Suffolk University in Massachusetts is offering three new concentrations in its Master of Science in Finance program, school officials announced this week.

Starting this month the Boston-based private university's Sawyer Business School is offering concentrations in Risk Management, Investments and Corporate Finance, allowing students to customize their degrees based on career goals. The new concentrations launched as part of the Business School's emphasis on creating practical programs in growing areas of business that support students' professional goals.

The school's Master of Science in Finance program also established an academic partnership with the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP).

Students taking risk management courses will be prepared to earn the elite Financial Risk Manager designation, which is valued by top employers across diverse businesses.

"The Risk Management concentration teaches students how to manage financial risk-an obstacle that organizations face every day. Students will gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to address financial risk in a global industry," William J. O'Neill, Jr., dean of Suffolk University's Sawyer Business School, said in a statement. "As future risk managers, students will learn how to help organizations respond to change and stay ahead of the competition."

The Business School's MS in Finance program, recognized by the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) Institute, is closely tied to professional practice and covers the key concepts on the CFA Exam.

The Investments concentration is designed to help students earn the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) designation, which is widely considered the most respected investment designation in the world.

The Corporate Finance concentration prepares students to work in all types of businesses. The courses, which place an emphasis on practical skill-building, will teach students how to analyze and interpret large amounts of financial data, prepare financial reports, and set long-term expectations for companies. Students learn how to help businesses fund projects, manage working capital, make acquisitions, and plan for the company's financial future.