Online bachelor’s degree programs in finance

What you will learn in a finance bachelor's degree

Building off foundational business and economics coursework, bachelor's in finance programs explore strategies, tools, and techniques for sourcing, managing, and investing money. If you're drawn to careers in banking, business management, investing, or venture capital, a bachelor's in finance program can help get you started.

A bachelor's in finance program can also help equip you with a strong, adaptable knowledge base. If you elect to upgrade your education, you'll have the necessary background to explore multiple specialization paths.

Jobs you can pursue with an online finance degree

After completing your degree, you may qualify to join corporate finance teams in entry-level roles. You could also continue your education, building skills and knowledge to help you enter the workforce in a higher-level role.

Your access to specific careers — and your earning potential — depends on factors such as your location, your professional network, and your industry of employment. With that in mind, here are five common finance career paths and their median annual salaries, according to the :

Bachelor's in finance curriculum

Bachelor's in finance programs feature core requirements, electives, and general education components. Some programs have culminating experiences, such as a capstone project.

Your finance coursework will broadly focus on topics like managerial finance, investing, financial markets, and quantitative analysis. Courses you may take include:

• Financial modeling and analysis
• Mergers, acquisitions, and corporate valuations
• Portfolio management
• Financial planning and development
• International finance

Many programs also feature courses in investment vehicles and strategies, banking, and risk management.

Concentrations

Some finance programs offer concentration options. Concentrated degrees usually commit elective slots to coursework in the concentration area to build a targeted specialization.

Common options include:

• Corporate finance
• Financial planning or personal finance
• International finance
• Investment management
• Risk management

Some schools also offer professional and , which lead to non-degree awards.

Master’s degrees and finance certifications to advance your career

You can deepen your knowledge and position yourself for career advancement by continuing your education at the master's level. Two popular options include (MBA) and degrees.

MBA programs teach universally relevant business management skills. You can also specialize in finance or another area.

Master's programs in finance concentrate exclusively on advanced and technical finance concepts, extending the reach of your bachelor's degree.

You can also obtain certifications in determined fields of specialization to boost your resume and have access to some jobs that require them. Some certifications you should consider include (CFA), (CFP), and (CFS), among others.

Admissions requirements for online finance degree programs

At the bachelor's level, schools usually apply generalized admissions standards. You'll need a high school diploma or the equivalent, and you'll need to meet at least the minimum end of the institution's GPA requirements for undergraduate admissions.

Coursework in accounting, business, economics, mathematics, and statistics may strengthen your application. Some schools even require prerequisite college-level coursework in these areas. You can meet these requirements by taking college prep classes, or by completing college-level .

In terms of documentation, you may need to submit:

• Proof of high school completion
• Academic transcripts
• A personal essay

Schools may also request ACT or SAT scores.