Sunday, 20 May 2012

Online Financial Analyst Education Overview with Certification Info

Financial analysts, also known as securities or investment analysts, help organizations and individuals make financial decisions by evaluating the performance of investments or by providing investment recommendations. This occupation requires strong analytical skills and a bachelor's or master's degree is typically required for employment. There are online degree programs in this field, as well as graduate certificate options.

Online Bachelor's Degree Programs for Financial Analysts

A bachelor's degree in a financial or business-related field is typically the minimum educational requirement for financial analysts, although some employers may require a master's degree. Typical online programs with concentrations in finance are Bachelor of Science in Business or Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Online students typically access coursework through a school's online education portal. Students can communicate with instructors and classmates through this portal, as well as receive assignments, turn in homework and access online study materials. In most online programs, students have access to the school's online library and databases where they can view business and financial publications and scholarly journals.

Common Coursework in Bachelor's Degree Programs

Students will take a combination of general education courses, such as English, science and history, and core-related courses in economics, business and math. Core classes can include:
  • Business Math
  • Accounting Basics
  • Risk Management
  • Investment Management
  • Introduction to Finance
  • Business Ethics

Online Master's Degree Programs for Financial Analysts

Many financial analysts who want management positions earn Master of Business (MBA) degrees with a specialization in finance or Master of Science in Finance (MSF) degrees. These programs are available fully online and some programs are designed to aid students in receiving professional licensure or certification.
Online schools may have rolling admissions with classes beginning every month or they may follow a traditional semester-based schedule like brick and mortar schools. Coursework is usually completed on a weekly basis with certain assignments and projects due every week. Some schools offer professional mentor programs where students receive coaching from a financial professional.

Common Coursework in Master's Degree Programs

Coursework in MBA programs are generally a combination of advanced business and finance classes, while MSF programs focus solely on finance and finance management. Coursework at the graduate-level can include:
  • Financial Institutions
  • Financial Analysis
  • International Investments
  • Probability and Costs
  • Financial Regulations
  • Business and Marketing Strategies

Online Certificates for Financial Analysts

Students are generally required to have a bachelor's or master's degree as well as professional experience in order to qualify for certificate programs in this field. Certificate programs offer courses in a variety of financial analysis specializations and are offered entirely online or in hybrid format with some classes offered online and others must be completed on-campus. These programs are shorter than degree programs and generally can be completed in 15 semester hours.

Common Coursework in Certificate Programs

Coursework in certificate programs are highly specialized and designed for working professionals. Coursework may include:
  • Corporate Finances
  • Tax Management
  • Investment Portfolio Management
  • Fixed Income Securities
  • Wealth Management
  • Financial Modeling

Certification Information for Financial Analysts

Many employers prefer financial analysts who have acquired some type of professional certification. One of the most common types of certification in the world of finance is Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), which is offered by the CFA Institute ( www.cfainstitute.org). Applicants are required to possess a degree, work experience and pass three exams. Study materials may be purchased online through the institute, but the exams are proctored and must be taken in person.

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