If you’re considering an advanced degree in Finance, JWU Online’s Master of Science in Finance or Master of Business Administration in Finance can help reach your career goals. Both programs are designed to provide students with advanced financial knowledge and analytical skills necessary to advance and thrive in today’s business environment. Dive into a program comparison and determine which program is right for you.
Led By Faculty With Industry Experience
At JWU Online, faculty members do more than instruct — they actively bring their financial experiences into the courses they teach.
Professor Randy Kemnitz brings a wealth of industry knowledge to his courses, leveraging his career experience and professional credentials including Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations. Professor Kemnitz has been teaching at JWU for over 10 years.
Currently, Kemnitz leads courses in Financial Analysis and Strategic Financial Planning, where he prioritizes hands-on learning, real-world case studies and adaptable strategies. His approach ensures students gain valuable, informed perspectives that demonstrate how financial principles are applied in professional settings.
Comparing The MS And MBA Programs
How can students determine whether a Master of Science or a Master of Business Administration in Finance is the best fit for their goals?
As Kemnitz explains, “It’s a career decision. Students who are going to earn an MS degree are focused on a finance career, where they’re either managing money or controlling cash flows. It’s just a touch more specialized than the MBA. The MBA in Finance tends to be a little more general. Students take a broader view of the business into consideration, including human resources and topics that might not apply to a pure finance job.”
MS in Finance
The MS in Finance is perfect for students looking to do a deep dive in numbers, analytics and financial theory, preparing graduates for specialized roles in finance and investment. The program is geared toward individuals who thrive on quantitative analysis and are passionate about understanding how financial markets operate. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced modeling techniques and learn to interpret complex data and make informed decisions in high-stakes environments.
This curriculum is designed for those seeking roles such as financial analyst, investment manager or risk specialist, where specialized expertise is essential.
“The Master of Science in Finance is an exceptionally challenging program. I am successful in the program in part because of my strength in math; however, more important is my drive, ambition, and self-discipline. I want to completely understand and be able to apply at work what I learn in the finance program.” – Jonathan Garrigues ’25, Master of Science – Finance
MBA in Finance
The MBA in Finance builds a strong foundation in critical business topics including financial decision-making, management, human resources and organizational leadership. The MBA program gives students a broader perspective, integrating finance with core business principles. Graduates learn to approach business challenges from multiple angles and lead teams with confidence. –
This holistic approach is ideal for students aiming to move into executive-level positions or roles that require cross-functional expertise in finance and broader business topics.
“The courses in the MBA program are already helping me in my work, as well as preparing me for my future. Currently, I am the Chief of Surgery at my hospital, a position that entails quite a bit of added responsibility outside of my daily patient care. I feel that the knowledge I am gaining in this MBA program is helping me perform better in this leadership role.” – Ajay Patel, MD ’26, MBA – Finance
Relevant Coursework
In Kemnitz’s Strategic Financial Planning course, he emphasizes the importance of utilizing real-world case studies to enhance coursework. “There are some industries that have I deep experience in. I try to make sure that I align my experiences with the types of organizations we are studying in the course.” Students research companies such as Rivian, Delta and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, as well as insurance and healthcare sectors.
During 7-week courses, many projects assigned span the full duration, giving students the opportunity to dive deeply into a company’s financials. More than simply reading annual reports, Professor Kemnitz’s strong industry connections mean that students benefit from timely, relevant feedback that is closely aligned with the work they’re completing.
Career Outlook
An advanced degree in finance is ideal for leadership positions across banking, investment and corporate sectors. Students are prepared for roles including financial analyst, portfolio manager, risk manager or corporate finance executive. Key skills like data analysis, critical thinking and communication are essential for interpreting complex information, navigating risk and collaborating across teams. As finance continues to evolve, graduates who develop both strong analytical and leadership capabilities will be better prepared to and make a meaningful impact in their careers.
According to the 2023 Crist Kolder Volatility Report, among Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies, 8.4% of CEOs were promoted directly from CFO positions, making an advanced degree in Finance a smart choice for professionals looking to advance into C-Suite roles.
Next Steps
Choosing the right path comes down to your goals — and at JWU Online, both the MS and MBA in Finance are designed to help you grow with confidence. Whether you’re looking to specialize in financial analysis or expand your leadership perspective, you’ll be supported every step of the way.
Take the next step in your finance journey today. Discover more about our finance programs by filling out the request information form, submitting your free application or emailing us at [email protected].