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Finance Degree Overview

Finance is defined as the branch of economics that deals with managing money in all its forms, including capital and stocks, credit and debt, income and expenditures, investments and other assets. Companies are in need of employees who are skilled in finance to make sound decisions that will benefit a company's continued financial growth. Finance professionals are experts at managing money, making investments, overseeing long-range financial planning, acquiring assets and working with existing resources. Many finance professionals work in businesses-- both large and small, charity organizations, governments, and some open their own private consulting firms. The job outlook for finance professionals is positive, as data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics project the market will grow 21% between 2002 and 2012.

Degrees in Finance

Finance programs emphasize the range of important decisions that are faced by businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations. Students gain an analytical and theoretical foundation in economics, accounting, and statistics. Most programs focus on financial theory and practice, with the idea of preparing the student to either enter the workforce or go on to pursue graduate studies. Finance is a very broad field and allows for specialization in a number of fields including financial management, financial planning, financial institutions and markets, futures and option markets, investment strategies and styles, financial modeling, global financial services, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, behavioral finance and international finance. Degrees in Finance prepare students to effectively plan, manage, and analyze the financial and monetary aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions, or other organizations, and develop strategies for optimum growth. Most students study courses in accounting, capital planning, asset and debt management, budgeting, international finance, investments, financial management and planning, banking, long term planning, acquiring assets, limited resources, communication, business management, critical thinking, while learning critical thinking and effective decision making.

Career Opportunities in Finance

Finance degrees prepare students for a variety of careers in banking, insurance, securities, commodities, and other investment areas. Of the many careers available to finance degree graduates, some of the most popular are positions as commercial bankers, finance professionals, financial planners, budget analysts, investment bankers, realtors, loan officers, money managers, underwriters and personal finance advisors. Most of these jobs require a bachelor's degree or a license or certification. In addition to college degrees, ongoing education is important for financial managers. Seminars and graduate classes allow them to keep up to date with changing federal and state laws and regulations. Financial managers oversee the budgets, investments, and cash-management strategies of the companies for which they work as well as institute financial plans and policies, prepare financial reports, monitor cash flow, and hire and manage staff.