Study Finance in Indiana

There is no doubt that a college degree helps you earn more money over your lifetime. But some areas of study pay better than others. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, finance jobs, like Financial Analyst, are both in demand and pay around $100,000 per year.

As such, undergraduate and graduate finance programs have become extremely popular in Indiana and around the nation. Online programs have become especially popular in the Hoosier State, given the greater degree of flexibility they offer compared to traditional on-campus learning.

Below is a summary of some of the popular online finance degrees you might consider as an Indiana resident. In each case, you’ll gain valuable experience and knowledge that prepares you for establishing a long career in this field.

Best Accredited Online Finance Degrees in Indiana - Finance Bachelor's, Master's and MBA Programs in Indiana

Online Finance Degrees in Indiana

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online finance degrees in Indiana:

  • Purdue University Global
  • Indiana Tech University
  • Indiana University
  • Grand Canyon University
  • UMass Global
  • Walden University
  • Southern New Hampshire University

Purdue University Global

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Finance

Purdue’s Global Campus offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance that offers a lot of flexibility. On the one hand, all classes are fully online, so there are no campus visits to worry about. On the other hand, you can enroll full-time or part-time as your schedule allows. Purdue also offers four concentrations so you can tailor your studies to your specific interests: FinTech, General Finance, Real Estate, and Wealth Management and Financial Planning.

Regardless of which specialization you choose, you’re required to complete 33 courses to graduate. Typically, this means studying for four years on a full-time basis. During your time in this program, you’ll gain essential skills in areas like real estate, financial markets, investment management, and banking. More specifically, your studies begin with courses like the following:

  • Microeconomics
  • Business Math and Statistical Measures
  • Accounting I and II
  • Macroeconomics
  • Introduction to Management

You must take a variety of other introductory business courses, too. For example, the required Finance course explores basic concepts and principles relating to making financial planning decisions. Likewise, you’ll take a Business Law class that explores the basics of the U.S. legal system and the relevant laws and regulations that apply when operating a business.

This degree requires a 300-level Organizational Behavior course, too. Organizational behavior is the study of how people behave in workplace settings. You’ll study topics like perception, emotions, personality, and attitudes, and how each affects the operational health of a business entity.

Another upper-level class you have to take is Financial Markets. This class explores different types of securities, factors that affect their value, and the markets where they’re traded. A supplementary course is Investments, which looks specifically at investing in equity, derivatives, and fixed-income instruments.

Other required major-area courses include the following:

  • Marketing
  • Financial Statement Analysis
  • Business Statistics and Quantitative Analysis
  • Bachelor’s Capstone

The capstone experience is an interesting requirement. It occurs at the end of the program and builds on all the knowledge and skills you’ve learned throughout your studies. You’ll gain integrate your learning to complete a review of the program requirements and your mastery of those requirements.

The final component of this program is 39 credits of elective classes. Of these, 18 are included in your chosen concentration. Naturally, each concentration has different requirements, though. For example, the FinTech option includes three classes in FinTech Principles and Concepts, FinTech Law and Ethics, and Blockchain for the Financial Industry.

Meanwhile, the Real Estate concentration requires you to take Real Estate Law, Real Estate Finance and Ethics, and Foundations of Real Estate Practice. The Wealth Management and Financial Planning specialization is different still, with required coursework in Financial Planning, Portfolio Management, and Asset Allocation and Risk Management.

Of course, if you prefer a broader range of studies, you can choose the General Finance concentration and choose three classes from a pool of eight options. For example, you can take courses from each of the other three concentrations, or you can take specialized courses in areas like Managerial Economics and Professional Selling.

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
  • Submit a copy of a valid, government-issued ID.
  • Submit evidence of English language proficiency if English is not your native language.

Online Master of Science in Finance

In addition to the undergraduate program, Purdue University’s Global Campus also offers a Master of Science in Finance that allows you to acquire higher-level skills required for many positions in the finance industry. A total of 56 quarter credits are needed to complete this degree, which usually requires about 15 hours of coursework each week for about one-and-a-half years.

This degree offers a lot of flexibility. On the one hand, you can choose among three different specializations. These include Financial Analysis, Financial Planning, and Treasury Management. On the other hand, you can choose from multiple start dates throughout the year to start your studies when it fits into your schedule. Additionally, you can prepare for certification. For example, you can use your studies to prepare for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exams after you graduate.

Furthermore, this program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), helps you develop advanced technological skills. This allows you to harness cutting-edge programs to improve your ability to effectively manage finances for individuals, businesses, and organizations.

The program consists of two types of classes: core requirements and electives. The core component comprises 40 credits in essential areas such as:

  • Business Communications
  • Financial Institutions and markets
  • Risk Analysis and Management
  • Corporate Finance
  • Financial Statement Analysis

You’re required to complete a course in Investment and Securities Analysis, too. This class examines major theories and principles of investment as well as the methods by which you can invest in options, mutual funds, bonds, and stocks. You’re also required to take a class in Retirement Planning, in which you’ll learn about qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, compensation plans, and retirement needs analyses.

One of the final core courses you’ll take is a Graduate Capstone in Finance. This course requires you to synthesize what you’ve learned throughout the program and use your knowledge and skills to conduct a self-assessment. This assessment specifically looks at your mastery of the program’s outcomes and your ability to apply what you’ve learned in real-world situations.

As noted earlier, this program offers the choice of three concentrations: Financial Analysis, Financial Planning, and Treasury Management. Each option requires you to complete 16 credits, though the classes you must take differ for each concentration.

For example, the Financial Analysis track includes studies in economics, ethics, financial strategies, and statistical methods. Meanwhile, the Financial Planning track focuses on individual insurance planning, estate planning, income tax planning, and, of course, personal financial planning.

The Treasury Management track is completely different as well. You’ll take an ethics class, learn about financial strategies in global settings, and complete studies in two treasury management classes, too.

The requirements for admissions are as follows:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Have a 2.5 GPA or higher for your undergraduate studies.
  • Provide official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.

Indiana Tech University

Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

At Indiana Tech University, you can complete a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Financial Services. This degree, which is offered by the College of Business, focuses on helping you develop as a complete student. You’ll take interdisciplinary courses, work closely with faculty members, and have opportunities to get applied experience in finance throughout the program.

You must complete at least 120 semester credits to earn this degree, which typically takes about four years of full-time studies. Before you begin the finance program, you must complete a preparatory core of courses in English and Math to ensure you have a solid foundation in these fields and can apply the skills you learn in business and finance settings.

A significant portion of this program consists of general education core classes. These classes are arranged in a variety of liberal arts fields, ranging from communications to math to leadership. You’ll take classes in natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities as well.

The program’s business administration core represents more than a third of the total credits needed to graduate. These classes explore topics such as:

  • Accounting Principles
  • Managerial Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Microeconomics

The breadth of courses goes well beyond this, though. For example, you’ll take a Principles of Management class that examines managerial theories and practices, particularly the managerial tasks of planning, controlling, leading, and organizing. You’ll also take a Personal Finance class that helps you develop an understanding of financial planning and how financial decisions are made at various points throughout the lifespan.

Some finance courses are included in the business administration core, too. For example, you’re required to take Corporate Finance, which introduces you to financial statement analysis, cash management, and inventory financing. This class further discusses topics like cost of capital, acquisitions and mergers, and working capital practices as well.

You’re also required to complete 27 credits within the financial services concentration. One of the first finance-related courses you’ll take is Introduction to Financial Services. This class introduces you to the financial services industry. You’ll talk about the organization and structure of banking and financial organizations. This class also discusses topics like financial statements, the time value of money, and financial firm performance.

Another interesting financial services course is Fundamentals of Risk Management and Insurance Planning. As the name suggests, this class explores risk management and insurance, including insurance devices, managing risk, legal and financial liability, and pure risk.

Other courses within the financial services concentration include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Financial Services Marketing
  • Creating Service and Sales Relationship
  • Introduction to Exchanges and Trading
  • Professional Skills Development
  • Money, Banking, and Capital Markets

To apply, be sure you meet the following requirements before starting the application process:

  • Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
  • Provide high school transcripts.
  • Submit transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
  • Proof of English proficiency if English is not your native language.

Indiana University

Online Master of Science in Finance

The Master of Science in Finance from Indiana University is offered by the Kelley School of Business. The program is entirely online with no campus visits required. You must complete 30 credits to graduate, which typically takes around one to two years of full-time graduate study.

This program’s curriculum focuses on helping you develop the technical expertise required to manage the risk and return of investments you make on behalf of businesses and individuals. Moreover, you’ll learn how to use financial decision-making to enhance a company’s performance and help it achieve its strategic long-term goals.

More specifically, you’ll learn how and why finance is such an important component of business. You’ll learn how to use financial resources in an effective way, how to deploy financial tools, and how to manage risk and uncertainty. Furthermore, you’ll learn why capital markets place so much value on financial securities.

Broadly speaking, the curriculum includes studies in a wide range of areas, including business, economics, and finance. More specifically, you’ll take courses in Quantitative Analysis, Economics for Managers, and Financial Management. You’ll also take a course entitled Managing Accounting Information for Decision-Making. This class explores how to collect and analyze financial data and how to use that information to make sound financial decisions.

You’re also required to take a course in International Financial Management. In this class, you’ll learn about domestic and international finance and the differences between the two. You’ll discuss topics like investments, markets, and institutions, as well as trade and exchange rates.

Yet another required course is Working Capital Management. This course emphasizes the unique problems and decisions faced by financial managers. You’ll explore financial diagnostics, how companies operate, and gain an appreciation for short-term financial policy-making as well.

Other required courses are as follows:

  • Asset Pricing and Security Valuation
  • Valuation and Capital Management
  • Financial Strategy and Corporate Restructuring

You can also choose to take a Special Topics in Finance course. This flexible class adjusts to meet the specific interests of students. You might study cutting-edge topics like the use of machine learning and other AI tools to enhance financial decision-making. Alternatively, you might explore case studies of seminal finance topics.

This program is ranked among the top finance master’s degrees by U.S. News & World Report. As such, you can expect to participate in a rigorous and informative curriculum led by professors with real-world experience in the financial industry.

What’s more, this degree is career-focused, meaning you’ll graduate with theoretical and technical knowledge of finance along with practical job-related skills that enable you to hit the ground running in your chosen career. Past graduates of this program have used their skills to enter various fields, including insurance underwriting, budget analysis, and portfolio management. Other graduates work as auditors, financial analysts, and stockbrokers.

You can apply to the Kelley School of Business year-round. The admissions requirements are as follows:

Grand Canyon University

Online Master of Business Administration in Finance

You’ll gain find the Master of Business Administration in Finance at Grand Canyon University to be a faith-based program that emphasizes ethical decision-making in the business world. This program will equip you with vital business and finance skills, along with general soft skills such as enhanced communication and problem-solving abilities, all while learning to work with integrity and promote integrity among your peers.

The Colangelo College of Business at GCU designed this program based on the following principles:

  • Business can be a positive force, especially when conscious capitalism is practiced.
  • The free market economy offers opportunities for prosperity and long-term success for all stakeholders.
  • Business can serve as a ministry, allowing you to care for and support your coworkers and employees while guiding them with Christian principles.

To earn this degree, you must complete 54 credits. The program consists entirely of core business and finance studies. Your first class will be Introduction to Graduate Studies in the College of Business, which will help you prepare for the demands of graduate-level work. Following this, you’ll gain take a Leadership and Organizations class that will teach you key qualities of effective leadership and explore organizational behavior.

You’ll gain also take accounting courses. For instance, the Accounting Practices course covers essential aspects of business accounting, including financial accounting, balance sheets, and financial statement analysis. Additionally, the Managerial Accounting class addresses major accounting concepts such as cost systems, performance evaluation, and internal reporting.

Management is another key theme in this program. The Operations Management course will introduce you to managerial techniques suitable for various business environments, where you’ll gain learn how to streamline production, eliminate inefficiencies, and enhance supply chain integration and performance.

You are required to complete two additional management courses: Leadership and Organizations and Strategic Management. The Leadership course will introduce you to crucial leadership concepts and help you develop into an inspiring business leader. The Strategic Management course, serving as a capstone experience, will have you prepare a strategic analysis of a publicly traded firm, using actionable intelligence to suggest improvements for management and adding value to the company.

Other required coursework includes:

  • Finance Principles
  • Applied Business Probability and Statistics
  • Economics
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Marketing Management

If you have started a similar graduate degree at another accredited institution, you may not need to complete all of these classes. GCU allows you to transfer previously earned credits toward your degree, which can significantly shorten the time needed to complete this program.

Another feature of this program is that it does not solely rely on traditional lecture-based learning. You’ll gain have opportunities to engage in online class discussions with your professors and classmates. Many courses also incorporate online group work to help you build connections with your peers.

To be considered for admission, you must be at least 16 years old and possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. There is no application fee to apply, nor is it required to report ACT or SAT scores.

Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance Enough?

While a bachelor’s degree in finance provides a solid foundation in financial principles and practices, whether it is sufficient depends on your career goals and the specific requirements of your desired position.

For entry-level positions such as financial analyst, accountant, or financial planner, a bachelor’s degree in finance is typically sufficient. However, for more advanced roles such as financial manager, investment banker, or chief financial officer, additional qualifications, such as a master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g., CFA, CPA), may be required.

Certain industries may have higher expectations for educational qualifications. For example, investment banking or corporate finance roles often prefer candidates with advanced degrees or specialized certifications. Regulatory and compliance roles might also require specific certifications in addition to a bachelor’s degree.

Continuing education through workshops, seminars, and additional coursework can enhance your qualifications. Gaining work experience and developing a track record of success in the finance field may also compensate for the lack of an advanced degree.

Building a professional network and gaining practical experience through internships may also significantly boost your employability. Professional connections can provide opportunities for mentorship and career advancement.

If you are aiming for leadership roles or specialized positions, pursuing further education might be beneficial. Staying current with industry trends and continuing to develop your skills can also open up more opportunities.

Do Finance Degrees Make a Lot of Money?

As mention in the introduction, finance degrees can lead to high-paying careers, but the level of income depends on several factors, including the specific job, industry, location, and level of experience.

Graduates with finance degrees often find employment in roles such as financial analysts, investment bankers, financial managers, and financial planners. Entry-level positions typically offer competitive salaries, and as professionals gain experience, their earning potential increases significantly. For example, financial analysts and accountants may start with moderate salaries, but with experience and additional certifications, they can advance to higher-paying positions such as senior analysts, financial managers, or chief financial officers.

The industry in which one works also plays a significant role in determining salary. Finance professionals in investment banking, private equity, and hedge funds often earn higher salaries compared to those in corporate finance or financial planning. Moreover, working in major financial hubs such as New York, London, or Hong Kong can lead to higher earnings due to the increased cost of living and competitive job market.

Additionally, obtaining advanced degrees or certifications, such as a Master’s, MBA, CFA, or CPA, may further enhance earning potential. These qualifications often lead to higher-level positions with greater responsibilities and, consequently, higher salaries.

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