Is a Finance Degree Right for Me?

An undergraduate finance degree may be right for you if you have an interest in interpreting and analyzing financial data for the financial success of individuals and businesses.

A finance degree is right for cashiers, bank tellers, and insurance agents who want to increase their financial skills for enhancing their career. It is also an excellent choice for breaking into the world of finance.

Finance degrees are for students pursuing a finance career or seeking a double major that relates to an accounting or business degree. You can determine if a finance degree is right for you by exploring finance degree requirements, examining your skillset, and determining your career goals.

What Is a Finance Degree?

A finance degree is an award that colleges and universities provide to students who complete an undergraduate or graduate finance degree program. A bachelor's degree finance program gives a strong introduction to financial concepts and methods.

What To Expect From a Finance Degree

Finance degrees equip students with financial skills in financial planning, risk management, forecasting, and financial management to excel in business and financial occupations. They qualify graduates for finance jobs in financial markets, real estate, asset management, and more.

There are many job opportunities in the finance industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for financial careers will stay in-demand throughout future years.

Internship requirements and options allow students to gain practical experience in investment banking, private equity, and other areas of finance for supporting individuals, businesses, and financial institutions.

Students learn how to provide financial services such as interpreting financial data through financial analysis for recommending and meeting investment opportunities and financial goals.

A finance degree also prepares students for earning certifications that enhance their credentials and opportunities for employment. Examples of certifications for graduate students of finance degrees include:

Common Finance Degree Programs

There is more than one type of finance degree. Colleges typically offer one or more of the following finance degree programs:

How To Decide if a Finance Degree Is Right for You

Prospective financial majors can take the steps below to help determine if a finance degree would be beneficial.

Determine Your Career and Life Goals

If you can imagine a career that involves helping others reach financial stability and capability, a finance degree would be beneficial toward that goal. A finance degree contributes to meeting financial life goals and career aspirations.

Examine Your Skillset

Prospective students of a financial major should possess or be willing to develop communication skills and skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and accounting. Being familiar with spreadsheets, math, and skills in organization are also valuable for finance degrees.

Consider Your Financial Situation

A finance degree is the perfect opportunity for augmenting your career to earn a better salary. There are financial aid and tuition assistance options at accredited universities for reducing the cost of tuition. Examples of financial aid opportunities include:

grants
scholarships
tuition discounts
an employer tuition reimbursement program

Speak To a Finance Professional

Speaking with a finance professional may help you decide if a finance degree is right for you. Inquire about typical day to day duties, conflict-resolution situations, and career advancement opportunities.

You may be able to speak with a finance professional through a professor or other school faculty member, a family or friend, an internship opportunity, or other networking engagement.

FAQs About Finance Degrees

Consider how long it takes to complete a finance degree, common career paths, and career advancement options when deciding if a finance degree is right for you.

How Long Does It Take To Complete a Finance Degree?

The length of a finance degree program depends on the program level, learning format, and full time or part time enrollment. How long it takes to earn a finance degree also depends on a student's educational background and academic behaviors.

The average student with no college background takes four years to complete an undergraduate finance degree with full time enrollment. Students with transfer credits can reduce that time by one to two years.

Should I Pursue a Finance Degree if I'm Not Good at Math?

You should have basic math skills from a high school education to pursue an undergraduate finance degree. You do not have to be an expert in mathematics but should be interested in obtaining math skills so that you can comfortable meet the math requirements for a finance degree.

What Are Common Career Paths for Finance Majors?

There are multiple career options for finance majors entering the workforce. Common career paths include positions such as a:

Would a Master's Degree in Finance Advance My Career?

Yes, a master's degree in finance introduces advanced career opportunities such as becoming a certified public accountant, budget analyst, or working in corporate finance. Employers respect master's degrees for advanced roles in finance.