Best Online MBA/MSF Dual Degree Programs

Finance leaders need more than technical skills in valuation and portfolio management. They also need to understand strategy, operations, and how financial decisions ripple through an entire organization. An MBA/MSF dual degree combines a Master of Business Administration with a Master of Science in Finance, giving you deep quantitative training alongside broad business leadership skills. It's one of the most popular online dual MBA programs for students targeting investment, corporate finance, and CFO-track careers.

The seven programs below come from AACSB-accredited business schools and offer online or largely online paths to both degrees. Rather than padding the list with campus-only programs, it focuses on options with verified online or hybrid formats. You'll also find details on coursework, timelines, costs, financial aid, and career outlook for finance professionals.

What Is an Online MBA/MSF Degree?

An MBA/MSF dual degree lets you earn a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Finance through a coordinated program, with shared coursework counting toward both. You graduate with two separate diplomas, typically using 48 to 63 credits instead of the 66 to 78 credits you'd need for separate degrees.

The MSF portion focuses on corporate finance, investment analysis, financial modeling, derivatives, and risk management, often aligned with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) curriculum. The MBA adds accounting, marketing, operations, leadership, and strategy. If you're comparing finance graduate options more broadly, reviewing affordable online master's in finance degrees can help you weigh a standalone MSF against a dual program.

Best Online MBA/MSF Dual Degree Programs

The schools below offer MBA/MSF dual degrees with online or hybrid formats. Each entry notes how the two degrees fit together and any campus requirements.

1. Auburn University

Auburn University's Harbert College of Business lets you pair its online MS in Finance with the online MBA, earning both degrees with 54 total credit hours. The curriculum includes 12 core courses, 12 credit hours of graduate finance electives, and nine credit hours of business electives. Harbert is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Near the end of the program, MBA students complete an integrated business project in which they work on a live case for a client and present their findings. MSF students also take a comprehensive exam in their final semester covering their finance coursework. Admission requires a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA, and the GMAT is preferred, though the GRE is accepted.

2. University of Arizona

At the University of Arizona, the Eller College of Management offers an online MBA and MS in Finance dual degree that requires 63 units, with 14 counting toward both degrees. The online MSF is fully asynchronous, cohort-based, and can be completed in about 12 months on its own. Eller is AACSB-accredited, and its MSF is a CFA Institute affiliated program.

The STEM-designated dual degree suits students who want deeper quantitative training alongside the MBA. You'll need to apply and be accepted to both programs separately. Eller also offers online MBA dual degrees in accounting, management information systems, and healthcare management if your interests shift.

3. University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma's Price College of Business offers an MBA/MS in Finance dual degree that can be paired with its online MBA. Finance coursework is delivered in a lock-step online format, so you'll follow a fixed sequence of classes with your cohort. Price College holds AACSB accreditation.

The curriculum covers business strategy, management, corporate finance, investment analytics, and financial modeling. You'll first gain admission to an OU graduate program, then submit an application to add the second degree. This structure gives you flexibility to start with either the MBA or the MSF.

4. Duquesne University

Duquesne University in Pittsburgh offers an MBA/MS in Finance joint degree through its AACSB-accredited Palumbo-Donahue School of Business. Credit sharing reduces the combined requirement from 63 credits to as few as 51, making it one of the more efficient programs on this list.

The program is available in online, hybrid, and HyFlex formats, so you can choose the delivery style that fits your schedule. Coursework emphasizes advanced financial analysis and valuation. You'll apply to both programs and can start in either one, with both diplomas awarded at the same time.

5. Indiana University

If you're already drawn to Indiana University's Kelley Direct Online MBA, you can add an MS in Finance and earn both degrees in about three years. The dual option requires 63 credits, and you'll pay the same tuition rate as the MBA. Kelley is AACSB-accredited, and courses are taught by its full-time faculty.

You'll apply to the online MBA first and then declare your intent to pursue the dual degree after enrolling. The online format lets you keep working while you study. Kelley also offers online MBA dual degrees in business analytics, strategic management, and entrepreneurship.

6. University of Michigan-Dearborn

Depending on the foundation course waivers you qualify for, the MBA/MS in Finance at the University of Michigan-Dearborn requires 51 to 63 credit hours. You can take courses on campus or through a combination of on-campus and online classes, with full-time and part-time options available. UM-Dearborn's College of Business is AACSB-accredited.

Foundation courses can be waived with equivalent AACSB business coursework and a strong GPA, which can significantly shorten your program. Calculus isn't required for admission, but it's strongly recommended if you plan to pursue investments, risk management, or the CFA. Rolling admission and fall or winter start dates add flexibility.

7. Indiana University Southeast

Indiana University Southeast in New Albany offers a dual MBA and Master of Science in Strategic Finance that requires 48 credit hours, adding only six to nine credits beyond a single degree. The program combines in-person and online classes, and the business school is AACSB-accredited.

The MBA covers management, marketing, and strategy, while the strategic finance degree focuses on financial analysis, investment strategies, and risk management. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for admission. Residents of several nearby Kentucky counties qualify for in-state tuition, which makes this program especially affordable for students in the Louisville area.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. Since many MBA/MSF programs remain campus-based, only programs with verified online or hybrid options were included. These criteria shaped the final list:

• Accreditation: Every school on this list holds AACSB accreditation for its business programs.
• Online availability: Fully online programs ranked highest, followed by hybrid programs with substantial online coursework.
• Credit efficiency: Programs with meaningful credit sharing and lower total credit requirements were favored.
• CFA alignment: Programs affiliated with the CFA Institute or emphasizing CFA-related content earned extra weight.
• Accessibility: Public universities and programs with flexible admission requirements received additional consideration.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Will You Learn in an MBA/MSF Degree Program?

The MSF curriculum dives deep into corporate finance, investment and portfolio management, fixed income and derivatives, financial modeling, valuation, and risk management. Many programs also teach quantitative methods and financial analytics using tools like Excel, Python, or specialized financial software.

The MBA side covers financial and managerial accounting, marketing, operations, organizational behavior, economics, and strategy. Together, the degrees prepare you to analyze investments, manage capital, and make strategic financial decisions at the leadership level.

How Long Does It Take To Earn an MBA/MSF Degree Online?

Most online MBA/MSF dual degrees take about two to three years to complete. Programs with around 48 to 54 credits can often be finished in two years, while those requiring 60 or more credits typically take closer to three.

Part-time students may need three to four years, and foundation courses for students without a business background can add time. Some programs allow you to complete the MSF portion quickly once your MBA core is finished.

How Much Does an Online MBA/MSF Degree Cost?

Total tuition for an online MBA/MSF dual degree generally ranges from about $30,000 to $80,000 or more. Regional public universities and programs with in-state rates tend to fall at the lower end, while larger flagship and private universities usually cost more.

Foundation courses, technology fees, and CFA exam registration can add to your total. Since programs vary widely in credit requirements, comparing full program costs gives you a clearer picture than comparing per-credit rates alone.

Financial Aid for Online MBA/MSF Degrees

Finance professionals often have strong access to employer support, and several other funding sources can help as well. Combining options can significantly reduce your borrowing.

• Employer tuition assistance: Banks, investment firms, and corporate finance departments frequently help pay for graduate degrees. Researching companies that offer tuition reimbursement can show you which employers offer the most generous benefits.
• Federal student loans: Graduate students can borrow Direct Unsubsidized Loans within annual and aggregate limits. Filing the FAFSA for an MBA also makes you eligible for many school-based scholarships.
• CFA Institute scholarships: Students at CFA-affiliated programs may qualify for scholarships that reduce CFA exam registration fees. These awards can lower the cost of pursuing the CFA charter alongside your degree.
• Merit scholarships: Many business schools offer merit awards for strong applicants, especially those with quantitative backgrounds. Ask each program whether dual degree students qualify.
• Military benefits: Service members and veterans may be able to apply education benefits toward both degrees. Many schools also offer reduced tuition for military students.

How To Choose the Right MBA/MSF Degree

MBA/MSF programs differ in format, quantitative rigor, and CFA alignment. These factors can help you find the right fit.

Online Format and Pacing

Some programs are fully asynchronous, while others use lock-step cohorts, HyFlex classes, or a mix of campus and online courses. Choose a format that matches your schedule and learning style.

CFA Alignment

If you plan to pursue the CFA charter, look for programs affiliated with the CFA Institute. These programs cover a significant portion of the CFA curriculum and may offer exam scholarships.

Quantitative Requirements

MSF programs often expect strong math skills, and some recommend calculus or statistics before you start. Review prerequisites carefully, especially if you're coming from a non-quantitative background.

Total Credits and Waivers

Credit requirements range from under 50 to more than 60. Ask whether you can waive foundation courses based on prior coursework, which can save time and money.

STEM Designation

STEM-designated MSF programs emphasize quantitative skills and can extend Optional Practical Training for international students. Keep in mind that fully online programs typically don't qualify for student visas.

Career Outlook With an Online MBA/MSF Degree

An MBA/MSF dual degree prepares you for careers in investment management, corporate finance, financial planning and analysis, banking, and consulting. Many graduates start as financial analysts before advancing into portfolio manager, finance director, or CFO roles.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial analysts earn a median annual wage of $103,570. Employment is projected to grow 7% through 2035, with about 29,500 openings expected each year. Graduates who combine finance expertise with MBA leadership training are often well positioned for advancement into senior management.

FAQs About the Best Online MBA/MSF Degree Programs

Students weighing an MBA/MSF often have questions about how it compares with other finance credentials. These answers address several of the most common ones.

Is an MBA/MSF Better Than an MBA in Finance?

An MBA with a finance concentration adds several finance electives to a general MBA, while an MBA/MSF gives you a full second degree with much deeper quantitative training. The dual degree is often the better choice for investment and analytical roles, while a concentration may be enough for general management. Comparing the best online MBA in finance programs can help you decide.

Does an MBA/MSF Help You Prepare for the CFA Exam?

Many MSF programs cover a large share of the CFA curriculum, particularly in investments, ethics, and financial reporting. Programs affiliated with the CFA Institute align their coursework with the exam's body of knowledge. You'll still need dedicated exam preparation, but the degree can give you a strong foundation.

Do You Need a Finance Background for an MBA/MSF Program?

Many programs accept students from non-finance backgrounds, though you'll typically need strong quantitative skills. Some schools require prerequisite courses in accounting, statistics, or economics before you begin. Students with engineering, math, or economics degrees often adapt quickly to MSF coursework.

What's the Difference Between an MSF and a Master of Strategic Finance?

A Master of Science in Finance typically emphasizes investments, valuation, and quantitative analysis. A Master of Strategic Finance tends to focus more on corporate financial decision-making and how finance supports organizational strategy. Both pair well with an MBA, so the right choice depends on whether you're aiming for investment or corporate finance roles.

Can You Work Full Time While Earning an Online MBA/MSF?

Most online MBA/MSF programs are designed for working professionals, with asynchronous courses, evening classes, or part-time pacing. Lock-step and cohort formats require keeping up with a set schedule, so plan ahead for busy periods at work. Many students take one or two courses per term to balance school and career.

Explore Online MBA/MSF Dual Degrees

An online MBA/MSF dual degree can give you the quantitative expertise and leadership skills to advance in investment management, corporate finance, and executive roles. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about formats, CFA preparation, and costs.