Getting a finance degree can be challenging and expensive. Moreover, it takes an average of four years to earn a bachelor’s. Accelerated finance degrees can afford you the same level of education in a shorter time frame and allow you to pursue your career goals faster.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to accelerated finance degrees, common program requirements, and discuss our list of the best finance accelerated degrees. If you are on a school search to get a finance degree fast, this article is for you.
What Is an Accelerated Finance Degree?
Accelerated finance degrees are degrees that are completed within two years of study. Students enroll in a finance program with the same curriculum as regular four-year programs but are set to complete it at a faster pace. Accelerated finance degrees are as effective as traditional programs because they afford the same opportunities in the finance field.
Generally, accelerated programs are more intensive, and students must complete specific credit hour requirements to fulfill the educational requirements and earn their degrees. However, they offer quick advancement to careers in finance and allow people to switch fields quickly. In addition, they can save costs.
How Fast Can You Get a Finance Degree?
You can get a finance degree in four years if you enroll in a college’s standard undergraduate degree program. However, you can earn an accelerated finance degree in as little as 18 months. If you have prior college credits, you can further condense the program. Classes are usually compressed into five to 10-week periods, and you can organize them around your schedule.
What Jobs Can You Get with an Accelerated Finance Degree?
- Venture Capital Associate. This job involves finding new deals and supporting existing contracts. You decide what companies and industries your firm should invest in. According to Glassdoor, a career in venture capital can net you over $100,000 in annual average income.
- Financial Planner. As a financial planner, you work with your clients to ensure well-ordered finances. You create strategies to help them build their investment portfolios, make financial decisions, and reach financial goals.
- Hedge Fund Manager. In this role, you are in charge of unregulated private investment funds. You decide how to invest and manage the funds for your clients.
- Investment Banker. Investment banking involves providing investment advice to corporations and wealthy individuals, as well as trading corporate securities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a six percent job growth for financial analysts including investment bankers.
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In this senior position, you oversee your organization’s financial operations and develop strategies to sustain the organization’s financial success.
How We Ranked the Best Accelerated Finance Degrees
To compile this list, we evaluated factors such as school rankings, time of completion, admission requirements, the number of relevant transfer credits, and the average cost of tuition. When conducting a school search for an accelerated program, it is important to consider the quality of education for the field of study as well as the program acceleration options.
The Best Finance Accelerated Degrees in 2022
| Degree Title | School | Required Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Finance | DeSales University | 2 years |
| Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degree in Finance | University of Delaware | 5 years |
| Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degree in Finance | Northern Illinois University | 4.5 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree in Finance | Rasmussen University | 18 months |
| Master’s Degree in Finance | University of Arizona | 9 months |
| Bachelor’s and Master of Science in Finance | University of Miami | 4.5 years |
| Bachelor’s to Master’s in Finance | Texas Tech University | 5 years |
| Master of Business Administration in Finance | University of North Carolina | 12 months |
| Bachelor of Business Administration and Master’s in Finance Analysis | University of Wisconsin | 5 years |
| Bachelor of Science in Finance | University of Maryland Global Campus | Unavailable |
The Best Fast-Track Finance Degrees in 2022, Explained
Understanding financial markets requires in-depth knowledge of financial transactions, financial institutions, capital markets, and business administration. Accelerated degree programs in finance are sufficient in meeting that need within a small time frame. Below, we have highlighted some program options for both undergraduate studies and graduate school.
Bachelor of Science in Finance | DeSales University
- Location: Online only
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition Per Credit: $523 in-state, $523 out-of-state
- Required Time: 2 years
Being accepted to a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance program at DeSales University requires students to have a high school diploma or GED. Students must complete a maximum of 120 credits to graduate, but some of these can be covered by transfer credits from previous schools.
Bachelor of Sciece in Finance | University of Maryland Global Campus
- Location: Online only
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition Per Credit: $306 in-state, $499 out-of-state
- Required Time: 7 semesters (28 months)
Online degree programs like this Bachelor of Science in Finance program prepare you for positions in investment analysis, financial management, and financial statement analysis. The academic experience prepares you for certification exams and finance job opportunities.
Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Finance | University of Delaware
- Location: Delaware
- Online Option: No
- Tuition Per Credit: $541 in-state, $1,452 out-of-state
- Required Time: 5 years
If you want to kickstart your professional career, you might want to consider this accelerated program at the University of Delaware. This program helps you meet the education requirements for both undergraduate courses and graduate-level courses. The curriculum covers topics from calculus and principles of finance to marketing and strategic management.
Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Finance | Northern Illinois University
- Location: Illinois
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition Per Credit: $897 in-state, $1,259 out-of-state
- Required Time: 4.5 years
At Northern Illinois University, you can obtain both a bachelor’s and master’s degree within a short period. However, you can only earn your MS degree after completing the BS degree requirements. In addition, you take advantage of transferring both undergraduate and graduate credit hours to accelerate your degree. You can choose to take in-person or online courses.
Bachelor of Science in Finance | Rasmussen University
- Location: Online only
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition Per Credit: $269 in-state, $269 out-of-state
- Required Time: 18 months
This finance online degree program provides students with a flexible approach to receiving a finance education. It prepares students for various finance careers involving financial planning, financial analysis, and other aspects of corporate finance. This course also comprises various field experience programs and self-directed assessments to give students practical knowledge.
Master of Science in Finance | University of Arizona
- Location: Arizona
- Online Option: No
- Tuition Per Credit: $836 in-state, $1,794 out-of-state
- Required Time: 9 months
This advanced degree for graduate students from Eller College of Management only takes two semesters. Only current students of the respective BS program qualify and must take two electives in their coursework. Among other application requirements, students must have completed 90 undergraduate credit hours and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5.
Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Finance | University of Miami
- Location: Florida
- Online Option: No
- Tuition Per Credit: $2,213 (graduate)
- Required Time: 4.5 years
This program of study at Miami Herber Business School allows students to earn both undergraduate and graduate finance degrees. To facilitate the advanced degree, students must take 12 credits of their graduate curriculum during the end of their undergraduate program. Only students majoring in undergraduate programs in the department qualify for enrollment.
Bachelor of Science to Master of Science in Finance | Texas Tech University
- Location: Texas
- Online Option: No
- Estimated Tuition Per Credit: $338 in-state, $791 out-of-state
- Required Time: 5 years
Obtaining a finance BS and MS degree at this institution requires students to complete 144 credit hours. They take on a broad range of courses and have the privilege of selecting between two areas of concentration comprising commercial banking and investment management.
They are also to work with an academic advisor to determine their graduate-level courses.
Master of Business Administration in Finance | University of North Carolina
- Location: Online only
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition Per Credit: $586 in-state, $1,602 out-of-state
- Required Time: 12 months
This online finance degree program prepares business professionals for the corporate finance world. You get to earn this advanced degree quickly and save money with affordable tuition rates. Students with this degree learn valuable skills and qualify for positions in business administration, international finance, and portfolio analysis.
Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Science in Finance Analysis | University of Wisconsin
- Location: Wisconsin
- Online Option: No
- Tuition Per Credit: $669 in-state, $1,164 out-of-state (undergraduate), $1,001 in-state, $1,841 out-of-state (graduate)
- Required Time: 5 years
Obtaining a combined BBA and graduate degree requires completing a five-year curriculum. Students develop analytical skills through theoretical and practical methods of learning. This program qualifies students for rewarding careers in various fields, including wealth management and investment analysis.
Should You Get an Accelerated Finance Degree?
Yes, you should. The world of high finance and investment is growing exponentially. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs in the sector will grow by over eight percent in the next decade. An accelerated finance degree will fast-track you towards a fantastic career in finance. You can expect to earn good remuneration and access opportunities for career advancement.
Accelerated Finance Degrees FAQ
Yes, accelerated finance degrees are worth it. Enrolling in an accelerated degree program affords you benefits like cost savings, early access to the job market, and opportunities to achieve professional goals. However, considering how intensive it is, there will be a huge time demand. Regardless, it is worth the effort and time.
Accelerated degrees may be challenging since you have to complete the same curriculum as conventional four-year degrees in a shorter period and will have less time for other demands. However, you are in school for a shorter period. The difficulty will depend on how well a student can manage an intensive schedule.
Yes, you can. An undergraduate student can get both degrees depending on the program they enroll in. However, the duration for a combined program will be five years rather than two. You will gain in-depth knowledge and the advanced degree will qualify you for high-rank positions.
Accelerated finance degrees open doors to fantastic career paths in the finance industry. You could become a financial manager, financial advisor, program director, venture capitalist, or investment banker. They hold the same potential as four-year degrees.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
