Individuals who are interested in finance and want to start their careers as soon as possible often wonder how long it takes to complete an Associates in Finance. In addition to the many other benefits of earning a finance degree, associate degrees can be completed in two years or less. Aspiring finance specialists have a choice of attending college online or through distance learning. Get all the facts here about finance associate degrees, including coursework, career outlook and what it takes to earn an associate degree in finance.
Resources:
Top 10 Affordable Associates Degrees in Finance Online
Top 10 Best Associates in Finance Online
What’s in the Associates in Finance Program?
The associate degree in finance provides students with the knowledge needed to gain entry-level employment in a financial institution. It also allows the student to complete the courses he or she might need to continue studies at the baccalaureate degree level. Students in finance associate degree programs take general education courses as well as some of the following major-related courses.
- Basics of Management
- Investment Planning
- Introduction to Business
- Corporate Financing
- Personal Finance Planning
- Introduction to Securities and Investments
- Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
How Long Does it Take?
Students in an Associates in Finance program can earn the degree in as little as one year or two to three years depending on the type of program. Unlike many programs that include a curriculum of both theory and practical courses, finance programs are almost totally theoretical in nature. This bodes well for the student who wants to earn the degree online. Online finance programs are the ideal choice for the individual who wants to earn a degree while continuing to work. On-campus finance programs typically take two years to finish. Online programs may be finished in one year or up to three years depending on the student’s time and commitment.
Advantages of an Associates in Finance
Although some of the higher paying jobs require a bachelor’s degree, finance degrees at the associate degree level have their advantages.
- The program can be completed in one to two years as opposed to four-year bachelor’s degrees.
- Less time in college means joining the workforce and earning money quicker.
- Associate degree programs are offered through distance learning.
- They teach students the fundamentals of finance, so they can obtain an entry-level job and gain work experience.
Career Outlook for Graduates of Associates in Finance Programs
Many of the jobs available to finance graduates are ranked among the 100 Best Jobs by U.S. News & World Report. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that those working for business and financial jobs earned an average yearly salary of $67,710 as of May 2017. These professionals are expected to see an employment growth of ten percent during the decade of 2016-2026.
Here is a list of some potential jobs available to graduates of a finance associate degree as well as their average annual earnings, according to a May 2017 BLS report.
- Financial clerks – $38,680
- Buyers and purchasing agents – $66,960
- Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks – $41,110
- Real estate brokers and sales agents – $47,880
- Loan officers – $77,920
- Associate financial analyst -$55,734
- Information clerks – $33,680
Earning an associate degree in finance is an excellent idea for the individual who wants to enter the finance industry quickly. It also can act as a stepping stone towards an advanced degree at a later time. With the short amount of time it takes to complete an Associates in Finance, students can be joining the workforce is two years or less.
