Thoughts from the Tower

Master's in Finance Careers: 5 Potential Paths

Written by UDallas College of Business | Aug 26, 2025 1:30:00 PM

Finance is a field that doesn’t stand still. As technology grows more sophisticated, career opportunities in finance continue to expand, opening doors for those ready to pair top industry skills with a genuine passion for serving people. A career in finance offers the chance to build a stable, rewarding future while making a meaningful impact wherever you are called to work.

For those seeking to take the next step, a purposefully grounded master’s in finance can prepare you to lead in a human-centered economy. It provides the opportunity to put your expertise to work in ways that serve others, steward resources wisely, and reflect the integrity the world needs.

 

Why Consider a Master’s in Finance?

Finance careers are everywhere. Every organization needs a designated person who can manage finances diligently and deliver accurate, valuable recommendations. The more preparation you pursue, the more effectively you can meet those expectations.

A master’s in finance can help you to:

  • Gain advanced technical and leadership skills that open doors in banking, investment, corporate finance, and nonprofit sectors;
  • Lead with integrity in an industry that often shortchanges profit for ethics;
  • Hone wise judgment for decision-making;
  • And equip yourself to influence organizations toward ethical financial practices.

Is a Master’s in Finance Worth It?

The return on your investment with a master’s in finance is substantially higher than without one. The strong job market (projected to grow much faster than average at 9% per year) and near-unlimited earning potential make it a great investment for long-term career stability. The demand for skilled financial professionals remains high across industries, and earning a master’s degree can increase your earning potential and opportunities for leadership.

In addition, a master’s in finance empowers you to change your career outlook, no matter where you are. A master’s degree is invaluable for career changers seeking a new vocation, new graduates building skills for a stable career entry, or industry professionals looking to advance.

 

5 Jobs for a Master’s in Finance: Roles, Opportunities, and Impact

Whether you’re called to guide individuals in stewarding wealth or to manage resources within mission-driven organizations, these finance careers can help you build a stable, meaningful vocation rooted in service and integrity.

Financial Analyst

Median Salary: $101,910

Financial analysts help families and organizations manage wealth responsibly while planning for a secure future. In this role, you can:

  • Serve as a trusted advisor
  • Offer clear and ethical recommendations that align with clients’ goals and values
  • Use data analysis to support stability, growth, and stewardship

Corporate Finance Manager

Median Salary: $161,700

Corporate finance managers oversee budgeting, forecasting, and investment within organizations, guiding financial decisions that reflect prudence and transparency. This role offers the opportunity to:

  • Influence leadership teams
  • Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and investment
  • Guide teams and leaders in making responsible financial decisions

Investment Analyst

Median Salary: $99,010

As an investment analyst or portfolio manager, you assess opportunities through a lens of long-term impact and ethical consideration. This role positions you to:

  • Direct resources into ventures that foster economic development
  • Build trusting client relationships and steward their capital wisely

Financial Risk Specialist

Median Salary: $106,090

Financial risk specialists play a vital role in protecting organizations from potential harm while navigating financial complexities. This career path allows you to: 

  • Apply your analytical skills to identify risks and provide clear, accountable guidance
  • Help organizations uphold integrity and longevity
  • Equipping businesses to face challenges with confidence

Nonprofit Financial Officer

Financial officers within nonprofit or faith-based organizations manage finances with a focus on mission, service, and the common good. In this role, you will:

  • Align financial strategy with organizational values
  • Steward donor resources and operational budgets with integrity and transparency
  • Contribute to sustaining ministries and nonprofit work that impacts real lives

 

Exploring Online Master’s in Finance Programs

If you’re considering a master’s in finance, it’s worth pausing to consider what kind of education will truly prepare you for the road ahead. Look for a program that does more than just add a credential to your resume. The right degree will equip you to pursue your career with integrity and truth in a society that needs both.

The best master’s in finance programs offer a high-quality education grounded in practical application, providing you with advanced tools and leadership skills to apply immediately in the workplace.

Above all, you should seek a program that aligns with your values. At the University of Dallas College of Business, we believe your education should train you to navigate financial systems with a pro-human approach. In an ambiguous world, a faith-formed perspective can guide your decisions toward what is good and right. The path you choose is important, and so is the way you navigate it.

 

Earn Your Master’s in Finance Online at UDallas

The STEM-designated M.S. in Finance at UDallas specializes in the application of data science in the finance industry. The program consists of graduate courses such as: 

  • Managerial Finance
  • Intermediate Corporate Finance
  • Corporate Valuation
  • Investments Derivatives
  • Portfolio Management

In addition, we have newly included three courses: Quantitative Finance, Python for Finance, and FinTech, to prepare students to master powerful data science skills in finance. The program’s curriculum is also recognized by and partners with the CFA® Institute to prepare students to obtain the CFA® certificate, which is the most respected and recognized investment credential in the world. 

Earning the CFA designation can help students succeed in competitive fields like portfolio management, hedge funds, and private equity. Previous students have accepted job offers at JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Fidelity, Bank of America, etc.

Whether you’re seeking to change careers, advance in your field, or build a new foundation for your future, a Master’s in Finance at UDallas empowers you to align your professional life with your values. If you believe business can serve people well and you want to be part of that work, we would be honored to walk with you on this journey. 

Explore how a master’s in finance can help you lead with clarity, purpose, and skill in our free guide, Cultivating Ethical Leadership in Business: A Guide to the UDallas College of Business. Inside, we’ll walk you through what to expect and how your education can become an extension of your values in the world of business.