University of Iowa to open online MS in Finance and close face-to-face program; program aims to broaden reach to working professionals

The University of Iowa presented a program change request to the Academic Affairs Committee on June 25 to offer a Master of Science in Finance as an online degree and to close the in-person MS in finance.

Provost Kriegel and other campus leaders said the finance department already offers many courses online and that market assessments indicate demand among working professionals, especially in the Des Moines market and nationally. "Transitioning to an online is the request," the provost said, adding the online structure would allow flexible pacing, elective choices and geographic reach beyond state borders.

Why it matters: The online program aims to serve employed professionals seeking a specialized finance master's without relocating; the university said the change would not duplicate existing state offerings and that Iowa State and UNI support the proposal.

Enrollment expectations and policy notes

University leaders said they anticipate the online program could quickly meet enrollment targets and that faculty resources from the in-person program will move to online delivery. A committee member asked whether the university requires a certain amount of fundraising or students from out of state; the provost said campus market assessments guide the projection and pointed to information provided in the submission materials showing expected enrollments.

Committee action

The committee recommended approval of the new online MS in Finance and recommended termination of the in-person MS in Finance; the items will be forwarded to the full board for action.

Speakers quoted were present in committee; direct quotes are attributed in the record.