We’ll explore the world of online finance degrees. Earning a degree in this field can open many career doors, but it’s important to pick the right program for your goals and situation. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of your online options and be well-equipped to make an informed decision. Let’s get started!
Why Consider an Online Finance Degree?
An online degree gives you the flexibility to earn a highly useful qualification without putting your life on hold. Some key benefits include:
- Convenience: Study on your own schedule from anywhere with an internet connection. No need to commute to campus or rearrange your daily routine for classes.
- Low cost: Online programs tend to be more affordable than traditional on-campus options due to lower infrastructure and administrative expenses. School overhead like campus buildings and activities are not part of your tuition bill.
- Career advancement: Most of today’s employers recognize the legitimacy and value of online degrees. Completing a finance program can help you move up in your current job, transition to a new field, or even start your own business.
- Specialized focus areas: Many online schools allow you to narrow your studies to things like financial planning, investment banking, analytics, or accounting within the overall finance major. This focused expertise makes your resume stand out.
- Flexibility for working professionals: If you have job and family responsibilities, online coursework fits more seamlessly into your life. Participate on your own schedule while continuing to meet career and personal commitments.
For motivated self-starters, an online finance degree provides an affordable pathway to new career heights or goals. Let’s explore your specific program and school options next.
Comparing Degree Levels
Finance degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, and graduate levels online. Each has a different purpose and career impact. Understanding the distinctions will help you choose the best level for your situation:
Associate Degree (A.S.)
- Typically takes 2 years part-time or less to complete
- Provides foundational finance knowledge and some entry-level occupational skills
- May qualify you for certain paraprofessional jobs like bookkeeping, accounting assistant, or teller positions
- Not required for most careers; often pursued for personal enrichment
Bachelor’s Degree (B.S. or B.A.)
- Standard undergraduate degree that takes 4 years of part-time study
- Gives a well-rounded finance education with exposure to core subjects
- Qualifies you for many professional roles like financial analyst, loan officer, budget analyst, or operations specialist
- Required minimum educational credential for many careers in finance management
Graduate Degree (M.S., M.B.A., etc.)
- Master’s programs generally take 1-2 years full-time of additional education
- Provide advanced technical training or managerial focus depending on program
- Open doors to high-level roles such as portfolio manager, financial planner, or corporate finance director
- An M.B.A. in particular enhances your leadership and strategic thinking abilities
Choose the right degree level based on your current job or aspirations. A bachelor’s is often the smart place to start, but seriously consider a graduate degree for demanding career goals.
Online Program Structures
How exactly do online finance degree programs work? There are a few standard formats utilized by accredited schools:
Asynchronous Courses
- Students access course materials, lectures, assignments on their own schedule within a weekly or bi-weekly window
- Flexible option that doesn’t require live meetings but maintains academic deadlines
- Allows for self-paced learning without being tied to specific class meeting times
Synchronous Courses
- Students must participate in live online classes, typically via video conference, at scheduled times
- More traditional classroom experience with real-time instructor interaction and peer discussions
- Provides structure that may work better for some learning styles
Hybrid Flex-Format
- Combines asynchronous self-paced study with optional live review sessions or project team sessions
- Offers flexibility with opportunities for live support if students want extra guidance
- A good balance that takes advantage of different online educational approaches
No matter the structure, online programs deliver the same high-quality content as campus-based options. Select the format that best fits your unique learning preferences and schedule.
Evaluating Online Finance Programs
With many choices available, how can you identify reputable online programs that match your needs? Here are some factors to weigh carefully:
Accreditation – Only consider regionally or nationally accredited programs, like those from the ACBSP or AACSB. This validates academic rigor and transferability.
Cost and Financial Aid – Compare tuition rates, scholarships, and assistance options to find affordable programs. Check for additional student fees.
Peer & Alumni Ratings – Research reviews on sites like GradReports to gauge satisfaction, career outcomes, and respect in the field.
Curriculum and Focus Areas – Review programs of study to confirm required courses suit your finance interests like investments, planning, or analytics.
Flexibility – Consider how easy a program is to complete part-time if working full-time or busy with other commitments.
Career Services – Weigh availability and quality of advising, resume help, recruiting events, and networking support after graduation.
Faculty Credentials – Top programs boast accomplished professors with real finance experience, not just academics.
Thoroughly examining these six dimensions will reveal high-caliber online finance schools worth serious consideration for your goals. Applying takes effort, but it’s worth it for your career’s sake.
Top Online Finance Degree Programs to Research
With all the choice, here are some highly-regarded online programs to investigate more closely:
Purdue University Global – B.S. in Finance
Purdue’s respected brand with affordable tuition and flexible schedule. Wide range of course delivery methods and focus areas.
University of Florida – Online MBA with Finance Concentration
Prestigious large public research university MBA at a very reasonable cost. Emphasizes analytics and planning.
Colorado State University-Global – B.S. in Business Administration with Finance Specialization
Well-structured program from a land-grant R1 university. Requires quantitative finance coursework and electives.
University of Southern California – Online M.S. in Finance
Elite private university program known for rigorous curriculum taught by practitioner faculty.
University of Arizona – Online Master of Professional Accountancy/MS in Finance Dual Degree
Innovative dual credential combining accounting and finance expertise for the CPA/CFA.
Georgia Tech – Online Graduate Certificate in Data Analysis for Finance
Respected program teaching critical data skills for financial decision making in just one year.
Do your research to evaluate if these or other options are the right academic and financial fit for your goals. Reach out to representatives for more details.
Finance Career Options After Your Online Degree
Now that you understand degree levels and top online programs, what kinds of careers become possible? Here’s a brief overview:
- Financial Analyst: Conduct research and prepare reports to guide investment decisions.
- Financial Advisor/Planner: Help individuals and businesses achieve financial objectives through planning.
- Accounting/Auditing: Ensure accuracy of financial records and compliance with regulations.
- Treasury Analyst: Oversee cash, debt, and risk management for companies.
- Investment Banking: Advise corporations on mergers/acquisitions, underwriting new stock/bond offerings.
- Data Analytics: Leverage quantitative skills to uncover financial market insights.
- Loan Officer: Evaluate loan applications and portfolios as a bank representative.
- Securities/Commodities Broker: Advise and trade securities, futures, and derivatives for clients.
- Insurance Agent/Broker: Sell and service insurance policies for a variety of financial products.
With experience and additional credentials, opportunities continue advancing into director or C-suite executive roles. An online finance education opens many career paths in business, government, non-profits, and more.
Tips for Online Finance Degree Success
As you can see, online learning provides tremendous access to finance education – if done right. Here are some final tips for maximizing your experience:
- Set a regular schedule for classwork and study just like an on-campus commitment
- Use time management skills to balance school, work, family without compromising any area
- Find a quiet, distraction-free workspace dedicate for coursework each week
- Proactively engage faculty and classmates via online discussions and meetings
- Consider forming virtual study groups for peer support, feedback and accountability
- Use school resources like the library, writing center, and career services
- Believe in your ability to succeed and power through challenges with grit and self-discipline
With dedication and focus on these study habits, earning a top-notch online finance degree from a reputable program sets the stage for a rewarding career, increased career mobility, and lifelong fulfillment.