Online Finance Degrees 2021
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People with strong quantitative skills and an interest in economic and financial systems often excel in finance programs. An online bachelor's degree in finance meets the educational requirement for many lucrative careers in diverse industries.
Graduates with a finance degree can pursue a variety of business and financial occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business and finance professionals earn a median salary of $72,250 per year. Many finance positions pay even higher median salaries. For example, financial managers earn a median annual salary of $134,180, and the BLS projects employment for these managers to increase 17% from 2020-2030.
Applicants to the best online finance degrees often need a minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA and strong ACT or SAT scores. To apply to the major, applicants may need to complete prerequisite coursework and provide recommendations from professors. This guide explores common online finance degree requirements and benefits, along with career paths for graduates.
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Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master’s or Ph.D. programs.
Finance Degree Outlook and Salary
Online finance degree holders can pursue various business and financial occupations. Graduates often become financial examiners, financial analysts, and market research analysts. They can also work as personal financial advisors.
According to the BLS, many finance jobs pay above-average salaries. For example, financial analysts and financial advisors earn median salaries of $83,660 and $89,330 per year, respectively.
Most finance programs lead to a BS, although some schools offer a BA in finance. BA programs typically feature more diverse coursework. BS curricula focus more heavily on finance.
Finance students and professionals typically need foundational quantitative skills in statistics, algebra, and calculus.
Online Bachelor's in Finance Degrees 2021
Florida International University, a public research university based in Miami, offers an online bachelor of business administration. The online finance degree prepares students for careers in business, banking, and corporate finance.
The 120-credit program covers topics like portfolio and risk management, financial engineering, and international finance. Undergraduate students can optionally work with a success coach to develop specific skills in the field.
Students can transfer up to 60 lower-division credits or an associate of arts degree from an accredited Florida institution. Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA. Florida International University holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas A&M University-Commerce, a public research university, offers a bachelor of business administration degree that allows students to choose from fully online and hybrid formats. Students typically take foundation courses such as principles of accounting, principles of management, and business computing systems.
Students also take courses on topics like financial planning, entrepreneurial finance, and venture capital. Students nearing graduation can interview with companies they want to work for in the future.
The school allows students to transfer up to 85 credit hours from accredited institutions toward the degree. Applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA. Texas A&M holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
A private university based in Springfield, Missouri State University-Springfield offers a bachelor of science in finance that prepares students for careers in financial services.
The 120-credit online finance degree covers topics like financial planning, financial markets, investments, and risk modeling and analytics. The program also prepares students to sit for the chartered financial analyst exam.
Students can transfer any number of credits from approved institutions. Applicants must submit transcripts reflecting a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA. Missouri State University holds regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers an online bachelor's in finance that prepares graduates to work as security analysts, financial planners, and personal and corporate investment managers.
The 120-credit online finance degree covers topics like security valuation, corporate financial management, banking, and insurance. Students learn how to help individuals, corporations, and governmental organizations reach their financial goals.
Students can transfer up to 72 credits toward the online bachelor's degree in finance. Applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA and at least 12 transferable credits.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater holds accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.
A public institution, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers a bachelor of business administration through the Isenberg School of Management. Students learn how corporations raise funds, invest in projects, and manage working capital.
The 120-credit online finance degree covers topics like corporate finance, financial modeling, investments, and advanced corporate finance courses. The program also offers courses in corporate finance, marketing fundamentals, and management communications.
Students can transfer up to 75 credits from other institutions toward their degree. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA.
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst holds regional accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Houston-Clear Lake offers a bachelor of science in finance degree that prepares students for roles in commercial banking, financial planning, investment banking, money management, insurance, and real estate.
Students take courses on topics like accounting, macroeconomics, microeconomics, and business finance. Finance students can optionally join the Accounting Association or the Institute of Management Accounting to further hone their skills. Both organizations offer robust networking opportunities for students.
Students can transfer up to 30 credits toward the degree. The school holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers an online bachelor of science in finance through the Collat School of Business. The 120-credit program covers topics such as financial analysis, portfolio management, and real estate investment.
Students take courses on topics like financial accounting, financial research methods, and management processes and behaviors. The program also offers Handshake, a career service management tool.
Students can transfer up to 60 credits toward the degree. Applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Houston-Downtown offers a bachelor of business administration degree that prepares students for positions in financial management, investment management, and banking.
The 120-credit program covers topics like small business finance, treasury risk management, real estate finance, intermediate corporate finance, and financial planning. The program prepares students to pursue credentials like chartered financial planner, chartered financial analyst, and certified treasury professional.
Students can transfer up to 15 credits from regionally accredited institutions toward the degree. Applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA. The University of Houston-Downtown maintains regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Prospective online bachelor's degree in finance students usually pursue a BS in finance, a BA in finance, or a bachelor of finance (BFin). They can also pursue a bachelor of business administration (BBA) in finance. Generally, these programs require core coursework in statistics, banking, quantitative methods, and economics.
BA and BBA programs in the field offer various courses. However, BBA curricula emphasize management skills and topics. Both a BA and a BBA can lead to a variety of business careers, and they prepare learners for graduate studies.
Ideal for aspiring financial analysts and advisors, BS and BFin programs usually feature more technical classes. These degrees also qualify holders for graduate programs. Many BS and BFin programs offer specialization options in niche fields such as risk management, investments, and asset management.
Why Get a Finance Degree?
Earning a finance online degree can lead to many professional and personal benefits. In addition to obtaining specialized skills, graduates may access lucrative careers, promotions, and salary increases.
- Lucrative Career Paths
- A bachelor's degree in finance meets the minimum degree requirements for many high-paying careers. Graduates often become personal financial advisors, financial analysts, and financial managers.
- Promotions
- Entry-level professionals often pursue a bachelor's degree to qualify for promotions. A bachelor's degree can also help professionals transition to a field with better job prospects.
- Salary Increases
- Working professionals can earn a bachelor's degree to increase their earning potential. Many companies set pay scales that award higher salaries to employees with higher levels of education.
- Specialization
- Some finance programs allow learners to specialize in niche fields. Common specialization options include hedge funds, private equity and venture capital, and investment banking.
- Networking
- Online programs often attract working professionals who need flexible scheduling options. Degree-seekers often receive opportunities to network with peers and create connections that can lead to employment opportunities.
What Are the Requirements for a Finance Degree?
The best finance programs typically require applicants to hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. Some programs require above-average ACT or SAT scores. Candidates usually submit an application essay. To enter the finance major, students may need recommendation letters and a sufficient GPA in prerequisite coursework.
Finance bachelor's programs usually require 120 credits, including about 60 credits of core and elective coursework in the field. Seniors typically complete an internship to develop practical skills. Some programs also require a capstone research project.
Professional Organizations for Finance Students
Finance students and professionals often join professional organizations to access networking opportunities, continuing education courses, and field-specific information. The professional organizations below represent a few options for students pursuing a bachelor's degree in finance.
Scholarships for Finance Students
Finance bachelor's degree-seekers can qualify for scholarships based on factors such as identity, field of study, financial need, and academic achievement. Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment. The scholarships below represent a sampling of the opportunities available to finance students.
Who Can Apply: The Government Finance Officers Association awards this scholarship to minority students. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in public administration or in government-related finance, accounting, or business administration. Political science and economics students also qualify. Applicants must provide a recommendation letter from a public service professional.
Amount: $10,000
Who Can Apply: Undergraduate accounting and finance students can apply for this scholarship from the Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance. Candidates must be in their third, fourth, or fifth year of undergraduate studies and need a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least 60 college credits. Competitive candidates also demonstrate financial need, good character, communication and leadership skills, and a commitment to pursuing a finance career.
Amount: Varies
Melissa Brock
Melissa Brock worked in college admission for 12 years and writes for numerous publications, including "The Journal of College Admission." Her website, College Money Tips, helps families smoothly navigate the college search process. She currently works as a freelance writer and financial editor, covering higher education, college savings and personal finance.
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