The study of finance is designed to examine how financial instruments affect economic policy. This may include how interest rates affect the value of assets, what effect changes in taxes have on the value of assets, and what the financial policies of various political entities will do to affect the values of assets. There are also the issues of fiscal policy, risk management and macroeconomic factors. Financial institutions in most countries use financial models, techniques, and systems to create these decisions for their clients.
There are a number of college courses that cover finance. The most common courses are accounting, business, public administration, economics, and finance. There are also some minors such as international business, real estate, management, entrepreneurship, financial management and taxation.
A degree in finance typically takes three years. Some universities offer programs such as bachelor’s degrees in business administration and accounting, while other offer programs such as an associate’s degrees in public administration and economics. Some colleges may offer additional majors in finance in addition to these major subjects. The minimum number of credits required to earn a degree in finance is a minimum of two and a half.
The bachelor’s degrees in accounting and business administration include coursework on budgeting, financial statements, tax preparation and reporting, accounting fundamentals, business law, and marketing. Students are expected to study the areas of business management and economics. In addition to the core coursework, students will also take general education courses like mathematics, history and philosophy of business, and government and social studies. Courses may also include business history and current economic issues.
The bachelor’s degree in public administration focuses on government policy, financial management, taxation and budgeting, accounting practices and statistics, and social policy. This program prepares students to be an administrator in a government agency or work in public service. It also teaches students how to administer financial information and analyze data. Courses include financial management, ethics, public policy and social justice. In addition to general education courses, there are specializations in health care, human resource management, criminal justice, and management.
There is also the bachelor’s degree in economics that prepares students to conduct research in the field of economics. It is more focused on economic principles than on business or finance. Courses in this program include microeconomics, consumer economics, business, consumer behavior, international economics and theory and quantitative analysis. Some of the subjects covered include money markets, public finance, business economics, and the theory of investment.
Most students begin their study with a two-year bachelor’s degree in economics. Those who wish to continue their studies after earning a degree earn a master’s degree or an advanced degree.
In order to obtain a master’s degree in finance, students must first complete a bachelor’s degree. Students are encouraged to complete at least a bachelor’s degree before continuing their studies. However, students can apply to study with their current undergraduate advisor and get a Master’s degree while completing their undergraduate degree.
Those students who want to earn both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in finance must apply to two different universities or schools. In order to meet admission criteria, a student must have at least a two-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and complete a minimum of nine courses in business or finance.
To complete a Master’s degree in finance, students must earn at least five credits. in business or finance and complete at least sixty credits in mathematics, statistics and courses in government or ethics.
Upon receiving a Master’s degree, students can then enroll in finance careers such as accountant, financial planner, financial analyst, or investment analyst. They can obtain employment with a consulting firm or other organizations specializing in finance. While working in the finance industry, they may even become a financial planner or adviser.
