Online bachelor’s degree in finance
An online bachelor's degree in finance builds skills in financial analysis, investing, and risk management. Explore coursework, specializations, career paths, and continuing education options.
Explore online finance degree programs
Key takeaways
- An online bachelor's in finance helps students build widely applicable skills in investing and financial analysis.
- Coursework typically covers financial modeling, portfolio management, corporate valuations, financial planning, banking, and international finance.
- Align your goals with program outcomes by exploring specializations, professional credentials such as CFA or CFP, and pathways to graduate study.
Why earn a bachelor's degree in finance online?
Prepare for a finance career
Start your finance career or prepare for graduate school with a bachelor's degree from an accredited program.
Build in-demand finance skills
Build expertise in financial analysis, corporate finance, investing, and risk management to prepare for careers in finance and related fields.
Learn online with greater flexibility
Study 100% online through a flexible, self-paced program designed to fit around your schedule.
Explore online bachelor's in finance programs
What can you learn in an online finance degree?
Building on foundational business and economics coursework, an online finance degree can teach you how organizations and individuals manage, invest, and evaluate money. You could study financial analysis, corporate finance, financial markets, investment management, and risk management while developing quantitative and analytical skills.
Coursework can also introduce financial modeling, valuation, portfolio management, and decision-making techniques, helping you learn to interpret financial information, assess opportunities and risks, and make informed financial decisions.
What courses are in an online finance degree program?
Bachelor's in finance programs include general education courses, business foundations, and finance-specific electives. Some programs also feature a capstone project or final assessment.
Your finance coursework will focus on topics such as managerial finance, investing, financial markets, and quantitative analysis. Courses you may take include:
- Financial modeling and analysis
- Mergers, acquisitions, and corporate valuations
- Portfolio management
- Financial planning and development
- International finance
- Banking
Specializations in online finance programs
Some online finance programs offer the option to specialize by dedicating elective coursework to a particular area of focus. Specializations can help you build targeted expertise and prepare for specific career paths.
Common finance specializations include:
- Corporate finance
- Financial planning or personal finance
- International finance
- Investment management
- Risk management
What can you do with a bachelor's degree in finance?
A bachelor's degree in finance can prepare you for a range of roles in areas such as financial analysis, advising, banking, and investment services. Some positions are available to early-career professionals, while others, including financial management roles, typically require related work experience.
Salary and job outlook vary by occupation, industry, and location. Here are five finance careers you may be able to pursue with a bachelor's degree, along with their median annual salaries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Financial analyst
Financial analysts study organizational financial data, economic conditions, and market trends to help identify capital deployment opportunities. They also help manage investment portfolios and perform business valuations.
- Required education: Bachelor's degree
- Median annual salary (2024): $101,910
- Projected employment growth (2024-34): +6%
Financial analyst
Financial analysts study organizational financial data, economic conditions, and market trends to help identify capital deployment opportunities. They also help manage investment portfolios and perform business valuations.
- Required education: Bachelor's degree
- Median annual salary (2024): $101,910
- Projected employment growth (2024-34): +6%
What are the admissions requirements for an online finance degree?
Admission requirements for an online bachelor's degree in finance vary by school and program. Typically, you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent and must submit transcripts from high school and any colleges you previously attended.
Some programs may have additional academic prerequisites or minimum GPA requirements. Depending on the institution and your educational background, you may also need to demonstrate English language proficiency. Check each program's requirements before applying.
What can you pursue after a bachelor's degree in finance?
After earning a bachelor's degree in finance, you may continue your education with a graduate degree or pursue a professional certification, depending on your career goals.
Graduate finance and business degrees
If you want to deepen your expertise or move into leadership roles, an online graduate degree in finance or business may be the next step. Two common options are:
- Online master of business administration (MBA): Offers broad business and management training, often with the option to specialize in finance.
- Online master's in finance: Focuses specifically on advanced financial concepts, analysis, and tools.
Professional finance credentials
You can also pursue professional credentials to demonstrate specialized knowledge in areas such as investment management, financial planning, and fund management. Popular financial credentials include:
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Certified Fund Specialist (CFS)