M.A. in Communication
The M.A. in Communication at Purdue University Northwest is a 36-credit hour program th...
Master of Business Administration - Finance
Hammond, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The MBA with a Finance concentration at PNW is a 36-42 credit hour program, with the exact number of credits depending on a student's undergraduate preparation. It is structured to provide a strong core in general business administration while offering an in-depth specialization in finance. Classes are typically offered in the evenings, catering to the needs of working professionals. The program aims to develop financial leaders who can make data-driven decisions, manage risk, and contribute strategically to an organization's financial success in a competitive global environment.
AACSB Accreditation: A hallmark of Purdue University Northwest's MBA program, including its Finance concentration, is its prestigious accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This accreditation is globally recognized as the highest standard of quality for business schools and accounting programs. Holding AACSB accreditation signifies that the program meets rigorous standards for curriculum content, faculty qualifications, educational outcomes, and continuous improvement. This ensures that PNW's MBA Finance graduates are highly competent, ethically grounded, and possess skills that are valued by employers worldwide, significantly enhancing the credibility and recognition of their degree. PNW's College of Business programs recently reaffirmed their AACSB accreditation in June 2023.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MBA with a Finance concentration consists of a robust set of core business courses (typically 30 credits) that cover foundational areas such as economic theory, accounting for managers, marketing management, operations management, business analytics, and strategic management. In addition to this comprehensive business core, students complete specific finance concentration courses (12 credits). These concentration courses delve into advanced finance topics, including "Financial Institutions and Markets," "Investment Management," "Financial Management III," and "International Financial Management." The curriculum also offers electives like "Decision Analytics," allowing students to further tailor their expertise. This structure ensures graduates gain both a broad business perspective and deep financial acumen.
Research Focus: While the MBA with a Finance concentration at Purdue University Northwest emphasizes practical application and preparing students for professional roles, the program is taught by faculty members who are active in research and bring current scholarly insights into the classroom. The curriculum heavily incorporates analytical and quantitative methods, particularly in courses like "Business Analytics" and advanced finance subjects. Students are trained to critically analyze financial data, evaluate investment opportunities, and understand market dynamics, which are all inherently research-driven activities. The program encourages students to develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, drawing on contemporary financial theories and models.
Industry Engagement: Purdue University Northwest's College of Business maintains strong ties with the financial industry, both locally and within the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Faculty members often have extensive professional experience in finance, bringing real-world case studies and industry insights into the classroom. The program's location provides access to a diverse range of financial institutions, corporations, and investment firms, facilitating networking opportunities, guest speakers, and potential internships. Alumni from PNW's business programs, including those in finance, hold significant positions in various companies, further reinforcing industry connections and enhancing career prospects for graduates.
Global Perspective: The MBA with a Finance concentration at Purdue University Northwest explicitly incorporates a global perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of modern financial markets. The curriculum includes courses such as "International Financial Management" (MGMT 61500), which directly addresses the complexities of global finance, currency markets, international investments, and cross-border financial strategies. Beyond specific courses, the broader MBA core emphasizes strategic management and decision-making within a globalized economic context. The AACSB accreditation itself confers international recognition, and the diverse backgrounds of the student body and faculty contribute to a rich learning environment that prepares graduates to navigate and succeed in the global financial landscape.
Location
Hammond, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 14470
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $75
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 80 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is dedicated to supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities that recognize academic excellence, leadership, and diverse talents. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden and make quality education more accessible.
Merit-Based Scholarships: PNW offers several merit-based scholarships for international students based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs and are awarded automatically during the admissions process or through a separate application.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Purdue University Northwest provide scholarships specific to their fields of study. These awards reward outstanding students pursuing degrees in areas such as engineering, business, health sciences, and more. International students are encouraged to contact their department of interest for detailed scholarship opportunities.
Renewable Scholarships: Some scholarships at PNW are renewable annually, provided students maintain a satisfactory GPA and meet specific academic requirements. This offers ongoing financial support throughout the duration of their degree programs.
Graduates of Purdue University Northwest's Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Finance concentration are highly valuable professionals, possessing a unique blend of strategic business acumen and in-depth financial expertise. The program's AACSB accreditation, coupled with its focus on advanced financial principles and managerial skills, prepares alumni for leadership roles across diverse industries.
Financial Manager/Director: This broad category includes roles like financial planning and analysis (FP&A) manager, treasury manager, and corporate finance director. Graduates oversee financial health, manage budgets, analyze investments, and guide strategic financial decisions for companies.
Investment Banker: Investment bankers advise corporations and governments on capital raising (e.g., IPOs), mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and other complex financial transactions. This highly competitive field values the rigorous financial and strategic training of an MBA.
Financial Analyst: Financial analysts evaluate financial data, market trends, and investment opportunities to provide insights and recommendations. They work for investment banks, corporations, hedge funds, or brokerage firms, making critical buy/sell/hold recommendations.
Portfolio Manager/Investment Manager: These professionals are responsible for constructing and managing investment portfolios for individuals, institutions, or mutual funds, aiming to maximize returns while adhering to client risk tolerances and investment objectives.
Risk Manager: With a deep understanding of financial markets and quantitative analysis, graduates identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks (e.g., market risk, credit risk, operational risk) within financial institutions or corporate settings.
Private Equity/Venture Capital Analyst/Associate: These roles involve analyzing potential investment opportunities in private companies, conducting due diligence, valuing businesses, and managing portfolio companies, requiring a strong grasp of finance and strategy.
Management Consultant (Financial Strategy): MBA Finance graduates often join consulting firms to advise clients on a wide range of financial strategies, including corporate restructuring, capital allocation, valuation, and performance improvement.
Corporate Development Manager: This role focuses on a company's growth strategies, including identifying and evaluating potential acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships, requiring strong financial modeling and negotiation skills.
Real Estate Finance Professional: Graduates can specialize in real estate finance, working in areas like property valuation, real estate investment trusts (REITs), mortgage banking, or real estate development.
Financial Technology (FinTech) Specialist: As finance becomes increasingly digital, graduates can work at the intersection of finance and technology, developing innovative financial products, platforms, or services, leveraging their understanding of both finance and technological trends.
