MBA vs MS Finance
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Before we compare the programs in detail, let's take a look at the individual programs. Both MBA vs MS Finance programs offer specific study requirements, focuses and orientations.
The MS Finance program is a strategic step toward a successful career. This degree will unlock numerous opportunities within the finance industry and management roles. Graduates can pursue careers in areas like corporate consulting, corporate finance, private equity, investment banking, or business development. They will be joining a network of MBS alumni who have built thriving careers at renowned global organizations such as BMW, Allianz, EY, Deloitte, and Goldman Sachs.
The MBA at MBS not only teaches you how to respond to the ever-changing challenges of the business world, but also how to tackle them with innovation and flexibility. The practice-oriented curriculum imparts a sound understanding of central business concepts and current economic challenges and offers numerous opportunities for practical application. The program is complemented by CV checks, individual career coaching, interview training and networking events.
The following special features play a role in one or both of the MBA and MS Finance programs at Munich Business School. They provide insights into the structure, content and special features of the programs and illustrate how these courses promote practical learning, individual options and international experiences in the best way.
Master in Finance
MBA General Management
The following is a brief explanation of the concepts mentioned in the program.
Concentrations are advanced topics that you can choose within your study program to specialize in specific areas such as marketing, finance or entrepreneurship. In some programs, you can even choose more than one Concentration.
Elective courses give you the opportunity to choose the modules that match your interests and career goals, allowing you to tailor your studies to your individual needs. In many degree programs, you can choose more than one elective course.
A degree program with an international focus prepares you for the challenges and opportunities of global markets through intercultural content, languages and often international experiences such as semesters abroad.
A semester abroad allows you to study at a partner university in a foreign country, gain international experience and improve your language and intercultural skills.
A Dual Degree enables you to earn two degrees in just one period of study, often by spending an additional semester at a partner university abroad. This broadens both your professional qualifications and your international career opportunities.
A mentoring program connects you with experienced professionals or alumni who are ready to provide valuable advice, career tips, and personal support.
A business project is a real-world project in which you work in teams to analyze real business problems and develop innovative solutions, often in collaboration with a partner company.
This is a career development program that uses coaching, workshops and networking to prepare students for the next step in their careers.
Leadership Week is an intensive week during which leadership skills are developed through seminars, practical projects and coaching.
A week in which students test business strategies and practice entrepreneurial decision-making through realistic simulations.
A specialized module that fosters the development of business ideas, entrepreneurship and innovation management.
This includes individual counseling and training that prepares students for application processes, career planning, and leadership skills.
These are ideal opportunities to get to know companies directly, gain insights into industries and make contacts with potential employers.
Events where students can network with companies, alumni and experts to enhance their career prospects.
This is an additional offer to help students learn or improve their language skills (especially in German) in order to prepare for an international or possible German career.
This is just a rough overview to compare the benefits. In this case, it says nothing about which program is better suited to your needs.
The following table summarizes the key facts about the different MBA vs MS Finance programs of the Munich Business School for you.
| Master in Finance (M.A.) | Master of Business Administration (MBA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Semesters | 2 Semesters |
| Study program language | English | English |
| Start of studies | Winter semester | Winter & summer semester |
| Location | Munich | Munich |
| Format | Full-time study | Full-time study |
| Numerus Clausus | No Numerus Clausus | No Numerus Clausus |
| Recognition | State-recognized | State-recognized |
| Study requirements | Bachelor's degree in a related subject or a pre-master's program instead, also possible without a bachelor's degree under certain circumstances, proof of English proficiency through a test or a previous degree in English | Degree in any subject, at least two years of relevant professional experience (less is also possible under certain conditions), proof of English proficiency through a test or a previous degree in English |
| Scholarship opportunities? | Yes, up to €4,000 in funding | Yes, up to €4,000 in funding |
| Thesis | Master's thesis in German or English | Master's thesis |
| Special features | Dual degree possible, 2 concentrations & 2 electives, international focus, business project, semester abroad or internship, mentoring program | Flagship Courses, 2 Electives, Expert Business Knowledge Courses, Optional German courses, MBA Career Accelerator Program, Leadership Week, Start-up week, Business Simulation week, Business Projects, Networking Opportunities, Career Coaching & Workshops, Company visits & Company presentations |
Do you want to find out what the difference is between an MBA and a Master?
For more information on this topic, please visit our dedicated page.
Difference between MBA and MasterChoosing the right city in Germany is about more than just education for international students and professionals—it’s about job opportunities, integration and a welcoming environment. Each of the following cities offers distinct advantages for internationals, where some stand out more than others in terms of global connectivity, job prospects, and cultural inclusivity. Here’s a closer look at each of them:
Munich is probably the best city for international students and professionals in Germany. Known for its multinational companies like BMW, Siemens, and Allianz, Munich offers many job opportunities for internationals, especially in fields like business, engineering, and technology. Munich’s cosmopolitan vibe, with a large expat community, makes it easy to feel at home. The city regularly hosts cultural events, international festivals, and has a vibrant English-speaking community, making integration smoother. The drawback is the high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and daily expenses. However, the strong job market and high salaries often balance this out, especially for skilled professionals.
Dresden offers a relatively low cost of living and is known for its cultural heritage and architecture. It has a decent international student population and is slowly becoming more globalized. However, the city’s job market is more limited for internationals, with fewer multinational companies and English-speaking roles. Dresden is better suited for students looking for academic opportunities rather than immediate job prospects in the international market. The city has fewer international job opportunities, and integration can be more challenging compared to more cosmopolitan cities like Munich.
Nuremberg offers a blend of historical charm and modern industry, making it a solid choice for internationals. The city hosts some international trade fairs. The cost of living is more manageable than in Munich, and the city’s international community is steadily expanding. However, while there are English-speaking opportunities, many roles still require German proficiency. Nuremberg may feel smaller and less globally connected than Munich, and the job market can be more competitive for internationals without strong German language skills.
A university's accreditations are an important indicator of the quality and recognition of its study programs. Institutions in Germany and beyond such as the Ministry of Education, FIBAA, the German Council of Science and Humanities assess the academic excellence, practical orientation, and international standards of universities. Below, we take a look at the most important accreditations of the MBS.
Munich Business School was the first private university in Bavaria to receive state recognition in 1999. In 2010, the Bavarian State Ministry for Science and the Arts granted unlimited state recognition.
This decision was made by the committee after an extensive procedure, in the course of which the achievements in research and teaching were examined to determine whether they met recognized scientific standards.
The Foundation Accreditation Council (AR) has the legal mandate to regulate the accreditation of study programs in Germany and thus to ensure the quality of studies and teaching.
FIBAA is a European, internationally oriented agency for quality assurance and quality development in higher education. Its quality seal of approval certifies the professional relevancy and quality of the study courses.
The best location for an MBA vs MS Finance degree program depends on your goals and personal preferences. Your choice should depend on your budget, lifestyle, and the industries. Here is a rough consideration of three exemplary locations Munich (MBS), Dresden and Nuremberg for an MBA vs MS Finance:
| Munich | Dresden | Nuremberg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 10/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Internationality | 9/10 | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Networking Opportunities | 9/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 |
| Infrastructure | 9/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Quality of Life | 10/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Cost of Living | 2/10 | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Student Life | 8/10 | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Nature | 10/10 | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Recreational Possibilities | 9/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Culture | 9/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| 85/100 | 57/100 | 64/100 |
Choosing between a Master in Finance and an MBA in General Management from Munich Business School depends largely on your desired industry, professional background, and career goals. While both programs are designed to prepare students for leadership roles in an international business environment, they cater to different audiences and open distinct career pathways. Here’s a comparison of the career opportunities and prospects for graduates of both program:
The MS Finance program is designed for individuals aiming to build specialized expertise in finance. Graduates typically pursue roles in financial services, investment banking, corporate finance, asset management, private equity, risk management, and financial consulting. This degree is ideal for those looking to become finance professionals or technical experts in financial analysis, modeling, and strategy.
Graduates typically start in analyst or associate roles, with the potential to move up to senior finance positions such as Finance Director, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), or Portfolio Manager. The specialized nature of the degree makes it valuable for climbing the corporate ladder within finance-centric roles.
The MBA General Management program focuses on broad leadership and managerial skills, preparing professionals for executive roles across various industries. Graduates often move into senior management, consulting, entrepreneurship, business development, and strategic leadership positions. This degree is suited for those seeking to lead diverse teams, manage cross-functional projects, or transition into C-suite roles.
The MBA paves the way for broader career progression into top leadership roles, such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), or Managing Director. The generalist approach helps professionals transition across industries and adapt to different business challenges.
Alumni and current student experiences are a crucial factor when choosing the right degree program. Ratings on platforms like the german website StudyCheck give you an authentic insight into the quality of teaching, support, and career prospects from the perspective of former and current students. Below, we compare ratings of the MS Finance and MBA programs at Munich Business School to give you a basis for your decision.
These ratings come from the German rating portal StudyCHECK.de. The ratings are current as of February 7, 2025.
★★★★☆ 4,2
98% would recommend
★★★★☆ 4,5
100% would recommend
★★★★☆ 4,5
100% would recommend
The city boasts a mix of history and modernity, offering everything from theaters and museums to lively parks and beer gardens to the iconic Oktoberfest. The proximity to the Alps makes it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy mountain climbing, skiing or hiking.
However, the relatively high cost of living can be a challenge. That said, the abundant job opportunities, excellent public transport, and high quality of life more than compensate for it.
Dresden combines Baroque architecture with a lively student atmosphere, thanks to its big student population. The city offers relatively affordable living and some cultural experiences.
Challenges include fewer international job opportunities and a somewhat quieter social scene compared to larger cities like Munich.
Nuremberg blends its rich medieval history with a modern twist, offering students access to cultural events, historical landmarks, and a growing tech industry. The city offers relatively good infrastructure and job opportunities, particularly sometimes in engineering and IT.
The challenge with Nuremberg is that it can feel smaller and less dynamic compared to larger cities.
It really depends on what you're looking for. If you want to dive deep into finance and build a specialized career in areas like investment banking or corporate finance, a Master’s in Finance is the way to go. But if you're aiming for broader leadership roles, switching industries, or even starting your own business, an MBA might suit you better. It’s more about your career goals than one being better than the other.
If you’re aiming for a career in finance, like investment banking, corporate finance, or asset management, a Master’s in Finance is definitely be worth it. It gives you specialized skills and can open doors to high-paying roles. But it really depends on your career goals and whether you’re passionate about working in the financial sector.
An MBA in Finance is a business degree that focuses on both general management skills and financial topics like investment, corporate finance, and financial strategy. It’s great if you want to move into leadership roles in the finance industry or combine financial expertise with broader business management. But you can definitely get to the same point with a degree related to Finance and an MBA General Management on top of that.
An MBA can be worth it for finance if you’re aiming for leadership roles, like CFO or financial management positions, or if you want to switch industries or broaden your career options. But if you’re looking for specialized finance roles, like investment banking or financial analysis, a Master’s in Finance might be more direct and focused.
An MBA in General Management is usually the best for leadership since it focuses on building broad management, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills that prepare you for top executive roles across industries.
