specializations in finance

Specializations in Finance

  • Economics
  • International Business
  • Real Estate
  • Capital Markets
  • Future Markets

Getting a master’s degree in finance is a great career choice for someone interested in business. Those who choose this degree path will likely also get to choose a specialization. There are five specialties in particular that students should consider.

Related Resource: 20 Best Online Master of Finance Degree Programs

Economics

When you are looking to choose a specialty, one option is to focus on economics. Economics is the study of human behavior as it relates to supply and demand. The principle of economics can be studied in great detail by those who focus in this area. Those who choose this area of focus may also be able to choose between:

  • microeconomics, which is the study of a small individual market
  • macroeconomics which is the study of the economy as a whole

Those who get a higher degree in this field will be sought after by a range of investment firms.

International Business

Those interested in the global economy should consider a focus in international business. Those who pursue a focus in international business will learn about:

  • different economies around the world
  • how all of the large economies work together to form the global economy
  • factors that can influence large global changes to the overall economy

Due to the increased reliance on a strong global economy, the international business career path is poised to see a lot of growth Major companies and investment banks will have a need for people who understand how all countries interact together.

Real Estate

Another focus available to those who are getting a higher degree is real estate. Real estate is a very large industry and has a lot of different quirks that differentiate it from other types of markets. Those who get a degree in this field will learn all about the commercial real estate industry including:

  • supply and demand
  • valuation
  • capital markets
  • design

Those who graduate with a focus in real estate will have plenty of opportunities from real estate investment trust and private equity firms that specialize in real estate investments.

Capital Markets

Those who are interested in a career in banking or equity should consider a capital markets focus. A specialty in capital markets will provide a student with a great introduction into the fields of debt and equity, including:

  • the costs
  • benefits
  • overall market

Those who get a specialty in this field will likely pursue a career working for:

  • a commercial bank
  • a specialty lending company
  • an equity firm’s capital market division

Future Markets

When looking for a specialty, another great option is to focus on the futures markets. The futures market can provide a great opportunity for those interested in trading or investing in commodities. Those who get a degree in this area of focus will learn more about:

  • the markets
  • what causes spikes and valleys in prices
  • other information that will prepare them for a career in trading or investment management

Conclusion

Choosing a specialization when pursuing a Master’s of Finance is a big decision. There are five specialties that students should consider, each of which will provide a great education and plenty of career opportunities.

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