What is Finance?
One of the most important roles in any business is that of finance professional. A finance professional can be anyone from an accountant to an investment banker, but all share a common goal: to help individuals and companies manage their finances more effectively. It's no surprise then that degrees in finance are among the most popular at colleges and universities around the world.
A degree in finance prepares students for a career in fields such as accounting, financial analysis, investment banking, wealth management, risk management, and much more. Graduates with a degree in finance are equipped with skills like data analysis, financial planning and forecasting, investment strategies selection and implementation, as well as having excellent communication skills.
In conclusion, finance professionals play an essential role in every organization by ensuring that all monetary transactions are handled efficiently and effectively. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field or looking for ways to expand your skillsets within the industry – obtaining a degree from one of many reputable colleges or universities can help pave the way towards success.
Top Ranked Campus & Online Finance Programs in Maine
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Score: 85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $42,834
- Out-of-State:$42,834
- Net Price: $29,625
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 1,478
- Undergrad Students: 990
- Graduate Students: 488
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
The University of Maine
Score: 78.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,606
- Out-of-State:$35,346
- Net Price: $17,617
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 12,231
- Undergrad Students: 9,774
- Graduate Students: 2,457
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of Southern Maine
Score: 76.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,920
- Out-of-State:$27,104
- Net Price: $12,343
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 7,583
- Undergrad Students: 5,616
- Graduate Students: 1,967
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Thomas College
Score: 67.93
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,896
- Out-of-State:$30,896
- Net Price: $22,070
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 1,737
- Undergrad Students: 1,623
- Graduate Students: 114
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
York County Community College
Score: 47.9
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,866
- Out-of-State:$6,746
- Net Price: $7,271
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 24%
- Total Enrollment: 1,625
- Undergrad Students: 1,625
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,200
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Finance Education in Maine
One of the most popular degree programs in finance is a Bachelor of Science in Finance. These programs typically cover topics such as financial planning, investment analysis, risk management, and corporate finance. For those who are looking to work in finance in Maine, an associate or bachelor’s degree can get your foot in the door, though you might eventually decide that you need a master’s in order to keep advancing your career.
Maine’s top industries include fishing, manufacturing, shipbuilding, agriculture, tourism, and more. For those thinking of working in finance, this is just a list of opportunities. Every industry has a place for those who know what they’re doing when it comes to finance. These industries all need to make money, invest money, and budget their money. If you choose to earn a degree in finance, you can help them do so.
There are also degrees available for those who wish to specialize in a specific area of finance. You can work in general accounting or earn a CPA to advance your career or you could obtain a degree in portfolio management or securities analysis. Overall, pursuing a degree in finance can open many career opportunities across multiple industries. Graduates with these degrees have the skills necessary to succeed as analysts, advisors, managers, traders, or even entrepreneurs. And many employers offer competitive salaries and benefits packages for graduates with degrees from top-ranked finance colleges.
Finance students interested in attending a Maine business school or any of the best undergraduate finance programs in Maine will have plenty of options before looking for roles and careers in local financial institutions. These options include the University of Southern Maine, Saint Joseph's College of Maine, Thomas College, the University of Maine or Maine University, and more. Many schools in Maine offer finance degrees at a variety of levels.
Online Associates (AS)
An associate degree in finance is a two-year program that provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to enter the finance industry. The curriculum often includes courses such as financial accounting, economics, statistics, and business law. Graduates of these programs can be employed as financial analysts, budget analysts, or loan officers.
These degrees are a great starting point for those who want to pursue a career in finance but cannot commit to completing a four-year degree program. An associate degree in finance teaches students about the basics of investing and financial planning, which crucial skills for anyone are looking to manage their own finances effectively. It also prepares them for further education should they decide to continue their studies in finance-related fields.
The demand for skilled finance professionals continues to grow each year as companies seek out individuals who can help them make informed financial decisions. An associate degree in finance is one path toward acquiring these skills and becoming an attractive candidate for employers seeking qualified individuals with experience in this field.
Online Bachelors (BS)
A bachelor's degree in finance is a popular choice for those interested in pursuing a career in the financial industry. Colleges and universities across the country offer degree programs tailored to meet the demands of this field. Students can expect to learn about financial analysis, investment strategies, risk management, financial reporting, and more.
Many finance degree programs also emphasize communication skills since professionals in this field must often explain complex financial concepts to clients or colleagues. Additionally, students may have opportunities to gain practical experience through internships or other forms of experiential learning.
Graduates with a bachelor's degree in finance can pursue careers as financial analysts, investment bankers, portfolio managers, and many other roles within the finance industry. The demand for finance professionals is expected to remain strong over the coming years as businesses continue to seek individuals with expertise in managing finances effectively.
Online Masters (MS)
A master's degree in finance is a popular choice for those who want to develop deeper knowledge and expertise in the financial industry. This degree program combines advanced financial theory with practical applications that can be applied to real-world scenarios. Students pursuing this degree have the opportunity to specialize in various areas such as investment banking, corporate finance, or risk management.
The curriculum of a master's degree in finance will be more advanced than a bachelor’s, but cover many similar topics. A curriculum at this level typically consists of courses such as financial modeling, portfolio management, and quantitative analysis. Additionally, students are often required to complete a capstone project or thesis that applies their acquired skills to a real-world problem. Graduates of these program can pursue careers in numerous industries including banking, consulting firms, hedge funds, and more.
Many universities offer on-campus and online options for obtaining a master's degree in finance. The duration of the program varies depending on the institution, but it generally takes one to two years to complete. Furthermore, most programs require applicants to possess an undergraduate degree related to finance or business administration and relevant work experience.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
When it comes to pursuing a PhD in finance, there are a number of top-ranked schools that offer programs tailored specifically to this field. Some of the most notable institutions include The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, MIT Sloan School of Management, and Columbia Business School. These programs are designed to prepare students for careers in academia or research-oriented roles within the private sector, but there are other options all over the country that can give you the education you need, so make sure to do your research when looking for a degree in this field.
To gain acceptance into one of these prestigious programs, candidates typically need a strong academic background in finance or related fields such as economics or mathematics. Additionally, many schools require applicants to have relevant work experience and standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT. Once admitted, students can expect to take classes in advanced financial theory and econometric analysis while also conducting independent research under the guidance of faculty advisors.
While earning a PhD in finance requires significant time and effort, graduates can expect lucrative career prospects upon completion. With expertise in all things finance, they can pursue roles as university professors or researchers at think tanks and consulting firms. In addition, many companies seek out PhD-level professionals for senior leadership positions that require advanced quantitative skills and strategic decision-making abilities.
Online Certifications
In the realm of finance, certifications can help increase career opportunities and earning potential in many roles and specializations. There are certificates offering a plethora of options for advancing finance professionals seeking to gain authority for their specialized knowledge in areas such as financial analysis, management, risk management, and financial planning. Some popular certifications include the Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designations.
The CFP certification is geared towards individuals interested in becoming personal financial planners. This designation requires completion of a rigorous education program covering topics such as investment planning, tax planning, retirement planning, insurance planning, and estate planning. The CFA certification focuses on investment analysis and portfolio management for institutional investors. It involves passing three levels of exams that cover economics, ethics, quantitative methods, accounting, corporate finance, equity investments, fixed income investments, and derivatives.
The CPA certification is necessary for individuals seeking to become licensed public accountants in the United States. It requires successful completion of a four-part exam covering auditing and attestation, business environment and concepts, financial accounting and reporting, and regulation. In addition to these certifications offered by colleges or universities, there are also online courses available from reputed websites, which can be used by working professionals who want to upskill themselves without taking a break from their work life.
Become a Finance Professional in Maine
Maine is well-known for its scenic beauty, delectable seafood dishes, and warm locals. But Maine also boasts an active finance industry that provides many career opportunities in this sector. If you're interested in becoming a finance professional here are a few steps that may help.
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Step 1: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree in Finance or Related Field:
Aspiring finance professionals in Maine should start with earning their bachelor's in finance or related field, such as accounting. Degree programs generally cover topics like financial analysis, accounting, investment management, and planning. There are many universities in Maine offering such courses; do your research and find one that matches both your interests and career objectives.
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Step 2: Gain Experience through Internships
Internships can help set you apart from other candidates by giving you valuable work experience. Maine finance companies often offer internship opportunities for students that expose them to the industry while helping them develop key skills in financial analysis, market research, or investment management. You could also reach out to local financial advisors or investment firms about interning opportunities.
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Step 3: Obtain Certification and Licenses
Certification and licensing are both important in the finance industry. In Maine, individuals who want to sell securities must pass the Series 7 exam, which is administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Additionally, those who want to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) must meet certain education and experience requirements and pass a comprehensive exam.
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Step 4: Build a Professional Network
Networking is crucial for success in the finance industry. You can attend industry events, conferences, and seminars to meet other finance professionals and learn about new trends and opportunities. You can also join professional organizations, such as the Maine Association of Financial Professionals, which provides networking opportunities and educational resources for finance professionals in Maine.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Finance?
A bachelor's in finance can open a plethora of career opportunities in the financial sector. Graduates can find jobs as financial analysts, investment bankers, financial advisors, and accountants. Financial analysts are responsible for analyzing market trends and providing investment advice to clients. Investment bankers help companies raise funds by assisting with mergers and acquisitions or issuing securities. Financial advisors work with individuals to create personalized investment plans that align with their financial goals. Accountants are responsible for managing finances and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
However, pursuing a bachelor's in finance doesn't necessarily mean that you have to work exclusively in any specific role, business, or field. Many graduates go on to become entrepreneurs or pursue careers in non-profit organizations, government agencies, or education institutions.
Overall, obtaining a bachelor's degree in finance provides students with a versatile skill set that can be applied across various industries and job roles. With this degree under their belt, graduates can navigate complex financial scenarios confidently while making sound business decisions.