About Finance

Finance is a broad term that encompasses banking, leverage or debt, credit, capital markets, money, and investments. Finance is the specialised study of how an individual or a business manages its money. Finance also includes the management, creation, and analysis of money, banking, credit, investments, assets, and liabilities.

　　Finance is studied in several academic disciplines due to its broad scope, and there are several related degrees and professional certifications that can lead to the field. Finance is divided into three categories: Personal Finance, Corporate Finance, and Public Finance. These, in turn, overlap and employ a variety of activities and sub-disciplines, the most important of which are Investments, Risk Management, and Quantitative Finance. A Finance degree is frequently combined with an Accounting or Business minor.

　　

Is Finance right for me?

Students interested in business, personal finance, and investing should consider majoring in Finance. Students who are organised, detail-oriented, adept communicators, and have a knack for crunching numbers will excel in this major. 

　　This is the field to pursue if you want to help businesses and individuals make money. Finance majors must consider the short- and long-term consequences of investing and other financial decisions. They must then assist clients by finding solutions and developing plans to capitalise on opportunities. If you are interested in making data-driven financial decisions, then Finance is the degree to pursue!

　　

Study options and costs

　　Many community colleges and online schools offer associate degrees in Finance. Depending on the school you attend, this degree may be listed as an Associate in Finance or an Associate in Financial Management. Students with an associate degree can apply for jobs such as Bookkeeper, Associate Financial Analyst, Financial Clerk, Accounting Associate, or Loan Officer. Tuition varies by school, but the average associate degree at a public in-state college costs around $9,690 per year.

　　A Bachelor of Science in Finance or Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance is the most common bachelor's degree in finance. Some schools may also offer Bachelor of Arts in Finance degrees, though this is a less common option. Bachelor's degree graduates can work as accountants, financial analysts, budget analysts, investment bankers, and personal financial advisors. The total tuition cost typically ranges between $24,000 and $75,000.

　　At the master's level you can either earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Finance concentration or a Master in Finance for financial professionals. A Master of Finance degree will prepare you for high-level financial positions, whereas an MBA will prepare you for a wide range of business roles with an economic focus. An MBA or master's degree in finance will prepare you for advanced positions. Financial managers, financial analysts, auditors, controllers, credit manager, and chief financial officers are examples of career paths. A master's degree in Finance typically costs between $30,000 and $120,000, depending on the school, major, and duration of the programme.

　　Students can also pursue a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with a Finance concentration or a PhD in Finance at the doctoral level. A DBA will focus more on being professionally-oriented, whereas a PhD will focus on research and will be more academically-oriented. A doctorate from a public university costs an average of $92,200. A doctorate from a private university costs an average of $127,100.

　　

Future outlook

Everyone in today's world and economy relies on financial strategies and principles. Everything ranging from small start-ups, corner shops, supermarket chains, to large corporations, law firms, and insurance companies require finance. They are willing to pay top dollar for experts in this field. For example, in the US, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show a 6% increase in demand for financial analysts and a 15% increase in demand for financial managers this decade. The average salary for Finance majors ranges from $70,320 to $131,820 per year.

　　Whether you have a BA or a BS in Finance, excellent career opportunities with high jobstability beckon. Part of the reason for high job security in the Finance sector is that Finance is a specialised, narrow domain. The job market is brimming with opportunities for competent Finance majors.

　　

Career pathways for Finance graduates

　　

Commercial Banking

 

　　A career in commercial banking covers a wide range of financial services, including savings accounts, checking accounts, and various loan options. Many people start their careers as bank tellers and work their way up to become branch managers in commercial banking. The average salary in retail banking is $92,983.

　　

Investment Banking

　　Investment banking is a high-intensity field that sells and trades corporate securities while also providing insightful advice to corporations and individuals. An investment banker's responsibilities may also include trading stocks and bonds on the stock market. The average salary in investment banking is $96,543.

　　

Financial Planner

　　A financial planner collaborates with clients to develop plans that ensure an individual's current and future financial well-being. They discuss investment and savings strategies to achieve client goals. The average salary for a financial planner is $61,830.

　　

Insurance Agent

　　Working in the insurance industry allows you to explore many different aspects of finance. You can work as an insurance sales representative or a customer service representative or calculate the risks and probabilities of financial trends to assist your clients in meeting their financial goals. The average salary for an insurance agent is $37,667.