Managerial Finance Bachelor's Degree: Bachelor's Degrees at a Glance
The field of managerial finance refers to the managerial aspects of an organization's financial resources. It combines accounting and finance as well as the analytical side of gathering and disbursing money rather than the actual calculation of cash flow. Managerial finance professionals may focus on analyzing how financial decisions are made and establishing financial policies. A bachelor's degree program in the field can lead to a career as an analyst or manager in finance or a related field, such as banking.
| Bachelor's | |
|---|---|
| Who Is This Degree For? | Individuals interested in a career in budget analysis, financial analysis or financial management |
| Common Career Path (with approximate mean annual salary) | - Budget analyst ($70,000)* - Financial analyst ($88,000)* - Financial manager ($120,000 - this salary is more common for people with at least five years of experience)* |
| Time to Completion | Four years, full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Coursework - Internship |
| Prerequisites | - High school diploma or equivalent |
| Online Availability | None found at this time; courses or related degree programs are available |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011)
Bachelor's Degree Programs in Managerial Finance
You can find a variety of programs at this level, such as the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Managerial Finance and Accounting, BBA in Managerial Finance or BBA with a concentration in managerial finance. These programs are typically designed to help students gain decision-making skills, as well as develop a foundation in topics like equities, business and international finance. Depending on the program, you may also learn accounting and financial management areas through internship opportunities.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Programs may offer concentration options that allow you to study finance as well as related areas
- Employers typically look for applicants with at least a bachelor's degree for finance positions
- The BLS predicted that employment for budget analysts would increase ten percent and 23% for financial analysts from 2010 to 2020*
Cons
- You may be competing for jobs against applicants with a higher degree or more experience
- The BLS predicted that employment for financial managers would have slower-than-average growth (nine percent during 2010-2020)*
- 100% online bachelor's degree programs are not common in finance management
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Courses and Requirements
The curriculum of these programs covers accounting and finance-related subjects. Classes cover topics like business finance, investments, the management of strategic planning, management information systems, security analysis, portfolio management, the legal environment of business, financial decision making and statistics. In some programs, students will also be required to complete a finance internship.
Online Degree Options
Currently, bachelor's degree programs in managerial finance are not available online. Attending an on-campus program allows you to interact with students and professors during your studies. Courses and entire bachelor's degree programs in finance are related online. These finance programs often include instruction in managerial finance. In related programs, such as the Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management, you will be able to cover similar topics that will still prepare you for a finance career.
Stand Out with This Degree
To stand out against your competition, consider completing an internship, which will allow you to see how a company makes financial decisions, as well as incorporates accounting practices. Having this experience on your resume may impress employers.
The BLS notes that having professional certification, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst credential from the CFA Institute, can also help applicants stand out. Another option is the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. However, this designation also requires 2-3 years of related professional experience.
