Penn State – World Campus

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with relevant quantitative background in finance, economics, or mathematics. GMAT or GRE scores are often optional but recommended for competitive applicants.

About This Program

Online Master of Finance using a cohort model and mirroring Penn State’s on-campus rigor.

Career Outcomes

Financial accounting theory and reporting; quantitative methods in finance and investment analysis; corporate financial modeling; financial and speculative markets; multinational financial management; financial derivative securities; capital budgeting and forecasting; valuation and corporate control; portfolio management; risk management; merger and acquisitions analysis; financial decision processes

• 1. Financial Analyst
• 2. Portfolio Manager
• 3. Risk Manager
• 4. Investment Banker

What You'll Learn

• Analyze financial markets and securities for investment decisions
• Evaluate corporate financial strategies and capital budgeting
• Manage portfolio risk and optimize asset allocation
• Apply derivatives and hedging techniques in financial contexts

Curriculum Highlights

Penn State World Campus offers an online Master of Finance designed to advance careers in financial or investment management and prepare individuals for CFA or CFP designations. Leveraging Penn State's 100+ years in distance education, the program provides a comprehensive curriculum comparable to on-campus experiences. Students follow a cohort model with predetermined course schedule progression.

Top Employers

Top employers include investment banks like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, asset management firms like BlackRock and Vanguard, and corporations such as Google and Amazon.

Admissions

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with relevant quantitative background in finance, economics, or mathematics. GMAT or GRE scores are often optional but recommended for competitive applicants.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Bachelor's degree
• GRE/GMAT: Optional
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)