You'll learn finance in any MBA program. If you want to work in a specialized role in finance, then you can look at specialized degrees. But for somebody aiming for managerial-level roles (in a financial services oriented organization or otherwise) a general MBA would probably be preferable. 

My feeling is that since you already have experience in the industry you don't need to focus on finance skills. Do something broader, from a school with a good network. 

Thank you Duncan and mba hipste for your advice. I tried to reconsider the reason why I desire an online MBA, collect information and decide which school that I should apply. Unfortunately, the more I think, the more I get confused.

I already have an MBA in project management. As my MBA was merely about project management in construction industry, I always want to do a real MBA which allows me to strengthen my business and finance background. Besides, I am 39 this year so a full-time is not suitable, while an EMBA is too expensive!

I used to consider a US program and looked deep into the ones from Boston University and UIUC. I ended up looking at the programs in UK because UIUC has a too large yearly intake, while Boston offers a general program.

I am considering the online master in finance from CASS, and Manchester (Manchester plans to offer from Sep 2021 in Hongkong and Singapore campuses) because my need of being trained systematically and throughly in Finance is stronger than MBA if I have to select between MBA and Finance. I prefer CASS as it is famous for finance and the curriculum looks good. 

Do you think a combination of an online MBA from Warwick or Boston and Financial Management course offered by UIUC is better and doable? I feel that Boston offers a good and interesting program when I looked the curriculum and read news about it.

Can you clarify what exactly you studied in your MBA? I'm not sure I understand by '
my MBA was merely about project management in the construction industry
?' 

That doesn't sound like an MBA - did you study Finance, Accounting, Operations, Strategy etc?

My bad. It's a master degree in project management.

What are your goals? Yes, a general Online MBA would give you a more balanced overview of management than your project management course. 

Dear all,

I am sorry for the late reply as I took time to consider which program I should take between an online MBA and a master of finance based on my goal: Strengthen my background in Finance and stay in Finance industry.

I then applied  to Cass MSc Global Finance and got accepted within 3 days after submitting my application. So fast! Is it a norm for an online program? 

Please, anyone, if you have any ideas, let me know if this program is good enough to take. It is expensive and takes two years to complete. I remember that Duncan once in a while said that “I heard good about things about the program”. Am I right? 

Thanks a million!

[Edited by Robert176 on Oct 31, 2020]

Which schools have the best network in the parts of the finance industry you are focussed on? If you are in the UK, then the City [remember, it's not called Cass anymore] MSc is great. But in the rest of the world it's not so well known. It would be cheaper to take the MIT Micromasters and then Harvard online masters in finance; that might give you two alumni networks that are stronger in most countries. 

Thank you for your advice. The Harvard program is more expensive: it is 35,000$ while the one from the City is around 30,000$. 

Do you think that the quality of the City’s online courses (Master in Finance and MBA) is good? My family member plans to apply for the City’s online MBA as well. In the country where I am living, people know top local and overseas schools only. Other than those schools, they will translate “Oh, he has a degree from the UK. He can..speak English”.

 By the way, I have a feeling that it is easy to get into tier 2 schools in the UK (I used to apply for the full-time master in finance from Durham and immediately got accepted). Is it true?

[Edited by Robert176 on Oct 30, 2020]

No, if you take the Micromasters then the Harvard course is discounted $9000.

City is a good business school: it is ranked fairly. It's a good thing, not a bad thing, if admissions officers are fast. You should look at the criteria, not the speed. Are they higher or lower? 

Thank you Duncan. I was just worrying about its quality but now, I think I will take it. My family member also tries to apply for the City online mba program as well. There are some good US online master in finance programs but they are all too expensive. Manchester will have its first intake of online master in finance from Fall 2021 at cheaper price but I dare not to wait until Sep 2021! Also, if the quality of the City’s program is already good, I think I wont apply for the MIT and Harvard program.

I see! I thought it is fast because they admit everyone applying. Thank you again for letting me now.

I joined an online MBA tour and some schools in the US encouraged me to apply for their full-time MBA with finance concentration programs. Even though I turn 40 next year, my career progression is quite good as I always work for top companies. That may be the reason they wanted me to apply but I am afraid that I am too old for a 2 year full time one! Graduation with zero chance to get job in the US after 2 years with no income is a nightmare..

[Edited by Robert176 on Oct 31, 2020]

A key factor is which school has the best alumni network in the country and firms you are targeting. City is a top finance school but in some settings the CFA charter might be better.

I really want to do the CFA and know that doing the CFA is cheap and better in many ways. I just don't have enough discipline to study by myself. By doing this course, I just learn what they prepare and teach me, pass the exam and have a degree with enough knowledge.

[Edited by Robert176 on Nov 01, 2020]

You can hire an amazing online tutor for $30 an hour. For the cost of the City MSc you could have 1,000 hours of one to one tutorial support. You really need to focus on specific goals. There are many ways to get the knowledge you want. Choose City for what sets it apart from other schools, for example if it has the best alumni network for your goals. 

[Edited by Duncan on Nov 01, 2020]