Master of Business Administration - Accounting
The MBA program at the University of the Potomac typically consists of 12 courses, tota...
Master of Business Administration - Finance
Washington, D.C., Virginia
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Program Overview
The MBA with a Finance concentration at the University of the Potomac typically requires 36 academic credits for completion. The program is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of core business functions before delving into specialized finance knowledge. Students complete eight foundational MBA courses (24 credits) covering essential areas such as managerial accounting, economics, marketing, and strategic management. Following this, they undertake four specialized courses (12 credits) within the Finance concentration. This integrated approach ensures graduates develop not only deep financial expertise but also the broader business acumen necessary for effective leadership and strategic decision-making in financial roles. The program is generally designed for completion within approximately two years.
Curriculum: The 36-semester-hour curriculum for the MBA with a Finance concentration at the University of the Potomac begins with core MBA courses, providing a solid business foundation. These typically include: "BUS 501 Managerial Accounting," "BUS 502 Managerial Economics," "BUS 503 Managerial Finance," "BUS 510 Strategic Management," "BUS 520 Human Resources and Organizational Behavior," "BUS 530 Marketing Management," "BUS 560 Management and Information Systems," and "BUS 570 Business Ethics." After establishing this foundational knowledge, students then transition to the four specialized Finance concentration courses: "FIN 610 Financial Strategy," "FIN 620 Financial Risk Management," "FIN 630 Mergers and Acquisitions," and "FIN 640 Valuation and Value Creation." This curriculum is crafted to provide graduates with a robust understanding of financial analysis, risk mitigation, corporate finance, and investment strategies.
Research Focus: The University of the Potomac's MBA with a Finance concentration is highly applied, focusing on equipping students with the analytical and decision-making skills necessary to solve real-world financial problems, rather than on traditional academic research culminating in a thesis. The program aims to prepare students to "formulate evidenced-based business solutions founded on stakeholder needs and interests" and to "develop decisions and managerial actions that enhance organizational effectiveness through effective communication and teamwork." Courses like "Financial Risk Management" and "Valuation and Value Creation" inherently involve analyzing financial data, evaluating models, and applying strategic frameworks. This indicates a strong emphasis on practical analysis, quantitative methods, and the application of financial theories to inform strategic decisions.
Industry Engagement: The University of the Potomac's MBA with a Finance concentration demonstrates strong industry engagement by directly aligning its curriculum with the demands of the financial services sector. The program's content, including courses on "Financial Strategy," "Financial Risk Management," and "Mergers and Acquisitions," directly reflects the knowledge and skills sought by employers in banking, investment firms, corporate finance departments, and other financial institutions. The university highlights that its graduates have gone on to work at "top companies like Goldman Sachs, UBS, Cigna, AWS, NVIDIA, A&T, the SEC, USAA and many more," indicating a strong connection between the program's outcomes and industry employment opportunities. The emphasis on practical, career-oriented education further underscores its responsiveness to industry needs.
Global Perspective: The University of the Potomac's MBA with a Finance concentration inherently incorporates a global perspective due to the interconnected nature of modern financial markets and the global reach of many businesses. The broader MBA program aims to prepare graduates to "identify problems related to U.S. and foreign businesses and to artfully respond to these challenges." While a specific "International Finance" course may not be explicitly listed within this particular concentration, topics related to global financial markets, international investment, and cross-border mergers and acquisitions are likely integrated into courses such as "Financial Strategy" and "Mergers and Acquisitions." The university's diverse student body and faculty also contribute to a learning environment that naturally fosters a broader understanding of global financial dynamics and economic interdependencies.
Location
Washington, D.C., Virginia
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 22250
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% 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.
- PTE: Overall score of 59 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
The University of the Potomac is dedicated to making education affordable and accessible for international students by offering a variety of scholarship opportunities. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, helping reduce the overall cost of education for deserving students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students demonstrating strong academic performance may qualify for merit-based scholarships. These awards reward high GPA, outstanding achievements, and exceptional contributions in previous educational settings. Merit scholarships can significantly lower tuition fees and encourage students to maintain high academic standards throughout their studies.
Need-Based Scholarships: The university also offers need-based scholarships designed to assist international students facing financial challenges. Applicants are encouraged to submit detailed financial information during the admissions process to be considered for these scholarships, which aim to bridge the gap between the cost of education and the student’s financial resources.
Special Program Scholarships: Certain academic programs at the University of the Potomac provide dedicated scholarships for international students, especially in fields such as business administration, information technology, and cybersecurity. These program-specific awards support students pursuing careers in high-demand industries.
Graduates of the University of the Potomac's MBA with a Finance concentration are equipped with a powerful blend of business acumen and specialized financial expertise.
Financial Analyst: Graduates analyze financial data, evaluate investment opportunities, perform valuations, and provide strategic recommendations to management or clients in various industries.
Investment Banker: These professionals advise corporations and governments on raising capital through issuing stocks or bonds, as well as on mergers, acquisitions, and other financial transactions.
Financial Manager: This advanced role involves helping organizations implement and manage financial goals, overseeing budgets, distributing financial resources, and ensuring the financial health of the company.
Portfolio Manager: For those keen on financial markets, this role involves overseeing the construction and management of investment portfolios for individual or institutional clients, selecting assets to optimize returns.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO): While often a long-term career goal, an MBA in Finance provides a strong foundation for aspiring to this executive position, which involves dictating the financial direction of an organization and overseeing all financial operations.
Financial Risk Manager: Graduates identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks that could impact an organization's financial stability and profitability, often involving complex financial modeling.
Credit Manager: These professionals research clients' creditworthiness, establish credit policies, and manage accounts receivable to maximize sales while minimizing bad debt.
Treasury Analyst/Manager: Graduates manage a company's cash flow, liquidity, investments, and financial risk, ensuring adequate funds are available for operations and strategic initiatives.
Management Consultant (Finance): These professionals work for consulting firms, advising businesses on financial strategy, operational efficiency, cost reduction, and complex financial challenges.
Financial Planner/Wealth Management Consultant: Graduates work with individuals or families to develop comprehensive financial plans, including investment strategies, retirement planning, and wealth preservation.
