International Finance: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for students seeking expertise in global economic systems, this program equips learners with the analytical and strategic capabilities needed to navigate complex international financial environments. It emphasizes practical application in cross-border financial management, currency markets, and multinational corporate finance.
- International Banking: Explores the structure, operations, and regulatory frameworks of global banking institutions, focusing on their role in facilitating international trade and investment.
- International Monetary and Financial Policy: Analyzes the mechanisms and impacts of monetary systems, exchange rate regimes, and policy coordination among nations to maintain financial stability.
- Money and Capital Markets: Covers the functioning of global financial markets, including debt and equity instruments, market efficiency, and the flow of capital across borders.
- Foreign Exchange: Delivers in-depth study of currency valuation, exchange rate determination, and the risks and opportunities associated with currency fluctuations in international transactions.
- Risk Analysis: Focuses on identifying, measuring, and mitigating financial risks in global operations, including market, credit, and liquidity exposures.
- International Cash Flow Operations: Teaches strategies for managing cash movements across countries, optimizing liquidity, and ensuring compliance with international financial reporting standards.
International Finance Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
International Finance Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with International Finance degrees, including Financial Managers, Financial Risk Specialists and Financial and Investment Analysts. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,297,300 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Managers 11-3031 | $161,700 | $86,490 - $239,200 | 818,620 | $77.74 |
| Financial Risk Specialists 13-2054 | $106,000 | $62,270 - $182,310 | 56,320 | $50.96 |
| Financial and Investment Analysts 13-2051 | $101,350 | $62,410 - $180,550 | 340,580 | $48.73 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1011 | $97,270 | $46,460 - $210,530 | 81,780 | N/A |
International Finance Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $80,740 in Arkansas to $147,338 in New York—a 82% difference. The highest-paying states include New York, District of Columbia, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,297,300 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for International Finance by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering International Finance programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in International Finance is found at University of Chicago (UChicago) (102 graduates), University of South Carolina (USC), Columbia (20 graduates), and Millennia Atlantic University (MAU) (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 124 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Postbac Cert.
|
102 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| University of South Carolina (USC) |
Postbac Cert.
|
20 | Columbia, South Carolina | Public | sc.edu |
| Millennia Atlantic University (MAU) |
Master's
|
2 | Doral, Florida | Private | maufl.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about International Finance programs
How much can I earn with a International Finance degree?
Salaries for International Finance graduates vary by role and location. Financial Managers earn a median of $161,700 annually, while Financial Risk Specialists earn around $106,000. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New York average $147,338 compared to $80,740 in Arkansas. Approximately 1,297,300 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest International Finance programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer International Finance degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Chicago (UChicago) (102 graduates), University of South Carolina (USC), Columbia (20 graduates), and Millennia Atlantic University (MAU) (2 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in International Finance growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 85 in 2010 to 124 in 2023-24. This represents a 46% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a International Finance degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Financial Managers, Financial Risk Specialists, and Financial and Investment Analysts. Related occupations employ approximately 1,297,300 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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