Online bachelor’s in finance: Accredited online degree
Gain job-ready skills in investing, financial planning, and global markets with an accredited online finance degree program from top universities.
Explore online finance degree programs
Why choose an online bachelor's in finance?
Get a career-ready finance credential
Start your finance career or prepare for grad school with an entry-level credential from an accredited program.
Gain skills that pay off
Build in-demand financial expertise that can qualify you for roles with competitive salaries and long-term growth.
Learn from top-ranked universities, with more flexibility
Study 100% online with flexible programs from trusted university partners, with no relocation or rigid schedules.
Find the right online bachelor's in finance program for you
What you will learn in an online finance degree program
Building on core business and economics coursework, online bachelor's in finance programs teach strategies, tools, and techniques for sourcing, managing, and investing money. If you're drawn to careers in banking, business management, investing, or venture capital, a bachelor's in finance program can help get you started.
These programs may also help you develop a strong, adaptable knowledge base that supports future specializations or graduate study.
Careers with an online finance degree
Completing a bachelor's in finance may help you land entry-level roles with competitive pay and set you up to pursue management positions down the line. These higher-level roles often offer increased earning potential and may require a master’s degree.Your salary and job prospects will vary based on factors like your location, industry, and professional network. Still, 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:
| Job | Description | Median annual salary (May 2024) | Projected employment growth (2024-34) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | $101,910 | +6% |
| Financial manager | Working alongside executive teams, financial managers help form long-term financial growth strategies. They monitor their employer's financial health and manage investment and capital deployment decision-making. The role typically requires extensive experience — and an advanced finance degree may also help. | $161,700 | +15% |
| Insurance underwriter | When individuals and organizations apply for insurance coverage, specialized analysts must review their details, assess the associated risks, and determine policy pricing. Insurance underwriters carry out these duties. | $79,880 | -3% |
| Financial advisor | Personal financial advisors work with individual clients, identifying their short-term and long-term financial goals and devising plans to meet them. Advisors help clients form financial strategies, select investments, and manage their incomes. | $102,140 | +10% |
| Financial services sales agent | Financial agents and brokers serve as links between buyers and sellers in financial markets. Acting on behalf of their clients, these professionals buy and sell securities, commodities contracts, and other assets. They also closely monitor market conditions and recommend investments that align with client needs. | $78,140 | +3% |
Finance degree curriculum and courses
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 broadly focus on topics like 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
Some schools may also offer certificate programs – such as and , for learners who are looking for .
Advanced finance degrees and certifications
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:
- : This program offers broad business and management training, often with the option to specialize in finance.
- : Focuses specifically on advanced financial concepts, analysis, and tools.
You can also pursue professional certifications to boost your résumé and support your long-term career goals in areas like investment management, financial advising, and strategic planning. Popular financial certifications include:
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Certified Fund Specialist (CFS)
Admissions requirements for online finance degrees
Most online bachelor's in finance programs follow generalized admissions standards. You'll typically need:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- A minimum GPA (varies by school)
- Some programs may also request SAT or ACT scores
Coursework in accounting, business, economics, mathematics, and statistics may strengthen your application for more competitive programs. You can meet these requirements by taking college prep classes or by completing college-level .
Start your online finance degree with edX
Frequently asked questions about online finance bachelor’s degrees
Last updated June 3, 2025