Is an MS in Finance worth it?

If you're considering a Master's in Finance, whether it's a traditional MS in Finance or a specialized degree like a Master's in Quantitative Finance or MS in Management with Major in Fintech Management, the decision depends on your career objectives and personal circumstances. The advanced knowledge, specialized skills, and expanded professional network gained from these programs can significantly enhance career prospects, particularly in finance, investment banking, private wealth management, or corporate finance.   

Employers worldwide seek experts capable of managing portfolios, minimizing risks, maximizing returns, and fostering global growth. However, it's important to consider the time and financial commitment required to gain an advanced finance degree. This article will examine the benefits and potential challenges to help you determine if pursuing a master's degree in finance, fintech management, or quantitative finance is the right path for you.   

What is a Master of Science in Finance?  

A Master of Science in Finance offers a comprehensive education covering corporate finance, investment management, financial markets, financial analysis, and risk management. An MSF often includes coursework in economics, accounting, and financial strategy. With an MSF degree, you'll develop advanced financial skills and high-level knowledge to drive financial strategy, enhance shareholder value, support adaptable operating models, and optimize revenue while minimizing risk. D'Amore-McKim's MS in Finance program is offered part-time on our Boston campus, making it ideal for working professionals looking for an advancement or pivot in their careers. 

An MS in Finance can also be combined with an MBA to provide a comprehensive skill set that blends specialized financial knowledge with broader business acumen. The dual degree MS in Finance/MBA program, available full- or part-time, prepares you for leadership roles that require deep financial expertise and strategic business management capabilities.  

What is a Master of Science in Quantitative Finance?  

A Master's in Quantitative Finance is a specialized STEM-designated graduate program that blends financial knowledge with rigorous technical and analytical skills. This degree combines economics, mathematics, and computer science with financial theory and application. You'll learn advanced modeling techniques and data analytics specifically tailored for financial markets. The curriculum focuses on quantitative methods for pricing derivatives, managing risk, and optimizing investment strategies. Graduates of an MS in Quantitative Finance program have the expertise to apply sophisticated quantitative models to solve complex financial problems and make informed decisions. Offered full-time on our Boston campus, this program provides dynamic and abundant opportunities in innovation and tech.  

An MS in Quantitative Finance can also be combined with an MBA to develop sharp financial acumen, as well as a deep understanding of the technology driving the rapidly changing finance industry. This MS in Quantitative Finance/MBA dual degree program, also STEM-designated, prepares you for leadership roles that call for expertise in analytics and technologies like AI and machine learning.  

What is a Master of Science in Fintech Management?

A MS in Management with Major in Fintech Management is a forward-thinking, STEM-designated (for full-time study) program that combines core finance knowledge with emerging technologies. You'll study the intersection of finance and tech, applying financial theory and data analytics alongside innovations like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Based on our Miami campus—an international hub for finance and technology—the program focuses on real-world applications that are reshaping financial services. Available full- or part-time, the MS in Fintech Management prepares you to lead in the fast-evolving fintech industry, tackle complex problems, and drive global innovation. 

How can a finance degree help your career?   

A master's in a finance field can propel your career with advanced financial skills, specialized knowledge, and an expanded professional network. Some programs integrate experience-based opportunities where you can apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world settings, like the D'Amore-McKim finance programs. Students can earn credits and experience by managing the 360 Huntington Fund, with opportunities like networking with peers and developing managerial and analytical skills for a real mutual fund. Students can also earn their Bloomberg certification through the Bloomberg Business Lab, free for members of the Northeastern community on our Boston campus.  

Other highlights of experience-powered learning include graduate co-ops,Community Impact Initiatives and corporate residencies. Some full-time finance programs, like the Master's in Quantitative Finance, offer candidates the opportunity to apply for a graduate co-op. Students work part- or full-time at an organization, earning experience and getting paid to do so. Dual degree programs like the MS in Finance/MBA and MS in Quantitative Finance/MBA programs offer students the opportunity to complete a corporate residency. Like a graduate co-op, students work full-time at an organization and earn a salary. Residencies last for three, six, or 12 months, as opposed to the 12–16-week duration of a graduate co-op. These are great ways to level up your resume and develop skills you might not in the classroom, so you can hit the ground running when you begin applying to jobs. 

A master's degree in finance can also open doors to higher-level positions and greater earning potential in finance, investment banking, corporate finance, and related fields. In May 2023, the median annual wage for business and financial occupations was $79,050, which is 64% higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $48,060 according to BLS Data. Professionals with master's degrees typically earn above-average salaries, further boosting earning potential.  

Meet some of our FINANCE students

Putting experience into action by directing Northeastern's 360 Huntington Fund

MS in Finance opens doors to global financial career for graduate

Army veteran pursues passion for finance

What can you do with an MS in Finance?  

With a Master's in Finance, you can pursue various career paths in finance and related fields. Common roles include:  

1. Asset Manager: Manages stocks, bonds, and real estate portfolios for clients or institutions.  
2. Corporate Finance Manager: Manages financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting for corporations. 
3. Financial Analyst: Analyzes financial data, prepares reports, and provides insights for decision-making. 
4. Financial Controller: Oversees financial reporting and compliance. 
5. Financial Planner: Offers personalized financial advice and investment recommendations. 
6. Investment Banker: Advises on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising for clients.   
7. Mutual Fund Analyst: Oversees investment portfolios to maximize returns for investors. 
8. Risk Manager: Identifies and manages financial risks within organizations. 

What can you do with an MS in Quantitative Finance?  

With a Master's in Quantitative Finance, you can pursue various roles that leverage advanced analytical and quantitative skills:  

1. Assistant Trader: Executes trades and analyzes market trends under senior guidance.  
2. Business Analyst: Analyzes operations and financial data to drive business improvements.  
3. Financial Analyst: Prepares reports and provides insights for strategic decision-making.  
4. Fixed Income Quantitative Analyst: Evaluates fixed income securities using quantitative models.  
5. Investment Associate: Assists in researching and managing investment opportunities. 
6. Product Operations Analyst: Manages financial product lifecycle and ensures compliance.  
7. Senior Banker: Provides strategic financial advice to high-net-worth clients and corporations.  

quantitative FINANCE Student Stories

MS in Finance elevates student's background in corporate renewal

Solidifying my aspirations for a private equity career through graduate co-op

Gaining experience as Chief Marketing Officer of the 360 Huntington Fund

What can you do with an MS in Finance/MBA?  

With an MS in Finance/MBA, you can pursue leadership and managerial roles in finance and related fields. Common roles include: 

1. Chief Financial Officer: Oversees all financial activity of an organization. 
2. Division Head: Leads an organization's specific division, usually finance. 
3. Financial Consultant: Provides financial insight to other organizations and clients. 
4. Hedge Fund Manager: Manages activity within hedge funds. 
5. Investment Banker: Advises on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising for clients.   
6. Portfolio Manager: Manages investment portfolio activity for clients. 

What can you do with an MS in Quantitative Finance/MBA?   

With an MS in Quantitative Finance/MBA, you can pursue various leadership and managerial roles that call for advanced analytical and quantitative skills combined with business acumen. Common roles include: 

1. Chief Investment Officer: Leads an organization's strategic investments. 
2. Financial Analyst: Prepares reports and provides insights for strategic decision-making. 
3. Financial Controller: In charge of all finance of an organization. 
4. Head of Quantitative Research: Leads the quantitative research team of an organization to ensure relevant and efficient research is executed. 
5. Quantitative Asset Manager: Utilizes technology to manage risk-return for an organization or client. 
6. Risk Manager: Identifies and manages financial risks within organizations. 

What can you do with an MS in Management with Major in Fintech Management? 

With a MS in Management with Major in Fintech Management, you can be hired in roles with startups, financial institutions and technology companies. Possible roles include: 

1. Blockchain Developer: Develops blockchain systems and communicating with stakeholders. 
2. Cybersecurity: Uses technology and technological processes to mitigate cyber threats. 
3. Data Scientist: Analyzes financial data using machine-learning algorithms in order to inform organizations on financial decisions. 
4. Financial Product Innovation: Uses technology to advance an organization's business models and/or products. 
5. Quantitative Analyst: Analyzes financial data to identify trends, and, using mathematical models, predicts market trends. 
6. Risk and Compliance Analyst: Develops strategies to mitigate risks and routinely conducts risk assessments to flag compliance issues. 
7. Technology Developer: Develops software or systems depending on the needs of clients or employers.  

Which advanced finance degree is right for you? 

Choosing the right master's program involves assessing your interests in finance theory versus quantitative analysis and aligning with career aspirations in either strategic finance management or specialized quantitative or fintech roles. The MS in Finance program is designed for students interested in leveling up their understanding of the fundamentals of finance. The MS in Quantitative Finance program is tailored towards those interested in the quantitative and technological side of finance, with an emphasis on its STEM-designated classes. Meanwhile, the MS in Fintech program would be focused on the entrepreneurial, technical and managerial side of finance. 

Take the next step

Are you ready to take the next step in your career with an advanced degree in finance? Connect with an admissions representative today to explore how an advanced finance degree from D'Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern can align with your career goals and aspirations.