How to choose a bachelors in finance

Have you always wanted to help individuals and businesses solve their financial problems? Earning a finance degree may be the best route to your dream job, but it's essential to choose the right one. Learn how to choose a bachelor's in finance that aligns with your goals.

Guide to choosing a bachelor's degree in finance

Are you wondering how to choose a bachelor's in finance? The following criteria can help you weigh your options.

Research the school's accreditation status

Two main organizations oversee voluntary accreditation for finance programs and business schools: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Both organizations accredit programs based on teaching and curriculum standards.

However, institutional accreditation applies to an entire school. A college's institutional accreditation can affect students' eligibility for federal financial aid. Additionally, employers often recognize the benefit of institutional accreditation and may only hire applicants who have graduated from an accredited school. Institutional accreditation also verifies that your school meets high academic standards.

Consider the program's content and composition

The curriculum that leads to your bachelor's degree in finance should include essential coursework that prepares you for a wide range of careers in the sector. According to AACSB guidelines, your curriculum should reflect current and innovative business theories and practices.

However, it should also include standard content from a variety of disciplines, including:

• Accounting
• Economics
• Finance
• Management
• Quantitative methods
• Management information systems

It's also important that your coursework requires you to use higher-order thinking skills, such as information synthesis and integration. This will help you develop the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that are necessary for success in finance.

See what specializations the school offers

As someone pursuing a bachelor's degree in finance, you may have a specific career in mind for your future after graduation. A concentration can help you develop the knowledge you need to succeed in a specialized area. Some common concentrations include:

• Accounting
• International finance
• Fintech

Keep in mind that some degree programs offer minors or additional certificates instead of concentrations. However, the effect is often the same: gaining additional skills and competencies in one particular area of interest. In some cases, pursuing a concentration or specialization can make you more marketable in your job search.

Ensure faculty have extensive experience and credentials

In order to succeed in the classroom and the professional world of finance, it's critical for you to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Faculty members with real-world experience in the finance industry are often able to merge industry knowledge with traditional teaching methods to enhance your understanding of academic concepts.

This extensive industry experience also qualifies them to assess your work and provide practical feedback to help you improve. You may also want to consider how many faculty members in your chosen program have official industry credentials and certifications, as this can signal that they have specific knowledge and competencies.

Think about the prestige and reputation of the program

While you may not want to choose a bachelor's in finance based solely on the reputation of the school, it's important to realize that school prestige can help you land the role you want after graduation. In some cases, top financial institutions and investment banks center their recruitment efforts around schools with top-notch programs.

This is often because these programs have developed a reputation for producing graduates who have exceptional skills in key areas. For this reason, these prestigious schools may give you access to extensive alumni networks in the financial sector, which can also help you make connections that can make it easier to secure the job you want.