Bachelor's Degree in Finance: A Complete Guide (2024)

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Explore what’s required to earn a Bachelor's degree in Finance. We'll cover what it is, its pros and cons, the steps, how long it takes, online options, what you'll study, and future careers.

Key Points

A bachelor's degree in Finance provides a comprehensive understanding of financial concepts, analysis, and decision-making.
Pursuing a Finance degree offers numerous career opportunities in various industries, including banking, investment management, and corporate finance.
The admission process typically involves meeting specific academic requirements, submitting an application, and exploring financial aid options.
The degree program covers a range of topics, such as accounting, investments, financial management, and financial markets.
Graduates can pursue further education, such as a master's degree or a doctoral degree, or enter the workforce in entry-level finance roles.

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What is a Bachelor's Degree in Finance?

A bachelor's degree in Finance is an undergraduate program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of financial concepts, analysis, and decision-making. This degree program covers a wide range of topics, including accounting, investments, financial management, and financial markets. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in the finance industry, such as banking, investment management, and corporate finance.

Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Finance

Pros

Diverse career opportunities: A Finance degree opens the door to a wide range of career paths, from banking and investment management to corporate finance and financial analysis.
Strong earning potential: Finance professionals often enjoy higher-than-average salaries, especially in specialized roles.
Transferable skills: The skills acquired in a Finance degree program, such as financial analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making, are highly valued across various industries.
Opportunity for further education: A bachelor's degree in Finance can serve as a foundation for pursuing a master's degree or a doctoral degree in the field.

Cons

Competitive job market: The finance industry can be highly competitive, and finding entry-level positions may require extensive networking and internship experience.
Ongoing education requirements: The finance industry is constantly evolving, and professionals may need to continuously update their knowledge and skills to stay relevant.
Potential for high stress: Careers in finance can be demanding, with tight deadlines, high-pressure situations, and the need to make critical financial decisions.

How to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Finance

1. Meet the admission requirements: To enroll in a bachelor's degree program in Finance, you'll typically need to meet specific academic requirements, such as a minimum GPA, standardized test scores (e.g., SAT or ACT), and prerequisite coursework. Some programs may also require an essay, letters of recommendation, or an interview as part of the application process.

2. Apply to the Finance program: Once you've identified the Finance degree program you'd like to pursue, you'll need to submit a formal application, which may include transcripts, test scores, and any other required documents.

3. Explore financial aid options: Financing your education is an important consideration when pursuing a bachelor's degree. Explore various financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, student loans, and work-study programs, to help cover the cost of tuition, fees, and other expenses.

4. Enroll and complete the program: Once you've been accepted into the Finance program, you'll need to enroll in the required courses and complete the degree requirements, which typically include a combination of general education, core finance courses, and electives.

List of Online Bachelor’s Degree in Finance

If you're exploring online bachelor's degree options in Finance, one notable website is Dreambound, which provides a flexible and economical Finance degree program.

Dreambound is an online educational platform that teams up with accredited universities to offer high-quality and affordable degree programs. Their online bachelor's degree in Finance caters to students seeking a flexible and accessible learning experience.

Programs and schools available through Dreambound include:

Columbia Southern University

Program:

BSBA Finance

Cost Range: $30,000 - $70,000

Southern New Hampshire University

Program:

BS Business Administration With Concentration In Finance
BS Finance With Concentration In Financial Planning
BS Accounting And Finance
BS Finance

Cost Range: $30,000 - $70,000

Liberty University Online

Program:

BS Business Administration Data Analysis Finance
BS Business Administration Data Analysis Real Estate Finance

Cost Range: $30,000 - $70,000

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How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Finance?

Most bachelor's degree programs in Finance are designed to be completed in four years of full-time study. However, the actual duration may vary depending on factors such as the specific program requirements, the student's course load, and any transfer credits or prior learning experiences.

What to Expect from a Bachelor's Degree in Finance

A bachelor's degree in Finance will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of financial concepts, analysis, and decision-making. The curriculum typically covers topics such as:

Accounting principles and financial reporting
Investment analysis and portfolio management
Financial markets and institutions
Corporate finance and financial management
Risk management and financial derivatives
International finance and global financial systems

Throughout the program, you'll develop critical-thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, which are essential for success in the finance industry.

What Can You Do with a Finance Bachelor's Degree?

Graduate School Preparation

A bachelor's degree in Finance can serve as a strong foundation for further education, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science in Finance (MSF) degree. These advanced programs can provide specialized knowledge and skills in areas like investment management, corporate finance, or financial analysis. Additionally, some Finance graduates may choose to pursue a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D. in Finance, to conduct research or teach at the university level.

Entry-Level Finance Roles

With a bachelor's degree in Finance, graduates can pursue various entry-level finance roles, including:

Financial Analyst
Investment Analyst
Personal Financial Advisor
Financial Manager
Loan Officer
Financial Examiner
Budget Analyst

Career Opportunities

The versatility of a Finance degree allows graduates to explore a wide range of career paths, including:

Banking and Financial Services
Investment Management
Corporate Finance
Financial Planning and Wealth Management
Insurance and Risk Management
Government and Non-Profit Organizations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for financial analysts in the United States is $99,010, with a projected job growth of 8% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Final Thoughts

Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Finance (BS in Finance) can be a rewarding and versatile choice for those interested in a career in the finance industry. This degree program provides a comprehensive understanding of financial concepts, analysis, and decision-making, opening up a wide range of career opportunities in various sectors. Whether you're interested in investment management, corporate finance, or financial planning, a bachelor's degree in Finance can serve as a solid foundation for your future success.

If this guide doesn't hit the spot, explore the other guides below to find a more suitable match:

Written by

Vduani Martinez

Vduani Martinez is a part of the Growth team at Dreambound. She creates and fixes workflows and automation to guarantee seamless operations. On top of that, she manages databases to ensure all information is up to date. Vduani is a licensed Electronics Engineer who loves coffee and is a travel enthusiast. Out of the office, she enjoys going on road trips and discovering new cafes and restaurants.

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Online

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Walden University

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Online

Online program from a HLC- accredited institution.
Master practical skills for today’s global, tech-driven accounting field.

Financial aid (may be available)

What is a Bachelor's Degree in Finance?

Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Finance

Pros

Diverse career opportunities: A Finance degree opens the door to a wide range of career paths, from banking and investment management to corporate finance and financial analysis.
Strong earning potential: Finance professionals often enjoy higher-than-average salaries, especially in specialized roles.
Transferable skills: The skills acquired in a Finance degree program, such as financial analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making, are highly valued across various industries.
Opportunity for further education: A bachelor's degree in Finance can serve as a foundation for pursuing a master's degree or a doctoral degree in the field.

Cons

Competitive job market: The finance industry can be highly competitive, and finding entry-level positions may require extensive networking and internship experience.
Ongoing education requirements: The finance industry is constantly evolving, and professionals may need to continuously update their knowledge and skills to stay relevant.
Potential for high stress: Careers in finance can be demanding, with tight deadlines, high-pressure situations, and the need to make critical financial decisions.

How to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Finance

List of Online Bachelor’s Degree in Finance

If you're exploring online bachelor's degree options in Finance, one notable website is Dreambound, which provides a flexible and economical Finance degree program.

Programs and schools available through Dreambound include: