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What Career Options are Available for Finance Majors?
Academic degree programs in finance and related subjects are available at colleges and universities in South Carolina and throughout the entire United States. This major may be particularly appealing to individuals interested in and skilled with numbers. Graduates from these programs can anticipate a wide array of employment opportunities, especially as the knowledge and skills acquired are highly useful and easily transferable across multiple fields. Qualified finance professionals can generally find employment with companies and organizations in almost every industry, with ample job opportunities in areas related to money management, banking, and economics.
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Compare Popular Online Finance Programs
Top Ranked Campus & Online Finance Programs in South Carolina
Clemson University
Score: 89.46
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,554
- Out-of-State: $39,498
- Net Price: $24,577
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 28,466
- Undergrad Students: 22,566
- Graduate Students: 5,900
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Score: 83.97
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,688
- Out-of-State: $34,934
- Net Price: $22,427
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 35,653
- Undergrad Students: 27,343
- Graduate Students: 8,310
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Southern Wesleyan University
Score: 83.49
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,870
- Out-of-State: $27,870
- Net Price: $17,639
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 1,175
- Undergrad Students: 896
- Graduate Students: 279
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Score: 82.09
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,570
- Out-of-State: $37,370
- Net Price: $21,846
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 3,721
- Undergrad Students: 2,695
- Graduate Students: 1,026
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Bob Jones University
Score: 80.25
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $23,400
- Out-of-State: $23,400
- Net Price: $18,733
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 3,095
- Undergrad Students: 2,665
- Graduate Students: 430
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
College of Charleston
Score: 79.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,978
- Out-of-State: $36,858
- Net Price: $21,120
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 10,885
- Undergrad Students: 9,972
- Graduate Students: 913
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Furman University
Score: 79.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $58,312
- Out-of-State: $58,312
- Net Price: $33,370
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 2,443
- Undergrad Students: 2,283
- Graduate Students: 160
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Wofford College
Score: 77.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $54,100
- Out-of-State: $54,100
- Net Price: $31,192
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 1,823
- Undergrad Students: 1,823
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Coastal Carolina University
Score: 73.58
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,640
- Out-of-State: $29,628
- Net Price: $14,016
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 10,337
- Undergrad Students: 9,794
- Graduate Students: 543
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Francis Marion University
Score: 73.05
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,160
- Out-of-State: $21,544
- Net Price: $12,614
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 4,045
- Undergrad Students: 3,635
- Graduate Students: 410
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of South Carolina-Upstate
Score: 71.7
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,583
- Out-of-State: $22,545
- Net Price: $13,835
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 4,913
- Undergrad Students: 4,481
- Graduate Students: 432
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Claflin University
Score: 69.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,046
- Out-of-State: $17,046
- Net Price: $19,951
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 1,830
- Undergrad Students: 1,749
- Graduate Students: 81
- Grads Salary: $59,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Newberry College
Score: 67.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,050
- Out-of-State: $30,050
- Net Price: $19,405
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 1,312
- Undergrad Students: 1,296
- Graduate Students: 16
- Grads Salary: $57,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Benedict College
Score: 63.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,000
- Out-of-State: $18,000
- Net Price: $17,845
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 20%
- Total Enrollment: 1,840
- Undergrad Students: 1,796
- Graduate Students: 44
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Voorhees University
Score: 58.2
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,630
- Out-of-State: $12,630
- Net Price: $14,587
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 507
- Undergrad Students: 473
- Graduate Students: 34
- Grads Salary: $44,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Online Finance Education in South Carolina
Prospective finance students will likely find various higher education programs that offer finance degrees in South Carolina and throughout the United States. This popular area of study is available at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, with some institutions offering professional certificate programs. While these certificates take less time, they may not carry the same academic weight as traditional degrees.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, most business and finance occupations require professionals to hold bachelor's degrees. While it’s possible to find employment with less education, such opportunities are limited. Individuals with advanced degrees often enjoy better job prospects and pay potential, and master's or doctoral degrees are typically necessary for positions in financial management.
Online Associate Degree in Finance (AS)
An associate degree in finance generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two years to complete. Each undergraduate curriculum is unique, typically blending general liberal arts with major-specific classes. This approach ensures students explore communication, mathematics, and social science topics alongside content relevant to their area of study, which fosters a well-rounded educational foundation for future learning and professional employment. Finance students usually receive a broad introduction to the field that includes studying relevant areas such as finance, accounting, and bookkeeping. Those enrolled are also likely to learn about business, payroll, software, and banking.
This degree commonly prepares graduates for employment as accounting clerks, billing specialists, and bookkeepers. Entry-level employment may also be available in other industries, as companies of all kinds often rely on professionals capable of spreadsheet management, budgeting, tax preparation, and financial data analysis. Given that many employers prefer candidates with bachelor’s degrees, however, a significant number of graduates choose to further their education.
Credits from undergraduate courses can be transferred and used to fulfill requirements for new undergraduate degree programs, such as those at the baccalaureate level. Generally, colleges and universities acknowledge up to 60 or 90 hours of prior coursework. This is equivalent to about two years of study. Consequently, individuals holding associate degrees may require only an additional two years of education to obtain bachelor’s degrees.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Finance (BS)
Bachelor’s degrees in finance often consist of 120 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately four years to complete. As previously mentioned, undergraduate programs such as these typically incorporate both general liberal arts and major-specific classes in their curriculums. This ongoing study of various subjects including communication, mathematics, and social sciences - ensures that students receive a comprehensive education applicable to diverse aspects of life, as well as any potential further academic endeavors. Those majoring in finance can also expect to receive a broad introduction to the most important subjects in the field. This usually includes financial planning, forecasting, investing, financial statement evaluation, cash flows, and security markets. Instruction is also common in accounting principles, financial institutions and markets, investments, and risk management.
Additionally, finance majors are often encouraged by many colleges and universities to choose concentrations or specialized areas of study. Choosing to pursue additional instruction in a specific sub-field can help students prepare for particular types of employment upon graduation.
Concentrations that may be available include:
- Investment Management
- Banking and Financial Services
- Corporate Finance
- Risk Management and Insurance
- Real Estate
This degree type commonly readies graduates for employment as financial planners, accountants, and financial analysts. It may also be possible to find work in other industries. As an alternative, graduates can also choose to pursue advanced education in the field. Completing graduate school can lead to greater employment options and higher pay potential. Individuals who intend to apply for master’s degree programs must be ready to submit official undergraduate transcripts to prospective colleges and universities. Additionally, applicants are usually required to meet specified minimum grade point average (GPA) and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score criteria.
Online Master's Degree in Finance (MS or M.Fin.)
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. Alternatively, some colleges and universities offer accelerated programs. These may require as little as 18 months to finish.
Graduate-level programs no longer include general liberal arts classes. However, many programs do require applicants to successfully complete specified undergraduate courses, or prerequisites, before admission. This ensures that all incoming students have the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for advanced study in the field.
Curriculums vary but are typically designed to help students prepare for advanced employment opportunities in the field. While course requirements vary, enrolled individuals frequently receive in-depth instruction in business communications, financial accounting, derivatives and risk management, financial modeling and firm valuation, and international financial management.
Similar to bachelor’s degrees, it’s also common for colleges and universities to offer concentrations or specialized areas of study.
Common options include:
- Real Estate Finance
- Computational Finance and Trading Systems
- Derivatives and Risk Management
- Finance and Economics
Upon graduation, individuals often become eligible for positions such as financial analysts, financial examiners, financial managers, and personal finance advisors. With superior finance knowledge and skills, graduates generally gain access to some of the most in-demand jobs available in the field.
Online PhD Degree in Finance (PhD)
A PhD or doctorate in finance generally consists of between 60 and 120 credit hours that take full-time students four to seven years to complete. As terminal degrees, these programs uphold rigorous academic standards. Programs at this level may also be structured quite differently and, in some cases, students are even given opportunities to provide input on what coursework should be included. It’s not uncommon for those enrolled to work alongside professors to develop unique curriculums designed to help them achieve specific employment outcomes.
In some cases, the option to select concentration areas is still available.
Common examples of possible specialty areas of study at this level include:
- Forensic Accounting
- Accounting Information Systems
- Audit Accounting
- Public Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
While curriculums vary by institution, they typically offer opportunities to study various advanced topics accounting research, advanced statistics, microeconomic theory, and corporate governance. Students typically undergo traditional classroom instruction during the first phase of enrollment, with later years dedicated to independent study and research. In many cases, these degrees conclude with the creation, presentation, and defense of dissertations before a board of computer information technology professors.
While relatively few finance professions exclusively demand that candidates possess doctoral degrees, graduates do become eligible for some of the most lucrative employment opportunities available. Opportunities may include positions in corporate management, as well as higher education and/or research.