What are ethics? Merriam-Webster offers these definitions: “the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation” and “a set of moral principles.” In the world of high finance, ethics has its own distinct definition that’s connected with the appropriate use of money, whether it’s one’s own money or someone else’s.  

Corporate finance, according to Investopedia.com, refers to “how corporations deal with funding sources, capital structuring, and investment decisions.” Corporate finance focuses on “maximizing shareholder value through long and short-term financial planning and the implementation of various strategies. Corporate finance activities range from capital investment decisions to investment banking.” In short, corporate finance is about where an organization gets its money from and how it decides to use that money. 

Public Demand for Ethical Investment Choices 

One prominent example of how ethics ties in with corporate finance is the South Africa divestment movement. In the mid-1980s, when South Africa was still under the segregationist apartheid system, American university students targeted U.S. companies that did business in South Africa in an effort to bring the apartheid system down. Participants in this divestment campaign pressured their own universities to divest from those companies. The idea was to compromise the finances of South Africa enough so that it had no choice but to change. The effort worked. 

By 1990, more than 200 U.S. companies had divested from South Africa, taking with them $1 billion worth of investment from that country’s economy. Clearly, those businesses had gotten the message from the student-led university divestment and chose to do business elsewhere. Even if their motive for doing so was financial, the companies’ actions constituted an ethical use of financial capital. 

Today, there are published lists of companies that embody socially responsible investing, or SRI. These lists tend to automatically eliminate any businesses connected with weapons, tobacco, alcohol, adult businesses, nuclear power, and coal, to name a few. Companies that focus on sound environmental policies, social responsibility, and strong governance are more likely to make the list. 

 
It’s not unusual for customers, investors, and even the general public to renounce and boycott companies that run afoul of these principles. Conversely, those that adhere to them can reap significant financial rewards. For this reason, anyone involved in corporate finance today must have a firm foundation in ethics.  

Insider Trading 

Insider trading is one of the most common ethical issues in finance. Insider trades involve the buying or selling of stocks and securities using information that has been shared but is not publicly known. An insider is often someone in a management function of a corporate entity or an individual with whom they share information for their own benefit. 

Many laws against insider trading in the United States came about following the stock market crash of 1929, which marked the beginning of the Great Depression. A spate of business mergers in the 1980s sent a lot of money flowing through the stock market. This is when selling (versus sharing) insider information was outlawed.  

Former investment banker Ivan Boesky was involved in one of the most notorious insider trading cases in U.S. history. During the 1980s, Boesky accumulated an estimated $200 million by trading on corporate takeovers and mergers using information that was not publicly known. In exchange for helping the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (see more below) incriminate other corporate insiders who were under investigation, Boesky received a short prison sentence, a fine of $100 million, and a lifetime ban from working in securities. His name became synonymous with corporate greed.  

Many financial scandals with big names attached to them would follow, including Enron, Worldcom, Bernie Madoff, and Jordan Belfort, who wrote the best-selling memoir The Wolf of Wall Street. Ethics may always be an issue in the world of high finance, but efforts are being made to stem the flow of money under illegal or immoral circumstances by outwardly legitimate parties. 

Ethics Codified in Corporate Finance 

Today, many American corporations and financial markets have adopted ethical codes, typically established by agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), one of the top regulatory agencies for the securities industry. This agency implements federal laws and regulations that deal with the ethical conduct of businesses and individuals operating within the securities field. In addition, many companies have set up their own ethics offices to self-govern their financial conduct.  

Online Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance Degree  

Our online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance program helps you develop the marketable operational knowledge and leadership skills you need to advance in many rewarding corporate careers, including: 

  • Chief Financial Officer 
  • Financial Manager 
  • Senior Financial Analyst 
  • Management Analyst  
  • Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent 

Under the guidance of the same distinguished faculty members who teach the program on The University of Texas Permian Basin’s campus—including successful business professionals—you’ll discover how to:  

  • Analyze and interpret various types of financial information. 
  • Successfully navigate multiple aspects of investment, economics, and accounting. 
  • Think strategically. 
  • Nurture your business acumen. 
  • Apply your knowledge in real life in a variety of professional fields. 
  • Make ethical decisions in the corporate setting. 

We offer our MBA Finance program through our College of Business, one of the select business schools in the nation (and the only one in the Permian Basin) to be accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). This is a distinction that only 5% of schools granting business degrees worldwide have received. 

Advantages of Our Online Programs 

Our Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance degree, and many other programs that UT Permian Basin offers, is presented 100% online through asynchronous courses. This format enables you to complete your coursework anywhere, 24/7, on your own schedule. If you’re already working and/or have ongoing family responsibilities, you’ll find this flexibility to be a tremendous advantage. Our program also features accelerated time to completion (as little as 15 months), eight-week courses, and six start dates per year. When you’re finished, it provides a respected educational credential that can help you in your present and future professional endeavors. 

Prepare for the world of finance with a strong foundation. An MBA with a concentration in Finance from UT Permian Basin is the place to start. 

Sources: 

https://www.encyclopedia.com/finance/finance-and-accounting-magazines/ethics-finance
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ivan-Boesky

Businesses concerned only with short-term goals overcome immediate challenges but fail to prevent their recurrence. Alternatively, businesses with only long-term goals may not last long enough to see them reached. Finding an adaptable middle ground between these two attitudes is a balancing act that senior financial analysts, finance managers, investment bankers, and other professionals must perform when making a financial plan.  

Professionals capable of finding the balance between optimism and realism are compensated handsomely for their expertise and efforts: financial managers make a median yearly salary of $161,700. As we discuss how to balance long-term and short-term financial planning, a valuable skill in virtually any field, consider where a career in finance could take you. Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in finance could lead to your next big career move.  

Learn how to craft financial plans that drive growth today and secure your company’s future. Discover how earning an MBA in finance can advance your career.

How Can You Build a Strong Foundation With Short-Term Financial Goals? 

Short-term financial planning is about solving immediate problems and developing strategies that will lead to results, usually within one year. Short-term goals should be achievable and adaptable to emerging circumstances. Let’s take a look at several common short-term goals and see how they translate into long-term success.  

Reach Revenue Targets 

Increasing revenue by the end of the fiscal year is a common goal for financial professionals, but accomplishing this task is not as simple as charging more for products or services, having employees work longer hours, or taking unnecessary risks—especially if you hope to establish sustainable business practices. Incorporating more forward-thinking strategies, such as broadening your audience or recruiting a loyal workforce, can ensure that your immediate fiscal growth continues into the future.  

Resolve Cash Flow Issues 

Cash flow issues are not automatically resolved when a company turns a profit. Business leaders who fail to account for how cash flows in and out of their company could experience record profits one month and payroll issues the next. 

Balancing long-term and short-term financial planning means more than just surviving from month to month. A strong financial plan will ensure that there are always enough cash reserves, especially during times of economic uncertainty, by budgeting for expenses accordingly.  

Choose the Ideal Business Structure 

From mom-and-pop stores to large corporations, every business needs to be properly structured. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, “[t]he business structure you choose influences everything from day-to-day operations, to taxes, to how much of your personal assets are at risk.” 

Choosing the ideal structure for a business means saving money in the present and setting a company up for success in the future.  

Find Sources of Funding 

The axiom “it takes money to make money” will stay with you throughout your career in finance. Whether it’s a loan or investment, finding a reliable source of funding is often necessary to get a venture off the ground. 

Still, there’s no need to think of this as a necessary evil. Countless business partnerships have been born from these arrangements and are often instrumental in ensuring a company’s long-term success.  

Long-Term Financial Planning  

Once short-term goals have been established, it’s time to create a five- or ten-year plan that will see your company’s mission realized. Where will your company be in a decade? It’s okay if you don’t have the answer to that question just yet. That’s what long-term financial planning is for.  

What Is Long-Term Financial Planning? 

According to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), long-term financial planning is “the process of projecting revenues and expenditures over a long-term period, using assumptions about economic conditions, future spending scenarios, and other salient variables.” Although the GFOA deals with government agencies, the principles of their long-term financial planning definition apply to businesses as well. Essentially, financial professionals are meteorologists who forecast budgetary needs instead of the weather. 

How Do You Achieve Effective Long-Term Financial Planning? 

To plan for these needs effectively, businesses should have SMART long-term financial goals. As outlined in Forbes, SMART stands for: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. It may be tempting to keep a long-term financial goal broad—remain profitable, for example—but your long-term goals should be as well defined as your short-term goals. 

For instance, if your company has a short-term goal to generate $1,000,000 in net income in one year, you may also want to consider a long-term five-year goal of generating $5,000,000 in net income annually.  

To achieve these long-term goals, you’ll need a financial plan that includes the following elements: 

  • Income statement: a statement used to determine profits and losses in a fiscal quarter or year. 
  • Cash flow projection: a prediction of how cash is expected to flow in and out of a business. 
  • Balance sheet: a summary of a business’s assets, liabilities, and equity.  

How Do Short-Term Goals Inform Long-Term Financial Planning? 

You can gather the data and insights needed for a long-term financial plan by building on the processes established through your short-term goals. The lessons learned in a single fiscal year help shape projections, inform strategic decisions, and strengthen your path toward long-term success. While balancing optimism and realism is still key, integrating both short- and long-term goals into your overall financial plan ensures your business is positioned for sustainable growth. 

Plan for Your Future  

Long-term and short-term financial planning are two sides of the same coin. You can’t plan for the future without considering current needs. Similarly, you can’t plan for a lifelong career in finance without first considering your immediate next steps. Before enrolling at UT Permian Basin, all of the students in our online MBA program with a concentration in finance had to consider this very dilemma, and they all arrived at the same conclusion.  

An MBA is a versatile degree with almost limitless potential, and an MBA with a concentration in finance will only make you a more viable candidate for lucrative positions. If you’re looking to establish a career in finance or advance at your current company, our program can help you get there. At The University of Texas Permian Basin, you will: 

  • Learn to analyze and interpret financial information. 
  • Explore multiple aspects of investment, economics, and accounting. 
  • Nurture your business acumen and leadership skills.  

Many of our students already have established careers and demanding schedules. Fortunately, our MBA in finance program is 100% online and can be completed in as little as 15 months, which means you can continue working while pursuing your education. If your personal long-term goal is to rise through the ranks and obtain a high-paying paying position in the field of your choice, an MBA with a concentration in finance can help you achieve it.  

Learn more about UT Permian Basin’s online MBA program with a concentration in finance.  

Sources: 
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbessanfranciscocouncil/2019/04/03/how-to-create-a-long-term-plan-for-your-small-business/#20fd1dde5b1b
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure


If you’re considering a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), you’re likely aiming for a leadership role in the world of business. But with so many directions to choose from, picking the right focus can feel overwhelming. That’s where a BBA in management comes in. This versatile degree is designed to equip you with the communication, strategy, and leadership skills that today’s employers value most. 

At The University of Texas Permian Basin, our online BBA in management program is built to prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities, from managing people and projects to launching your own business. Whether you’re drawn to HR, marketing, or entrepreneurship, your journey starts here. 

Let’s explore seven rewarding—and often well-paid—careers you can pursue with a BBA in management. 

1. Human Resources Manager  

The duties of a human resource (HR) manager extend far beyond administrative tasks. HR managers, along with the HR department they oversee, help shape the culture, practices, and policies at their companies.As an HR manager, you’ll wear a number of hats, but your main duty will be to foster communication between a company and its employees. 

Our online BBA in management program can prepare you for this role through classes like Business and the Law and Human Resource Management, which covers such topics such as: 

  • Recruiting 
  • Employee relations 
  • Health and safety 

Human resources managers made a median annual salary of $140,030 in 2024 per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). If empathy and communication are among your professional strong suits, this is the role for you.  

2. Marketing Manager  

    A career as a marketing manager is perfect for graduates who would like to continue to express their creativity in BBA management jobs. Marketing managers work with internal teams to implement marketing initiatives, whether that means kicking off a new advertising campaign or crafting click-worthy emails.They may switch between multiple platforms, or they may specialize in one area of marketing, such as social media marketing. 

    At UT Permian Basin, classes like Principles of Marketing teach students the fundamentals they need to excel in this role. Marketing managers made a median annual salary of $159,660 in 2024, proving that satisfying and high-paying roles are not mutually exclusive.  

    3. Sales Manager  

      This career is for the closers. Sales managers promote products and services while engaging in a more direct relationship with customers than marketing managers. They work to understand customer preferences, attract new customers, and resolve customer concerns. Sales managers must also possess hard skills, like: 

      • Analyzing sales statistics 
      • Predicting trends 
      • Setting sales goals 

      Depending on the size of the organization, sales managers may oversee a single team or a network of sales managers with teams of their own. Whether sales managers specialize in business to business (B2B) or business to consumer (B2C), their skills are highly valued in BBA jobs. According to the BLS, sales managers made a median salary of $138,060 in 2024.  

      4. Account Manager 

        Once a sale is made, an account manager is often there to take up the baton. Account managers are the point of contact for a client, passing along goals, rules, and expectations to the rest of their team and ensuring that they are met. 

        Communication is essential for this position, which is why we make it a priority in our program. Business Communications is an upper-level course covering basic interpersonal communication, including composing, editing, and revising business-related communications. Entry-level salaries for this position are about $71,000 a year; however, account managers can go on to make well over $100,000 a year 

        5. Analyst 

          Business analyst, data analyst, market research analyst, financial analyst—take your pick. Thanks to classes like Computers and Problem Solving, graduates of our program possess the problem-solving skills needed to succeed in any of these BBA jobs. 

          Analysts look at data to devise ways to improve businesses’ processes and systems. They are often called upon to initiate change without losing sight of a business’s overall goals. For example, financial analysts might assist companies with investments while being mindful of risk and potential losses—a valued skill that nets financial analysts an average annual salary of $101,910.  

          Individuals wishing to continue their education in finance can earn a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance. Like our BBA in management program, this program is flexible, 100% online, and accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).  

          6. Project Manager 

            Although their job duties will depend on their chosen industry—law, healthcare, construction and engineering, information technology—project managers are responsible for planning, initiating, and overseeing specific projects. This means considering a number of resources, including time and money. 

            Production Operations Management is an upper-level core course in our online program that can prepare students for this exciting position by teaching them fundamental concepts of management, including: 

            • Principles of administration 
            • Modern organizational theory 
            • Goal setting 
            • Leadership and decision-making  

            According to the Project Management Institute, there will be an average of 213,974 newly created positions each year through 2027 in project-management-oriented industries in the U.S. In addition to being in demand, project managers are well compensated, making just over $90,000 a year. Project managers can go on to earn even higher salaries as program managers and portfolio managers.  

            7. Entrepreneur  

              One of the major appeals of our online BBA in management program is the access it provides to flexible career paths. Many graduates of our program decide to forge their own career paths by starting small businesses. 

              UT Permian Basin’s online BBA in management program can prepare you to step into a leadership role by teaching you how to: 

              • Apply operational theory and business ethics in a real-world setting 
              • Develop effective oral and written communication skills 
              • Employ best practices in business management, accounting, and finance 
              • Utilize information technology to inform decision-making 

              U.S. small business owners make about $70,000 a year, but how much you pay yourself is entirely up to you. This is one of the most important decisions you will face as a business owner. What’s right for you, and what’s right for your business? This is just one of the many questions you’ll be prepared to address as a graduate of our program.  

              Discover a Career Path That Can Take You Anywhere  

              If you’re interested in developing the leadership, communication, and management skills needed to succeed in BBA management jobs, our online BBA in management program is for you. Our program is AACSB accredited and 100% online. Earn your degree while prioritizing your personal and professional life. Apply now for an online program as flexible as your future career path.  

              Learn more about UT Permian Basin’s online BBA in management program.  

              Sources:  
              https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm#tab-1
              https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm#tab-4
              https://www.linkedin.com/salary/account-manager-salaries-in-united-states
              https://www.indeed.com/career/project-manager/salaries


              Other articles you be interested in:

              A Master of Business Administration (MBA) can provide you with the education and skills needed to obtain a C-suite job or strike out on your own as an entrepreneur. Despite these benefits, many individuals—especially those with a mind for business—may have concerns about whether the time and cost required to earn a degree is an investment worth making. Is an MBA really worth it?  

              Absolutely! The University of Texas Permian Basin’s MBA program is 100% online, costs less than $15,000 to complete, and can be completed in as little as 12 months. Although we can’t decide for you, this article will provide some helpful information regarding tuition, financial aid, accreditation, and the coursework you can expect in our convenient online program. 

              If you’re interested in earning an online MBA, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more affordable, rewarding learning experience in West Texas than the one offered by UT Permian Basin. 

              Affordable online MBA, accelerated timeline, and global accreditation: Discover why UT Permian Basin’s MBA is a smart choice for your future. 

              What Are the Benefits of Earning an Online MBA Through UT Permian Basin? 

              Earning your MBA is a big investment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank or take years to complete. UT Permian Basin’s online MBA program is designed to be both affordable and accelerated, helping you take your career to the next level on a timeline and budget that works for you. Whether you’re aiming for a leadership role or looking to launch your own business, our flexible, 100% online MBA program provides the skills and knowledge to make it happen. 

              A Highly Affordable Program 

              If you’ve already earned an undergraduate business degree, you can complete UT Permian Basin’s online MBA program with just 30 credit hours, or 27 credit hours of required courses and 3 credit hours of electives. The total tuition for students with an undergraduate business degree is $10,080 ($336 per credit hour). If you have an undergraduate degree in a non-business discipline, you can complete the program in 36 credit hours. Your total tuition will still only be $12,096: a fraction of what you would pay in other MBA programs.  

              As reported by Forbes, some MBA programs now cost more than $200,000. Although a majority of graduates surveyed in the Forbes article found their programs personally and professionally rewarding, it’s no surprise that only 68% found their programs to be financially rewarding. A $200,000 degree alone does not guarantee success, nor does it help counter the lost wages and personal sacrifices that students in less flexible MBA programs must sometimes make to continue their education.  

              AACSB-Accredited for Global Recognition 

              Instead of putting yourself in tens of thousands of dollars in debt, why not apply for our online MBA program and receive an education unparalleled in West Texas? UT Permian Basin’s College of Business is one of a select few business programs in the nation to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Only 5% of business programs in the world can make that claim. At UT Permian Basin, not only will you have the opportunity to continue your education at an affordable price, but you’ll also be given a caliber of instruction that few other institutions can provide.  

              Financial Aid and Payment Flexibility 

              We understand that any tuition amount, no matter how affordable, can be a burden on students. Many of our students are working professionals with responsibilities they must attend to while continuing their education, and others are recent undergraduates hesitant to commit to a graduate program. If you’re concerned with the cost of earning your degree from UT Permian Basin’s online MBA program, we encourage you to contact our financial aid counselor at finaid@utpb.edu to discuss your options. Financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans, can help cover tuition costs and ease your transition into a rewarding career as a marketing manager, financial manager, business operations manager, or owner of your own company.  

              Accelerated Timeline: Graduate in As Little as 12 Months 

              It takes 30-36 credit hours to complete our online MBA program, but how much time will you need to actually invest? Our online MBA program can be completed in as little as one year. 

              Our flexible 8-week courses offer six start dates a year, which means that by next year, you could be graduating with a master’s degree, having only minimally impacted your professional and personal life. Our program is so fast, in fact, that it is ranked among “The 50 Fastest Accelerated MBA Degree Programs” by MBA Central.   

              Invest in Your Future  

              Our online MBA program provides students with the performance-based knowledge and critical-thinking skills needed to excel as a business executive. Whether you’re looking to advance at your current company, venture into a new field, or start a business of your own, you will be prepared to step into a leadership role. Through our online MBA program, you will be able to:  

              • Apply financial, accounting, economic, and marketing concepts.  
              • Integrate business functions into complex organizations.  
              • Apply your knowledge in a variety of professional fields.  

              You’ll be receiving an education of the highest caliber in our affordable online program. Core courses are taught by the very same on-campus faculty who provide students with a solid foundation on which to build their careers. In these core classes, you’ll learn alongside other emerging professionals who could one day be invaluable contacts. Core courses include: 

              • Accounting Analysis 
              • Financial Management 
              • Production & Operation Management 
              • Organizational Behavior 
              • Marketing Management 

              UT Permian Basin also offers an MBA with an Accounting Emphasis program and an online MBA with a Concentration in Finance program for anyone looking to expand their competencies in financial management. Like the UT Permian Basin MBA program, the MBA finance program is affordable, AACSB-accredited, and 100% online. No matter what program you choose, you’ll be earning one of the most prestigious degrees in West Texas.  

              Secure Your Future Without Compromising Your Present   

              At UT Permian Basin, we believe that financial concerns should not bar students, especially working professionals, from earning a degree that can open doors to a number of exciting careers. That’s why we’ve made it possible for you to earn an affordable, accelerated, AACSB-accredited MBA program online and receive an education that meets, if not surpasses, the quality of education found elsewhere in West Texas.  

              You can request more information if you’d like to learn more about our online MBA program, or apply now if you’re ready to take the next step in your education and, ultimately, your career. By next year, you could be a graduate of UT Permian Basin’s online MBA program, equipped with a new set of tools and talents to turn heads in your chosen career field.  

              Learn more about UT Permian Basin’s online MBA program.  

              Sources:  
              https://www.forbes.com/sites/poetsandquants/2018/07/05/top-executive-mba-programs-now-cost-more-than-200k/#3e8150f423f6


              Other articles you may be interested in:

              Many students pursue an MBA to gain a strong foundation in business fundamentals and to open up career opportunities. In 2025, MBA graduates are predicted to earn an average starting salary that’s $30,000 higher than projections for experienced, direct-from-industry hires. 

              An MBA with a concentration in finance offers the best of both worlds: a solid grounding in business and a specialized focus on financial management. With an education that spans investment, economics, and accounting, graduates with a finance concentration are highly employable, often securing jobs within three months of graduation. 

              If you’re passionate about finance, The University of Texas Permian Basin can help you on the path to a rewarding career. Not convinced? Below, we break down four reasons why you should consider pursuing an MBA with a concentration in finance with us. 

              #1 Gain Expertise in Financial Management 

              Why choose a finance specialization when an MBA alone can already lead to a rewarding career? It’s true that UT Permian Basin’s online MBA program prepares students for leadership roles in several fields, including: 

              • Business 
              • Sales 
              • Marketing 
              • Information technology 

              In addition to being affordable, 100% online, and AACSB-accredited, an MBA with a finance focus can help ease—and often accelerate—your transition into a career in finance. Whether you’re aiming to become a financial manager, chief financial officer, or analyst, this specialization opens the door to numerous opportunities. 

              Think of it as the difference between a general practitioner and a surgeon. A general practitioner can help in a wide variety of medical areas, but only a surgeon can wield a scalpel with expert precision. Both enjoy rewarding careers, but surgeons will ultimately earn a higher salary. 

              So, how do you become a surgeon of finance?  

              UT Permian Basin’s online MBA program with a concentration in finance empowers students with the skill set needed for a career in the world of budgeting, investments, and financial systems. Core courses are paired with concentration courses—e.g., Management of Financial Institutions, Options & Futures, International Finance—to teach the financial skills needed to thrive in virtually any industry. It’s no wonder that graduates of our online MBA program with a concentration in finance are so employable.  

              #2 Enhance Job Market Competitiveness 

              Students enrolled in our program are often already gainfully employed and are looking to advance their careers. However, students looking for a career change may join our program to make themselves more employable. Either way, graduates who have earned an MBA with an emphasis in finance will be in demand regardless of where they end up.  

              According to U.S. News & World Report, the average employment rate for 2023 graduates three months after graduating from full-time MBA programs was over 86%. The demand for MBA graduates is further exemplified by findings from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which showed that 78% of employers planned to hire recent MBA graduates in 2019.  

              Employers are looking for MBA graduates, but that won’t make your career search any less competitive. Professionals stand out from the crowd when their resume mentions a specialty, especially an MBA with an emphasis in finance.  

              #3 Unlock High-Paying Career Opportunities  

              U.S. News also reports that the average salary for 2019 graduates of full-time MBA programs in the financial services industry was an impressive $128,997. Monster similarly reports that finance is among the best-paying MBA majors. Graduates of MBA programs with a finance focus often earn six-figure salaries because of the in-demand knowledge and skills that only they possess. 

              Let’s take a look at the median annual salaries for several finance careers as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): 

              Financial Manager 

              Financial managers are responsible for an organization’s finances, including development and strategies for achieving long-term financial goals. On average, financial managers made $156,100 a year in 2023. In addition, the projected job outlook is 17% through 2033, much higher than the national average. 

              Financial Analyst  

              Financial analysts look at financial data to guide organizations in their investment decisions. Financial analysts earned an average annual salary of $99,890 in 2023, but the highest 10% earned over $175,840.  

              Budget Analyst 

              Similar to financial analysts, budget analysts look at financial data to make recommendations, but their focus is on helping organizations budget and track spending. Budget analysts made an average annual salary of $84,940 in 2023, but the highest 10% earned over $131,630.   

              #4 Join a Network of Career-Driven Professionals 

              Networking is essential in a financial career, and it begins long before applying for a new position. As a student of our online MBA program with a concentration in finance, you’ll (virtually) learn and engage with other aspiring professionals who have made it their priority to succeed in the world of finance. 

              Long-lasting relationships born of this program will serve you well in the years to come, as your colleagues inform you of new opportunities, industry trends, and career advice. At UT Permian Basin, ensuring your future success begins the moment classes start.  

              Frequently Asked Questions 

              1. What can I do with an MBA with a concentration in finance? 
              Graduates can pursue roles such as financial manager, chief financial officer (CFO), financial analyst, or investment banker. The degree also opens doors to consulting and leadership positions in a variety of industries. 

              2. Is an MBA with a concentration in finance worth it? 
              Yes! Specializing in finance can lead to higher salaries and stronger job prospects. Finance-related roles consistently rank among the top-paying MBA careers. 

              3. How long does it take to earn an MBA with a finance concentration? 
              At UT Permian Basin, students can complete their degree in as few as 15 months, depending on their course load and prior business education. 

              4. Is an online MBA with a finance concentration as valuable as an in-person degree? 
              Yes. Accredited online MBA programs, like the one at UT Permian Basin, provide the same rigorous curriculum as in-person programs while offering greater flexibility for working professionals. 

              Why Choose UT Permian Basin?  

              Students with a mind for finance are often interested in pursuing degrees with the highest return on investment (ROI). At UT Permian Basin, our AACSB-accredited online MBA program with a concentration in finance costs less than $15,000 to complete (about $11,000 for students who already have undergraduate business degrees). For less than $15,000, students gain access to a first-rate education and one of the most financially rewarding career fields for MBA graduates.   

              Although an MBA with a finance focus can be earned in as few as 15 months, our program is also entirely online and can be completed at your own pace, meaning there’s no need to forgo personal or professional responsibilities. Continue your education and your current career without needing to prioritize one over the other.  

              UT Permian Basin’s online MBA program with a concentration in finance will expand your competencies in financial management, empower you with an in-demand skillset, and connect you with a network of like-minded students. If you have a clear career goal in mind, invest in a degree with a concentration that aligns with that goal. For an affordable, flexible, and first-rate financial education, apply to UT Permian Basin’s online MBA program with a concentration in finance.  

              Learn more about UT Permian Basin’s online MBA program with a concentration in finance.  

              Sources:

              https://www.coursera.org/articles/mba-degree-salary

              https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/articles/mba-salary-jobs

              https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm#tab-4

              https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm#tab-5

              https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm#tab-5


              Other articles you may be interested in:

              Marketing is often seen as a fast-paced, exciting world that requires a highly competitive—or even cutthroat—sensibility. In reality, those who enter the marketing industry find a welcoming field that rewards individuals willing to learn and grow as leaders and communicators. At The University of Texas Permian Basin, students who earn an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing go on to enjoy long-term careers in a rapidly growing field.

              Thinking about a career after a BBA in marketing? Let’s take a look at some of the most in-demand marketing jobs.

              1.    Marketing Manager

              We’ll start with one of the roles that most frequently comes to mind when picturing a typical marketing career. As a marketing manager, you’ll develop and execute marketing campaigns for a wide range of mediums, including digital media and print media—or alternatively, you could specialize in just one marketing medium within your company. You might be evaluating campaign performance one day while brainstorming new marketing strategies with your team the next.

              Through upper-level courses, such as Principles of Marketing and Marketing Management, students in our online BBA in marketing program are taught how to anticipate and thrive within tomorrow’s marketing landscape and excel within their roles, including marketing management. Marketing managers made a median annual wage of $136,850 in 2019, and with an 8 percent projected growth rate through 2028, demand for this role doesn’t show signs of waning.

              2.    Account Manager

              Although most, if not all, marketing jobs entail working with an internal team, there are also those that require client interaction. Account managers act as liaisons between marketing agencies and their clients—but don’t confuse this for a simple middleman role. Account managers are tasked with:

              • Anticipating and providing for client needs.
              • Fostering client-agency relationships.
              • Handling and relaying client communications.
              • Upselling agency products and services.
              • Working with sales and marketing teams.

              As you can see, many marketing roles will require you to wear multiple hats. This is one of the main draws of the marketing industry: you never know what tomorrow will bring. An online BBA in marketing from UT Permian Basin can help prepare you for the multifaceted field of account management by teaching you how to analyze markets, competitors, and buyer behaviors to develop and propose marketing strategies. Account managers have an average base pay of $62,263 per year.

              3.    Social Media Manager

              Posting, tweeting, sharing—this is how people communicate today, and these are the same avenues social media managers use to market to them. Many students who enter UT Permian Basin’s online BBA in marketing program are already familiar with social media platforms, but there’s so much more to this role than just updating Facebook profiles. Social media managers are in charge of curating a company’s online presence by publishing eye-catching media and clear, concise, and informative content. In many ways, they are the voice of their company, as they engage directly with audiences. Like the two previous entries on this list, social media managers work with talented teams, use data to inform their decisions, and execute marketing strategies. This is the perfect job for those who want to take on a leadership role while maintaining their creativity.

              The median base salary for a social media manager is $50,000 per year, but many graduates go on to find even more lucrative positions by putting their natural communication skills and creative impulses to good use. UT Permian Basin’s online BBA in marketing program can foster these natural talents while providing an essential foundation in business fundamentals and best practices. 

              4.    Market Research Analyst

              If you live to see your hard work turn into quantifiable results, market research analyst may be the career for you.  Like marketing managers, market research analysts help their companies figure out how to reach their target audience and promote their products or services. However, market research analysts take a more direct approach when making these decisions. As the job title implies, market research analysts analyze data they obtain through surveys, questionnaires, polls, and other sources to:

              • Deliver results, insights, and recommendations to clients.
              • Determine an organization’s position in the marketplace.
              • Measure the effectiveness of marketing strategies.
              • Predict marketing trends.

              Although this job may seem like primarily crunching numbers, market research analysts must also possess soft skills in order to translate complicated findings into easy-to-understand summaries. Courses like Marketing Research can prepare you for the research aspect of this position, while the entire BBA in marketing program can equip you with the soft skills you’ll need to excel in this role. Market research analysts can expect to earn a median salary of $63,790 per year, or $30.67 per hour.

              5.    Public Relations Specialist

              Much like social media managers, public relations specialists carefully craft their organization’s voice. However, public relations specialists are also in charge of curating an organization’s entire public image across any and all platforms. Public relations specialists may also communicate with multiple audiences, including consumers, news outlets, and investors. Every encounter is an opportunity to present your company in the best light. The job duties of a public relations specialist, also known as media specialist or communications specialist, may entail:

              • Analyzing public opinion of an organization and its actions.
              • Curating and protecting an organization’s public image.
              • Ensuring an organization’s brand is consistent across all platforms.
              • Ensuring marketing strategies align with a company’s public image.
              • Preparing press releases and speeches.

              For public relations specialists considering a career in politics, a BBA in marketing can also lead to a rewarding career as a press secretary. Perhaps more than any other career on this list, this role requires professionals to have outstanding problem-solving skills. At UT Permian Basin, our online BBA in marketing program prepares students for public relations by teaching them the skills needed to overcome challenging situations with grace and poise. Public relations specialists made a median annual wage of $61,150 in 2019, and that’s just one possible career out of numerous others in the marketing field.

              Learn about UT Permian Basin’s online BBA in marketing program.

              Sources:

              https://www.careerbuilder.com/advice/whats-it-like-being-a-marketing-manager

              https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm

              https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/public-relations-specialists.htm#tab-1

              Women comprise the majority of today’s marketing workforce. Although women are often touted as better communicators, this characterization alone doesn’t explain why women so often pursue an education and career in this dynamic field. 

              Marketing is an area of business unlike any other. In this growing field, anyone can enter on the ground floor and rise to the top. It’s also a professional space where women can enjoy a flexible role and collaborate with driven, like-minded peers. Finally, it’s a field where women can use quantifiable data to prove their worth. If you’re considering a career where advancement and success are determined by education, experience, and expertise, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from The University of Texas Permian Basin and a career in marketing might be for you.

              1.    Shatter the Glass Ceiling

              The gender pay gap is no secret. It’s a persistent problem found throughout all industries that has only improved slightly in the past few decades. Women are still only earning about 85% of what men earn due to factors such as gender discrimination, occupational segregation, and educational disparities. Fortunately, the barriers preventing equality in the workplace are being increasingly recognized and systematically addressed, and this trend toward parity is particularly apparent in the marketing industry.

              A career in marketing entails far more than just making sales. It requires a thorough understanding of business fundamentals; the analysis of markets, competitors, and buyer behaviors for the development of marketing strategies; and the ability to execute those strategies. Although the ability to communicate is vital in a marketing career, success in your future marketing role will ultimately be determined by your ability to make informed decisions that drive results.

              2.    Enter a Growing Field

              According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “overall employment of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.” Marketing jobs for women are continually increasing because companies are always looking to establish and grow their online and offline presence. This means that professionals with an education in marketing will always be essential—a benefit that can’t be overstated, particularly in times of national economic uncertainty. Whether your interests lie in digital, multichannel, or e-commerce marketing, you’re going to be entering an adaptable industry with a promising career outlook.

              Marketing managers made a median annual wage of $136,850 in 2019 per BLS data, and that’s just one position in this expanding field. If you’d like to count yourself among their ranks, your best bet is to obtain a BBA in marketing. UT Permian Basin’s online BBA in marketing program can prepare you for a career in a number of areas, including:

              • Brand management
              • Marketing management
              • Product management
              • Digital and social media
              • Market research

              Earning a marketing degree can help you land your ideal position, whether you’re just getting started in marketing, changing careers within the field, or eyeing an upper-management position. In an equitable yet competitive industry like marketing, a reputable degree is essential for securing the pay and position you desire.

              3.    Enjoy a Healthy Work-Life Balance

              Not everyone is attracted to the marketing field for the money or stability, although those are certainly advantages. For many women, the chance to work in a position that is flexible enough to accommodate their lifestyle is reason enough to pursue a marketing degree. Because the bulk of their work is performed online, women in marketing can enjoy a flexible workplace and schedule. Imagine being able to perform your job duties from anywhere on the planet. A café in London or a hotel room in New York could be your workspace, assuming you have the Wi-Fi password. A flexible schedule is even more of a priority for many working women. With a flexible work schedule, women in marketing can:

              • Maintain time for their family
              • Help care for loved ones
              • Continue their education
              • Avoid burnout
              • Remain productive and creative

              In many cases, marketing jobs for women place less emphasis on hours worked and more emphasis on completed projects that yield results. As long as you’re doing your job and doing it well, you’ll also be able to prioritize personal responsibilities or just enjoy a change of scenery while on the job. Our BBA in marketing program was designed with this work-life balance in mind. 100% online with flexible 8-week courses and six start dates a year, our program provides a convenient way to launch your career in this adaptable industry.

              4.    Thrive in a Creative and Collaborative Environment

              Just because you’ll have the freedom to work where you want, when you want, doesn’t mean you won’t be a valued member of a team. Pursuing a career in marketing means learning alongside other students who want to hone their natural talents and collaborating with a team of professionals working toward a common cause. There’s nothing quite like bouncing ideas off your peers at every stage of your education and career. If you’re a creative person who’s gone through life looking for like-minded types, there’s a good chance you’ll find them among UT Permian Basin’s marketing students. Many friendships born from UT Permian Basin classes have resulted in networking and career opportunities.

              If you do happen to be a woman who is an accomplished communicator, your skills will serve you well in a marketing position. Marketing is all about communication—not only with your team, but with your target audience as you anticipate and address their needs. Wherever you land in the marketing field, your creative flair and communication skills will yield a satisfying career.

              Learn about UT Permian Basin’s online BBA in marketing program.

              Sources:

              https://www.ana.net/blogs/show/id/mm-blog-2018-11-ana-advertising-diversity-report