Compare Finance Degrees by Level
Which degree is the right choice for your academic and professional goals? Compare your options below to find out!
Associates Degrees
An Associates Degree in Business provides a solid educational foundation for real-world opportunities. An AA or AS in Business can act as a springboard to higher education, such as a Bachelor’s degree, while also preparing you for various entry-level jobs. Full article
Prerequisites | High School Diploma/GED |
Pre-Test Requirements | Varies |
Time to Complete | 18 to 24 months |
International Applicants | TOEFL® or equivalent |
Modality | Campus-based and online options |
Bachelor’s Degrees
A Bachelor’s degree in Business Finance provides a comprehensive educational foundation for an array of career possibilities. A BA in Finance prepares students for numerous exciting and integral careers including positions in financial analysis, investments, financial planning, and portfolio management. Full article
Prerequisites | High School Diploma/GED |
Pre-Test Requirements | Yes, SAT or ACT |
Time to Complete | 3 to 4 years |
International Applicants | TOEFL® or equivalent |
Modality | Campus-based and online options |
MBA in Finance
An MBA in Finance typically spans two years and often includes options to specialize in areas such as economics, corporate finance, and more. Selecting a concentration within a Master of Business Administration program allows you to focus your studies. Options include an MBA in Finance, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Healthcare Management, Business Management, Non-profit Management, Business Analysis, Operations and Technology, and other specialties. Full article
Prerequisites | Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent |
Pre-Test Requirements | Yes, GMAT or GRE |
Time to Complete | 12 to 24 months |
International Applicants | TOEFL® or equivalent |
Modality | Campus-based and online options |
What Courses Will I Take?
Typically, 100 & 200 level courses are taken during the first and second years of college and are often available to non-majors as well. Below are examples of 100 & 200 level classes a finance major might take during their freshman and sophomore years. Most of these courses are required for all business majors seeking a bachelor’s degree.
These preliminary courses are prerequisites for upper-level courses, providing flexibility during your first two years of college. The coursework is foundational, applying to all academic programs.
Compare First & Second Year Degree Course Work
Many of these courses apply to both Associate of Arts and Bachelor’s degree programs.
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 Course Work
Most third and fourth-year classes are at the 300 & 400 levels. The third and fourth-year coursework focuses more sharply on your specific degree concentration, which could include Finance, Accounting, General Business, International Business, Economics, and more. A more complete listing of degrees by specialty can be found below. Example 300/400 level courses include:
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 graduate-level courses are typically 500 and above. The course titles and numbers vary by school. An individual college or university can provide you with a course catalog for a complete overview of their specific degree and course offerings.
Compare Degrees by Specialty
- Accounting
- Banking
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- International Business
- Master of Public Administration
- MBA in Finance
- MBA
- Career statistics and employment data provided by:
- * Salary Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics
- ** Job Growth Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics