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Online Master of Science in Finance

Total Credit Hours

36

Cost Per Credit Hour

$970

Advance your finance expertise with an online Master of Science in Finance from LSU

This online master’s program prepares professionals to apply advanced financial theory, analysis, and decision-making skills across today’s global financial markets.

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Earn Graduate Certificates Along the Way

With just 36 credit hours, students can earn a master’s degree in finance while also completing multiple graduate certificates.

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Learn from Expert Faculty

LSU faculty are experts in their fields, dedicated to providing students a high-quality education. These are the same instructors who teach on-campus courses.

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Prepare for Industry Exams

The curriculum supports preparation for professional exams, including the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam, helping align coursework with industry expectations.

Earn an Online Master of Science in Finance from LSU

Build advanced knowledge in financial analysis, markets, investments, and corporate finance.

Apply quantitative and analytical methods to evaluate financial performance and risk.

Strengthen decision-making skills through graduate-level coursework grounded in real-world finance applications.

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Admissions

Whether you’re returning to school or advancing your career, our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way.

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Apply by

May 11, 2026

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Classes begin

May 25, 2026

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college or university or the equivalent from a foreign institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate and graduate work already completed. You must provide transcripts for all of the colleges you have attended (regardless of degree completion) and upload copies with your application.

Application Requirements

Students seeking the MS Finance degree must meet all degree requirements specified by the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School as well as specific departmental requirements outlined in the MS Finance Admissions section. Prospective students should send all applicant documents and materials to the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School. Applicants should be sure to include:

  • Résumé
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Encourage but do not require work experience.
  • Copies of the applicant's GMAT and TOEFL (international only) scores
    • GMAT Waived for students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher

A 600 or better on the GMAT (the code for LSU is 6373).

Applicants should also be proficient in office applications software (i.e., word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation).

Additional information about LSU Graduate admission requirements are located here.

Flexible Schedule

No set class times. No live lectures. No problem.

Our program is built for busy adults with work and family commitments. Learn on your schedule with 24/7 access to course materials.

No required login times

Complete coursework when it works for you

Stay on track with weekly goals

Perfect for full-time workers and parents

Tuition

LSU programs offer competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees, making it easier to plan for the cost of your degree. You may also be able to save more by transferring eligible credits.

Tuition & Fees
36 credit hours
Total credit hours per program
$970
Cost per credit hour
$34,920
Total cost with fees

The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.

Financial Aid Available

LSU offers several ways to help you pay for your degree including credit for prior learning (PLA), financial aid, and veteran education benefits. Learn More.

Academics

The online Master of Science in Finance program provides students with the analytical and communication skills necessary for effective financial decision-making through the application of financial theory and quantitative techniques.

What Will I Learn?

By the end of the program, students will:

  • Understand and apply the general theory and concepts of corporate finance
  • Understand and apply the general theory and concepts of asset pricing, investments and portfolio theory
  • Understand and apply the theory and concepts of financial intermediation
  • Demonstrate technical proficiency in the application of financial information technology
  • Effectively communicate both written and orally in at least on area of finance
Courses

The online Master of Science in Finance requires 36 total credit hours with 12 hours of open electives.

Core Courses

Credit hours

FIN 7633 Financial Markets

3

FIN 7719 Advanced Financial Management

3

FIN 7826 Investment Analysis and Portfolio Theory

3

FIN 7701 Corporate Finance

3

Specialization Courses

Credit hours

FIN 7720 (1) FinTech: Intro to Financial Modeling w MatLab

3

FIN 7708 Financial Analytics I

3

FIN 7720 (2) Financial Modeling in Excel

3

FIN 7709 Financial Analytics II

3

Electives:

In consultation with their Academic Advisor, students will select a Graduate Certificate elective track from the College of Business offered through LSU Online to fulfill the remaining 12 approved credits at 7000 or above.

Testimonials

"The online MS in Finance program is open to students from a variety of backgrounds, including business, economics, engineering, and more. Whether you're looking to advance your career in finance or start a new one, our program at LSU is the perfect choice."

Dr. Clifford Stephens

Director of Graduate Studies - MS Finance/MS Financial Economics, Louisiana State University

Careers

Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to pursue a variety of careers within the financial industry, including investment banking, corporate finance, and risk management.

The MS in Finance graduates are equipped with the skills and expertise to become leaders in top companies across all industries such as Stephens, Inc., Capital One, Chase Bank, Exxon, Shell, SAS Institute.

$101,350
Median Wage

The median annual wage for financial and investment analysts was $101,350 in May 2024. (Source: BLS)

Career Opportunities
  • Financial Analyst
  • Wealth Manager
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Investment Banking Analyst
  • Corporate Controller
  • Actuary
  • Mergers and Acquisition Analyst
  • Financial Consultant
  • Fixed Income Analyst
  • REIT Manager
  • Portfolio Manager
  • Capital Advisor

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my degree say I earned it online?

No, graduates receive the same diploma as on-campus peers.

Do I ever need to appear at the LSU campus for LSU Online programs?

No, you do not. LSU Online programs are 100% online and require no on-campus appearance. Check with your program for any activities or events that may be available to you should you be in the Baton Rouge area.

How do I find out who my advisor and/or class instructor is?

Your advisor will be assigned by your department. Feel free to contact your department for specifics as to who your instructor will be for a class. Generally, Moodle (the class delivery system) displays class information at least 10 to 14 days before the class begins. Instructions for Moodle are covered in the LSU Online Orientation.

Is financial aid available for online students?

Yes, students in an LSU Online graduate program may be eligible for financial aid. For more information email your questions to lsuonlinefinaid@lsu.edu.

Do I have to pay the full tuition upfront?

No, you pay as you go for each course you’re registered in for the term.

Why choose this program?

The master’s degree in finance offers a comprehensive curriculum and the chance to learn the skills necessary to become a leader in the finance industry. The program focuses on practical learning experiences and building competencies in financial information technology. Additionally, the flexibility of online coursework is ideal for working professionals. Students can also earn at least one graduate certificate simply by taking a standard course load. After completing the program, graduates will be well-prepared for a potentially lucrative career in finance.

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Ready to reach your goals?

Take the first step forward by completing the form, and our enrollment team will contact you soon to discuss:

  • What program meets your academic and career goals
  • Financial aid options (employer funding, military benefits)
  • Receiving credit for past education (transfer, professional development)
  • The admissions process and timeline

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