The Master's in Business Administration (MBA) degree in finance is considered a necessity for students who want high profile corporate careers. A strong undergraduate foundation in business, mathematics or information systems will be helpful when applying to top schools. Obtain a MBA in finance on campus or online. For working professionals, executive MBA programs allow you to attend classes on the weekend so that you don't have to interrupt your career to get the education you want. Read on to learn more.

1. Visit the American Finance Association (AFA) website to find out about career options for holders of graduate degrees in finance. You can also check their jobs site to see current career opportunities and get salary information.

2. Decide whether you have time to devote to attending classes on campus or if you need to limit your degree program searches to online and executive education programs. Then review the finance MBA degree program rankings on the Businessweek website.

3. Select at least three schools that fit your top career choices, your budget and your schedule. Many people are tempted to apply to lower-ranked schools. You may be pleasantly surprised if you also include one of the top 10 schools on your possible list.

4. Prepare for and take the GMAT. Many local libraries have study materials for this exam. Download free exam practice software at the MBA website. You can also find exam preparation help in MBA student forums.

5. Complete the admissions process. Observe the appropriate deadline for each school's application. Order your undergraduate transcripts as soon as you have selected your schools.

6. Get scholarship or loan information from each school's financial aid office, the Petersons website and MBA associations.

7. Complete the required courses, internships, thesis or final project. On average, it takes two to three years, to finish all of the requirements for this degree.