in finance, learning from facilitators who are experts in their fields and have actual experience in the courses they teach. Students are provided knowledge and expertise in such areas as economics, statistics, marketing, and management information systems. Flex scheduling allows students to take classes at their own pace with Accelerated 8-week class sessions, offered six times within a calendar year. Classes meet one night per week Monday through Thursday from 6 to 10 PM and students may choose the Saturday morning MBA program. The flexibility in course times allows students to meet business, family or social obligations.

Accreditation

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education

Contact

Waynesburg University
51 West College Street
Waynesburg, PA 15370
Telephone: 800-225-7393
Email: jsumpter@waynesburg.edu
Website: http://www.waynesburg.edu/graduate/graduate-majors/master-of-business-administration

Widener University

School of Business Administration

At the Widener School of Business Administration, students are prepared for leadership positions in many different industries. Programs at the college motivate students to learn and become responsible citizens. Students are provided on-the-job experience in the form of internships and cooperative positions. The college is located near many major corporations that provide students with hands-on business experience. Students may also choose to enter the honors program where they are provided the ability to study abroad over holiday breaks.

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Finance Option

The Master of Business Administration with Finance Option at Widener School of Business Administration provides a unique and fully integrated program for aspiring business leaders. Courses provide students with a skill set that enables them to compete in an increasingly global business environment. Because all management decisions have financial implications, business executives require an in-depth understanding of analysis, management and interactions of financial systems within their business or industry. The finance concentration equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to develop, evaluate and recommend strategies within corporate and investment settings.

Accreditation

  • Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Contact

Widener University
One University Place
Chester, PA 19013
Telephone: 888-WIDENER (943-3637)
Website: http://www.widener.edu/academics/schools/business/graduate/mba/default.aspx

York College of Pennsylvania

Graham School of Business

The Graham School of Business is the largest academic department on the campus of York College of Pennsylvania. The Graham School of Business works closely with major corporations, including Johnson Controls, Dentsply, Harley-Davidson and Graham Packaging. The school has built relationships that are essential to the success of students, bonding academic excellence with real-world experiences. The connections made with local businesses provide graduates with a network of contacts upon graduation to help them achieve their career goals.

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Financial Management Concentration

The Master of Business Administration program at the Graham School of Business was established in 1977 and continues to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to achieve their personal and career goals. Courses are offered during evening hours, Monday through Thursday. In some cases, courses are offered on Saturday morning. Faculty for the program are full-time and have significant business experience. Many of them are actively involved in consulting. Students may choose to concentrate their studies in the area of Financial Management. Candidates must complete 39-credit hours. Up to 15-credit hours of business fundamental courses may be necessary depending on the student’s undergraduate coursework. Students who have completed undergraduate courses with a “C” or better at York or other accredited institutions within five years of application may waive foundation courses.

Accreditation

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Contact

Nicole L. Cornell Sadowski, Ph.D.
MBA Director
York College of Pennsylvania
441 Country Club Road
York, PA 17403-3651
Telephone: 717-815-1491
Email: ncornell@ycp.edu
Website: http://www.ycp.edu/academics/graduate-programs/master-of-business-administration/

The career outlook for those with financial background is expected to improve greatly over the next ten years, with some financial positions growing as much as 27 percent over the next decade. For those who successfully complete master of finance degree programs in Pennsylvania and other states, reaching their career goals may be much easier than for those who do not hold such degrees.