Best MBA Programs in Philadelphia for a Career in Finance

According to a recent article on U.S. News, a career as a Financial Advisor is one of the hottest jobs for MBA graduates. It’s a fast-growing field with a projected growth rate of 30% before 2024. And according to Richard Bland, the head employer of engagement at the London Business school, MBAs account for 40% of those being hired into investment banking roles and 16% of managing directors in finance have an MBA.

So, it’s evident that an MBA is required for a career in Finance, but where should you go to school? If you’re living in Philadelphia, we’ve got the scoop. This is what we found when looking at the employment reports of recent MBA graduates:

• Wharton: 36.9% in Financial Services
• Fox School: 24% in Financial Services
• Lebow College: 15% in Financial Services
• Smeal College: 13% in Finance/Accounting
• Rutgers School: 9% in Financial Services

Best MBA Programs in Philadelphia for a Career in Finance

The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

Not only is Wharton one of the top MBA programs in the world, but it’s also one of the best schools in Philadelphia to get your MBA and enter into a career in Finance. 36.9% of MBA graduates at Wharton go on to work in the financial services industry at such prestigious companies as Morgan Stanley, J.P Morgan, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

MBA students at Wharton can specialize their education by choosing a focus in 18 different business areas including finance and accounting. A focus in finance at Wharton offers students the analytical and theoretical tools to master practical issues in finance.

Wharton MBAs can also choose to focus their entire MBA program on financial services. Tat-Seng Chiam is just such a student. His long-term career goal is related to social finance/impact-investing and so he has taken classes such as Corporate Finance (FNCE 611) and Financial Accounting (ACCT 611) to get him there. He’s also the co-president of the Finance Club.

“A Wharton MBA is a great complement to a master’s degree in public administration because it allows you to develop a set of private-sector skills, which have become increasingly relevant to both the public sector and nonprofit world,” he said on his profile. 

LeBow College of Business at Drexel University

15% of LeBow College of Business MBAs go on to work in financial services—more than any other career path. Joe Rosenthal received his MBA from LeBow in 2013 and went on to become a senior financial analyst at Endo International. According to his profile on the website, “The Drexel LeBow MBA has given me a couple things,” Rosenthal says. “One is the tools to be more effective at my job. And two, it’s enabled me to think strategically, and outside the box, as well as bring a different way of thinking to what I do.”

Why does an MBA at LeBow make sense for a career in finance?

• LeBow offers an Advanced Business Certificate in Finance. It’s a 12 credit, part-time or evening course that can be completed in as little as six months or up to 3 years.
• LeBow offers ten different student organizations dedicated to helping students achieve a career in finance. Two of the most interesting clubs include:
  • Drexel Finance Association (DFA): This club introduces students to the myriad opportunities available within the finance industry.
  • Drexel Investment Group (DIG): This club helps students broaden their financial knowledge through guest speakers, networking, tournament events, and unique material.

regions: Philadelphia

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