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Finance Jobs, Tools and Investing Markets

One key to the success of any major business is an astute financial advisor or analyst. Professionals with a mind for money and a broad vision for managing the financial success of a company are always in high demand.
 
There is no scarcity of finance job opportunities in today's market. Finance professionals can find work in a variety of different industries, including:
  • banking
  • equities
  • capital markets
  • commodities
  • hospitality
  • HR recruitment
  • risk management
  • sales and marketing.
Whether you become an accountant for a non-profit agency or a finance manager for a multi-national corporation, opportunities abound for success in a finance career.
Looking for a school that focuses on this subject?
Here is a list of institutions and the number of programs they offer.

The Work of a Finance Professional

Finance professionals assess a company's needs and strategies and draw up a budget accordingly. They are responsible for increasing a company's profitability and may also review potential acquisitions and sales.
 
Finance professionals need to possess a thorough understanding of corporate finance, including:
  • balance sheets
  • capital budgeting
  • cash flow
  • income statements
  • profit and loss.
Most professionals in the finance industry have a degree in finance or a related field of study. If you have an interest in financial aspects of general business management, getting the proper education is a key element in obtaining the career you desire.

Degree Programs

Various degree programs in finance can help you get a job in the financial industry. These programs include Associate of Arts in Financial Services, Bachelor of Science in Business/Finance and Master of Science in Finance.

Associate's of Arts in Financial Services

Students can earn this two-year undergraduate degree at any junior or community college. While online college enrollment is often an option, be sure the program you choose is accredited before signing up.
 
The curriculum for an associate degree in finance can include:
  • accounting
  • business math and communications
  • human relations in an organizational environment
  • legal environment of business.

Bachelor of Science in Business/Finance

This degree provides you with a solid foundation in business finance. Financial tools and skills obtained through this program may be more in-depth than those offered through an associate degree program. It can take three to four years to complete a bachelor's degree, depending on the curriculum and school.

Bachelor degree courses can include:

  • business accounting
  • economics
  • finance investing
  • quantitative methods.

Master of Science in Finance

This degree is usually a one-year, non-thesis degree with very detailed, intensive coursework.
 
The master's degree curriculum is the most intensive, offering classes in:
  • financial management
  • investment analysis
  • managerial accounting
  • mergers and acquisitions
  • portfolio management.
Bachelor's and master's programs may also offer electives in business strategy and business ethics for finance. Investing markets and online investments are also subjects covered in most programs.

Prerequisites

There may be stipulations for getting into a particular finance program. For example, students seeking an associate degree could be required to have a background in high school-level finance courses.
 
Likewise, Master of Science programs can require previous work experience in the field if you do not have a bachelor or sufficient undergraduate degree.
 
Each school is different, so be sure to do your research before applying.

Potential Costs

The costs of degree programs can vary from school to school. On average, an associate degree in finance can cost $277 per class and $4,554 per program.
 
The cost of bachelor's degree programs can go up to $20,000, while a master's degree program can cost between $5,000 and $12,000, depending on the school.
Do you have a program in mind?

Research different schools that offer any of the below programs with the links below.

Associate's Programs
Bachelor's Programs
Master's Programs
Doctoral


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