Essential Information
Many schools offer online certificate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in banking and finance. These programs can usually be completed totally via distance learning, with students watching lessons either at their own convenience or at set times. They can communicate with instructors and classmates through message boards or chat programs. Some programs are offered in a hybrid format, with courses both online and on campus. Exams or orientation sessions may need to be completed on-campus, too. Most programs do not require internships in the field.
Certificate programs offer basic information in the field, with courses that cover topics such as credit, loans, and the fundamentals of business. These brief programs are designed for students who are entering the field and want more training.
Bachelor’s degree programs also require basic courses in banking, along with general education courses. Most management positions in banking and finance require at least a bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree programs are more in-depth. Courses may cover topics such as international finance and investments.
Certificate Programs in Banking and Finance
Online certificate programs in banking and finance are available to prospective students who want to work toward a higher degree, as well as finance professionals who want advanced training in their field. Many certificate programs are simply the introductory courses to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in the same field. While there is variance between academic institutions on the curriculum depth and length, most students can earn a certificate in banking and finance in 15-20 credit hours.
Program Information and Requirements
Many schools offer banking and finance certificate programs that are available exclusively online. Students who wish to participate in an online program are first encouraged to take a personal assessment to ensure their ability to learn independently without the aid of direct interaction with an instructor. Many colleges and universities offer tutorials that educate the student in how to succeed in an online learning course. Some certificate programs have prerequisite courses that need to be completed prior to enrolling, such as reading and English.
Though the course material is taught online, standard textbooks on finance topics must still be purchased for some courses. Once enrolled, students will need a computer, preferably one that they own, since they will have to spend a good amount of time accessing the online material. In addition, the student will need access to a printer and a high-speed Internet connection.
List of Common Online Banking and Finance Certificate Courses
Many online certificate programs in this field begin with introductory business courses, which lay the foundation for the rest of the program.
Fundamentals of Business
In this online course, students learn about the relationships between businesses, workforces and the government. Emphasis is also placed on the basics of business ownership, finance, marketing, management, production and budgets.
Fundamentals of Banking and Finance
Students in this introductory course are taught about the principles of the financial services industry. They learn about the relationship between funds management, financial performance and bank investments. The principles of banking are taught, including banking history, legal aspects and monetary policy.
Financial Markets and Institutions
This course introduces the parameters that influence financial institutions and the financial markets that they depend on. The relationship between financial entities, the banking industry and the Federal Reserve is explored. Upon completion of this online course, students will be prepared to anticipate and adapt to future changes in the financial marketplace.
Principles of the Credit and Loan Industry
In an online class that analyzes commercial lending, students learn the factors that influence decisions of lending agencies and the effects these decisions have on the borrowing business or person. The course covers the different types of loans and the legal regulations that affect each loan. Through analyzing the credit process from both the lending and borrowing perspective, students will gain the skills to make informed credit decisions in both their personal lives and their professional careers in banking and finance.
Bachelor’s Degree in Banking and Finance
Many colleges and universities offer an online delivery system for programs such as a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in finance or banking. Unlike certificate programs, bachelor’s-level programs often introduce students to global perspectives in finance and banking, preparing them to manage more complex financial practices. Most positions in banking and financial administration require at least a bachelor’s degree.
Program Information and Requirements
Depending on the school providing the courses, some exams and orientation sessions may need to be taken in person on campus. Other schools offer completely off-campus learning. Some institutions offer an accelerated 18-month bachelor’s degree program in banking and finance if the student has already earned an associate’s degree in the same field, as opposed to the average 4-year program.
List of Common Bachelor’s-Level Banking and Finance Courses
Specific course topics vary between degree programs; for example, a finance-focused business administration program may include a wider variety of business and management courses, while a Bachelor of Science in Finance may have a narrower emphasis on money matters. However, many core classes are common to all curricula.
Finance and Accounting Fundamentals
In some versions of this online course, students might create a hypothetical business enterprise, then develop and analyze its financial status from a market perspective. Typically, students also study real publicly traded enterprises and analyze the relationship of their financial reports to their business performance.
Real Estate Finance
Students in this online course learn the factors that influence property value through the study of mortgage markets, real estate construction and development partnerships. Concepts of taxes involving property transactions are also covered.
Principles of Taxation
Online courses in this complex topic may be divided into 2-semester programs. Students learn the fundamentals of taxes and how they apply to individuals as well as businesses. Through the study of tax laws, business partnerships, corporations and the variance of tax factors on different types of transactions, the student gains a fundamental understanding of the influence of taxation laws on the financial marketplace.
International Finance
Students in an online class in international finance study the financial marketplace on a global scale. The course focuses on the factors that influence the actions of multinational business firms, including foreign economic policy, international tax legislation and exchange rates.
Master’s Degree in Banking and Finance
Master’s degrees in banking and finance can be earned in a completely online format. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is needed to pursue a degree on the graduate level, and many online master’s programs have specific prerequisite classes that need to be completed prior to beginning the program, such as courses in economics and business statistics. Common graduate degree programs that can be found online are a Master of Science in Banking and Financial Services Management and a Master of Science in Finance.
Program Information and Requirements
Once enrolled in a master’s degree program, students gain access to an online course environment, which may be powered by a system like Blackboard or Moodle. Through this course system, they can watch streaming videos of class lectures and post on discussion boards to communicate with instructors and fellow finance students. An online master’s degree program in banking or finance can usually be completed in two years.
List of Common Master’s-Level Courses in Banking and Finance
Graduate courses are usually more specialized than bachelor’s-level courses; for example, an undergraduate course might provide an overview of taxation laws, but a graduate course may focus on one topic – like the requirements for nontaxable corporate acquisitions – in depth.
Investments
An online course in investments will teach students about the many factors that go into building a good investment portfolio. Through analyzing derivatives, equity and debt securities – as well as determining a company’s stock value – students learn to make informed decisions regarding the risks associated with investing. Many courses have students work together online as a team to build a mock investment portfolio using a set amount of allocated funds.
International Economics and Finance
Students who enroll in an online course in international economics and finance focus on the global economy and the multitude of factors that help to shape it, including international politics, multinational corporations, supply and demand chains, foreign economic systems and currency exchange. Students evaluate all of these factors to determine the risks of practicing international business; they also develop the skills to make choices that diminish these risks.
Corporate Finance
A master’s-level online course in finance focuses on the in-depth workings of a business firm, usually utilizing case studies and problem-solving methods. Students study concepts that include corporate takeovers, mergers, asset liquidation, restructuring, cost and benefit analysis, cash flow and capital budgeting. Upon completion of this course, the student will have a thorough understanding of current financial issues facing businesses, from the small business to the multinational firm.
Career Information
Many entry-level office and administrative positions in banks require only a high school diploma, but certificate-holders with knowledge of the finance industry are better suited to advance. Banks are especially looking to expand their branches to more locations, and this will result in the demand for entry-level employees.
Bachelor’s-degree holders in banking and finance can find opportunities for employment in many financial sectors. These include careers in cash and credit management, financial reporting, investment management, payroll, real estate, budget analysis and more. Personal financial advisers, who usually need a bachelor’s degree in finance, made an average of $122,490 in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov).
According to the BLS, students who obtain a master’s degree in this field are well suited to compete for positions in management and finance; these jobs include such titles as financial specialist and loan officer. The BLS expected job openings for loan officers to rise by 3% from 2019-2029, while financial specialists were projected to see 7% growth.
There are many online programs available to earn a certificate, bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in banking and finance. These programs offer in-depth exploration of topics such as finance, accounting, real estate, taxation and investment.
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