Compare Finance Degrees by Level
Finance degrees are available at several levels, from associate programs that introduce core business concepts to bachelor’s and MBA programs offering more advanced study. Each path supports different academic and career goals, and the right choice depends on where you are today and where you want to go.
Use this guide to compare degree levels, typical coursework, program formats, and possible career directions. Whether you are entering college, returning to complete your education, or preparing for the next stage of your career, understanding your options can help you move forward with a clearer plan.
Associate Degrees
An associate degree in business can provide an introduction to accounting, economics, management, and finance. It may support entry-level business opportunities or serve as a practical first step toward a bachelor’s degree. Before enrolling, confirm whether your credits will transfer to the institution and program you may attend next. Full article
| Prerequisites | High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; individual requirements vary |
| Pre-Test Requirements | Placement testing or other admissions requirements vary by school |
| Time to Complete | Usually about 2 years of full-time study; part-time and accelerated schedules vary |
| International Applicants | English-language proficiency and credential-evaluation requirements vary |
| Modality | Campus-based, online, and hybrid options may be available |
| Career Opportunities | Entry-level business, administrative, sales, customer service, or bookkeeping-support roles; requirements vary by employer |
| Salary Information | BLS does not report finance salaries by degree level. Review median wage data for the specific occupation you are considering. |
| Transferability | Credits may transfer, but acceptance is determined by the receiving institution and program |
| Internship Opportunities | Available through some programs but not always required |
| Certifications | May support preparation for entry-level credentials; each certification has separate requirements |
Advertising disclosure: Finance-Degree.com may receive compensation when visitors click on a school listing or request information from a featured school. This may affect which schools appear. Always verify program costs, accreditation, admissions requirements, transfer policies, and outcomes directly with the school.
Bachelor’s Degrees
A bachelor’s degree in finance or a related business field provides more detailed study of financial management, analysis, markets, investments, and business operations. It is a common academic foundation for many finance careers, although individual positions may also require experience, licensing, or professional credentials. Full article
| Prerequisites | High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; transfer applicants may have additional requirements |
| Pre-Test Requirements | SAT or ACT policies vary; some schools require scores while others are test optional |
| Time to Complete | Usually about 4 years of full-time study; transfer, part-time, and accelerated schedules vary |
| International Applicants | English-language proficiency and credential-evaluation requirements vary |
| Modality | Campus-based, online, and hybrid options may be available |
| Career Opportunities | Financial analysis, commercial banking, budgeting, corporate finance, investments, and related fields |
| Salary Information | BLS does not report finance salaries by degree level. Review median wage data for the specific occupation you are considering. |
| Specializations | May include accounting, investments, financial planning, risk management, or corporate finance |
| Internship Opportunities | May be required or strongly recommended for practical experience |
| Certifications | May help satisfy education requirements for credentials such as the CFA or CFP; separate examination and experience requirements apply |
MBA in Finance
An MBA in Finance is a graduate business degree that combines management and leadership study with advanced finance coursework. Programs commonly take one to two years, although formats vary. A finance concentration may include corporate finance, investments, financial analysis, risk management, or related subjects. Other MBA concentrations may focus on entrepreneurship, marketing, healthcare management, operations, technology, or other business disciplines. Full article
| Prerequisites | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; some programs may also expect prerequisite coursework or professional experience |
| Pre-Test Requirements | GMAT or GRE policies vary; some programs offer waivers or do not require test scores |
| Time to Complete | Often 12 to 24 months; part-time and accelerated formats vary |
| International Applicants | English-language proficiency and credential-evaluation requirements vary |
| Modality | Campus-based, online, and hybrid options may be available |
| Career Opportunities | Corporate finance, financial management, senior analysis, consulting, and investment-related roles; executive positions generally require substantial experience |
| Salary Information | BLS does not report finance salaries by degree level. Review median wage data for the specific occupation you are considering. |
| Specializations | May include corporate finance, investments, financial planning, risk management, or related areas |
What Courses Will I Take?
Finance coursework varies by school, degree level, and concentration. Early courses generally introduce business, accounting, economics, mathematics, communication, and information systems. These subjects can provide the groundwork for more advanced study in financial analysis, investments, markets, risk, and corporate finance.
Course numbers are not universal. A class numbered at the 100 or 200 level by one institution may be organized differently by another. Always review the official curriculum and degree requirements for each program you are considering.
Below are examples of introductory and intermediate courses commonly associated with business and finance programs:
Compare First- and Second-Year Degree Coursework
Many introductory courses may apply to both associate and bachelor’s degree programs. The exact requirements, sequence, and transferability of each class depend on the school and program.
| Course Level | Title |
|---|---|
| 100 | College Writing I |
| 100 | Introduction to Public Speaking |
| 100 | Probability and Linear Mathematics |
| 100 | Introduction to Computer Modeling |
| 200 | Introduction to Statistics |
| 200 | Management Information Systems |
| 200 | Principles of Microeconomics |
| 200 | Principles of Macroeconomics |
| 200 | Principles of Financial Accounting |
| 200 | Principles of Managerial Accounting |
| 200 | Business Law |
Examples of Upper-Level Finance Degree Coursework
Upper-level finance courses generally move beyond introductory business concepts and into more specialized analysis and decision-making. At schools that use 300- and 400-level numbering, these courses are commonly taken during the later years of a bachelor’s program. Available subjects will depend on the degree, concentration, faculty, and curriculum.
| Course Level | Title |
|---|---|
| 300 | Business Finance |
| 300 | Operations Management |
| 300 | Management and Organizational Behavior |
| 300 | Financial Statement Analysis |
| 300 | Accounting Information Systems |
| 300 | Corporate Reporting |
| 400 | Multinational Finance & FDI |
| 400 | Integrative Business Simulation |
| 400 | Strategic Venture Management |
| 400 | Real Estate Investment & Analysis |
Master’s and other graduate courses are often numbered at the 500 level or above, but numbering systems vary. Review each school’s official catalog to understand its curriculum, prerequisites, electives, and graduation requirements.
Compare Degrees by Specialty
- Accounting
- Banking
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- International Business
- Master of Public Administration
- MBA in Finance
- MBA
- Salary and employment information:
- * Occupational wage and outlook data should be obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Unless otherwise stated, salary figures on Finance-Degree.com are national median annual wages for the occupation and data year cited.
- ** BLS figures describe workers in an occupation and do not represent starting salaries or expected earnings for graduates of any school or degree program. Earnings vary by experience, location, industry, employer, and credentials.
- School-specific costs, completion information, and available outcome data may be researched through the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and confirmed directly with the institution.