All entities, from individuals and organizations to corporations and institutions, are connected to finances in some form. It is the job of financial professionals to help these entities best allocate their finances in order to create the most value possible.
If you are intrigued with how the markets and supply chain function, are a creative and critical thinker, analytical, investigative and can see yourself having a positive rapport with future clients, then a financial career is ideal.
A BA Finance degree prepares students for numerous exciting and integral careers including positions in financial analysis, investments, financial planning and portfolio management.
Depending on the university, a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, in addition to being an arts degree, may also be a Bachelor of business administration, of commerce or of science (BS finance).
Finance Bachelor’s Degree At a Glance
- Earn Your Degree On Your Time
Careers in finance are typically separated into three sectors, or area of speciality. The include Public, Corporate, & Government.
- Education Requirements Vary by Career
Not all careers in banking & finance require a 4 year degree.
- Transferable Skills
Unlike many other career paths, careers in finance can be very transferable across a wide variety of industries and locations.
Numerous schools offer finance bachelor degree programs online offering you flexible time and place for studying.
Finance Bachelor’s Degree Prerequisites
Prerequisites for a BA Finance degree or another finance bachelor degree vary from school to school. Generally, universities will require you to have your high school or GED diploma. Some may require your GPA from high school or your GED to meet a minimum standard; a minimum score may be also required from your standardized test (i.e. SAT or ACT) results.
Additionally, to be admitted into a bachelor’s degree in finance program, some institutions ask that you have taken particular high school courses, such as several English, college-level math and science classes. When requesting information from finance schools, make sure you have a clear understanding of what the prerequisites are for a BA/BBA/BS Finance degree.
Why Pursue a Bachelors degree in Finance?
A finance bachelor degree is generally four years in length and thus provides you with the opportunity to complete foundation as well as specialized courses. You’ll graduate with a theoretical and practical knowledge of the major facets of the financial world which prepares you for several career possibilities.
Often you will have some freedom in choosing electives or even a thesis project where you can truly tailor your degree to reflect your specialized career goals. A BBA/BS/BA Finance degree also opens up doors for more prestigious career opportunities compared to a high school diploma or an Associates degree.
For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants, personal financial advisors, financial managers and financial analysts usually require a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree.
What kind of courses will I be taking?
A Finance Bachelor Degree normally outlines a list of core and elective (choice) courses for you to complete; some finance degree programs offer the option of completing a thesis project as well.
Coursework delves into several subject areas with the opportunity to complete several classes under the same subject. Examples of subjects include: accounting, economics, financial markets and institutions, corporate finance, security analysis, global finances, statement analysis, portfolio management, banking, real estate, risk management and leadership.
Other courses that are also related to financial professions will be offered too, such as psychology, ethics, communications and math/statistics.
300 Level Courses
- Finance For Business
- Financial Management In The Small Business
- Financial Management Of Non-profit Organizations
400 Level Courses
- Investment Fundamentals & Portfolio Management
- Working Capital Management
- Corporate Risk Management
- Finance For Decision Making
- Personal Financial Planning
- Mergers, Acquisitions, And Corporate Restructuring
- Real Estate Investment
Some finance schools also include a practicum or internship. If possible, it is advisable to select a Bachelors program that has this option so you put theory into practice and learn from veterans in the financial field.
What types of jobs can I get with a BA in Finance?
Numerous job opportunities come after you graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. (Note that some executive or managerial roles come after several years experience in addition to having a bachelors degree). Examples of jobs you can get with a BA or BBA or BS Finance degree include:
- Personal Financial Advisor
- Fundraiser
- Advertising Account Executive
- Accountant
- Financial Manager
- Financial Consultant
- Bank Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Insurance Agent
- Loan Officer
- Commercial/Business Banker
- Financial Planner
- Investment Advisor
- Corporate Finance Officer
Note for some of the careers above, you may need to become certified or licensed after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree, such as the case with chartered public accountants (CPA) or certified financial planners (CFP).
- Career statistics and employment data provided by:
- * Salary Data: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm
- ** Job Growth Data: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm
