Online Finance Degree Programs

An online finance degree provides students with a unique set of skills to lead a successful care in finance related careers. Students are prepared to plan, manage, and analyze financial aspects of a variety of organizations such as large businesses, banking institutions, and other organizations. An online finance degree provides students with a solid business foundation focusing specifically on the finance field. Programs can often be specialized to concentrate on specific areas. Read more about online finance degree programs.

Some Stats

In 2006, there were 29,078 bachelor degrees, 4,393 master degrees, and 59 doctorate degrees conferred in finance (1). In 2006, financial analysts held 221,000 jobs and finance managers held 506,000 jobs (2). A report by MSN states the starting salary for college graduates with a bachelor degree in finance is $41,446 and $50,468 for those with a master degree in finance (3).

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook varies depending on degree and position, but the finance field is hot right now and employment outlook is expected to grow at a strong pace. The amount of jobs in finance and insurance are expected to increase 13.2% by the year 2016, adding 815,000 jobs. Employment of securities, commodities, and other financial investment activities is expected to increase by 46% by year 2016 due to many of the baby boomers investing for retirement (2).

Specialties

The field of finance offers a wide variety of specialties for students. The specialties include financial analysis, financial management, financial consulting, private/consumer banking, compliance, financial and investment planning, insurance services, securities, and corporate strategies. Students can pursue a vast amount of career opportunities with a finance specialty.

What to Expect

A finance degree is intended to provide students with a solid foundation in business education while focusing on the narrower field of finance. The finance curriculum provides students with fundamental financial management tools to pursue a successful career analyzing and performing financial tasks of managerial decisions. The bachelor degree in finance includes general education courses in the social sciences, physical and biological sciences, and composition areas. The core courses focus on economics, advanced mathematics, accounting, business communication, technology, problem solving, statistical analysis, e-business, ethics, critical thinking, and research methods. A master degree in finance provides more advanced education and allows students to concentrate more on specializations. PhD programs concentrate on a thorough understanding of leadership and changes in organization, finance in modern enterprise, management, and high-level decision-making. Short residency requirements are often a part of doctorate programs.

The End Result

A finance degree opens the doors to endless career opportunities in a variety of fields as job growth continues to grow faster than average over the next decade. Careers in the business and finance field are the most common, but finance graduates also pursue careers in government and non-profit agencies. A finance degree prepares students with the tools to understand financial markets and the ability to access and use financial information. Careers for finance graduates include:

Financial Analyst
Financial Consultant
Financial Manager
Financial Planner
Budget Analyst
Securities Analyst
Personal Financial Advisor
Tax Prepare
Brokerage Clerk
Loan Officer
Insurance Underwriter

Individuals who are outgoing and inquisitive with mathematical aptitude will find a finance career rewarding. Finance professionals assist organizations and consumers with their financial needs on a daily basis. Online finance careers prepare students to pursue meaningful and successful careers in the finance field.

(1) SOURCE: U.S. National Center for Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics
(2) SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition
(3) SOURCE: MSN.careers, The 2008 Starting Salary by Degree: Bachelors vs. Masters Index