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Overview of a Bachelor’s in Finance

A bachelor’s is the most common entry-level degree for most careers, and it’s the same for finance. While an associate can earn you some lower-level positions, the majority of work in finance requires at least a bachelor’s degree. The broader program and deeper level of knowledge gained with this degree gives you everything you need to earn a position as an accountant, financial analyst, actuary, or a number of other options. It will also give you access to certifications and higher education; which employers may prefer or even require you to have. This degree will give you the best chance at advancing quickly into a profession where, at the higher levels, you can be making close to $100,000 annually.

Business Degrees & Career Paths

PROS

The benefits and advantages of earning a bachelor's degree will greatly impact your quality of life in the long term. You will be able to earn significantly more money than someone with a high school diploma or an associate's degree. You may also be able to secure jobs over individuals who do not have a bachelor’s degree, even if they have more experience. As your career progresses and you wish to advance your career, you will be required to continue your training and education. With a bachelor’s degree, you can complete a variety of professional certificates at colleges and universities and through professional organizations. It is also possible to take online courses as you work to complete a master’s degree to increase your pay and advance your career even further.

CONS

Just as someone with a bachelor’s degree has an advantage over those who do not, someone with a master’s degree will be paid more and be hired over those who do not have a master’s degree. Today, most top companies require their managers and executives to have at least a master’s. A bachelor’s degree will also limit the type of professional and industry certifications you will be able to complete. The most respected certifications require a master’s degree as a basic requirement for entrance into a program or to sit for an exam. Also, if you do not complete a master’s degree, your salary will cap at a much lower income level.

Certificate Vs. Bachelor’s

Certificates can be highly confusing, as the significance of the certificate depends greatly on the education level required to complete the degree. A basic finance certificate does not require the completion of any degree. These certificates are typically offered by online colleges and universities rather than traditional four-year higher learning institutions. They offer a basic understanding of finance that is roughly equivalent to one semester of a finance program in a bachelor’s degree. Such a certificate may qualify you for entry-level positions, although it would be easier to get a job with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance.

A graduate certificate from a traditional college or university requires at least a bachelor’s degree and most require a master’s degree. Many people use these types of certificates to specialize or to continue their education throughout their career. Other professional certificates are offered by reputable industry organizations may require a master’s degree or an MBA with a finance emphasis.

What Finance Bachelor’s Degrees are Available?

There are typically only two different types of bachelor’s degrees in the finance area. However, it is important to note that you can major in nearly unlimited specializations of the finance sector.

• Bachelor of Arts in Finance: A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Finance degree from an accredited college or university will focus on areas that are somewhat different from a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance. With a BA in Finance, most programs will focus on a more general and broad educational experience that includes subjects outside of the finance sector such as history, religion, psychology, English, and writing.

• Bachelor of Science in Finance: A Bachelor of Science in Finance will focus on more technical areas of finance, as opposed to a BA in Finance. You will have far more courses in science, math, statistics, and IT-related curriculum. As part of a business degree, you will also have courses in economics, accounting, and entrepreneurship. When you graduate with a BS in Finance, you will be prepared for finance careers that rely on analytical and technical skills.

As you determine which type of bachelor’s degree is right for you, it is important to consider whether you prefer a more general education or a more technical education. This should help guide you with your decision. If you are strong in, or enjoy, math and science, a BS is likely a good fit. If you are better at communication and writing, a BA might better serve your long-term finance career interests.

Admission Requirements

In general, a bachelor’s degree in any business field has the same as entry requirements as any reputable college or university with a degree program in finance. This means you will require a high school diploma or its equivalent, with a minimum GPA, dependent on the specific college or university you are applying to. The GPA could be anything from a 2.0, to a 3.5, or higher depending on the school. It will also help to have been active in extracurricular activities, giving back to the community, being involved in volunteering through your religious, spiritual, or another organization, and work experience is also considered a positive by admissions offices. If you transfer schools, a degree in finance requires that you have strong mathematical skills, computer skills, and communication skills, so be sure that you study hard in these areas before you transfer.

How long does it take to earn a Finance Bachelor's?

A Bachelor’s Degree in Finance will traditionally take four years to complete. It is important to note that you will have to maintain a certain GPA in core finance classes to complete most reputable programs. If you change majors several times or transfer schools during the process, it may take you longer, as some credits may not transfer, and you may have to take additional prerequisite courses before you can complete certain courses or graduate.

It is also a good idea to keep in mind that many of the top finance programs now offer a combined bachelor’s degree and master’s degree program, as a way to reduce the amount of time it takes to complete both. The idea is that you complete your undergraduate degree from the same university as the master’s degree, often with some classes counting for both simultaneously. It will reduce the number of credit hours you have to complete, and you can often eliminate the need for a graduate school entrance exam to be completed before admission into the business school.

How long does it take to earn a Finance Bachelor's?

A Bachelor’s Degree in Finance will traditionally take four years to complete. It is important to note that you will have to maintain a certain GPA in core finance classes to complete most reputable programs. If you change majors several times or transfer schools during the process, it may take you longer, as some credits may not transfer, and you may have to take additional prerequisite courses before you can complete certain courses or graduate.

It is also a good idea to keep in mind that many of the top finance programs now offer a combined bachelor’s degree and master’s degree program, as a way to reduce the amount of time it takes to complete both. The idea is that you complete your undergraduate degree from the same university as the master’s degree, often with some classes counting for both simultaneously. It will reduce the number of credit hours you have to complete, and you can often eliminate the need for a graduate school entrance exam to be completed before admission into the business school.

Associate’s in Finance

Cost range from $6,000 to $26,000

Earning an associate degree in finance usually takes two years. The associate degree will give you the fundamental skills you need for an entry-level position in the finance industry. However, it can also be used as a foundation of your education and you can move on to the next level and further enhance your knowledge, skills, experience, and education with a bachelor’s degree.

ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE SAMPLE COURSES

• Legal Aspects of Finance

• Investments and Banking

• Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable

• Accounting Fundamentals

• Bookkeeper

• Business Statistics, Laws, and Trends

• Tax Preparing

• Managing Financial Risks

• Auditing

• Financial Statistics and Research

Bachelor's in Finance

Cost range from $24,000 to $75,000

You can usually earn your bachelor’s degree in four years. When pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance, students will learn how to manage a business’s money while making important investment decisions and will qualify for many entry-level positions in the finance industry.

Students will gain the skills and knowledge needed to pass the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) or the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) exams.

You will also be able to advance your career and move on to a Master’s degree in finance.

BACHELOR’S DEGREE SAMPLE COURSES

• Principles of Finance and Investment

• Banking, Finance, and Money Management

• Accounting

• Microeconomics

• Personal Finance Concepts

• Fundamentals of Marketing

• Introduction to Project Management

• Macroeconomics

• Key Financial Concepts

• Computer Modeling of Finance

• Introduction to Business Law

Concentrations available in finance include Investments, International Finance, Risk Management, Financial Accounting, Corporate Finance, International Finance, and Money & Capital Markets among others.

Master's in Finance

Cost range from $30,000 to $120,000

The Master’s in Finance program usually takes one to two years to complete. It can help students pursuing a leadership role in finance to gain employment in many sectors. At this higher educational level of finance, students will learn advanced skills in money management and investing using financial methods and technology models.

MASTER’S DEGREE SAMPLE COURSES

• Financial Math Programming

• Business Communications

• Risk & Derivatives Management

• Managerial Economics

• Strategic Management Seminar

• Accounting for Managers

• Organizational Behavior

• Macroeconomics

• Marketing Concepts and Practice

• Corporate Finance

• Qualitative Finance

• Quantitative Management Methods

Concentrations available in finance include Finance and Economic Systems, Trading Systems, Financial Computation, Derivatives, and Asset Management among others.

What Can I Do with a Finance Degree?

A degree in Finance can give you access to the highest levels of the corporate power structure. Every company needs to know which way the financial winds are blowing, and this will be your specialty. You’ll be able to plan out investments, track every penny spent, tell leaders when they are making a bad move and when they can make a good one, and increase profits for shareholders and the company as a whole. You may even find yourself in the C-suites making the hard decisions when financial information and options are brought to you.

Finance Fields of Study

• Corporate Finance: If you focus on this type of finance, you will be well prepared to deal with the entire financial structure of a corporation. Your main goal will be to increase the value of the company for both the leadership and for the shareholders.

• Financial Evaluation: Financial evaluation allows you to tell a company how stable their newest project or product line is likely to be. You can give them an overview of an entire system of finance and tell them where they stand. This can allow leadership figures to make the best move for their company.

• Econometrics: By using this complex form of statistical analysis, you will be able to tell the leaders of your company what any single or group of financial data points actually means for the company. Some growth is good, but if you grow too quickly you can run into serious problems. This can give you insight as to what constitutes a good piece of financial data or a bad one.

• Investment Management: Investment management is the practice of carefully controlling a company or accounting firm’s investments. You might track ongoing investments or keep an eye out for new investment opportunities. If you head the department, you will do both while also keeping an eye on any investment moves your workers bring to your attention.

• Financial Modeling: This process requires that you be able to track every piece of financial info coming through a company. You will process it in such a way that you know what the likely outcome of making a financial decision is. This will let the CEO or board assess the risk of a move and gauge whether sudden growth is positive or negative in the long run.

Finance Careers and Salary

Those who pursue a career in finance generally earn lucrative salaries that are more than the national average. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that by 2026 employment for financial managers will grow by 19%. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, those who hold a master’s degree generally earn $17,776 more annually than those who hold a bachelor’s degree. Also, those who hold a bachelor’s degree earn $16,605 more than those with an associate degree. Another way to climb up the ladder of earnings potential is with experience. You will always start out at an entry-level position, then after gaining some experience, you will move on to a mid-career level than late-career status where each level will earn you substantially more salary.

Lovely people that prefer constant change as well as communication with others could take into consideration becoming an individual financial adviser, while withdrawn specialists might go after audit, which would definitely enable them to assess financial information as well as also immerse themselves in spreadsheets with no disturbances. This short article will certainly provide you with a brief evaluation of why you may seek a degree in finance, what you will certainly have the capability to obtain career-wise with a bachelor's degree in money, and additionally exactly how to choose the best finance degree program for you.

Cash grads must have the capacity to check out information, presume seriously, as well as address troubles. Pupils should likewise have the capability to handle monetary coverage, have the capability to present, along with produce convenient final ideas based on their searching for. A bachelor's in finance supplies trainees with fundamental understanding in accounting, statistics, and additionally concepts of tax obligation as well as likewise hazard monitoring.

A number of organizations post teaching fellowships on their websites or job boards for money pupils nearing their graduation. Understanding what uncovering style is most ideal for you is a first action in acknowledging if a cash program is a good fit. Trainees that are presently working professionals might not have the minute to attend course face to face.

For instance, a great deal of organizations operate with bookkeeping professionals to examine their financial documents, prepare their tax obligation obligations, and additionally guarantee their financial treatments are structured effectively. Since there are so lots of approaches financing is instilled right into company, exterior bound grads might likewise locate themselves leading the acquisition of services and products as a buying manager.

Below are a few of the choices for grads with a bachelor's in funding. Increase All Analysts identify economic investment opportunities. Common obligations consist of suggesting account financial investments, taking a look at company patterns, establishing a company's worth by means of monetary data, and likewise preparing records. Monetary specialists commonly become topic professionals on acquiring or advertising and marketing and additionally are required to have a license for providing items.

Specialists also prepare records relating to security, have a look at management seminar minutes, as well as likewise inform brand-new supervisors. Generally, assessors focus on risk evaluation or customer conformity. $81,690 10% These experts in public as well as unique facilities preparing budget plan records and likewise checking investing. Various other jobs consist of suggesting funding requests as well as assessing referrals from a financial perspective.

If you choose an occupation in firm along with financial operations, anticipate to gain a financially rewarding wage, with a mean annual wage of $67,710.

This surpasses the common wage for all professions, which the BLS reports as $37,690. Opportunities for employment in this field contain accountants and also auditors, budget strategy professionals, cost estimators, as well as financial experts.

A strong understanding of numbers, a capability to handle risk, as well as acknowledging just how rates affect revenue is essential for professional success. We have actually outlined the leading 25 states for service as well as additionally economic procedures professionals in the United States. BLS info from its Occupational Job Data enlightened this setting. Over 7 million experts hold finance-related tasks across the country along with the majority of enjoy line of work in the adhering to states.

Bachelors in Finance Degrees are available through online schools, brick and mortar schools, universities, trade schools, colleges and even vocational schools. Bachelors of Finance Degree is very similar to any other degree program in most cases. Students must complete course work in subjects such as accounting, statistics, business, financial engineering, economics, risk management and other relevant areas. There will be ample opportunity to take general education courses as well.

There are many finance programs available at Universities and trade schools. These programs range widely in length from two semesters up to four years. Most programs will require students to declare their major by their sophomore year, however some programs are slightly more lenient. Many students opt to continue in their Bachelor of Business Administration or Bachelors of Science of Finance for additional four-year breaks. At the conclusion of the program, students will typically be able to participate in internship training or obtain job placements within their industry.

One of the most popular Bachelors of Finance Degrees is in International Financial Markets, because it covers a broad range of financial subjects including macroeconomics, monetary policy, risk management and the international money markets. Students who choose this degree will learn about financial markets, inflation, exchange rates, banking, corporate finance and globalization. This degree also has an emphasis on mathematics, with many classes focusing directly on financial mathematics.

Financial institutions, corporations and businesses rely on financial mathematics to make informed decisions about their portfolio of assets, liabilities and financial positions. This Bachelors of Finance Degree will provide ample preparation for entry-level finance positions and more advanced financial positions. The program is also a great choice for those who wish to obtain certification as an accountant or financial advisor. In addition, the programs help students prepare for the CPA exam that is administered in the United States.

An associate's degree in finance will usually teach students all the information about the financial markets that they need to know in order to pursue careers in financial management. These degrees often focus on investment theory and risk management, with courses examining various investment strategies and methods. Some of the classes may also include courses dealing with global economics, government finance and business finance. Having a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance may be ideal for students interested in achieving positions as bankers, accountants, investment managers and other financial professionals. Many organizations offer internships after graduation and these are a great way for prospective students to get first-hand experience.

Some of the popular Bachelors in finance degrees are accounting and financial planning. Courses in these fields teach students how to analyze financial markets and how to create financial plans for specific businesses. Other courses include the theory and practice of corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, mortgage pricing and financial markets. These programs are usually concerned with specific aspects of the financial markets and how they interact with one another.

A master of business finance usually requires more than just having an interest in finance, however. The program focuses on the art and science of making, managing and trading businesses. This includes macroeconomics, business leadership, technical competence, financial risk management and financial marketing.

Bachelors in finance programs have some of the best employment prospects available. Many companies are looking for energetic, creative and skillful individuals with a knack for math and a competitive spirit. Careers for these Bachelors of Finance degrees include becoming vice-chancellors, senior managers and investment advisers. These jobs pay well and are a good fit for those wanting to start out their careers in finance.

Online learning is now a popular option for Bachelors in finance degrees. Taking online classes lets you work your way through the curriculum at your own pace, when it's convenient for you. If you have family responsibilities or other forms of distractions, you can still graduate on time from a Bachelors of Finance degree with online classes. Online degrees are a great choice if you prefer to continue your education through the traditional school system but don't have the time or money to attend a traditional college campus. Online programs allow you to continue your education at your own pace and limit the amount of travel that is required.

Earning a Bachelors in finance usually takes about two years. Some classes require more or less of this time, depending on the concentration you choose. For example, many Bachelors of Finance degrees focus on mathematical topics such as finance formulas and graphs. Other courses may require additional study beyond the classroom.

Many organizations offer internships after graduation. These internships can be very valuable experience for young students. In addition, these internships can give you a chance to network with people who can help you get your foot in the door with a potential employer, once you've graduated.

Finance Career Options

• Financial Analyst: This is often the first job for a budding Investment Banker. Analysts spend long hours crunching numbers and running financial models to ascertain corporate value. A large part of the job is concerned with assessing the value of companies that are comparable to the client for various business reasons including mergers and acquisitions.

• Personal Financial Advisor: This position requires a Series VII license which allows you to trade securities. In addition to trading activities, you will work with clients to help them secure their wealth for the long-term. This can involve establishing trusts and making other wise investments that are shielded from taxation.

• Budget Analysts: Professionals in this career help companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations assess their assets, revenues, and debts so that they can project budgets for the quarters and years to come. It will help to have a strong background in accounting as well as economics.

Finance Scholarships

Because careers in finance are growing and are currently one of the highest paying business majors in the global marketplace, more associations are investing in financial leaders with next-generation scholarship programs under their belt. If you always enjoyed creating monthly budgets, balancing your checkbook, or weekly allowances, then a degree in finance might be the right choice for you. There is a wealth of opportunity available in the finance industry, such as government finance, venture capital, financial planning, investment banking, commercial banking, insurance, hedge funds, corporate finance, and much more.

Here are just some of the many scholarship programs available to students majoring in finance

• “ALPFA National Hispanic Scholarships”

Amount: $2,000 to $10,000

The “Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting” (ALPFA) has collaborated with the “Hispanic Scholarship Fund” (HSF), to offer an annual scholarship to students of Hispanic heritage pursuing a full-time degree in finance, business administration, or accounting.

To be eligible, candidates must be enrolled in a four-year program in an accredited university with a minimum junior status level, possess a GPA of at least 3.0, and be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.

Contact: ALPFA National Hispanic Scholarships

Address: 801 South Grand Avenue, Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Phone: (213) 243-0004

Email: carmen.cardenas@national.alpfa.org

• “Daniel B. Goldberg Scholarship”

Amount: $12,000

Through the “Government Finance Officers Association” (GFOA), the Girard Miller Foundation funds this scholarship program.

To qualify you must be a full-time student, pursuing an advanced preparation degree for a career in local government and/or in-state finance with a bachelor’s degree already obtained. In addition, students must be a citizen of the U.S. or Canada and express a strong desire for a career in government.

Contact: Daniel B. Goldberg Scholarship

Address: 203 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2700, Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: (312) 977-9700 ext. 2273

Email: rkotchen@gfoa.org

• “FWSF Scholarship Fund”

Amount: $5,000 awarded to undergraduates and $10,000 to graduates

The “Financial Women of San Francisco” (FWSF) has been providing this scholarship fund annually since 1985, to assist women who pursue a career in financial services.

To qualify, applicants must have a junior status at a minimum, maintain at least a GPA of 3.4, enroll in an independent accredited university, major in finance, and attend school or reside the San Francisco Bay Area.

Contact: FWSF Scholarship Fund

Address: P.O. Box 26143, San Francisco, CA 94126

Phone: (415) 586-8599

Email: info@financialwomensf.org

• “J.P. Morgan Launching Leaders Scholarship”

Amount: up to $15,000 each

This scholarship is available to talented Hispanic, black, and Native American students seeking a career in finance with a world-leading financial firm.

To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in a financial services program at an accredited university, have at least a GPA of 3.2, and express interest in a career that involves financial services.

Contact: J.P. Morgan Launching Leaders Scholarship

Address: 1321 Murfreesboro Road, Suite 800, Nashville, TN 37217

Phone: (800) 345-1833

Email: ContactUs@applyists.com