How to Get an Online Associate’s Degree in Finance

If you enjoy talking about, managing, and making money grow, finance may be a promising field for you to consider. Because we all make money, spend it, and need advice on how to handle it, the field of finance is always in demand and not expected to slow down any time soon. With a finance associate’s degree, you will be stepping into the fascinating but complicated world of dollars and cents.

Job prospects are much better when students pursue a four-year degree in the field, but an associate’s degree is a good start as it will give you the foundation to what you need to know and what you can expect to learn in depth later on. It also gives you a chance to really decide whether or not the subject is for you, if you are still unsure. At the associate’s level, you will cover the basics in topics such as accounting and math. Additionally, you will learn about things like trust funds, banking technology, business legalities, investing, money markets, business communication, banking techniques, and much more

With an associate’s degree in finance, you can either choose to start working an entry-level job at a financial organization to gain work experience, or go straight to a four-year college to complete your bachelor’s. An entry-level job may pay anywhere from $27,000 to $33,000 a year.

This degree typically takes two years of full-time study to complete. However, if you choose to earn your credential online, you may be able to complete it earlier. Depending on how many classes you can take per quarter/semester, you may be able to finish a lot quicker.

If you are a busy individual looking to go to school while still attending to your personal obligations, pursuing an associate’s degree in finance online could be a great option. Distance learning can work really well for those who are motivated and independent learners. It is important to make sure that the college you choose is accredited so that the credits you earn can be easily transferred to a four-year college should you decide to continue your education. By virtually attending classes online, you will have access to all course materials and participate in class discussions just like you would normally in a traditional classroom setting. The main difference is that you would be able to log into the classroom portal from anywhere and anytime to complete required coursework and exams. Students can easily communicate with other students and their professors via chat platforms and email.

Common Associate’s in Finance Curriculum

Have you decided you want to give finance a try? You might be wondering what kind of classes you will have to take at the associate’s level. Since finance revolves heavily on money, that is the focus of the curriculum. At the associate’s level, you’ll cover topics such as:

  • Business statistics, trends, and laws
  • Principles of management
  • Accounting and investment
  • Company finances

In addition to finance-related courses, students will also have general education requirements and electives to complete, which will vary from college to college. These classes will help you develop a well-rounded foundation of knowledge that will be useful in understanding real-life situations and succeeding in whatever career you choose to be in. For example, you might take introductory classes in writing, math, science, history, art, language, and more. Many of these general education course requirements can be waived if you took AP classes and passed their respective exams in high school. If this sounds like it might be you, we recommend checking with your college counselor to see which classes you might not have to retake.

Associate’s in Finance Careers

When it comes to careers in finance, your options are pretty wide open. You can actually do quite a lot with this degree. For example, you could work for an investment firm, a bank, in the insurance industry, or even be a commodities trader. If you choose to pursue your bachelor’s and pick a specialization, more job opportunities may be available to you. In this industry, education along with experience is vital for success in the long run.

Those studying finance can consider the following jobs:

  • Financial analyst
  • Financial consultant
  • Finance manager
  • Money manager
  • Financial planner
  • Commercial banking
  • Corporate finance
  • Investment banking

Of course, there are many more other careers to choose from, but this list is just a quick rundown to give you a glimpse of the possibilities. Like other careers, your annual salary will depend on a variety of things, such as the position you end up working, where you work, who you work for, and your level of experience and education.

The great news is that this industry is expected to rise over the next few years. So, if you love the idea of working on Wall Street and making great money, then getting your associate’s degree in finance will be a great first step.