Monday, 21 May 2012

Online Post-Graduate Study Options in Finance

Are you interested in earning a doctoral degree in finance, but didn't think it was possible due to career or family obligations? By completing the proper prerequisites, you can now earn your Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with a finance specialization entirely online.

Online Doctor of Business Administration Program Overview

Most schools require that students hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or business-related graduate degree in order to be considered for acceptance to a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. Students should expect coursework to expand on topics covered in undergraduate and graduate business classes, as well as introduce more complex theories in finance, accounting, international business issues and leadership principles.
Graduates often go on to pursue positions of leadership in a variety of business or financial fields.

Program Overview and Requirements

The DBA degree is typically earned within seven years of study. Successful completion of a dissertation is often required in addition to completion of classes, as well as a short, in-person colloquia or residency. Coursework and study materials are offered online via a school's distance learning website, so students must have access to a computer with Internet connection. Communication with the instructors and fellow classmates is accomplished by e-mail, online chat sessions or message boards.

Common Course Descriptions

Like the MBA, the DBA curriculum includes marketing, accounting and leadership classes. Students who specialize in finance should expect additional classes that incorporate finance fundamentals into management, advanced analysis and international business principles and theories.

International Financial Management Course

This course compares and contrasts the financial methods and theories of several nations. Issues that affect financial markets are discussed, including why exchange rates fluctuate and their subsequent impact on international business.

Global Marketing Course

The specific challenges of marketing to a global audience are covered in this class. Topics include market selection, international communications, distribution channels and cultural issues.

Strategic Business Planning Course

The course curriculum analyzes business strategies from theoretical, practical and research perspectives. Case studies are used to help develop the critical thinking skills necessary for effective business planning. Other topics covered include corporate structure, financial analysis, competitive environments, talent development and globalization.

Financial Leadership Course

This class focuses primarily on helping students learn to lead organizations effectively and ethically. Case studies will be utilized in conjunction with overviews of financial and economic theories and methods. National and international monetary markets are explored, as are budgeting and planning techniques.

Business Management Ethics Course

Coursework in this class includes various topics in managerial ethics from a researcher's point of view. Ethics in education, codes and business methods are among the topics discussed.

Career Outlook

DBA graduates often seek top-level position titles with companies, such as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Operating Officer (COO) or Chief Executive Officer (CEO). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , top executive jobs of this nature are not expected to grow significantly between the years 2008 and 2018, and competition is fierce for the existing positions. However, top executives are among the highest paid workers in the U.S., with a median annual wage in May 2008 of $158,560. Salaries vary widely by industry. Some top executives earn more than $1 million annually (www.bls.gov).

No comments:

Post a Comment