While finance is a field that typically requires a degree, there is a difference between an Associates in Finance and a Bachelor’s in Finance. The difference is not just in the time of study required for each but also the career choices available to finance graduates. Associate degree programs can generally be completed in two years while bachelor’s degrees take four years. Online finance programs are also available. Knowing the difference between the finance degree levels can make choosing a career easier.
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Top 10 Affordable Associates Degrees in Finance Online
Top 10 Best Associates in Finance Online
What Finance is All About
People often confuse a finance degree with an accounting degree. While accounting covers a wide range of business duties, finance covers a smaller range and requires a special set of skills. Financial accounting offers the best of both worlds. An individual working in finance should have a solid background and aptitude in mathematics. Finance degree programs are found at the certificate, associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree level. Because finance programs are theory-based and require no practical experience, they’re excellent choices for distance learning programs. A graduate of finance programs may find careers in the following types of companies.
- Hedge funds
- Financial planning
- Insurance
- Corporate finance
- Commercial banking
- Investment banking
- Public accounting
Associates in Finance Program
Graduates of Associates in Finance degree programs have the knowledge to work in entry-level administrative or clerical positions. The associate degree is a good choice for the student who is interested in finance but doesn’t meet the admission requirements of a baccalaureate program. It’s also ideal for someone who isn’t quite sure that finance is where they want to make a career. It prepares them to work in finance without requiring the student to complete four years of college. With two years of study, the student can earn the associate degree; online students may complete the program in less time. Associate degree finance programs may include these courses.
- Basics of Management
- Personal Finance Planning
- Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
- Introduction to Securities and Investments
- Introduction to Business
- Entrepreneurship
Graduates of Associates in Finance degree programs may seek work as an associate financial analyst, program manager, finance associate, investment associate, financial services associate and associate director of finance.
Bachelor’s in Finance Program
Bachelor’s in Finance programs provide students with a more in-depth knowledge of finance than that of the associate degree program. Graduates are qualified for entry-level finance positions in various organizations. Students in this program obtain a well-rounded education through not just finance courses but also general education courses. The program teaches students about international business, business law, statistics, ebusiness and accounting. These four-year programs, which are also offered online, may include the following courses.
- Concepts in Strategic Management
- Foundations of Corporate Finance
- Risk Management
- Analysis of Fixed Income and Derivative Securities
- Portfolio Management
- Micro-economics
- Macro-economics
- Financial Accounting Principles
Graduates of Bachelor’s in Finance programs may find work as financial analysts, financial planners, budget analysts, financial examiners, cost estimators, loan officers and management analysts.
Finance is a growing field, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an employment growth of ten percent for business and financial operations jobs from 2016-2026. The growing economy, globalization and the regulatory environment all contribute to financial specialists being in demand. Graduates of Associates or Bachelor’s in Finance programs have a wide selection of career choices.
