An online bachelor’s degree in finance may provide students with the skills to analyze financial information quickly and efficiently. In these four-year programs, students may study economic business trends, recommend investments, and prepare written reports. Coursework may include general education requirements alongside core finance courses, such as management essentials, business research, and global business.

Graduates may either seek entry-level employment or pursue graduate-level programs in finance. Bachelor’s-level graduates may find employment opportunities in commodities, securities, finance, or insurance.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Four years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Master’s / Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 23% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within a bachelor’s degree program in finance may combine general education courses along with finance major-specific classes. In these programs, students may study the global economy, enhance their finance skills, and learn about financial risk management. Core finance courses may include the following:

• Global Business
• Business Research
• Management Essentials
• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics
• Business Finance
• Money and Banking

Career Options

Graduates of online bachelor’s-level programs in finance may find employment opportunities at financial institutions and insurance companies or in securities and commodities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in finance are expected to increase by 23% from 2010-2020*.

Possible careers include:

• Financial Analyst
• Financial Advisor
• Financial Manager
• Insurance Underwriter
• Financial Services Agent

Continuing Education

Graduates of online bachelor’s degree programs in finance may pursue entry-level employment, or they may decide to further their education and enroll in a graduate-level program in a similar field. A master’s degree program may focus more on a specific area involving finance, such as portfolio management or security analysis, and students may gain additional investing skills. Most employers prefer to hire individuals who have at least a bachelor’s degree, although those candidates who seek managerial roles may benefit from a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) in finance.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook