Bachelor's Degree in Finance | Learn.org

A bachelor's degree in finance focuses on financial management, investment strategies, and economic principles. Students can specialize in areas such as corporate finance, investment banking, and financial planning.

Careers in finance have great potential for high income. If you want to learn more about this degree and what careers you can have, we explain it all in detail below.

What Is a Bachelor's Degree in Finance?

A bachelor's degree in finance teaches financial markets, investment strategies, economic theories, and financial management principles. Students learn how to analyze financial statements, manage investment portfolios, assess financial risks, and develop strategies to achieve financial goals.

The program typically includes core courses in economics, accounting, statistics, and business law, along with specialized finance courses. The courses develop students' knowledge of corporate finance, investment analysis, international finance, financial markets and institutions, and financial modeling.

Additionally, finance students often gain hands-on experience through internships, projects, and case studies. This practical experience is invaluable for succeeding in the financial industry and building a strong professional network.

Read more: Is a Finance Degree Right for Me?

Bachelor's Degree in Finance Core Curriculum

A bachelor's degree in finance includes a variety of core courses designed to provide a strong foundation in financial principles and practices. Below are some key classes typically included in the curriculum.

• Principles of finance: covers concepts such as the time value of money, risk and return, and capital budgeting
• Financial accounting: teaches the fundamentals of financial accounting, including preparing and interpreting financial statements
• Managerial accounting: focuses on internal financial processes and how they support business decision-making
• Microeconomics: studies individual economic units, such as consumers and businesses, and how they make decisions
• Macroeconomics: examines the overall economy, including inflation, unemployment, and economic growth
• Statistics for business and economics: introduces statistical methods and their application in business and economic contexts
• Corporate finance: studies financial management within corporations, including capital structure, dividend policy, and mergers and acquisitions
• Investment analysis: covers investment strategies, portfolio management, and security analysis
• International finance: explores financial management in a global context, including exchange rates, international trade, and global financial markets
• Financial markets and institutions: studies the structure and function of financial markets and the role of financial institutions

Finance Specializations

A bachelor's degree in finance offers various specializations that allow students to focus on specific areas of interest within the field. Each specialization offers unique insights and skills, preparing students for specific career paths within the finance industry.

When choosing a specialization, students should consider their career goals, interests, and the specific skills they want to develop.

Here are some common specializations available in finance programs:

• Corporate finance: Focuses on financial management within corporations, including capital budgeting, financial analysis, risk management, and mergers and acquisitions. Students learn how to manage a company's financial resources to maximize shareholder value.
• Investment banking: Concentrates on financial markets, securities, and investment strategies. This specialization prepares students for careers in investment banking, equity research, asset management, and portfolio management.
• Financial planning and wealth management: Covers personal financial planning, retirement planning, estate planning, and tax strategies. Students learn how to advise individuals and families on managing their financial assets and achieving long-term financial goals.
• Risk management and insurance: Focuses on identifying, assessing, and managing financial risks, as well as the principles of insurance. Students learn about risk assessment techniques, insurance products, and regulatory considerations.
• Real estate finance: Specializes in the financial aspects of real estate, including property valuation, real estate investment analysis, mortgage financing, and real estate development. This specialization is ideal for those interested in the real estate market.
• Quantitative finance: Emphasizes mathematical and statistical methods in finance. Students learn about financial modeling, derivatives pricing, quantitative trading strategies, and risk analytics. This specialization is suitable for those interested in highly technical finance roles.
• International finance: Focuses on global financial markets, foreign exchange, international investment, and global financial regulations. Students learn about the financial challenges and opportunities in a globalized economy.
• Banking and financial institutions: Covers the operation and regulation of banks and other financial institutions. Topics include lending, credit analysis, regulatory compliance, and financial intermediation.
• Financial analytics and data science: Combines finance with data analysis and technology. Students learn how to analyze financial data, use data analytics tools, and apply data-driven decision-making in finance.
• Public finance: Focuses on government finance, including taxation, budgeting, and public expenditures. This specialization prepares students for careers in government agencies, non-profits, and public policy organizations.
• Behavioral finance: Studies the psychological factors influencing financial decision-making. This specialization explores how biases, emotions, and cognitive errors affect investment choices and market outcomes.

How To Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Finance

Earning a finance degree involves several key steps that ensure a thorough education and preparation for a career in finance. Here are five essential steps to guide you through the process.

Research and Choose a Program

Start by researching accredited colleges and universities that offer finance programs. Consider factors such as program curriculum, faculty expertise, internship opportunities, and campus resources. Choose a program that aligns with your career goals, whether it's a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in finance.

Meet Admission Requirements

Ensure you meet the admission criteria for your chosen program. This typically includes a high school diploma or equivalent, a competitive GPA, and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). Some programs may also require letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and evidence of extracurricular activities or relevant work experience.

Complete Core Curriculum

Enroll in and successfully complete the core curriculum courses. Make sure that you take your courses seriously in order to get the most out of them. The knowledge you gain will benefit you when you enter the workforce.

Pursue Specializations and Electives

Tailor your education to your career interests by choosing specializations and elective courses in areas such as corporate finance, investment banking, financial planning, or international finance. Completing a capstone project or senior thesis in your final year can also provide an opportunity to conduct original research or tackle practical financial problems.

Gain Practical Experience

Participate in internships, co-op programs, and practical projects to gain hands-on experience. Many finance programs offer opportunities to work with businesses, financial institutions, and non-profit organizations. This experience is invaluable for applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, building a professional network, and enhancing your resume.

Career Opportunities for a Finance Major

A finance bachelor's degree opens the door to numerous career opportunities across various sectors. But you'll also need to have a strong resume, a great network base, and even an advanced degree for some roles.

Below are the top 10 finance careers you should consider after graduation.

• Financial analyst: analyzes financial data to help businesses make informed investment decisions, develop financial strategies, and manage risks
• Investment banker: assists companies in raising capital by underwriting and issuing securities and provides advisory services for mergers and acquisitions
• Financial planner: helps individuals manage their finances, including retirement planning, investment strategies, and tax planning
• Corporate finance manager: manages a company's financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, to ensure financial stability and growth
• Risk manager: identifies and mitigates financial risks for organizations by developing strategies to minimize potential losses
• Portfolio manager: manages investment portfolios for clients, including selecting securities, monitoring performance, and adjusting investment strategies
• Commercial banker: provides banking services to businesses, including loans, credit lines, and cash management solutions
• Actuary: analyzes financial risks using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory, often working in insurance and pension planning
• Treasury analyst: manages an organization's cash flow, investments, and financial risk, ensuring optimal liquidity and financial performance
• Financial consultant: provides expert advice to businesses and individuals on financial planning, investment strategies, and risk management

FAQs About Majoring in Finance

Since you know how to earn a finance degree and what you can do with one, check out these frequently asked questions below to make sure you're well-informed before deciding if this is the degree for you.

Is a Bachelor's Degree in Finance Worth It?

A bachelor's degree in finance is worth it for those seeking a dynamic and lucrative career. It offers diverse opportunities in various sectors, strong earning potential, and a solid foundation for advanced studies.

Is a Finance Major Hard?

The difficulty of a finance major depends on each student's strengths. If you are good at math and managing money, then this degree will be a bit easier for you.

However, a finance major can be challenging due to its focus on quantitative analysis, financial theory, and economic principles. However, with dedication and strong analytical skills, students can succeed and find it highly rewarding.

Read more: Is Finance a Difficult Major? What You Need To Know

How Much Does a Finance Degree Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, a finance degree typically costs between $20,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the institution, location, and whether it's a public or private university. You can fill out the FAFSA to apply for financial aid, scholarships, and loans.

Are There Any Free or Affordable Finance Degree Programs?

Yes, there are affordable online finance degree programs available at community colleges and some state universities. Free degrees are very rare and usually are not accredited. However, with the right grants and scholarships, you could greatly minimize your fees.

What Skills Will I Gain in a Finance Degree Program?

In a finance degree program, you'll gain skills in financial analysis, investment strategies, risk management, data interpretation, quantitative analysis, critical thinking, and effective communication, all essential for various professional roles in finance.

What Can I Do With a Finance Degree?

With a finance degree, you can pursue careers as a financial analyst, investment banker, financial planner, corporate finance manager, risk manager, portfolio manager, commercial banker, actuary, treasury analyst, or financial consultant.