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The best undergraduate finance degrees teach key business topics like strategic planning, financial asset analysis, and fiscal management. Careers in finance may appeal to detail-oriented people with a knack for thorough market analysis.
Bachelor's in finance graduates often work in fields like financial analysis, banking, and financial management. These professionals can apply their skills in nearly any industry. Top-employing sectors include commodity contracts, financial investments, credit intermediation, and insurance.
This page takes a detailed look at bachelor's finance programs. Keep reading to learn about finance degree benefits, curriculum content, and career opportunities for graduates. To help you start your school search, we included our list of 2022’s best undergraduate finance programs.
Why Enroll in an Undergrad Finance Program?
Enrolling in an undergraduate finance program can be the first step in a potentially rewarding career. Some of the top benefits of finance careers include positive job outlook, high salary potential, broad employability, and impactful work.
Positive Job Outlook: The business and finance industry has strong growth prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 8% growth in business and financial operations occupations from 2020-2030. According to the BLS, these sectors will add about 750,800 new jobs within that time frame. Salary Potential: Many finance careers offer high salaries. According to the BLS, financial managers made a median annual salary of $134,180 as of 2020. Earning a bachelor's in finance is a strong start for that career path. Employability: Many businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies require financial expertise. A degree in finance can help candidates job requirements across a wide array of organizations and industries. Impactful Work: Financial advisors, analysts, and managers play crucial roles in their employers' financial health. These professionals hold important responsibilities like financial forecasting, market trend research, and budget oversight.
Why You Should Get Your Finance Degree Online
Some of the best undergraduate finance degrees are now offered online. Many accredited schools with reputable programs enroll remote students, allowing working professionals greater learning flexibility.
Online undergrad finance programs may offer degrees 100% online or in a hybrid format with some on-campus portions. Online classes can be synchronous or asynchronous.
Synchronous classes meet remotely, but at a designated time when students and instructors log on together. Asynchronous classes allow learners to set their own study schedules so long as they meet course deadlines.
Curriculum
Top undergraduate finance degrees emphasize both theoretical and practical knowledge of monetary operations. Undergraduate curriculum provides a general understanding of essential business finance topics. Enrollees often take courses in macroeconomics and microeconomics. They also study behavioral, international, and investment finance.
- Macroeconomics: Macroeconomics deals with large-scale economic factors like interest rates, government spending, and national productivity. This course may cover fiscal policies, government deficits, and international trade. Finance professionals rely on a strong understanding of macroeconomics to help organizations increase profits and find expansion opportunities.
- Microeconomics: Microeconomics covers how people and firms behave and interact. This course may focus on resource allocation, consumer demands, and business regulation and taxation. Financial leaders need to know the microeconomic topics, tax laws, and regulations that affect their industries.
- Investment Finance: Investment finance teaches the principles of investing in things like bonds, shares, and property. This course may explore financial systems and institutions, along with the forces that affect them. Enrollees may learn to analyze capital markets and firms for portfolio management.
- International Finance: International finance focuses on monetary ties between countries. This course may cover exchange rates, free trade, protectionism, and economic development. Future financial professionals need an appreciation of the world economic environment, since it influences companies' decisions.
- Behavioral Finance: Behavioral finance explores the effects of psychology on investors and financial markets. This course may focus on investment theory, psychological biases, and financial decision-making. Financial professionals draw on behavioral finance insights to uncover their own and others' biases about financial decisions.
What to Expect From Online Undergrad Finance Programs
Online undergraduate finance programs offer many of the same benefits as on-campus programs:
- Rigorous finance curriculum
- Regular communication with instructors
- Online access to learning materials
- Opportunities to connect with other students
Degree-seekers enrolled in online programs should also plan for a few key differences from traditional programs:
- Self-starting with less external motivation
- Working largely independently
- Studying in a home or non-academic environment
Undergraduate degrees in finance can help business professionals launch their finance sector careers. MBAs in finance offer higher-level training and can open doors to upper-management positions.
Bachelor's degrees cover general business and banking finance principles. These degrees often meet minimum requirements for positions like financial advisor and financial analyst.
An MBA in finance can prepare business professionals to lead financial departments or organizations. These degrees often meet preferred requirements for positions like financial manager and chief financial officer.
| BA | MBA | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Planning, managing, and analyzing the financial aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions, and other organizations | Planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the functions of a firm or organization, its finances, and its employees. |
| Common Admissions Requirements | High school diploma or GED | SAT/ACT test scores | Letters of recommendation | Undergraduate degree | GMAT/GRE test scores | Minimum GPA requirement | Letters of recommendation | Statement of purpose |
| Average Annual Tuition and Fees | $16,650 | $19,310 |
| Length of Study | 4 years | 2 years |
| Requirements for Graduation | Capstone project | Thesis paper or research project |
Source: NCES
Should I Get an MBA in Finance?
Ambitious business professionals hoping to break into upper management should consider getting an MBA in finance. Undergraduate finance programs cover general banking and advising principles. However, a bachelor's degree may not prepare graduates for management roles.
Like bachelor's candidates, MBA hopefuls can also pursue their degrees online. Many schools welcome working professionals who need to balance work and family life with graduate studies. Follow the link below to learn more about online MBAs in finance.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
The best undergraduate finance degrees can prepare graduates for impactful careers in the financial sector. The knowledge and skills learned in these programs can help degree-holders qualify for many finance careers.
A bachelor's degree in finance can lead to jobs in financial analysis, personal financial advising, and budget analysis. With added experience and education, candidates can apply for roles as financial managers and CFOs.
Financial analysts follow economic trends and offer financial guidance to people and businesses. They consult in decisions about investing, budgeting, and forecasting. They may also track the performance of stocks, bonds, and other investments.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2020-30): +6%
Median Annual Salary: $83,660
Personal financial advisors help people manage their finances. They offer advice on investments, insurance, mortgages, and retirement. These experts may also educate clients about financial risks related to investments, taxes, and estate planning.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2020-30): +5%
Median Annual Salary: $89,330
Budget analysts assist both public and private organizations in meeting financial goals. They often create budget reports and oversee organizational spending. They may also collaborate with project managers and other staff members to develop budgets.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2020-30): +5%
Median Annual Salary: $78,970
Financial managers oversee their organizations' financial health. These department leaders may develop financial reports and spearhead investment activities. They also ensure that their department meets legal requirements.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree required but MBA preferred
Job Outlook (2020-30): +17%
Median Annual Salary: $134,180
CFOs direct their companies' financial operations, often supervising accounting and finance departments. They also ensure compliance with applicable laws and company policies. These top executives help develop and maintain a favorable company image.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree required but MBA preferred
Average Annual Salary: $139,500
Common Questions About Finance Programs
Are finance jobs in demand?
The BLS projects business and financial operations occupations to grow 8% from 2020-2030. Some specific careers like financial management offer even greater projected growth rates.
Do finance majors make good money?
As of March 2022, Payscale reports an average annual salary of $75,000 for professionals with a bachelor's in finance. Factors like experience, location, and education can influence earning power.
What is the highest-paying job in finance?
Upper management roles usually offer the highest-paying finance occupations. Payscale and the BLS report salaries above $130,000 for both financial managers and CFOs.
Which bachelor's degree is best for finance?
Schools offer several bachelor's degrees in finance. Options include bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, and bachelor of business administration. Students choosing a degree should consider factors like location, budget, and professional goals.
Top Five Online Bachelor Degree Programs in Finance
Explore our rankings of the five best undergraduate finance programs for 2022. Check out the link below to learn more about how we rank schools.
This public research institution in Miami offers on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate degrees. FIU serves almost 54,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in the U.S.
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
FIU's R. Kirk Landon Undergraduate School of Business offers a fully online BBA in finance program that explores banking, portfolio management, international finance, and financial risk management. The 120-credit degree includes classes like commercial bank management, securities analysis, and financial markets and institutions.
New finance majors can start the accredited program in the fall, spring, or summer each year. Students analyze and gather financial information and gain managerial, technical, and analytical skills. The program provides a foundation in risk management, money management, and financial decision-making.
Enrollees can apply for admission to the College of Business after completing all business pre-core classes. FIU offers support services like success coaches, tutoring, and technical help. Online learners get the opportunity to develop leadership skills through a certification program, global experiences, or the Honor College.
Finance graduates can pursue work in financial planning, corporate finance, investment banking, and insurance.
Applying to FIU
FIU requires ACT or SAT scores, a completed online application and fee, and a high school transcript. Each applicant must complete all business pre-core courses with a grade of C or better and hold a minimum 2.5 GPA in all lower-division and non-business coursework. The program requires 60 credits or an associate degree from a Florida institution.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $229/credit (in state), $346/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online
Trine's Fort Wayne, Indiana, location delivers the school's online degree programs and in-person classes for adult learners.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Major in Finance
Trine's accredited BSBA in finance degree prepares students for leadership roles in business. The 120-credit curriculum explores personal income tax, advanced managerial finance, financial modeling, and money and banking. Graduates can apply for jobs in corporate finance, money management, and commercial banking.
This program offers tracks in wealth management and corporate finance. The wealth management pathway explores retirement planning, investment strategies, and estate plans. Notable courses include wealth planning and risk and insurance.
Students who choose the corporate finance track learn to raise capital, assess risk, and make investments for corporate financial planning. Coursework includes cost accounting and international finance. The program recommends that each business major completes an internship in their area of interest to get practical experience in a professional environment.
Trine accepts BSBA in finance applications year-round, on a rolling basis. The university offers an online MBA in finance program for learners looking to continue their business education at the graduate level.
Applying to Trine
Each applicant must complete a free online application and submit high school transcripts. As a test-optional school, Trine accepts but does not require ACT or SAT scores.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Tuition: $34,330/year
- Required Credits: 120
- Delivery Format: On campus
UMC welcomes around 1,800 learners from 40 states and 20 countries. Students can choose from 35 majors, including 16 available online. Eligible Minnesota residents receive guaranteed funds to attend UMC.
Bachelor of Science in Finance
The business department at UMC offers an accredited BS in finance degree with on-campus, fully online, and hybrid options. A transfer-friendly school, UMC usually accepts transfer credit toward the degree from regionally accredited institutions. The finance program explores accounting, business ethics, financial management, and taxation.
The program trains learners to calculate financial risk and performance, assess financial needs, and apply financial theories and tools. Finance majors develop communication, technology, and analytical skills. Graduates can pursue entry-level jobs as financial analysts, actuaries, and personal financial advisors. Both online and on-campus full-time students typically graduate in four years.
The 120-credit degree requires business core, finance core, liberal education, and elective classes. The curriculum includes courses like financial modeling and valuation, estate planning, business analytics, and corporate finance. Finance majors can take electives like strategic management, income tax preparation, and health care finance.
Applying to UMC
Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED certificate. Each candidate must submit a completed online application, official transcripts, answers to the short essay questions, and an application fee (waiver available). The school does not require ACT or SAT scores.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Tuition: $419/credit
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years (on campus or online)
- Delivery Format: 100% online, on campus, or hybrid
OU, a private Christian school founded in 1865 in Ottawa, Kansas, enrolls more than 4,000 students. The school prepares graduates to serve God in vocationally fulfilling careers.
Bachelor of Science in Finance
OU's accelerated BS in finance degree can prepare graduates to pursue positions as investment bankers, loan officers, and traders. Students can complete the BS completely online in accelerated eight-week terms or in person.
The Christian-focused program covers banking institutions, capital planning, financial analysis, and asset and debt management. Learners develop communication, budgeting, and accounting skills. They learn to manage, plan, and analyze financial aspects of business.
The accredited program requires classes like international economics, behavioral finance, real estate finance, and seminar in applied finance. Each enrollee completes a capstone that provides the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world finance issues.
Learners who want to pursue graduate degrees in finance can apply for OU's accredited asynchronous online MBA with a concentration in finance program.
Applying to OU
Each applicant needs a high school diploma, completion of college preparatory coursework, and a competitive GPA. OU currently does not require ACT or SAT scores. The school may accept non-high school graduates with GED scores of at least 450.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Tuition: $14,990/semester
- Delivery Format: 100% online or on campus
WCU in Cullowhee, North Carolina, offers more than 120 undergraduate degrees, concentrations, and minors. The school's small classes feature a 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance
WCU's College of Business offers an accredited BSBA in finance that can prepare graduates for careers as loan officers, retail bank managers, and creditors. The program is the only Financial Planning Board® certified bachelor's program in North Carolina. Students can complete the finance major online or on campus.
The online option includes a concentration in personal financial planning, while the in-person program offers corporate finance and banking finance concentrations. The 120-credit, four-year curriculum requires classes like entrepreneurial finance, portfolio management, monetary and international economics, and contemporary managerial finance.
All finance majors complete an internship, which provides practical experience in the field. The program also offers opportunities to complete independent research or cooperative education in finance.
Learners who want to pursue graduate study in this field can earn an MBA with a finance specialization from WCU. The College of Business employs more than 70 highly qualified full-time faculty members.
Applying to WCU
Each applicant needs a high school diploma or equivalent and must satisfy minimum course requirements. WCU looks for candidates with competitive coursework, grades, and SAT or ACT scores.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $1,000/semester (in state), $5,000/semester (out of state)
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online or on campus
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