Are Online Finance Degrees Legitimate?

Earning a finance degree is an important building block towards advancing your finance career. Companies from various industries have a high demand for professionals who understand finance essentials.

Where there is a good chance for employability in the finance field, students should back their resumes up with experience and education that will increase their chances of getting hired.

If you're researching online finance schools, continue reading this article. We'll explore the fact that online degrees in finance are legitimate, what to look for in an online program, and list a few viable options for online finance degrees.

Do Employers Respect Online Finance Degrees?

There are some key differences between online and in-person universities. Many employers are more interested in students who have relevant education and experience on their r?um?

Online universities now teach programs that are identical to in-person, so whether you learn online or in person won't make a difference in the quality of education you receive.

When you're applying for job opportunities, you may be asked if you completed your degree online or in person. You can emphasize the relevant coursework, certifications, or internships you completed that make you qualified for the position.

What To Look for in an Online Finance Degree Program

While there are many legitimate and well-respected finance programs available online, some are better than others. There are a few key things you can look out for when applying to different online universities.

Accreditation

It's important to ensure the school you apply to has a national or regional accreditation for its program. Online universities can earn accreditation only after a third-party council has reviewed their program for quality assurance.

Look for programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). An AACSB accreditation is specifically for business programs, including finance, and ensures that best practices aligned with current regulations and ethics are being taught.

Reputation

One thing you should ask yourself is if the college is well respected or not. A well-respected college will usually have a good reputation and positive reviews from both students and faculty. The university may also be involved with different professional affiliations.

One way to check a school quickly is to look at its online rankings. U.S. News and World Report offers an annual ranking of the top universities in business and finance that can quickly tell you which schools are the best.

Online rankings are determined by several different factors which can vary based on the company completing the ranking. Most of the time factors include student graduation rate, the cost of tuition, extracurricular activities, and internship opportunities, and student resources, such as scholarships and grants.

Graduation Rates

A school graduation rate can tell you a lot about the overall success of the students. The graduation rate considers the total number of enrolled students and how many of them successfully graduate on time.

Schools with a higher graduation rate may place more emphasis on student success and include resources to help students get to the end of their degree. Resources might include free tutoring, laptop, software, and technology rentals, or student advising sessions with a counselor.

Differences Between Online Finance Degrees and Traditional Finance Degrees

The primary difference between online finance degrees and traditional finance degrees has to do with the convenience and flexibility of the program. A program available online doesn't require a student to attend classes on campus and can be ideal for individuals balancing a busy personal life or working full-time.

Online finance is typically asynchronous and consists of pre-recorded courses and exams. This allows students to complete their work on their own time without having to report to a class at a specific time of the week.

Benefits of Earning Your Finance Degree at an Online School

The benefits of earning a finance degree online have to do with the individual student. If the student is working, while they're enrolled at a university, then an online program may be the best option for them. Online programs allow students to complete their work on their own time as well as attend classes at a time convenient for them.

Online degrees in finance may also be less expensive than in-person options. While online tuition generally costs less than programs available on campus, students may also save money on transportation costs and textbook fees if they're completing their program online.

Featured Online Finance Degree Programs

If you're curious about high-quality and accredited online finance degree programs, then you can check out several available options below.

These programs are available through reputable universities with established online campuses.

1. Merrimack College

For finance professionals who are already working and are interested in advancing their careers, Merrimack College offers an online Master of Science in finance.

Merrimack is known for its accessible online degree program that can be completed in under 16 months on a part-time basis or nine months on a full-time basis. The tuition rate is competitive and they offer extensive scholarship opportunities for enrolled students.

• Online MS in finance

2. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMass)

Through the Massachusetts University system, students can complete an online Bachelor of Science in economics that prepares them for a variety of careers in accounting and finance. The economics degree teaches skills in forecasting, statistical analysis, and offering financial advice based on evidence.

UMass is transfer student-friendly and allows up to 90 credit transfers. Plus, the online program was ranked #10 through U.S. News and World Report.

• Online BS in economics

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a pioneer in online learning, offering a multitude of programs for distance learners. The bachelor's and master's programs in finance gives remote students the opportunity to delve into finance and accounting best practices so they can start work soon after graduation.

This program emphasizes corporate finance, financial regulations, and the fundamentals of investments. SNHU has multiple start dates available throughout the year that ensure you can start when you're ready.

• Online BS in finance
• Online MS in finance

4. Northeastern University

The College of Professional Studies at Northeastern University offers the Bachelor of Science and finance and accounting online. This AACSB-accredited program was developed specifically for busy professionals in mind. The industry-informed program consists of 120 credits and prepares students for the CPA upon graduation.

• Online BS in finance and accounting

5. University of Alabama in Birmingham

The Collat School of Business at the University of Alabama has a finance degree completely online. The bachelor of science in finance prepares students for their future in finance with analytical skills, perceptiveness, and the ability to problem-solve.

This program was named in U.S. News and World Report's top 100 online college ranks and consists of award-willing faculty and student-centered curriculum. Plus, there are scholarship opportunities available to those who qualify.

• Online BS in finance