M.A. in English
The MA in English at UCA is a focused program designed to build upon undergraduate know...
Master of Business Administration - Finance
Conway, Arkansas
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA), located in Conway, USA, offers a specialized Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Finance. This program is meticulously designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in financial decision-making, preparing them for leadership roles within the dynamic financial services industry. UCA's MBA program is structured to accommodate both full-time students, who can complete the degree in as few as 12 months, and working professionals, with flexible class options including afternoon, evening, and online formats.
AACSB Accredited: Yes, the University of Central Arkansas's College of Business, which offers the MBA program, holds the prestigious AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) International accreditation. This accreditation is a hallmark of excellence in business education globally, ensuring that the program meets rigorous standards for quality, relevance, and impact, and signifying a commitment to continuous improvement.
Curriculum: The MBA with a Finance concentration at UCA requires 30 credit hours beyond any foundational prerequisites. The core curriculum consists of 21 hours, covering essential business disciplines such as Information Technology for Managers, Accounting for Management Decisions, Financial Decision Making, Marketing Strategy, Strategic Management, Organizational Behavior, and Operations Management. For the remaining 9 credit hours, students delve into specialized finance electives chosen from courses like Bank Management, Investments, International Finance, Financial Derivatives, and Entrepreneurial and Small Business Finance. This focused curriculum provides a deep dive into financial tools and analysis, preparing graduates for complex financial roles.
Research Focus: While the MBA program is primarily practitioner-oriented, it incorporates elements that foster analytical and research-informed decision-making. The curriculum, particularly with electives in areas such as "Critical Thinking and Experimental Design" or "Predictive Analytics" (available in the general MBA), aims to equip students with the ability to leverage data and apply theoretical frameworks to solve real-world financial problems. Faculty in the College of Business are engaged in scholarly contributions, and the program encourages students to critically analyze financial data and market trends, which is a form of applied research crucial in the finance sector.
Industry Engagement: UCA's MBA program, including the Finance concentration, is strongly geared towards preparing graduates for direct entry and advancement in the financial industry. The curriculum is designed to prepare individuals for careers as financial analysts, financial managers, CFOs, accounting managers, corporate controllers, and consultants. The College of Business actively fosters connections with the local and regional business community. This engagement provides students with valuable networking opportunities, exposure to industry leaders through events, and often leads to internships and employment opportunities, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant to industry demands.
Global Perspective: The University of Central Arkansas's College of Business explicitly states its mission to prepare professionals to "successfully and ethically meet the challenges of the global business environment." This global perspective is integrated into the MBA curriculum, with specific finance electives like "International Finance" directly addressing the complexities of global financial markets and transactions. By providing a broad business education grounded in ethical leadership and data-driven decision-making, the program equips graduates to navigate the interconnected global economy and contribute to multinational corporations or international financial institutions.
Location
Conway, Arkansas
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 11400
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% 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.
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make higher education affordable and accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, supporting talented students from around the world as they pursue their degrees.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UCA provides competitive merit scholarships specifically for international students, awarded based on academic achievements such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarship: The university offers dedicated scholarships for international students, including awards that cover partial tuition fees. These scholarships aim to attract high-performing students globally and promote diversity on campus.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges and departments within UCA provide scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, education, health sciences, or the arts. Prospective students are encouraged to inquire about scholarships related to their major.
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Finance from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a powerful credential that opens doors to a wide array of high-impact and lucrative careers across the global financial landscape. This specialized MBA equips graduates with advanced analytical skills, strategic financial knowledge, and leadership capabilities, making them invaluable assets in various sectors from corporate finance to investment banking.
Financial Analyst: A core role for MBA Finance graduates, financial analysts evaluate financial data, build predictive models, assess investment opportunities, and provide insights to guide strategic financial decisions for companies or clients. They work in various industries, including financial services, banking, insurance, and investment firms.
Investment Banker: This highly competitive and rewarding field involves advising companies on capital raising (through debt or equity), mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and other complex financial transactions. Investment bankers possess strong financial modeling, negotiation, and market analysis skills.
Financial Manager: Financial managers oversee the overall financial health of an organization. Their responsibilities include creating financial reports, directing company investments, planning for long-term financial stability, managing cash flow, and implementing cost-reduction strategies. This role is crucial in almost any industry.
Portfolio Manager: These professionals manage investment portfolios for individuals, institutions, or funds. They develop investment strategies, conduct in-depth market research, make buy/sell decisions, and allocate assets across various investment classes to maximize returns while managing risk.
Risk Manager: In an increasingly complex financial world, risk managers identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks that could impact an organization's operations or investments. They develop risk management frameworks, ensure regulatory compliance, and safeguard assets, working in banks, insurance companies, and corporations.
Corporate Finance Manager: Focused on the financial health within a company, corporate finance managers are responsible for managing budgets, forecasting financial trends, making investment decisions, and advising senior management on financial strategy to ensure the company's financial stability and growth.
Treasury Manager: Treasury managers oversee an organization's financial assets, ensuring optimal cash flow, liquidity, and investment management. They develop strategies to minimize financial risks and enhance returns, a pivotal function in large corporations and financial institutions.
Commercial Credit & Loan Officer: Working for commercial banks or financial institutions, these professionals assess the creditworthiness of businesses seeking loans, manage credit limits, and monitor outstanding debt. They play a vital role in facilitating business growth while managing lending risks.
Wealth Manager/Financial Advisor: While some roles might require additional certifications (e.g., CFP), an MBA in Finance provides an excellent foundation for professionals who advise high-net-worth individuals or families on comprehensive financial planning, including investments, retirement planning, taxation, and estate planning.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO): The ultimate leadership role in corporate finance, a CFO is a senior executive responsible for overseeing all financial operations of an organization. This includes financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, as well as making strategic financial decisions to ensure profitability and sustainable growth. An MBA in Finance is a common and highly beneficial stepping stone to this top-tier position.
