Study Finance in New York
When you think of finance, you likely think of New York. More specifically, you probably think of New York City – the financial capital of the world. It stands to reason, then, that getting a finance degree from a New York-based school makes sense.
You don’t have to live in New York City to get a finance degree, though. You don’t even have to live in the state of New York! With many different online degree options, you can get an undergraduate or graduate degree from a New York college or university, no matter where you live.
You can choose from many different degree options. But to help you narrow your college search, we’ve included some of the popular options below.
Online Finance Degrees in New York
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online finance degrees in New York:
- State University of New York – Canton
- SUNY Polytechnic Institute
- Empire State University
- Pace University
- Purdue Global
- Utica University
- UMass Global
- Grand Canyon University
- Southern New Hampshire University
State University of New York – Canton
Online Finance Bachelor of Business Administration
The Finance Bachelor of Business Administration from the State University of New York – Canton is just the type of program you need if you’re a busy professional. The 100-percent online format gives you the flexibility of earning your degree with as little impact on your work life as possible. Of course, this program is also a good fit if you’re a traditional college student who wants the flexibility of online learning.
Canton’s School of Business and Liberal Arts is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). As such, the curriculum for this finance degree aligns with industry standards and prepares you well to pursue a wide range of finance careers upon graduation, including in the following areas:
- Banking
- Insurance
- Brokerage Firms
- Financial Planning
- Academics
This undergraduate degree requires you to complete a sequence of general education classes prior to starting your finance studies. Of the 122 credits needed to graduate, approximately half are general education courses in areas like math, natural sciences, social sciences, and English language arts. Coursework in these and other core areas like the humanities, arts, physical education, and communications are required regardless of your major.
From there, you’ll take foundational-level courses in finance and related fields. For example, one of the first major-area courses you’ll take is Foundations of Financial Accounting. This four-credit course explores financial reporting and accounting concepts for sole proprietorships, corporations, and partnerships, among other basic topics.
You’ll also take Macroeconomics, which examines features of market economies, such as inflation, unemployment, and fiscal policy. You’ll also learn about economic growth, issues of international trade, and the role of government in making economic decisions.
Other lower-division courses explore related areas, like Business Communications, Managerial Accounting, and Business Law. Once you complete these and other lower-division courses, you can move on to upper-division studies, which tend to focus on narrower concepts of finance.
For example, you’ll take a 300-level course in Financial Management that analyzes topics like capital budgeting, dividend policy decisions in corporations, and efficient market theories. This class also discusses capital asset pricing, agency conflicts, and corporate risk management.
Another upper-division course you’re required to take is Global Finance. As the name indicates, this course focuses on the financial operations of international businesses and international financial markets. You’ll study areas like exchange exposure, taxation of international income, and international financial management, too.
Other required upper-division courses include the following:
- Professional Ethics
- Financial Derivatives
- Global Investments
- Financial Compliance and Regulations
- Risk Management
This program also requires you to complete a hands-on learning experience. You can choose to complete a senior project, a finance internship, or both. The senior project focuses on research within the financial services management realm. You’ll work with a faculty mentor to prepare a thesis-style paper and present your findings to a committee.
The internship, meanwhile, places you in a host organization where you’ll work under the supervision of a finance professional. The purpose of the internship is to provide you with real-world experience in finance, which allows you to more seamlessly transition from being a college student to being a finance professional.
You must meet the following criteria to apply as a first-year student:
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university from which you’ve earned credit.
- Submit official SAT or ACT scores
- Submit an application essay, if required.
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Online Bachelor of Science in Finance
At the SUNY Polytechnic Institute, you can earn an online Bachelor of Science in Finance degree designed specifically for non-traditional students. That is, you should have at least 45 college credits already completed or have three or more years of full-time work experience. And since this program can be completed at your own pace, you can fit your studies between your work and family obligations.
The major-specific courses for this degree fall into two broad categories: Business and finance. A minimum of 33 business credits must be completed, including coursework in basic areas like Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, and Introduction to Business. A lower-division course in Business Law is also required.
A host of upper-division business classes are also part of the curriculum. For example, you’ll take a 300-level Finance Principles course that explores essential topics and theories of finance. You’ll also take a 300-level Marketing Principles course that explores marketing theories, techniques, and applications.
Other upper-division business classes include the following:
- Organizational Behavior
- Human Resource Management
- Issues in Business and Society
- Management Science
- Strategic Management
The finance-focused coursework includes 15 credits of upper-division classes. You’re required to take Intermediate Accounting, a course on investments, and a Financial Institutions class. Your studies in these areas give you a broad introduction to major concepts in finance. You’ll build on these concepts by taking additional courses in Financial Management Problems and Financial Analytics, as well as a selection of electives of your choice.
SUNY Polytechnic Institute has specific requirements for your basic education, too. For example, if you enroll in this program after having worked full-time for three or more years but don’t have any college credits, you’ll need to complete general education classes and a liberal arts and sciences requirement.
As detailed earlier, general education classes cover very broad topics in core fields like social sciences, math, science, and English. The university requires you to complete at least 30 credits in these and other general areas, including written and oral communication, quantitative reasoning, scientific reasoning, and diversity. You must also take classes in at least three of the following categories:
- The Arts
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- U.S. History and Civic Engagement
- Other World Civilization
- World History and Global Awareness
- World Languages
The liberal arts and sciences requirement includes 32 credits of coursework in natural science and upper-division writing. Alongside that, you’re required to take certain introductory-level courses. For example, these classes include Elements of Calculus, Microeconomics, Statistics, and Computer Science Applications, to name a few.
The university’s admissions requirements are as follows:
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent and have a B or B+ GPA.
- Score in the middle 50 percent of the ACT or SAT (a test-optional pathway is also available).
- Submit 1-2 letters of recommendation.
- Submit a supplemental application, including a personal essay.
- Participate in a personal interview.
If you’ve already earned college credits, you must submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended. You must also provide an official high school transcript that denotes your graduation date. Furthermore, a supplemental application is highly recommended.
Empire State University
Online Master of Science in Finance
The online Master of Science in Finance from Empire State University allows you to use your academic background and work experience to expand your knowledge and skills to advance your career. By completing this program, you’ll improve your employability and might be able to seek a promotion or change careers altogether.
This 36-credit program can be finished in two years or less. During that time, you can specialize in one of three tracks: Corporate Finance, International Finance, or General Finance.
You can also choose to complete one or both of the following advanced graduate certificates: Financial Management and Analysis or Global Finance and Investment. Whichever specialization or certification you choose, you’ll take the same classes and learn from the same professors as on-campus students.
Before you can begin this program in earnest, you must first complete numerous prerequisites if you haven’t done so already. These courses are fundamental to your understanding of finance and include the following: Financial Accounting, Macroeconomics or Microeconomics, Statistics, and Management Information Systems. Once these classes are complete, you can begin the foundational coursework, which is a sequence of three classes in the following areas:
- Financial management
- Quantitative Methods in Finance
- Financial Economics
The next 12 credits of coursework are advanced core courses. Unlike the classes listed above, these classes examine highly specific topics in finance and related areas. For example, you’ll take an Investment Analytics class and an Advanced Quantitative Methods in Finance class that help you develop high-level skills in finance topics. You’re also required to take an International Financial Management course and a Strategies of Financial Management course to further enhance your knowledge and understanding of finance and its many different applications.
The final component of this program is your choice of four elective classes. This is where you can tailor your degree to your interests and career goals by choosing courses for one of the specializations mentioned earlier.
Empire State University provides you with many different choices to facilitate degree customization, such as:
- Financial Risk Management
- Financial Analysis and Control
- International Financial Law and Regulation
- Financial Instruments and Derivatives
- International Accounting
A capstone course is also required to graduate. This three-credit course allows you to integrate your learning from throughout the program to address a specific problem or topic in finance. The purpose of a capstone is for you to demonstrate your competency of essential finance topics as well as your ability to apply what you’ve learned in real-world situations.
Your studies in this program are aligned with industry standards, which enables you to hit the ground running with your career upon graduation. The curriculum also aligns with professional examinations from the CFA Institute, so you can add in-demand credentials to your name as well.
You can apply to this program online at any time. To qualify for admission, you must:
- Submit official undergraduate transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended, including from the institution that granted your undergraduate degree.
- Submit an application essay.
- Submit a resume or curriculum vitae.
- Provide letters of recommendation from professional references.
You can submit GMAT or GRE scores in support of your application, though they are not a requirement for admission.
Southern New Hampshire University
Online Bachelor of Science in Finance
You can enroll in Southern New Hampshire University’s online Bachelor of Science in Finance program from anywhere in the world, including New York.
This program, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), requires you to complete 120 credits for graduation. SNHU offers one of the most flexible transfer policies, allowing up to 90 credits to count toward your degree. Additionally, the university has a BS-to-MS finance pathway, enabling you to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years if you start with no prior undergraduate credits.
The program follows a standard curriculum, beginning with general education courses called “The Commons.” This portion of the program includes 42 courses designed to help you build essential college-level skills for academic and professional success.
In addition, you must complete 30 credits in the Business Core, which introduces fundamental and advanced business topics for a well-rounded foundation in finance. Courses include:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Business Law
- Managing and Leading in Business
- Critical Business Skills for Success
Advanced classes such as Principles of Finance and People, Planet, and Profit provide insights into financial discipline and corporate strategies for improving quality and efficiency.
The Finance Core requires 21 credits, covering seven finance-specific courses that prepare you for diverse finance-related roles. You’ll take courses like Corporate Finance, which focuses on financial decision-making at the managerial level, including topics such as capital structure and budgeting.
Another required course, Financial Markets, examines global financial market forces, regulations, and risk management. Other courses in the Finance Core include:
- Multinational Corporate Finance
- Fundamentals of Investments
- Financial Regulations and Ethics
- Investment Portfolio Analysis
You’ll also complete a finance capstone course, which assesses your knowledge and allows you to apply what you have learned in a case study format, preparing you for your future career.
As part of the degree, you can choose three finance electives or a concentration. The Financial Planning concentration offers training in estate planning, investments, and retirement to prepare you for certification as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
To apply as a first-year student, you must meet the following requirements:
- Complete the online application for admission.
- Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
Pace University
Online Master of Science in Finance
Pace University’s Master of Science in Finance is a part-time, two-year program you can complete in two years. The program specifically focuses on building career-ready skills that enable you to transition from your current finance career into a new one. You can do that more easily by using Pace’s deep connections to the finance industry in New York City.
Adding to the program’s flexibility is that all courses are asynchronous. There are no scheduled class meeting times and no requirement to log in to a class at set times, either. Instead, you can work at your own pace, moving quickly through topics that are familiar or easy to understand while taking more time to address new or complex topics.
This 36-credit program offers an advanced curriculum that explores many different specific finance topics. However, before you can begin your studies, you must first complete a Business Economics for Decision-Making class. This course offers a foundational experience in business and economics and explores how finance plays into the decision-making process.
This isn’t the only business course you’re required to complete, though. You must take a sequence of three business administration classes that include Creating Value Through Finance, Financial Accounting for Managers, and Business Analytics and Statistics.
Once these courses are complete, you can dive into the required finance coursework. As mentioned above, these classes focus on specific topics, such as Portfolio Analysis and Management, which analyzes the relevant theories and practices of financial investment. You must also take a course entitled Financial Econometrics for Risk Modeling, which examines forecasting and estimation of time series models, variance swaps, and high-frequency volatility.
You’ll gain expertise in international finance as well. For example, the International Corporate Finance class offers a survey of financial-related goals and problems for international businesses. You’ll analyze financial risks and opportunities on a global scale while also learning about the international monetary system, foreign exchange risk, and capital management strategies for international businesses.
Other required courses for this degree include the following:
- Creating Value Through Finance
- Financial Accounting for Managers
- Business Analytics and Statistics
- Advanced Corporate Finance
- Behavioral Finance
Throughout your time in this program, you’ll have opportunities to work collaboratively with your professors to enhance your learning. Pace University has a long tradition of providing top-notch education in this field, and its roots run deep in the New York City Area. Likewise, the university’s Lubin School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – a distinction shared by fewer than five percent of business schools in the world.
Not only is this type of accreditation important from a career standpoint – the curriculum is aligned with essential standards in the industry – but it also means this program prepares you for a variety of professional credentials. For example, after completing this degree, you’ll have the necessary education to sit for the following exams:
- Certified Financial Advisor (CFA)
- Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
The admissions requirements are as follows:
- Have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
- Have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Provide two letters of recommendation.
- Submit a resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a personal statement in which you explain who you are, why you’re interested in this degree, and your future career goals.
- Submit official GMAT or GRE scores (not required if you have a 3.0 GPA or higher or have a business-related master’s or doctoral degree).
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
Why New York is the Best for Finance?
New York is considered the best for finance due to several key factors that contribute to its status as a global financial hub.
- Wall Street: As the home of Wall Street, New York houses the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ, two of the world’s largest stock exchanges. This centralizes much of the world’s financial trading and investment activities in the city.
- Major Financial Institutions: New York is home to the headquarters of numerous major financial institutions, including banks, investment firms, hedge funds, and private equity firms. This concentration of industry leaders provides vast employment opportunities and fosters a competitive and innovative environment.
- Global Connectivity: The city’s robust infrastructure and connectivity facilitate global business operations. New York’s time zone also allows it to interact with both European and Asian markets within the same business day, enhancing its role in global finance.
- Diverse Talent Pool: The city attracts a diverse and highly skilled workforce from around the world. Universities such as Columbia University, New York University, and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School contribute to a steady stream of well-educated finance professionals.
- Networking Opportunities: New York offers unparalleled networking opportunities through numerous conferences, seminars, and professional associations. This allows finance professionals to connect, share knowledge, and advance their careers.
- Financial Ecosystem: The city’s financial ecosystem includes a wide array of supporting industries such as legal services, accounting firms, and consulting companies. This comprehensive support network is crucial for the operation and growth of financial services.
- Cultural and Economic Vibrancy: New York’s cultural diversity and economic vibrancy make it an attractive place to live and work. The city’s dynamic lifestyle and world-class amenities further enhance its appeal to top talent.
These factors collectively make New York the premier destination for finance professionals and businesses, sustaining its reputation as the global financial capital.
What are the Career Opportunities For Finance Degree Holders in New York?
A finance degree opens numerous career opportunities in New York, one of the world’s leading financial hubs. Here are some prominent career paths for finance degree holders
- Investment Banking Analyst: Employed by major banks, responsible for mergers and acquisitions, underwriting, and advisory services.
- Financial Analyst: Works in corporations, banks, and investment firms, analyzing financial data and making investment recommendations.
- Portfolio Manager: Manages investment portfolios for clients, employed by firms like BlackRock or Fidelity Investments.
- Risk Manager: Identifies and mitigates financial risks for organizations, typically in banks and insurance companies.
- Corporate Finance Professional: Involved in financial planning, analysis, treasury, or internal audit within large corporations.
- Financial Consultant: Provides financial planning, investment advice, and risk management to individuals and businesses.
- Compliance Officer: Ensures financial institutions comply with regulatory requirements, crucial in banks and financial services.
- Trader: Buys and sells securities, commodities, or financial instruments on trading floors or in hedge funds.
- Asset Manager: Manages assets for clients, ensuring optimal returns based on risk tolerance, employed by asset management firms.
- Financial Advisor: Advises clients on investments, insurance, and retirement planning, working independently or with financial services firms.
- Hedge Fund Analyst: Analyzes and selects investments for hedge funds, positions available in New York City hedge funds.
- Private Equity Analyst: Involved in buying, selling, and restructuring companies, employed by firms like KKR or The Carlyle Group.
- Credit Analyst: Assesses the creditworthiness of individuals or companies, roles available in banks and financial institutions.
- Insurance Underwriter: Evaluates risk and determines insurance coverage terms, employed by insurance companies.
What is the Starting Salary For a Finance Major in New York?
The starting salary for a finance major in New York varies based on the specific role and industry. On average, entry-level financial analysts in New York can expect to earn between $57,000 and $80,000 per year. This range can be influenced by factors such as the employer, specific job responsibilities, and the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Generally, finance majors entering roles in investment banking, corporate finance, or consulting may see higher starting salaries compared to other sectors within finance.