If you are intrigued by the financial markets and you also like to think about numbers, then a finance major is worth considering. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance can provide you with relevant skills and opportunities to help achieve your academic goals and expose you to numerous career possibilities. If you are having trouble deciding if a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics is right for you, here's some questions to consider.
What Will I Study?
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Financegives you the opportunity to study business, money, financial analysis, decision-making, accounting, the economy and internationalism of business and trade. Popular topics include financial evaluations, management of businesses and finance functions within modern corporations while considering legal and ethical issues in business. You will learn to use spreadsheets and other software used to process and present financial data. While a bachelor’s degree in finance will build upon your finance skills, you will also be taught leadership and communication skills.
What Traits Should I Possess?
When dealing with finances, it is extremely important to be detail-oriented, organized, analytical and a good communicator. It is also important to embrace an open, curious, entrepreneurial and innovative spirit while obtaining strong leadership skillsso that you may understand how business decisions affect financial goals and objectives. You will need strong mathematical and statistical skills in order to understand and analyze the financial data.
What Are My Job Prospects?
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Finance, you may explore a career in any enterprise where money is the medium of exchange. Typical examples include corporate finance, banking, insurance or investment management. However, all businesses, including nonprofit and government organizations require the use of money and an understanding of the economy. Here are some of the career options to consider:
- Financial planner
- Financial analyst
- Investor relations associate
- Budget analyst
- Load officer
- Accountant
- Credit managers
- Risk managers
You can also consider enhancing your knowledge by applying for a master’s degree in finance. Earning an MBA in Finance degree will prepare you to work in business management positions, often in investment banking and corporate finance. Alternatively, pursuing a master’s degree may offer students more of an opportunity to integrate mathematics, economics, accounting and associated disciplines with the theories and application of finance.
Key Benefits of Getting a Finance Degree
Finance is a high-stakes industry. Individuals and corporations will not trust their financial future to just anyone. That is why getting a finance degree is extremely valuable. Getting your finance degree allows you to:
- Master skills that prepare you for real-world job responsibilities
- Work for wide range of employers
- Set the stage for getting professional certifications
- Choose from a wide range of financially-rewarding careers
- Join a popular industry that expects a stable growth
How To Decide?
Finance is an exciting major with plenty of career opportunities. If you are interested in solving problems in creative ways or helping companies to plan how to grow their revenue or maintain profitability, a finance major is right for you. A Bachelor of Science in Finance will help you develop multiple skillsets with a great outlook for success after your graduation. To decide, you should understand what this degree offers and if it suits your interests.
If you are organized, detail-oriented and enthusiastic about helping businesses succeed, then a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Grand Canyon University could be the perfect fit for you! Learn more about our business degrees by visiting our website or clicking on the Request More Information button at the top of the page.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do notnecessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited wereaccurate as of the publish date.
FAQs
If you are interested in solving problems in creative ways or helping companies to plan how to grow their revenue or maintain profitability, a finance major is right for you. A Bachelor of Science in Finance will help you develop multiple skillsets with a great outlook for success after your graduation.
Is a Bachelor of Science in finance worth it? ›
Students who enjoy numbers, money management, and data analysis may be well-served by pursuing a degree in finance. An accredited finance degree program can help them qualify for one of these positions. Overall, a finance degree is worth it for many aspiring professionals.
How do you know finance is not for you? ›
Still, a career in finance isn't for everyone. If talking about money bores you, for example, you might want to choose a different path. Similarly, if math was never your subject, it's not a dealbreaker, but it is a skill you'll need to practice regularly in this field.
What are the cons of finance major? ›
The median annual wage for business and financial occupations is $46,310 higher than the median annual wage for all occupations. Drawbacks of a career in finance can include high stress, long working hours, continuing education requirements, and, in some cases, limited job stability.
Why would someone major in finance? ›
Finance students are taught key knowledge that is both broad in scope and in-depth in nature. A finance degree can teach you important topics to potentially enhance your own financial health, such as: Portfolio theory, management and application for business and individual investment decisions.
Is a BS in finance hard? ›
Finance degrees are generally considered to be challenging. In a program like this, students gain exposure to new concepts, from financial lingo to mathematical problems, so there can be a learning curve.
Is finance hard if you're bad at math? ›
Believe it or not, mastery of advanced math skills is not necessary to have a career in finance. With today's technology, all math-related tasks can be done by computers and calculators. That said, there are some basic math skills that would certainly make you a better candidate in the finance industry.
How do I know if a career in finance is right for me? ›
Finance Career Character Traits
If on the other hand, you love numbers, are good at math and Excel spreadsheets, and relish delving into the financials of a public company, then you might want to be an analyst. If you have both skill sets, a position as a financial advisor could suit you best.
Which finance job pays the most? ›
Top 5 Highest Paying Jobs in Finance
- Chief financial officer (CFO)
- Investment banking.
- Hedge fund manager.
- Private equity associate.
- Actuary.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that business and finance jobs will be in demand from 2022 to 2032, with 911,400 openings on average each year. Certain roles within finance, like financial examiner, are expected to grow over six times faster than the rate for all occupations nationwide.
Getting your foot in the door of a finance job isn't always easy. Start by getting part-time or full-time finance internships, ideally while you're still studying, to gain a competitive edge. As you rack up years of experience, your options will improve.
Is it better to major in finance or accounting? ›
Both finance and accounting degrees offer a range of well-paying job prospects. That said, the average starting salary is slightly higher for finance vs accounting degrees.
Is finance a high paying major? ›
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics (BLS), careers in finance pay a median salary of $76,850 — 66% higher than the median salary for all occupations in the nation ($46,310).
What type of person should major in finance? ›
People who choose to major in finance are interested in numbers, financial markets, and finding ways to make money. They tend to be natural problem-solvers who like setting goals and researching ways to reach them.
How useful is a finance degree? ›
You can expect a stable income and many job opportunities in the industry of your choice. Having a career in finance can be both fun and beneficial. The benefits of a finance degree are numerous, be that the high salary that comes with it, the academic growth, and a high number of career advancement opportunities.
How do I know if I want to major in finance? ›
If you are interested in solving problems in creative ways or helping companies to plan how to grow their revenue or maintain profitability, a finance major is right for you. A Bachelor of Science in Finance will help you develop multiple skillsets with a great outlook for success after your graduation.
Which is better BA or BS in finance? ›
If you'd prefer a bachelor's education designed especially for workforce preparation, then a Bachelor of Science in Finance may be better for you. These two types of bachelors in finance programs share many characteristics, though, so you may get a good education either way.
What is the best degree for finance? ›
5 Majors to Consider for a Career in Finance
- Finance. Finance majors learn how to make financial decisions for organizations. ...
- Economics. Economics majors learn to decode the systems behind what can often appear impossible to understand. ...
- Business Administration and Management. ...
- Accounting. ...
- International Business.
How much does a Finance Degree make? As of Apr 27, 2024, the average annual pay for the Finance Degree jobs category in the United States is $92,631 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $44.53 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,781/week or $7,719/month.
What is the highest paying job with a finance degree? ›
Top 5 Highest Paying Jobs in Finance
- Chief financial officer (CFO)
- Investment banking.
- Hedge fund manager.
- Private equity associate.
- Actuary.
