Online and Distance Learning

A business finance degree develops skills and knowledge that are required in every business.   This page helps you find out more about the programs, where you can take them, what employers expect, and what you can expect to earn.  You might also like to check out the pages on Finance Masters, Financial Planning, and Securities Course.

The importance of a business finance degree

In today's economic climate, obtaining a college degree is of utmost importance. The finance field is one that is considered to be both broad in terms of options and available careers as well as being known as a good paying field. Most business finance degree graduates enter into banking, audit and investments. But there are also other fields like health care and academia that should also be considered.

It's clear to see that no matter what field within the finance industry you choose, the opportunities are endless. Even if you want to pursue business finance education whilst working, there are many options, and these actually enhance your personal and professional marketability. There are many employers that will even help you obtain this so long as you meet their criteria and work within the program guidelines.

Depending on your qualifications, you might be interested in an online bachelors degree or a finance masters degree.  You will find details here.

If you want to take a business finance program on-campus instead of online then also read the on-campus section of the web site.

 Find an online program or a school near you

Which schools offer a degree in business finance?

Most schools offer business finance degree programs, or business degrees with a finance major, either on campus or online. The following are a few selected schools which offer accredited online programs that may be suitable for you:

• Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University
  • MBA with Specialization in Finance
  • Master's - Accounting and Financial Management

• American InterContinental University Online
  • Bachelor's of Business Administration - Accounting and Finance
  • MBA - Accounting and Finance

• Grand Canyon University
  • BBA with Concentration in Finance
  • MBA with Emphasis in Finance

• Kaplan University Online
  • Advanced Start BSBA - Financial Analysis
  • BS in Business Administration - Financial Analysis

• University of Phoenix
  • Bachelor of Science in Business with a Concentration in Finance

• Capella University
  • MBA - Finance specialization

• DeVry University
  • Bachelor Business Administration - Finance

What is studied in business finance programs?

Your business and finance degree curriculum will provide you with the tools to succeed in the tasks required for effective financial management in business. The program will have courses that will be math intensive, evaluative, and analytical. 

When you enter into the business finance program you will typically be required to take credits in macro and micro economics, accounting, business statistics, business finance, marketing and policy and strategy just to name a few. There are several other advances courses that may be options like investment, financial planning and insurance and corporate finance. All of these business finance courses form the student into a well-rounded graduate that can then seek ways to best use their talent.

What are the prospects for graduates of a business finance degree?

Many people will pursue jobs within the banking industry. The banking industry is diverse, growing and expanding. There are opportunities with information systems, eCommerce, investment, brokering and financial planning, commercial or residential mortgage lending, or estate and retirement planning. The positions are available nationwide and there are well over eight thousand FDIC insured banks in the United States alone.

Another field of interest is careers in with any one of the big four accounting and audit firms. There are many opportunities available with these companies, however, supplementing your finance degree with either a certified public accountant license or masters in business administration would be a wise investment. These two additions will increase the likelihood of getting hired as well as an increased chance of a greater salary.

These audit firms also have several divisions within them, much like the banks. A rising division is in health care. Many firms need CPA's and other finance and business degree graduates to perform audits of hospitals and other health care facilities. Audits are necessary and performed for one of two reasons. Either the hospital retained the services of the audit firm to perform annual year-end financial statement reviews, or the audit firm is present to uncover or discover reimbursement or payment errors.

There are also many job possibilities within the actual hospital or health care facility. These positions include chief financial officer, controller, finance and business office directors, auditors, reimbursement specialists and many more. Oftentimes, this career field is overlooked and passed up in order to get into the audit and banking industries. The salary structure is very good and the benefits are among the best, including pension plans.

An even more rare field of interest in academia. Not many business finance graduates desire entering into the education field as a teacher or researcher. However, many state and federal positions are available for those that are interested. These positions typically require a background in statistics and accounting. They are very good paying jobs with excellent benefits.

For more information

Use this link to find business finance degree programs.

Use the search facility on this site to find more business finance degrees.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.