Online and Distance Learning

This page is about online finance programs. Finance is the management of money - something we have to do all the time. As a financial planner in a company, you provide expertise in analyzing and implementing the financial aspects of managerial decisions. Online finance programs are designed to provide you with the technical knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful financial planner in any organizational setting.   Because finance is an essential part of any company - there is always a need for financial planners in the budget process and for financial managers in the business of the company. 

This page explains what the courses are, what employers expect, and what you can expect to earn.  You might also like to check out the pages on Business Finance, Finance Masters, Financial Planning, and Securities Course. If you want to take a finance program on-campus instead of online then go to the on-campus section of the web site.

Which schools offer online finance programs

Most schools offer programs in finance, 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
  • Graduate Certificate-Financial Analysis

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

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

• Capella University
  • BS - Finance
  • MBA - Finance specialization

• DeVry University
  • Bachelor Business Administration - 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

What is studied in online finance programs?

Your finance curriculum will provide you with the fundamental tools to succeed in the analytical and evaluative tasks required for effective financial management. The programs have an evaluative, analytical focused and math intensive curriculum.

The degree you take will most likely consist of three interrelated areas: money and capital markets; investments; and, business finance.  Typically it will include courses on: principles of finance, personal finance, money markets, investment management, risk management and real estate finance.

What qualifications and certification are required for a career in finance?

Most finance professionals hold at least a bachelor's degree and many also have an MBA in finance.  An excellent way to obtain the qualifications needed is to study online finance programs.  Most will also have some relevant certification.

Certification is recommended in finance. To qualify for Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification, you need a bachelor's degree and three years of professional experience in a relevant field. To qualify for Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification, you need academic credits, to pass the CFP exams, and to follow a strict code of ethics.

Other certifications relevant to this field include Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Certified Cash Manager, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

What jobs are there for graduates?

Job prospects in finance are expected to grow faster than average for the next 10 years. Graduates of online finance programs can find employment in areas such as: business management; corporate and international financial management; financial analysis, planning and advising; insurance and superannuation planning; investment planning; and, stockbroking.

For more information

Online accounting programs may be of interest to you. 

If you don't find what you want on this page, you can try using the search facility on the ODL website using: online finance programs as your search term.

Use this link to find programs and schools near you.

You also use this link to search online degree programs

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