How to Become a Financial Advisor in California

Online Associate Degree in Finance (AS)

Associate degrees in marketing generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two years to complete. These are undergraduate programs, which typically incorporate both general liberal arts education and major-specific classes. In addition to core communication, mathematics, and social science subjects, curriculums are likely to incorporate basic concepts in finance, accounting, and bookkeeping. Students can also expect to receive introductory instruction in business, payroll, software, and banking. Outcomes vary, but graduates tend to possess simple skills in financial spreadsheet management, budgeting, tax preparation, and financial data analysis.

This type of degree is ideal for those who plan to seek entry-level employment in finance but do not want to spend the time or money pursuing more advanced degrees. Often offered by community colleges, associate degrees typically cost less and allow graduates to enter the workforce sooner. Common professions available after graduation include accounting clerk, billing specialist, and bookkeeper.

Graduates will also be better prepared to pursue bachelor’s degrees. In fact, many choose to transfer undergraduate credit already earned to traditional four-year institutions and enroll in more advanced programs. Most colleges and universities accept up to 60 or 90 semester hours in transfer credit, which generally equates to two academic years of education. As a result, many who possess associate degrees require only two additional years of instruction before earning bachelor’s degrees.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Finance (BS or BFin)

Bachelor’s degrees in finance often consist of 120 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately four years to complete. These are undergraduate programs as well and, as such, also incorporate general liberal arts education and major-specific classes into the curriculum. In addition to core communication, mathematics, and social science subjects, students can expect to learn about financial planning, forecasting, and investing. Instruction is also likely to cover how to evaluate financial statements, cash flows, and security markets. Other topics commonly included are accounting principles, financial institutions and markets, investments, and risk management.

Many colleges and universities also allow students at this level to select concentrations or specializations. Specializations allow students to direct their learning toward specific finance career goals.

Some examples of possible concentrations include:

This type of degree is generally considered the education standard for professionals in the field. It’s also the minimum requirement to qualify for many related credentials in California, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA). While graduates often qualify for careers in financial planning, accounting, and financial analysis, some still choose to pursue further education by enrolling in master’s degree programs.

Online Master's Degree in Finance (MS or MFin)

Master’s degrees in finance generally range from 30 to 36 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two years to complete. Notably, accelerated programs do exist. These may require as little as 18 months to finish. Curriculums at this level exclude general liberal arts education and focus solely on major-related subjects instead. Students can typically expect to take courses related to business communications, financial accounting, derivatives and risk management, financial modeling and firm valuation, and international financial management.

It's also fairly common for graduate finance programs to offer opportunities for those enrolled to select concentrations.

Some examples of possible specializations at this level include:

While this type of degree is not required for most entry-level finance professions, it’s often standard for some of the most in-demand and high-paying positions available. Employers also tend to give master’s degree graduates preference during the hiring process. Some common employment opportunities available after graduation include financial analysts, financial examiner, financial managers, and personal finance advisors.

Getting your Master’s degree in finance or an MBA is an excellent way to differentiate yourself in the finance field and also command more money overall. You can do quite a few things with a master’s degree in finance, including becoming a financial manager. You can also find a position working with budget analysis and other types of jobs in the financial sector.

Many people wind up getting their master’s degree after they start working in the financial field. They realize that they can earn more money and be promoted quickly with this extra step in their schooling. Since these programs typically only take two years to complete, they are a great option.