Online School for Financial Advisors: How to Choose

Bachelor's and master's degree programs are available online that can prepare students for a career in financial advising. These programs may specialize in fields such as finance, accounting and economics. Students interested in financial advising should consider their field of specialization before selecting the best online program.

How to Select an Online Financial Advisor Program

Award Levels

Educational programs for financial advisors lead to a bachelor's or master's degree. Since there are numerous specializations in the field there is no clearly designated major for financial advisors. Students can choose from majors in finance, business, law, accounting and economics. Earning a master's degree may qualify graduates for higher level positions.

Program Type

Depending on the school, programs may be offered entirely online or in a mix of online and on-campus classes. A few schools may also offer accelerated or self-paced study options that allow students to complete courses at their chosen speed. Master's degree programs as well as bachelor's programs in finance and accounting are often available fully online.

Technical Requirements

Online degree programs require reliable access to a computer with a broadband Internet connection. The computer needs word processing software such as Microsoft Office and the ability to play videos. Students will need some level of technical fluency to open and use downloaded course materials, as well as to familiarize themselves with financial advising software that includes programs such as Asset Allocation Analyst, or the Web-based Floodlight application.

License

Financial advisors must be licensed to practice in their chosen field. To receive a license, graduates must pass an examination in the area of their specialization. Students will want to find a program that can adequately prepare them for this exam.

List of Common Online Financial Advising Programs

Online Bachelor of Science in Finance

An online program in finance is offered as a 2-year completion program for students who have already earned their associate's degree or a full 4-year bachelor's degree program. Students take courses in marketing, taxes, statistics, accounting, risk management and investments. All assignments, correspondence with faculty and students is conducted online. Many programs feature online discussion forums and podcasts of lectures. The programs may also encourage students to gain hands-on experience by taking internships or by managing a student investment portfolio under the guidance of industry leaders and instructors.

Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting

An online bachelor's degree in accounting typically takes four years of full-time study. Some schools may offer a combined program in which some courses in the bachelor's program can count toward a master's degree program in accounting later. The program provides students with necessary training in tax accounting, auditing, tax law and other accounting areas. Coursework in accounting will help prepare students for the decision making process of accounting operations for individual and corporate clients. Video lectures and course packets help guide students through the preparation and interpretation of financial reports and statements.

Online Master of Science in Finance

A graduate degree in finance will offer students the knowledge and training necessary for advanced positions in financial management. Students will learn to measure the risks of financial policies and understand how these policies can be used to achieve financial goals and meet the market demand.
Typical courses include valuation and capital investment, accounting management and economics. The majority of online master programs in finance require little to no campus attendance. Some schools may offer an accelerated degree option though a combined bachelor's and master's degree program.