An online degree in finance is a business degree that focuses on the financial aspects of managerial decisions, whether that be in risk management, selling and buying real estate, trading stocks, becoming an entrepreneur, or managing the economic outcome of companies, nonprofit organizations, and even the government. There are many colleges and distance learning institutions across the nation where you can obtain a certificate, associates, bachelors, masters, and doctorate all online while you work full-time. Getting an online degree in finance from a leading educational institution will allow you to seek one of many highly sought after jobs.
There are also a vast number of licenses and certifications that you can achieve online to help advance your career, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Investment Counselor (CIC), Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA), Financial Risk Manager (FRM), and many more. If you are looking to get a certain certification, it is important that you speak with your current place of employment and research which certification is best for your desired career path – and always be sure to have a high return on investment.
During your degree program you will build a strong foundation in national and international finance, corporate and personal finance, risk management, and capital markets. Each student will also learn the ethics and basic principles of businesses and the business marketplace to help them be successful in any work environment. You will develop the skills to become financially successful in your personal and professional life, including personal budgeting and financial planning, money management and credit and debt analysis, insurance, investments, and real estate. The skills you gain will allow you to be successful no matter which career path you go down.
Though finance and accounting are very much the same, finance students learn how to manage money, and accounting students mainly learn how to obtain, collect, and organize financial information. Students who graduate with a finance degree typically go onto graduate school to obtain an advanced degree, like a Master of Finance or MBA in finance, or seek out licensure or certification in their area of specialty. Many graduates become financial consultants, analysts, and planners, investment bankers, real estate and insurance salesmen, chief financial officers for companies, and some even start a company to pursue their own endeavors.
Deciding which certification and career path is the right one for you can be difficult, but always remember to choose a college that has the proper accreditation and where it ranks among other schools that offer the same degree, so that you are getting the highest level of education. A degree in finance ranks among the top 30 highest wage-earning degrees, meaning there will be a better likelihood of finding your dream job, starting a career that you love, and retiring with plenty in the bank.
