What Can You Do With a Finance Degree?

Careers with a finance degree

Careers in the finance industry are vast and accordingly may require a specific level of education. There are three main types of finance degrees—a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate finance degree—as well as finance certificate programs. While requirements will vary by position and employer, bachelor’s degree holders are ideal candidates for entry-level positions and graduate certificate, master’s and doctoral degree holders are competitive candidates for high-level and executive roles.

Below are some examples of positions commonly held for those with a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate in finance.

Bachelor’s in Finance

Commercial Banker
Accountant or Auditor
Junior Tax Associate
Financial Analyst
Budget Analyst

Finance graduate degrees and certificates

Budget Analyst
Treasurer or Controller
Accountant or Auditor
Management Consultant
Financial Analyst
Investment Banker
Personal Wealth Manager
Chief Financial Officer
College or University Professor
Investment Researcher
Financial Manager

While not listed here, many finance degree or certificate holders may also pursue internships during or after their program to gain experience in their field and make connections across a network of professionals. Many internships can also lead to full-time employment. Learn more about Duquesne University internship opportunities.

Finance industry outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that careers in business and finance are expected to increase by 7% from 2021-2031, resulting in 980,200 openings each year from growth and replacement needs. If we drill down further, we can take a closer look at a specific career's expected growth rate.

Financial analysis

Financial analysts assist businesses and individuals with financial decision making, often analyzing and assessing risk to increase the likelihood of profiting through a particular financial strategy.

According to the BLS, careers in financial analysis are projected to increase by 9% over the next ten years, which is faster than the average rate for all occupations. While financial analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree to work in this industry, a master’s degree can help job seekers stand out in the pool of applicants.

Financial management

Financial managers are finance professionals who perform data analysis, create financial reports, advise stakeholders and develop strategic business plans to reach the financial goals of the business.

With the BLS indicating careers in this field will grow by 17% between 2021-2031, financial managers will be highly in demand. Employers usually look for bachelor’s degree holders with five or more years of experience or graduate degree holders with demonstrated proficiencies.

Personal financial advising

Personal financial advisors can be self-employed and meet with clients to service their financial planning, analysis and investment needs, working to manage and improve their clients’ finances to help them achieve their financial goals.

Careers in this industry are expected to increase by 15% over the next ten years, meaning there will be ample opportunities in personal financial advising. Due to the opportunity for self-employment, many advisors may work with a bachelor’s degree, however, some clients may prefer to work with master’s or doctoral degree holders.

Banking and investment

There are many careers finance degree holders can pursue in the banking and investment industry such as commercial banker, investment banker, loan officer, securities agent and financial sales agent. The BLS reports that careers in securities, commodities and financial services sales will grow by 10% from 2021-2031, opening many doors for those interested in the fast-paced and often sales-driven environment of investment banking.

Accounting and auditing

Accountants and auditors primarily prepare and examine financial documents for businesses of all sizes. This is a diverse career path, with positions in public accounting, forensic accounting, government accounting and more. The accounting and auditing industry is projected to increase at a rate of 6% over the next ten years, with many in this field finding employment at the bachelor’s and master’s level, often with additional certifications such as public accounting or charter certification.

Salaries for finance degree holders

Like career outlooks, salaries in the finance industry vary greatly depending on position and level of education or certification, with graduate degree holders typically earning more than their baccalaureate degree-holding counterparts. Revisiting the finance positions we’ve discussed, below are the median annual salaries as reported by the BLS.

Financial Analyst - $95,570
Financial Manager - $131, 710
Personal Financial Advisor - $94,170
Securities and Financial Services Sales Agent - $62,910
Accountant or Auditor - $77,250

Other careers and salaries in the finance industry include:

Management Analyst - $93,000
Loan Officer - $ 63,380
Budget Analyst - $79,940

Duquesne’s Finance Master’s Degree and Graduate Certificate Program

Duquesne University offers a fully online Graduate Certificate in Finance and Master of Science in Finance. Both programs are designed to allow students to maintain their career while pursuing their graduate education in finance. A Duquesne finance degree or certificate will teach you how to make confident financial decisions, execute projects in partnership with your peers and perform financial analyses in accordance with industry standards.

Online Graduate Certificate in Finance program highlights

Flexible online program for working professionals and recent graduates
8 courses, 21 credit hours
Complete the program in as little as three semesters

Online MS in Finance degree highlights

Flexible online master’s in finance program
36 credits, with up to 6 waived based on previous coursework
Complete the degree in as few as four semesters
Optional GMAT and GRE
Capstone finance project done in partnership with a real company

Learn more about the differences between a finance graduate certificate and master’s degree.

Advance your career with a graduate certificate or MS in Finance from Duquesne University

With our online Graduate Certificate in Finance and online master’s in finance program, you can hone your skills and advance your career in a convenient format that enables you to maintain your career while you reach your goals. Whether you’re ready for a master’s program or want to nurture your skills with a certificate, Duquesne University has a graduate finance program for you.

Check out the online Graduate Certificate in Finance or finance master’s degree program or learn more by requesting information.