Should I Pursue a Finance Degree?

A finance degree can be an excellent way to open the door to a wide range of career opportunities. Most corporate or business-oriented jobs require some level of financial knowledge, and understanding how the finance world operates is essential for navigating the global economy. Students of finance gain a deep awareness of business fundamentals, develop analytical and problem-solving skills, and learn about how emerging technologies impact financial modeling and decision-making.

Even for those not pursuing a traditional pathway in the field—such as investment banking—a finance degree equips graduates with versatile skills that can be applied to a variety of roles and industries. Read on to learn about the many career opportunities with a finance degree. 

Types of Finance Degrees 

Students may choose to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in finance, depending on their professional goals. For example, a student might opt to pursue an entry-level role, and then continue their academic journey to pursue a master’s degree or MBA as they gain experience and seek career advancement opportunities. 

Bachelor's Degree in Finance 

A bachelor's degree in finance is typically a four-year degree that can lead to a wide range of career options in accounting, financial management, business, law, real estate, nonprofit work, and more. Finance students learn how markets, investments, and financial systems interact while gaining knowledge in comprehensive courses such as corporate finance and banking, Investment strategies, principles of accounting, economics and statistics, international business, business ethics, communications, and leadership. Upon graduation, finance students are equipped with the core foundational knowledge they need to stay competitive in their field. Some degrees also require the completion of a capstone project, which allows students to apply the hard and soft skills they’ve learned to a realistic situation such as performing a financial analysis of an enterprise with software that simulates the experience of a finance professional. 

Master's Degree in Finance 

A master's degree in finance usually takes two or three years to complete. This graduate-level degree is designed to equip students with the expert knowledge and analytical capabilities necessary to excel and rise to higher positions within financial analysis and management fields. Focusing on advanced topics such as economics, securities pricing and investment, financial markets, predictive analytics, and theories of corporate finance, this degree expands upon the knowledge and skills learned in a bachelor's degree. Master’s programs often place high value on leadership principles, project management, decision-making, and real-world experience.  

Doctoral Degree in Finance 

A doctoral degree usually takes about five years to earn and is the highest level of education that you can attain in finance. This degree allows students to research a very specific area of study in economics, investment analysis, portfolio management, corporate finance, or other similar finance topics. Those with a doctoral degree become experts on theories within their specialization and the applications of those theories. Upon completing this degree program, students have the mastery and skills necessary to analyze investment decisions and make educated purchasing and selling decisions. Many students pursue a Ph.D. in order to become a professor. 

Finance Degree: Key Learning and Skills 

A finance degree develops both foundational and advanced skills that prepare graduates for a variety of roles across industries. Students gain expertise in accounting, budgeting, risk management, quantitative analysis, and financial modeling. Beyond the basics, coursework also covers macroeconomic theories, global economic trends, leadership, and business ethics. In addition to technical skills, students enhance critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability—competencies that give finance professionals an edge across industries. A degree in finance is an ideal choice for students who are organized and detail-oriented, effective communicators, have strong mathematical skills, and are interested in forward-thinking business practices and trends in economics.

Students who wish to gain experience prior to graduation benefit from online coursework while working in roles such as bank teller, bookkeeper, and insurance agents. The average income of a finance major varies depending on role, industry, company, degrees held, and years of experience. Top finance careers include investment banker, compliance analysts, and financial advisor. These areas offer higher-than-average salaries. For example, financial advisors earn an average annual salary of around $102,134, while investment bankers earn between $107,500 and $123,500. 

Benefits of a Finance Degree 

Pursuing a finance degree can open the door to an abundance of career opportunities. This bachelor’s degree develops a strong foundation in financial management and introduces students to the dynamic global financial markets. Studying finances and economics can lead to jobs with corporations, financial service organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies. Even for those not planning on entering the finance industry directly, a bachelor’s degree in finance helps sharpen critical thinking, math, and problem-solving skills—competencies that can provide an edge in nearly any profession. 

A bachelor’s degree in finance allows students to:  

• Master in-demand skills for real-world job responsibilities. 

• Obtain qualifications to work for a wide range of employers. 

• Set the stage for earning professional certifications. 

• Position for a lucrative career. 

• Join an industry known for stability and long-term growth. 

• Prepare for advanced learning in finance, accounting, law, business, or related fields. 

While other degree programs—such as a bachelor's degree in business or an MBA—include principles of finance, for students who wish to build a career specifically in this field, a bachelor's in finance is an excellent place to start. 

Career Options with a Finance Degree 

A finance degree is a valuable credential that can open the door to many careers. Bachelor’s degree graduates can pursue roles such as financial analyst, accountant, financial advisor, auditor, and treasury analyst. The degree also provides a pathway to more specialized careers like investment banker or stockbroker within the banking industry. Many professionals opt to leverage their finance background in marketing or sales roles, where data analysis and interpretation skills are highly valued. With these versatile skills, finance graduates can increase their earning potential and pursue advancement across various industries and career paths.

Prepare Yourself for the Finance Market 

So, is finance a good major and is a finance degree worth it? Majoring in finance equips students with in-demand professional skills such as problem-solving, data analysis, budgeting, and a solid foundation in business principles—all highly valued by employers across various industries. In fact, WGU’s commitment to aligning programs with workforce needs is reflected in a Harris Poll study, where 98% of employers said that WGU graduates meet or exceed expectations.

Additionally, WGU’s competency-based education model allows you to use past experience or understanding of the finance career field to help show mastery of the material and accelerate courses. As a result, graduates are able to enter the job market faster—and increase potential earnings sooner. Learn more about majoring in finance at the WGU School of Business.