Which Degrees Can Lead to Careers in Financial Management?

Important Facts About This Field of Study

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Bachelor's Degrees in Financial Management

A Bachelor of Business Administration is among the most popular degrees in the field of financial management. A Bachelor of Science or Arts with a major in finance, economics, accounting or business administration also qualifies an applicant for entry-level employment as a financial manager. Typical subjects covered in an undergraduate finance program include:

• Corporate finance
• Economics
• Financial analysis
• Financial institutions
• Financial management
• Financial statements
• International finance
• Investment management
• Macroeconomics and microeconomics
• Statistics

Master's Degrees in Financial Management

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers in the financial management sector are increasingly giving preference to job candidates with graduate degrees (www.bls.gov). Most of these candidates hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Fluency in a second language may be required of those who plan to work in global markets. MBA students can expect to take courses in:

• Advanced financial management
• Capital markets
• Corporate budgeting
• Corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions
• International markets
• Investment analysis
• Risk management

Professional Financial Management Certification

Professional certification indicates that the financial manager has taken courses in specialized fields and has kept current with changing financial trends and markets. Most certification programs require a minimum of a bachelor's degree and some hands-on experience. Once a certification is earned, additional continuing education courses may be required to maintain the certification. Membership in the certifying association may also be required. Some of the most commonly earned certifications in the financial management sector are:

• Certified Financial Manager (CFM)
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Treasury Professional (CTP)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)