Finance Degrees


Business Finance Degree

Every organization, whether commercial, non-profit or governmental, needs financial experts to help it succeed. Additionally, private individuals also rely on financial experts to invest and manage their money. Those who earn a business degree in Finance will have a vast array of career options from which they can choose.

Job growth for financial analysts and other finance careers is expected be very good over the next decade. However, more people are choosing to major in Finance so higher-paying jobs will be competitive and will often go to those with a master's degree.

Degree Options

  • Associate's Degree - An associate's degree program in finance will provide students with a foundation in business and finance that will prepare them for entry-level jobs in areas such as payroll, accounting and financial services.
  • Bachelor's Degree - A bachelor's degree in finance will prepare students for an entry-level finance job in most organizations.
  • Master's Degree - Graduates of a master's degree program in finance will be able to pursue the higher-paying jobs in investment banking or other interesting finance positions.
  • Doctoral Degree - A doctoral program in finance will prepare individuals to rise to the top ranks in their field or to teach finance at a business school.

Those who hold a bachelor's degree or higher in finance may also choose to earn a credential as a Chartered Financial Analyst. This designation allows an individual to be a securities analyst, portfolio manager or investment advisor.

Schools

Business Finance degrees are available at most universities and many colleges including online schools. Online schools are a good source of business finance degrees and provide the flexibility that many students are looking for. Many traditional schools also offer some online courses as well.

Finance Courses

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Corporate Finance
  • Financial Markets
  • Investment and Security Analysis
  • Global Financial Management
  • Risk Management and Insurance
  • Financial Services
  • Mortgages and Mortgage Markets

Aptitudes and Interests

Individuals who have strong math skills, think analytically and like to be involved in tactical and strategic decision making are good candidates for degrees in business finance. They should also be good communicators and possess good judgment skills in order to be able to assess risk appropriately.

Career Options

Careers in finance are available in corporate finance departments, investment banks, non-profit organizations and in personal finance. Some common job titles are listed below:

  • Investment Analyst
  • Financial Analyst
  • Credit Analyst
  • Investment Manager
  • Stock Broker
  • Personal Financial Advisor
  • Budget Analyst
  • Financial Examiner
  • Loan Officer / Loan Counselor
  • Public Accountant

Related Majors

Degrees that are similar in some aspects to Business Finance are listed below:

  • Accounting – This degree is more technical and hands-on.
  • Economics - Focused more on theoretical vs. practical.
  • Mathematical Finance - Involves intensive math as it relates to real-world finance.

How to Evaluate Business Finance Programs

Below are some factors to consider when choosing a business finance program:

  • Curriculum – For individuals who have a specific finance career in mind, the program they pick should have a particular focus on that career specialty.
  • Reputation - When looking for a job, especially if it's one that attracts many applicants, a school's reputation will be a consideration of the hiring company.
  • Accreditation - Schools that offer business finance programs should be accredited by one of the six regional accrediting agencies and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Free Online Courses

There are now various free business finance classes available online that give potential finance students a good idea of what a finance degree program would be like.

  • MIT's Sloan School of Management offers free business course material online to the public.
  • The University of Texas at San Antonio's Small Business Network offers a number of online business courses for free. Scroll down to see the "Managing Your Finances" section for the finance courses.
  • The Financial Management Training Center offers numerous free short finance courses to the public.

Resources

The American Finance Association

Association for Financial Professionals

The Association for Education Finance and Policy

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