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