What Degree Do You Need To Be a Professional Investor?

<h3 id="section---EssentialInformation">Essential Information</h3> <p>To become a professional investment planner, investment banker, floor broker, or sales agent, you'll likely need at least a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field. However, it might be even more beneficial to complete a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/affordable_mba_programs_us.html">Master of Business Administration (MBA)</a> program. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutProgramsForAspiringInvestors">Important Facts about Programs for Aspiring Investors</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Degree/Certificate Levels</td><td>Undergraduate, graduate</td></tr> <tr><td>Concentrations</td><td>In an MBA program, students can specialize in accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, human resources, leadership, marketing, operations, real estate, consulting and more</td></tr> <tr><td>Online Availability </td><td> Some programs are offered fully or partially online</td></tr> <tr><td>Alternate Careers</td><td>Additional careers that require investment skills include those of financial advisors and investment bankers, among others</td></tr> <tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $95,570 (<i>for all financial analysts</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 9% growth (<i>for all financial analysts</i>)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---FinanceOrEconomicsDegrees">Finance or Economics Degrees</h3> <p>If you desire a career as a professional investor, you might choose to pursue an undergraduate degree in finance or economics. The courses in these majors can be quite similar. If you major in finance, you'll complete classes in accounting, managerial finance, marketing, business ethics, banking, and corporate finance. Economics classes include microeconomics and macroeconomics, marketing, business ethics, accounting, and organizational management. Both majors require that you take math courses that relate specifically to business. </p> <h3 id="section---BusinessAdministrationBBADegree">Business Administration (BBA) Degree</h3> <p>If you choose to enroll in a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_is_a_bachelors_degree_in_business_administration.html">Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)</a> program instead of a bachelor's program in economics or finance, you'll learn the basics of running a business. You'll take classes in accounting, marketing management, legal issues in business, information technology, and corporate strategies. Depending on your program, you might have the option of focusing on financial and investment aspects of business. </p> <h3 id="section---MBAProgram">MBA Program</h3> <p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, <i>www.bls.gov</i>) reports that many professional financial planners eventually earn an MBA. If you choose to enroll in an MBA program, you'll take courses in general management as well as courses designed to help you specialize in one particular area of business. Your classes might include the following: </p> <ul><li>Investment management </li><li>International trade </li><li>Political economics </li><li>Globalization and emerging markets </li><li>Venture capitalism </li></ul><h3 id="section---RegistrationAndLicensing">Registration and Licensing</h3> <p>To work as a broker or investment adviser, you must register with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) as a representative of your employer, according to the BLS. This process includes passage of the Series 7 Exam. Your state also might require that you pass the Uniform Securities Agents State Law Examination. Additional licensure might be required based on the type of products and/or services that you offer investors.</p>