MBA vs MS Finance
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MBA vs MS Finance at the Munich Business School

Choosing between an MBA and an MS Finance can be a crucial decision for professionals aiming to progress in their careers. Each program targets distinct career phases and objectives. The MBA at Munich Business School is structured for professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership abilities, whereas the MS Finance at MBS is geared towards recent graduates who want to gain a global outlook on finance and business. This article will explore the differences between these two paths, highlighting key factors to assist prospective students in selecting the best option for their future.

A brief introduction to the MBA and MS Finance of MBS

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.

Master in Finance

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.

MBA General Management

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.

Special features of the MBA vs MS Finance programs

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.

Munich Business School Master in Finance

Concentration(s): Integrated✔️

Elective(s): Integrated ✔️

International Focus: Integrated ✔️

Semester abroad: Integrated ✔️

Dual Degree: Possible ❔

Mentoring Program: Integrated ✔️

Business Project(s): Integrated ✔️

MBA Career Accelerator Program: Not planned ❌

Leadership Week: Not planned ❌

Business Simulation Week: Not planned ❌

Start up Week: Not planned ❌

Career Coaching & Workshops: Possible ❔

Company visits & Company presentations: Integrated ✔️

Networking opportunities: Integrated ✔️

Language Course(s): Possible ❔
╰┈➤ Conclusion: 9,5/15
Check out the Study Program
Munich Business School MBA General Management

Concentration(s): Not planned ❌

Elective(s): Integrated ✔️

International Focus: Integrated ✔️

Semester abroad: Not planned ❌

Dual Degree: Not planned ❌

Mentoring Program: Not planned ❌

Business Project(s): Integrated ✔️

MBA Career Accelerator Program: Integrated ✔️

Leadership Week: Integrated ✔️

Business Simulation Week: Integrated ✔️

Start up Week: Integrated ✔️

Career Coaching & Workshops: Integrated ✔️

Company visits & Company presentations: Integrated ✔️

Networking opportunities: Integrated ✔️

Language Course(s): Possible ❔
╰┈➤ Fazit: 10,5/15
Check out the Study Program

Explanations

The following is a brief explanation of the concepts mentioned in the program.

Leadership Week

Leadership Week is an intensive week during which leadership skills are developed through seminars, practical projects and coaching.

Business Simulation Week

A week in which students test business strategies and practice entrepreneurial decision-making through realistic simulations.

Start up Week

A specialized module that fosters the development of business ideas, entrepreneurship and innovation management.

Career Coaching & Workshop

This includes individual counseling and training that prepares students for application processes, career planning, and leadership skills.

Company visits & Company presentations

These are ideal opportunities to get to know companies directly, gain insights into industries and make contacts with potential employers.

Networking Opportunities

Events where students can network with companies, alumni and experts to enhance their career prospects.

Language Course

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.

Conclusion

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.

Key facts about the MBA vs MS Finance programs

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 Master

Best Cities for International Students in Germany

Choosing 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

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

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

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.

Accreditations, Rankings and Awards of the Munich Business School

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.

State Accreditation

State Accreditation

Munich Business School was the first private university in Bavaria to receive state recognition in 1999.

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.

 

Accreditation by the German Council of Science and Humanities

Accreditation by the German Council of Science and Humanities

Munich Business School is the first private university in Bavaria to receive institutional accreditation from the German Science Council.

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.

Accreditation by the Foundation Accreditation Council

Accreditation by the Foundation Accreditation Council

All degree programs at Munich Business School are accredited by the Accreditation Council Foundation.

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.

International Program Accreditation

International Program Accreditation

All study programs offered at MBS are FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation) accredited.

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.

Global MBA Ranking, CEO Magazine

Global MBA Ranking, CEO Magazine

  • 2024: Munich Business School continues its successful course and confirms its status as one of the leading addresses for MBA students worldwide in 2024. As one of the few German business schools, MBS once again asserts itself in the elite Tier One category.
  • 2023: Munich Business School named among the world’s leading MBA providers. Munich Business School is one of only four German business schools named in Tier One. This puts it among the top 30 business schools in Europe, in the same group as numerous international giants.
Wirtschaftswoche Hochschulranking

Wirtschaftswoche Hochschulranking

  • 2024 In the WiWo ranking, MBS reaches the top of Germany's private business schools for the fifth time.
  • 2023 MBS is the best private business school from German employers’ perspective.
  • 2022 MBS once again the most popular private University of Applied Sciences in the field of business among German recruiters.
  • 2021 MBS ranks third among all universities of applied sciences in the field of business administration and is once again Germany's best private business school.
  • 2020 MBS ranks fourth among all German universities of applied sciences in the area of Business Administration and is therefore the Best Private Business School in Germany.
  • 2019 MBS is the Best Private University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration in Bavaria.
  • 2018 MBS is the Best Private University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration and achieves rank 6 among all Universities of Applied Sciences in Germany.
  • 2016 MBS is the only Private University of Applied Sciences to finish in the Top 10 eight times in a row.
  • 2015 MBS is ranked 2nd among all Universities of Applied Sciences for Business Studies in Germany.

Which location is better suited to MBA vs MS Finance?

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

Career prospects after completing the MBA vs MS Finance

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:

Master in Finance

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.

MBA General Management

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.

Ratings MBA vs MS Finance of the MBS

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.

Munich Business School

★★★★☆ 4,2
98% would recommend


MBA General Management

★★★★☆ 4,5
100% would recommend


Master Degree Program

★★★★☆ 4,5
100% would recommend

Which city offers the greatest student life?

Munich

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

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

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.

FAQ

Is a Master's in Finance better than an MBA?

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.

Is a Masters in Finance worth it?

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.

What is an MBA in Finance?

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.

Is an MBA worth it for Finance?

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.

Which MBA is best for leadership?

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.

Excited? Apply now!

More exciting programs in Munich

Non-consecutive Master's Degree
PRE-MASTER
Non-consecutive Master's Degree
Master in Finance
MASTER
Master in Finance
General Management - Full-time
MBA
General Management - Full-time

Looking to find out more?

Studienberater MBS: Uttamdeep Kaur, B.A.

Would you like to learn more?

Studienberater MBS: Maciej Kaproń, M.Sc.
Program Advisor MBA Maciej Kaproń, M.Sc. +49 89 547678 254 +49 178 2304275 mba@munich-business-school.de
How can we help you? Next Steps Arrange consultation Request brochure Apply online
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