M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
Master of Business Administration - Finance
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Finance through its AACSB-accredited Coggin College of Business. This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of financial management, investment analysis, and financial markets, both domestic and international, while simultaneously building a strong foundation in general business principles. It prepares graduates for advanced roles in corporate finance, investment banking, portfolio management, and other areas within the financial services industry. The program is flexible, offering both full-time and part-time options, and typically requires 30-36 credit hours, with prerequisite coursework for those without a business undergraduate degree.
AACSB-accredited: The Coggin College of Business at the University of North Florida holds the prestigious AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation. This is a global hallmark of excellence for business education, signifying that the MBA program, including its Finance concentration, meets the highest standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student learning outcomes. Earning an MBA from an AACSB-accredited institution like UNF assures employers of the program's academic rigor and its relevance to the demands of the financial sector.
Curriculum: The MBA with a Finance concentration at UNF typically comprises 30-36 graduate semester hours, integrating core MBA courses with specialized finance electives. The core MBA curriculum covers fundamental business disciplines such as financial accounting, managerial economics, marketing management, organizational behavior, leveraging IT for business, and strategic management. For the Finance concentration, students delve into advanced topics through required courses like "Investment Analysis and Management" and "Advanced Topics in Financial Management." Elective courses allow for further specialization in areas such as "Theory and Application of Financial Derivatives," "Fixed Income Securities," "Python and Data Analytics for Finance," "Sustainable Finance," "Mergers and Acquisitions," "Financial Markets and Institutions," and "International Financial Management." This comprehensive curriculum provides students with a strong theoretical understanding and practical tools essential for navigating complex financial landscapes.
Research Focus: While the MBA with a Finance concentration is primarily a professional degree aimed at preparing graduates for industry roles, it strongly emphasizes an analytical and research-informed approach to financial decision-making. Students are trained to critically analyze financial data, evaluate investment opportunities, and understand the implications of economic trends on financial markets. The curriculum incorporates quantitative methods and financial modeling, preparing students to conduct rigorous analysis and formulate data-driven financial strategies. Faculty members, who often have both academic and industry experience, guide students in applying advanced financial theories to real-world problems, fostering a strong emphasis on evidence-based practices in finance.
Industry Engagement: UNF's MBA programs, including the Finance concentration, benefit from strong ties to the business community, particularly in Jacksonville, a growing financial hub. Students have opportunities for internships, guest lectures by finance professionals, and networking events with industry leaders from various financial institutions, banks, and investment firms. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current industry trends and best practices, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the financial sector. Practical learning experiences, such as participation in investment challenges or case competitions, further enhance industry engagement and provide valuable hands-on experience.
Global Perspective: The MBA with a Finance concentration at UNF incorporates a strong global perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of international financial markets and the global nature of business. The curriculum includes courses like "International Financial Management," which addresses the complexities of foreign exchange, international investment, and global financial systems. Discussions often extend to understanding global economic conditions, geopolitical impacts on markets, and the challenges and opportunities of conducting financial operations across borders. UNF also offers a distinct GlobalMBA program, underscoring the university's broader commitment to preparing leaders who possess a broad social consciousness and an understanding of international business complexities, which enriches the learning environment for all MBA students.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): Minimum score of 550 required.
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 304 required.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
An MBA with a Finance concentration from the University of North Florida (UNF) is a powerful credential that combines comprehensive business leadership skills with specialized financial expertise. The program, delivered by the AACSB-accredited Coggin College of Business, prepares graduates for a wide array of high-impact roles across the financial services sector and within corporate finance departments of various industries. This blend of strategic thinking and financial acumen makes UNF MBA Finance alumni highly competitive in a dynamic global marketplace.
Financial Analyst: A foundational role, financial analysts evaluate financial data, assess investment opportunities, conduct financial modeling, and forecast market trends. They provide critical insights to guide business decisions, often working in corporate finance, investment banking, or asset management firms.
Investment Banker: Investment bankers facilitate complex financial transactions such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate restructuring, and raising capital through debt and equity offerings. This is a fast-paced and highly rewarding career path, typically found in large financial institutions.
Financial Manager: This advanced role within a company involves overseeing an organization's financial health. Financial managers handle budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and develop long-term financial strategies to ensure profitability and growth. This can lead to positions like Controller or Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Portfolio Manager: Portfolio managers are responsible for managing investment portfolios for individuals, institutions, or funds (e.g., mutual funds, hedge funds). They develop investment strategies, select assets, and continuously monitor performance to maximize returns while managing risk.
Risk Manager: In an increasingly regulated financial landscape, risk managers identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks (market, credit, operational) within an organization. They develop and implement strategies and policies to protect assets and ensure compliance.
Corporate Finance Professional: Working in-house for corporations, these professionals manage the company's financial activities, including capital structuring, investment decisions, cash flow management, and financial planning. Their goal is to increase shareholder value and ensure the company's financial stability.
Wealth Management Consultant/Financial Advisor: These professionals provide comprehensive financial planning and advisory services to high-net-worth individuals and families. This includes investment advice, retirement planning, tax strategies, estate planning, and risk management.
Credit Analyst: Credit analysts assess the creditworthiness of individuals or organizations seeking loans or credit. They analyze financial statements, cash flow, and industry trends to determine risk levels and make recommendations on lending decisions.
Treasury Manager: Responsible for an organization's liquidity, treasury managers oversee cash flow, manage investments of company funds, handle foreign exchange risk, and ensure efficient banking relationships. This role is crucial for maintaining a company's financial stability.
FinTech Strategist/Specialist: With the rapid convergence of finance and technology, an MBA in Finance provides a strong foundation for roles in FinTech. Graduates can work on developing and implementing digital banking solutions, mobile payment systems, blockchain applications, or leveraging AI and data analytics for financial services.
