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Online Finance Degree Bachelor of Science (BS)

Kevin Deveraux, who earned his finance degree, at his computer with two thin notebooks, a smartphone and cup of coffee on the table in front of him.

Cost per credit $330

Total courses 40

Term length 8 weeks

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Program Overview Why get a finance degree?

The art and science of money – making it, managing it and quantifying it – is at the heart of our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance. When you earn your finance degree online, you'll analyze data to inform financial planning recommendations for clients and develop knowledge of local and global economies in support of strategic goals and growth.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Client financial plan development
  • Domestic and global economic environment exploration
  • Financial statement analysis
  • Sound financial decision methodology
  • Compliant ethical and legal practice application
  • Stock market portfolio management
Kevin Deveraux, who earned his BS in Finance, wearing a black and grey plaid button down shirt working on a red laptop at a counter.

Courses & Curriculum Online finance classes that prepare you for your career

In the bachelor's in finance online program, you'll bring numbers to life as you use cutting-edge technology and case studies to analyze and synthesize financial reporting data. You’ll also complete the business core, which emphasizes communication, entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration, personal and social responsibility and global orientation.

All undergraduate degrees are made up of major courses, general education classes and free electives.

Degree Courses

Online finance courses

In the finance degree online program, you’ll develop firsthand expertise by managing a virtual stock market portfolio and using state-of-the-art simulations to bridge theory with real-world application. Throughout your major courses, you'll use industry-leading trading simulation software (TD Ameritrade U) to develop key skills and advise clients on their financial goals, applying your knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans and real estate.

Courses may include:

Course ID: FIN 330
This course focuses on the topics of corporate finance with the intent to extend and further develop the long-term investment and financing topics introduced in either the Principles or Foundations of Finance. The course addresses issues that face modern corporate managers when making capital budgeting and capital structure decisions, and focuses on applied managerial decision-making. Corporate Finance is designed for students seeking a more thorough understanding of the economic analysis of strategic and tactical investments, the effect financial leverage has on firm value, and the integration of investment and financial corporate strategies. Topics addressed include advanced techniques in capital budgeting, firm valuation, capital structure, firm/division cost of capital, and quantitative risk assessment. Writing intensive course.
Course ID: FIN 335
This course examines the nature of global financial markets, reviewing macroeconomic considerations. The role of financial intermediaries in relation to the stock, bond, and mutual fund markets and exchanges are examined. An introduction to regulatory authorities will begin to demonstrate the financial market system. Topics include investments, risk management, risk over return, stock markets, and mutual funds.
Course ID: FIN 336
This course emphasizes aspects of financial planning for corporations with overseas operations. The sources and uses of corporate funds abroad are evaluated and criteria for choosing among alternative foreign investments are analyzed. The effects of international corporate financial planning, including such factors as the characteristics of foreign money and capital markets, international financial institutions, exchange rate changes, currency restrictions, tax regulations and accounting practices, are examined.
Course ID: FIN 340
This course introduces and examines various investment vehicles, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds and commodities. This course emphasizes the decision-making process that underlies all investment decisions.
Course ID: FIN 341
This course emphasizes the important roles of regulations and ethics to make financial decisions that support the organization's overall strategic goals. Students in this course will explore applicable regulations and ethical considerations in support of fiduciary responsibilities, reviewing securities regulations, GAAP, SoX, and international reporting standards. The curriculum foundation is grounded on corporate social responsibility and business sustainability through the application of regulations and ethics.
Course ID: FIN 450
This course will prepare students to analyze asset allocation strategies to create a tax-efficient, diversified investment portfolio that meets the goals, risk preferences, and time horizon of an individual or an organization. Methods to assess investment needs, analyze markets, create an investment strategy, and measure investment performance will be explored. Students will also learn to communicate specifics about an investment portfolio and its performance in a manner that educates others, while building trust and supporting decision-making.
Course ID: FIN 470
This capstone course is the culminating experience for the B.S. in Finance program. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework, rather than introducing new concepts. This course is structured to support student success in fulfilling program requirements.

Visit the course catalog to view the full BS in Finance curriculum.

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Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: September 1, 2025 | October 27, 2025

Next term starts:
June 30, 2025

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

8-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

All it takes is 3 simple steps

It's easy, fast and free.

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Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on the ACBSP accreditation page.

NECHE Logo ACBSP Global Business Acreditation Logo

Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online undergraduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$39,600
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$27,720

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700

If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750

If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800

If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850

If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an online finance degree?

The bachelor's in finance puts you in a powerful position for employment in a range of industries, including banks, credit card and investment firms and insurance and mortgage companies. Some financial specialists work solo as tax preparers, personal financial advisors or real-estate appraisers – though additional licensure requirements, which vary by state, will apply.

SNHU's CFP Board-registered online financial planning degree concentration can help students who are looking to become a Certified Financial Planner. The concentration courses are designed to fulfill the educational requirements needed to sit for the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®) exam.

Occupations

The online BS in Finance program is designed to meet the needs of today's changing economic landscape. As an individual or as part of a financial team, with this online degree, you'll be prepared for a variety of roles, including:

Learn to be a decision-maker for both individuals' and organizations' investments. With your online finance degree, you can create plans and evaluate opportunities based on your analytical knowledge of financial performance, trends and the economy.

Help clients make sound financial decisions, using your skills to guide them through the process. Your finance degree can help you see the bigger picture and develop the right solutions for your customers.

Develop the skills through your finance degree that allow you to identify concerns regarding investments and related costs.

Educate your clients and make recommendations that help them plan for the future. Your BS in Finance can help you monitor changes and redirect investments to better meet your customers' goals.

8%

Projected increase in financial and investment analyst positions through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

$99,010

Median annual pay for financial and investment analyst positions as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Nick Martucci '21.
Nick Martucci '21.
Working in finance and with the stock market, I use my degree every day and employ understandings that I learned in every class.
Nick Martucci '21

Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, answered

Yes, many colleges offer finance programs both online and on campus.

Our online BS in Finance – along with most of our business programs – is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The ACBSP is responsible for assessing "whether or not business programs offer a rigorous educational experience and commitment to continuous quality improvement."2

In the online finance degree program, you'll learn to:

  • Create financial plans
  • Support strategic goals
  • Analyze statements
  • Analyze methods
  • Comply with policies

All of these skills can be learned in either a virtual or in-person environment.

This online BS in Finance will help position you for starting or continuing your career once you graduate. It can also set you up for success in continuing your education, such as with a master's in finance online or an MBA in Finance. Choosing to earn your degree online could allow you the flexibility to continue working and remain committed to any other responsibilities you may have. 

Classes in a bachelor's in finance program can help do more than just prepare you for money management – they can help you become a more well-rounded, savvy professional.

Like in any undergraduate program, you'll begin your degree with general education courses, which are crucial to your success in business and beyond. They can provide you with some of the most in-demand skills in today's workplace, including:

  • Research and information analysis
  • Diverse audience communication
  • Critical thinking and ethical problem solving
  • Leadership, emotional intelligence and collaboration

Beyond your general education requirements, you'll need to complete your business core courses. All business majors at Southern New Hampshire University take these classes, which give you a higher-level look at a variety of functions in the business world.

You'll learn about accounting, law, marketing, operations and international business, among other areas. This can help you understand where finance fits in terms of broad business concepts and operations. With this knowledge, you'll also feel empowered to collaborate with others in your organization to help solve bigger organizational challenges.

Business core courses pair well with the courses from your finance major, which give you the deep dive you need to succeed in the industry. Our curriculum provides a better understanding about the economy, financial statements, wealth management, ethics and the regulatory environment.

You'll also have the opportunity to either choose to take a handful of free electives in finance or add a financial planning degree concentration, a set of courses that meet the educational requirements for the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® exam.

Many business degrees offer you versatility throughout your career. Someone who is skilled in finance is necessary in every organization, so your options are endless for careers in finance.

Some of these roles include:

  • Account manager or financial manager
  • Budget analyst or financial analyst
  • Financial advisor or finance teacher
  • Management analyst or risk analyst
  • Personal banker or financial planner

Jobs in finance allow you to combine your passion for money management with various other interests. For example, you may believe in a new business venture and want to crunch the numbers that can help get the idea off the ground. Or, perhaps you want to analyze the costs and budgets that keep the lights on for a local nonprofit. No matter where you'd like to be, a finance degree can help you develop the skills to get there. You could enter any number of industries, including:

  • Banks and credit unions
  • Colleges and universities
  • Credit rating agencies and insurance companies
  • Government agencies and healthcare organizations
  • Law offices, nonprofits and startups
  • Sports and entertainment

Another option for finance graduates is to become self employed.

Nathan Yates with the text Nathan YatesOne notable alum of SNHU's bachelor's and master's in finance programs, Nathan Yates, did exactly that.

Armed with the knowledge, skills and support of fellow online students around the world, he was able to launch a consulting firm, adding new economic opportunities in his rural hometown in southwest Virginia.

"We serve two distinct markets: small businesses and much larger investment companies," Yates said. "One day we're updating a local deli's e-commerce website and the next day we publish an investment analysis that's read by a multi-billion dollar international asset manager."

Zuzana Buzzell with text Dr. Zuzana BuzzellDr. Zuzana Buzzell, associate dean at Southern New Hampshire University, highlights the importance of finance degrees in these endeavors.

"A finance degree has long been recognized as one of the top degrees when owning a small business," said Buzzell. "Understanding the financial aspects of small business operations and smart budgeting is a key to long-term success of small business owners."

Depending on your educational background and your years of experience, a finance degree could help position you for roles with promising salary projections.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual salaries in 2023 included:1

  • Financial and investment analyst: $99,010
  • Finance manager: $156,100
  • Personal financial advisor: $99,580

In comparison, May 2023 data from the BLS reports the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060.1

While bachelor’s degrees are traditionally known as 4-year degrees, the time it takes to earn your online bachelor’s degree in finance depends on how many classes you take per term and how many credits you transfer in.

Depending on your previous college history, you might be more ahead than you think. If you’ve earned general education credits or taken classes in accounting, business or finance, you could have a considerable amount of your program completed already.

SNHU accepts up to 90 transfer credits for our undergraduate programs and will provide a free credit evaluation. This allows you to see how your previously earned credits will transfer before committing to a degree program, giving you a better idea of how long it will take you to graduate with your finance degree.

Our BS in Finance program has 18 free electives. If you’re transferring in a significant amount of credits, you may want to consider our online business degree with a concentration in finance, which features 33 free electives. Ask your admission counselor to help compare cost and time savings for each program.

For individuals who are interested in finance, we know that this is an important question, and it should be: after all, you need to know that your degree is a good investment. That's exactly why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

At SNHU, the online undergraduate finance degree costs $330 per credit hour and requires 120 total credits to complete. Depending on your previous educational experience, you could also transfer in up to 90 credits, saving you years of class time and up to $29,700 on tuition.

Either choice could make an excellent career path in terms of salary expectations, job growth and personal fulfillment. Let's take a closer look at the two:

Finance

Between finance and accounting, finance can be thought of as the broader subject of the two areas.

A finance degree will help you build a strong foundation of knowledge in banking, economics and financial markets – all key skills to successfully run a business. Your coursework will explore topics in corporate finance, private equity, venture capital, financial planning, risk management and more. You'll take a close look at different markets, how they function and fluctuate and how to effectively manage and mitigate the risks inherent in investing.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for financial and investment analysts are set to grow 8% through 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.1 Financial and investment analysts earned a median income of $99,010 in May 2023.1

While typical entry-level education for these roles is a bachelor's degree,1 those who go on to take the CFP® exam could position themselves for advancement in a more specialized area of finance.

Accounting

While there's some overlap in terms of skills, accounting is a bit more specialized than finance.

Mona Stephens, accounting faculty lead for SNHU, also points out a major misconception about accounting: that it's all complex mathematics.

"You don’t have to be good at math. We have technology to do the math," Stephens said. "Accounting is really all about problem solving and storytelling. How can we use this data to identify and solve problems? How can we tell the story of the data in a way that makes sense to non-accountants?"

An accounting degree online can prepare you for a career in the accounting field or one of the many adjacent career paths. Course content usually covers financial accounting, tax accounting, management accounting and forensic accounting. You'll also study business strategy, risk management, information systems, quantitative analysis and more. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for accountants and auditors will grow 4% through 2032.1 Accountants and auditors comparably reported earning a median annual salary of $79,880 in May 2023.1

While typical entry-level education for these roles is a bachelor's degree,1 those who go on to take the CPA exam could position themselves for continued career advancement.

So, which career track is right for you? If you're still not sure, try taking a look at the course curriculum for each program to determine which better fits you. Ask yourself: "What are my strengths or career goals?" Reach out to students or professionals with firsthand experience. Or, just give us a call. Our admission team is happy to answer your questions about what to expect in each program.

Related Articles

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

2ACBSP, About Us - Who We Are, on the internet, at https://acbsp.org/page/about-who-we-are (viewed Apr. 19, 2024)

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification mark, the CFP® (with plaque design) certification mark and the CFP® (with flame design) certification mark in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements. CFP Board also owns the CFP BOARD® service mark. Any marks owned by CFP Board are used with permission.