Online MS Finance during PhD

Hi everyone,

I am new to this platform. Currently a 2nd year PhD student in science at Columbia University, I expect to complete in another 2 years. By that time I will be in the early thirties. I plan on moving to finance and hence am considering enrolling in an online finance program at University of Washington/Penn State.
I have less than an year's industrial work experience, however my research experience (i.e. working as a research assistant) is around 4.5 years and it has involved a lot of number crunching and statistics. In addition I have taken a lot of online finance & economics courses (8 to be precise) with verified certificates from the respective universities.
Would it be possible to make this transition?
I mean at this late a stage in my career with little work experience and an online MS finance degree would I be considered by the industry as a potential candidate?

Also, are the diplomas offered through these online programs identical to those earned by on-campus students? (e.g. does the diploma say that the work was done online?)
Since the online degree would involve a significant money investment, I am trying to clear all possible doubts.

I hope someone can help!

Thanks

HWorker