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Learn finance with online courses and programs

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?

Finance encompasses all the decisions that involve money for individuals, businesses, and public entities.

Personal finance refers to individual or household financial management. 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 the management of assets, liabilities, debt, and revenue for a business.

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?

Finance is a popular field with abundant opportunities for high-paying employment and career advancement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that business and financial employees earned a median annual salary that’s over $31,420 more than the average in 2024. Additionally, business and finance roles are projected to grow faster than the average from 2024–34.

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

What do you learn in finance programs?

Short- and long-term programs exist to teach fundamental or advanced finance topics. You can compare programs to identify one that fits your budget, timeline, and education goals.

Individual courses

Courses teach specific financial topics in 4-12 weeks. You can pursue a course to learn about a new subject or acquire a specific skill. Online finance courses may be free or offer paid upgrades that give you unlimited access to the course material and a certificate upon completion. Course upgrades cost $50-$300 and include graded assignments. Popular finance course topics include:

Certificates

Certificate programs consist of a series of online finance courses that teach students a new skill. This new skill can be applied toward your current job or act as a jumping off point for a new career. These programs take 2-10 months to complete and usually cost $500-$1,500. Certificate programs can offer flexible schedules and cover important financial topics, including:

Executive education programs

Finance executive education programs teach specialized subject matter and offer networking opportunities to high-level employees, entrepreneurs, and leaders. These programs cover finance topics, leadership skills, negotiation tactics, and problem-solving methods. Executive education programs typically offer flexibility, take 6-8 weeks to complete, and cost between $2,500 and $3,500. Program topics include:

Degrees

Degree programs include courses of study that lead to a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. These multi-year programs cost $10,000-$200,000. Bachelor's programs take a minimum of four years to complete, while master's programs take two. You can pursue a degree to build foundational or advanced finance knowledge, depending on the degree level. Common finance degree choices include:

How to get started in finance

Personal finance pathway

  • Study financial topics: You can study financial topics at your own pace by enrolling in online finance courses or programs. An introductory financial course can offer an entry point to 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.


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    FAQ about learning finance online

    Can you learn finance online?

    Yes, you can learn finance online through courses, certifications, executive education programs, or degrees. Choose an education pathway based on your goals, timeline, and budget.

    How much do finance courses cost?

    Individual online finance courses can be free or cost up to a few hundred dollars. Free courses may have time limits for accessing course materials. Paid courses sometimes offer unlimited access to materials, a certificate, or graded assignments.

    Is finance hard if you're bad at math?

    Yes, finance can be hard if you struggle with basic math. Finance requires proficiency with addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Advanced finance careers may require statistical analysis or regression. You can learn math via online courses and degrees.

    How can you learn finance as a beginner?

    You can learn finance as a beginner through courses or certificates. These programs can be completed within a few months and provide fundamental finance knowledge. You can choose a topic that best aligns with your interests and career goals.

    Last updated July 2, 2025