Learn finance online with courses, certificates, and degrees
Finance is more than money management. Building financial skills can unlock many roles, from financial advisor to financial analyst. Enroll in an online finance course from edX today.
What is finance, and why is it important?
Finance encompasses all decisions involving the use of money by individuals, businesses, and public entities.
Personal finance refers to the management of an individual's or a household's financial affairs. Skills in personal finance include:
- Managing credit card debt and personal assets
- Saving for retirement
- Understanding and filing your taxes
- Budgeting for household expenses
Corporate finance involves managing a business's assets, liabilities, debt, and revenue.
Corporate finance professionals are experts in key areas of finance, such as risk management, budgeting, financial analysis, and decision-making. Public finance has several components, including tax revenue management, public debt issuance, and budget planning.
Why learn finance online?
Learning finance online supports both personal financial knowledge and career development, offering a flexible and practical way to build the skills you need to achieve your goals.
With edX, you can:
- Learn from leading institutions such as MIT, Harvard University, and the London School of Economics through courses developed by expert faculty.
- Choose the learning format that fits your goals, including individual online finance courses, certificate programs, and online finance degree programs.
- Study on a flexible schedule, with self-paced and instructor-led options designed to fit around work and life responsibilities.
- Earn a verified certificate issued by the institution offering the class.
- Reduce the cost and time commitment compared with many in-person programs.
The benefits of learning finance aren't limited to the financial sector, either. People who want to secure leadership and management roles across industries can also benefit from upskilling in finance. In fact, a 2025 edX survey shows that 28% of upper management said that executive leadership — which often includes accounting, investing, and goal-setting — is a top skill for career advancement.
Browse online Finance Certificates
Find new interests and advance your career opportunities
Stand out in your field
Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.
Learn at your own pace
On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.
Earn a valuable credential
Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.
Certificates
Related Topics
Compare online finance courses, certificates, and degree programs
edX finance programs range from short courses to full degree pathways, making it easier to find an option that matches your goals, schedule, and budget. Comparing programs can help you choose the right level of depth and commitment.
Individual courses
2-6 weeks | Starting at $50
Courses teach specific financial topics in 2-6 weeks. edX online finance courses offer free access to course materials and an optional certificate upgrade, starting at $50. Popular finance course topics include:
- Intro to stock trading
- Foundations of finance
- Principles of economics
- Financial accounting
- Personal finance
Certificates
2-10 months | Starting at $500
Certificate programs comprise a series of online finance courses that enable learners to deepen their expertise in a specific area of finance. Professional Certificate programs may be a good fit for those seeking to upskill for career advancement, while MicroMasters programs may help reskill and pivot into a new career. These programs take 2-10 months to complete and start at $500. Certificate programs can offer flexible schedules and cover in-demand financial topics, including:
- Corporate finance
- Investment banking
- Financial modeling
- Credit risk and credit analysis
Executive education programs
6-20+ weeks | Starting at $2,500
Finance executive education programs teach critical strategy, innovation, and leadership skills and offer networking opportunities to mid-career professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. These programs cover a range of finance topics, including leadership skills, negotiation tactics, and problem-solving methods. Executive education programs typically offer flexibility, take 6-20+ weeks to complete, and start at $2,500. Program topics include:
- Managerial finance
- Algorithmic trading
- Economics
- Fintech
- Investment management
- Venture capital
Degrees
2-4 years | Varies by program
edX offers online finance degree programs from recognized universities, including bachelor's and master's degrees. These degrees are designed to provide foundational or advanced knowledge in finance and are often the entry-level educational requirement for careers in finance. The cost varies by school, program, and whether you're studying part-time or full-time. In terms of length, an online bachelor's degree in finance may take up to four years to complete, while a master's degree program typically takes two years. Common finance degree choices include:
How to start learning finance online
Pathway to learning personal finance online
- Study financial topics: You can study financial topics at your own pace by enrolling in edX's online finance courses or programs. An introductory financial course can serve as an entry point into a new field.
- Identify your financial goals: You should identify your financial goals, whether that includes reducing debt, saving money, or planning for retirement.
- Take a personal finance course: Personal finance courses can teach you how to analyze your spending and grow your assets. You may benefit from personal finance courses by setting financial goals and identifying common financial mistakes.
- Consider hiring a financial advisor: Financial advisors help clients understand financial products, taxes, and net worth. You can work with a financial advisor to make a budget and create a retirement plan.
Pathway to learning personal finance online
- Study financial topics: You can study financial topics at your own pace by enrolling in edX's online finance courses or programs. An introductory financial course can serve as an entry point into a new field.
- Identify your financial goals: You should identify your financial goals, whether that includes reducing debt, saving money, or planning for retirement.
- Take a personal finance course: Personal finance courses can teach you how to analyze your spending and grow your assets. You may benefit from personal finance courses by setting financial goals and identifying common financial mistakes.
- Consider hiring a financial advisor: Financial advisors help clients understand financial products, taxes, and net worth. You can work with a financial advisor to make a budget and create a retirement plan.
Explore finance-related careers and salaries
Finance is an in-demand field with strong earning potential and opportunities for career advancement across industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business and financial occupations earned a median annual salary that was $31,420 higher than the median for all occupations in 2024.
The BLS also states that jobs in business and finance are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034.
Below are some finance roles you could explore, with BLS salary data:
Financial analysts
Evaluate financial data and investment opportunities to help businesses and individuals make informed decisions about allocating money for profit. They work in settings such as banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and other financial institutions.
- Median annual salary (2024): $101,910
- Job outlook (2024-34): +6%
Financial analysts
Evaluate financial data and investment opportunities to help businesses and individuals make informed decisions about allocating money for profit. They work in settings such as banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and other financial institutions.
- Median annual salary (2024): $101,910
- Job outlook (2024-34): +6%
Advance your career with online finance education
Build in-demand finance skills used in analysis, management, and decision-making across industries. Choose from online finance courses, certificate programs, and degree programs from leading universities on edX.