Study Finance in New Jersey
Getting an online education is a convenient way to complete your finance degree. And in New Jersey, you have ample in-state and out-of-state options for doing so. On the one hand, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree to kickstart your education. On the other hand, you can enroll in an online graduate program to learn advanced skills in finance.
Either way, the first step is to choose which program is right for you. This can be a daunting task, given the enormous range of possibilities. This guide will help you narrow your choices to some of the popular options available in New Jersey. Read below for more details about each program and to learn why each one is a worthy option for getting your degree!
Online Finance Degrees in New Jersey
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online finance degrees in New Jersey:
- William Paterson University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Rutgers University – Camden
- Rowan University
- National University
- Seton Hall University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Capella University
- Grand Canyon University
William Paterson University
Online Bachelor of Science in Finance
At William Paterson University, you can enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Finance that requires 120 credits to complete. As a first-year student, you’ll need about four years of full-time studies to finish this program. As a transfer student, your timeframe for completing the program depends on how many credits you’ve earned at other universities.
In either case, you’ll explore topics related to financial markets, international finance, and the technologies finance professionals use to do their jobs. This includes learning programs like SQL, Python, Excel, and R. Furthermore, you’ll learn about strategic planning, risk management, and digital fluency, to name a few broad topics.
More specifically, the curriculum starts with general education courses introducing you to various broad-based topics in core areas like math, science, social science, and English. For example, you might take the following classes to meet some of the requirements in these fields:
- Pre-Calculus Algebra and Trigonometry
- Introduction to Chemistry
- Introduction to Psychology
- English Composition I & II
You have wide latitude when choosing some of your general education courses. In other instances, the university requires you to take specific classes to meet graduation requirements.
This program further requires you to take two prerequisite classes: Macroeconomic Principles and Business Math. These classes must be completed prior to taking any business or finance courses for this major.
The Business Core includes required coursework in many different business-related topics. For example, you’ll take lower-division classes in Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, and Business Statistics. Similar to the general education classes discussed earlier, these courses are broad and introductory in nature and help you acquire essential skills necessary for advanced coursework in finance.
The Business Core also requires numerous upper-division classes. For example, you’ll take a 4000-level course in Finance Information Systems that teaches you how to utilize technology to evaluate and analyze financial theories and markets. Likewise, you’re required to take a 4000-level course in Business Strategy and policy that uses a case study approach to explore the decisions companies need to make to maintain long-term financial health.
Other Business Core coursework includes the following:
- Corporate Finance
- Legal Environment of Business
- Principles of Management
- Values, Ethics, and Sustainability
- Production and Operations Management
The Finance Core includes two required courses: International Financial Management and Investment Analysis and Planning. The International Financial Management class explores topics related to multinational enterprises. You’ll examine political risk, valuation of operations, and financing decisions, among other pertinent topics. Meanwhile, the Investment Analysis course focuses on the types of securities traded in financial markets. You’ll also examine theories of investment, investment practices, and portfolio management, to name a few.
The final component of this program’s curriculum is a series of 15 elective credits. The program offers numerous options that enable you to customize your degree to a certain extent. The elective options are as follows:
- Introduction to Derivatives
- Managerial Economics
- Investments II
- Risk Management
- Credit Analysis and Commercial Banking
- Introduction to Financial Data Analysis
You can customize your degree even further by adding an optional major. William Paterson offers a wide range of options, from Accounting and Business Administration to Communication Studies and Global Business.
When applying as a first-year student, you must meet the following requirements:
- Complete the online application and pay the $50 application fee.
- Have a 2.0 GPA or higher.
- Be four years beyond your high school graduation date or have two years of post-high school studies with 60 or more earned college credits.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university from which you’ve earned credit (or a high school transcript if no college credits have been earned).
Southern New Hampshire University
Online Bachelor of Science in Finance
Though Southern New Hampshire University’s physical campus obviously isn’t in New Jersey, its massive online campus is available to you anywhere in the world. This includes SNHU’s Bachelor of Science in Finance.
This program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), requires you to complete 120 credits to earn your degree. However, SNHU has one of the best transfer credit policies in the nation – you can transfer up to 90 credits to count toward this program. What’s more, the university offers a BS-to-MS pathway in finance that allows you to finish your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years (assuming you haven’t earned any undergraduate credits yet).
This program’s curriculum is pretty standard. As noted earlier, a sequence of general education courses – which SNHU calls “The Commons” – are required to help you build essential college-level skills that you’ll need for success in your studies and in your career after graduation. In total, you have to complete 42 courses in The Commons portion of the curriculum.
Another 30 credits are required in the Business Core. Again, as described earlier, these courses explore a wide range of introductory and advanced business topics that help you develop a broad skill set for a finance-related career. For example, you’ll take classes like:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Business Law
- Managing and Leading in Business
- Critical Business Skills for Success
Likewise, you’ll take more advanced courses like Principles of Finance, which examines corporate financial discipline and the skills executives need to make appropriate financial decisions. Likewise, a class in People, Planet, and Profit is required. This 300-level course evaluates how businesses operate and what can be done to improve quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Twenty-one credits within the Finance Core must be completed for graduation as well. This sequence of seven classes focuses on finance topics in a broad range of fields and applications. For example, you’ll take a Corporate Finance class that examines managerial-level financial decision-making, such as capital structure decisions, capital budgeting, and applied managerial decision-making.
You’re also required to take a class on Financial Markets, which takes a look at macroeconomic forces in the global financial markets. You’ll learn about regulatory authorities, risk management, and mutual funds, among other critical topics.
Other Finance Core courses are as follows:
- Multinational Corporate Finance
- Fundamentals of Investments
- Financial Regulations and Ethics
- Investment Portfolio Analysis
You’re also required to complete a finance capstone course. The purpose of this class is twofold. First, your skills and abilities in finance will be evaluated. And second, you’ll have an opportunity to integrate what you’ve learned throughout the program and apply that knowledge in a case study situation to prepare for moving into a finance career after graduation.
SNHU gives you the option of taking three finance electives or choosing a concentration. In this case, a Financial Planning concentration is available that prepares you to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). This concentration focuses on helping individuals achieve their financial goals by means of estate planning, investments, retirement, and so forth.
You must meet the following requirements to apply as a first-year student:
- Complete the online application for admission.
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university from which you’ve earned credit.
Rutgers University – Camden
Online Master of Science in Finance and Wealth Management
The online Master of Science in Finance and Wealth Management from Rutgers University – Camden prepares you for a range of careers in the finance industry. On the one hand, you might use this degree to work in personal financial planning and help individual clients prepare for a better financial future. On the other hand, you might use the tools you gain in this program to work for a wealth management organization and help businesses improve their bottom line.
Whatever your career aspirations might be, you must complete 30 credits to graduate from this program. Rutgers offers flexible options for completing this degree, too. For example, you can enroll part-time or full-time, and you can start the program in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Studying full-time enables you to complete this program in as little as one year. As a part-time student, you’ll need two or more years to satisfy the graduation requirements.
As is common for graduate degrees in this field, this program is divided into two components: core coursework and electives. The core coursework includes five required classes that build the necessary competencies in essential financial fields. A good example of this is the Financial Management class, in which you examine topics like business ownership, time value of money, and diversification.
Another required core course is Wealth Management Technology. As the name indicates, this course looks at the technological tools available to finance professionals that enable them to evaluate value propositions, manage portfolios, conduct risk assessments, and so on. You’ll gain further skills by taking classes in Behavioral Finance, Private Wealth Management, and Investments and Portfolio Management as well.
The elective component of this degree requires you to choose five classes from nearly a dozen options. This is the portion of the degree where you can fine-tune your studies and concentrate on areas that most interest you or are most important for the career you envision for yourself after completing this program.
The elective options are extremely broad. On the one hand, you might take a course in Investment Management and Machine Learning to explore how to use cutting-edge technologies to help improve your ability to manage clients’ investments. On the other hand, you might prefer to take an Accounting Analytics class that teaches you how to extract data, transform it, analyze it, and interpret it for your clients.
Yet another option you might pursue as an elective is Financial Data Analytics. This class introduces you to the technologies and practices available for financial data analysis. You’ll learn how to use programming languages like R to build financial models, create optimized portfolios, and learn simulation techniques like Resampling and Bootstrap.
Other electives available to you include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Foundations of Leadership and Teamwork
- Conflict Resolution and Negotiations
- Digital Marketing Strategy
- Social Media Strategy
- Financial Reporting and Analysis
Two specializations are available, too. On the one hand, you can choose to focus on leadership in the wealth management space. On the other hand, you can specialize in FinTech and explore the technologies available to finance professionals in more detail. Both options require you to complete five courses (three required classes and two approved electives).
The admission requirements are as follows:
- Complete the online application for admission and pay the applicable fee.
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Provide official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Submit a personal statement in which you outline your educational and professional goals.
- Complete any required prerequisite courses.
You are strongly encouraged to submit GRE or GMAT scores if your undergraduate cumulative GPA is 2.75 or less.
Rowan University
Online Master of Science in Finance
The Master of Science in Finance from Rowan University is a flexible online program designed to adapt to your specific needs. You can work through the curriculum as quickly as possible to graduate in a timely fashion, or if you need more time, you can opt for part-time attendance to work around your life and career obligations.
In either case, you’ll take part in a high-level, holistic curriculum that explores finance-related issues, practical application of financial tools, quantitative techniques, and relevant research. Moreover, this program aligns with the educational competencies required to sit for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exams. Obtaining one of these credentials adds to your knowledge of finance and signals to future employers and clients that you have the highest level of training.
Before you can begin this program, you must first ensure you’ve completed the necessary undergraduate foundation classes. These classes cover key foundational business knowledge that’s important for graduate-level work in this field. These courses are as follows:
- Calculus
- Statistics
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Financial Accounting
- Cost Accounting
- Marketing
- Finance
- Operations Management
You will have completed many – if not all – of these classes if your undergraduate degree is in business, finance, or a closely related area. However, since you can apply to this program with any undergraduate degree, you might need to take many of these courses before starting your finance studies.
This 30-credit program comprises ten classes. These courses include traditional studies in finance, like Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Decision-Making, and Fixed Income Securities. You’ll take broad classes in areas like Quantitative Methods in Finance and Financial Institutions Management. You’ll also take more specific courses on niche finance topics, like Multinational Financial Management, Financial Modeling, and Advanced Financial Planning.
Rowan University offers other degree options in finance as well. For example, you can pursue a combined MBA and Master of Science in Finance at the same time. This accelerated program allows you to use up to five courses between both degrees, allowing you to finish both degrees with just 51 credits. Many students who choose this option complete both degrees in about two-and-a-half years.
If you don’t already have a bachelor’s degree, the combined BS/MS in Finance 4+1 program is worth your consideration. This option allows you to take as many as 12 graduate-level classes as an undergraduate student. Doing so allows you to complete a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in finance in just five years.
Whatever option you choose, you’ll learn from the same highly-qualified professors who teach on campus. Additionally, you’ll benefit from an MS in Finance program that’s accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the premier accrediting body for finance-related programs.
You can apply to Rowan University online if this program sounds like a good match for you. You must complete the following steps to apply:
- Submit an application for admission and a $65 application fee.
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide a current resume.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Provide a statement outlining your professional goals.
You can submit GRE or GMAT scores if you like, but this is not a requirement for admission.
National University
Online Bachelor of Science in Financial Management
The Bachelor of Science in Financial Management at National University offers you an in-depth understanding of finance theory along with practical training in making financial decisions. You will also gain skills in data analysis, a crucial and expanding area in finance, accounting, and other business fields.
To graduate, you must complete 180 quarter units in this program, which is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). The curriculum includes several parts, starting with general education requirements.
You are required to complete at least 69 quarter units of general education courses. These courses cover a wide range of liberal arts subjects, such as math, science, English, and social sciences. Every student, regardless of their major, must fulfill these requirements. You have considerable freedom in choosing the specific classes that meet these broad requirements.
For instance, you might choose U.S. History Prior to 1877 and European History Since 1917 to satisfy the social sciences requirement. Alternatively, you could opt for an Introduction to Criminal Justice class and Introduction to Anthropology. These examples show just a few of the numerous combinations of courses available to you.
The next stage of the program includes introductory courses that prepare you for the finance major, all at the 200 level. For example, you will take Principles of Macroeconomics and Principles of Microeconomics, which are common courses required for finance and other business-related degrees. These courses look at economic activities from both broad and narrow perspectives.
Additional preparatory courses include:
- Financial Accounting Fundamentals
- Managerial Accounting Fundamentals
- Legal Aspects of Business I
- Introduction to Quantitative Methods
Your major coursework comprises 16 courses, totaling 72 quarter units, divided into business and finance sections.
The business section requires five upper-division courses, such as Business Finance, Intermediate Accounting, and Marketing Fundamentals. You will also study Principles of Management and Organizations, covering management roles, theories, and human resource management.
In the finance concentration, you will complete eleven courses covering various aspects of financial management. You will study the role of financial institutions like the Federal Reserve in the economy, including commercial banking, investment companies, and pension funds.
A notable course is Working Capital Management, where you will learn about managing assets and liabilities at the corporate level, including credit policies, cash management, and secured inventory financing. Other required finance courses include:
- Risk Management and Insurance
- International Financial Management
- Finance and Banking
- Capital Structure and Financing
- Valuation of a Corporation
You must also complete a financial capstone project, selecting a finance topic to investigate. You will be evaluated on your ability to apply knowledge from previous courses to address case studies and conduct finance-related research.
Courses in this program are only four weeks long, allowing you to focus on one or two classes at a time instead of the traditional four or five. With year-round enrollment, you can begin your studies whenever it is most convenient for you.
To apply as a first-year student, you need a high school diploma. Depending on your previous academic experience, you might need to take tests in English, math, or both.
Is a Finance Degree Better than Accounting?
When comparing finance and accounting degrees, it is essential to understand the distinct focus, career opportunities, skills acquired, and potential advantages and disadvantages of each field. Both degrees can lead to rewarding careers, but they cater to different interests and professional goals.
A finance degree offers a broad scope, covering financial management, investment analysis, financial markets, corporate finance, and financial planning. This degree emphasizes strategic financial decision-making and an understanding of financial systems and markets.
Career opportunities for finance graduates include roles in investment banking, financial analysis, portfolio management, corporate finance, financial planning and advisory, risk management, and real estate finance. The skills acquired through a finance degree include analytical and quantitative abilities, an understanding of financial markets and instruments, strategic thinking, risk assessment, and financial modeling.
The advantages of a finance degree are its versatility and the high earning potential, especially in investment banking and corporate finance. Additionally, there are opportunities for advancement and specialization. However, the finance job market can be highly competitive, particularly for high-paying roles, and it requires continuous learning and staying updated with market trends and regulations.
In contrast, an accounting degree is more specialized, focusing on the principles and practices of accounting, financial reporting, auditing, and taxation. It emphasizes accuracy, regulatory compliance, and financial record-keeping.
Career opportunities for accounting graduates include public accounting (audit, tax, advisory), corporate accounting (financial accounting, management accounting, internal audit), government accounting, forensic accounting, tax consultancy, and financial analysis with a focus on financial reporting. The skills acquired through an accounting degree include attention to detail, understanding of accounting principles and standards, regulatory compliance, financial reporting, and taxation knowledge.
The advantages of an accounting degree include high demand for accounting professionals across various industries, a clear career path with opportunities for certification (such as CPA or CMA) that enhance career prospects, and a relatively stable and secure job market. However, accounting may be perceived as less versatile compared to finance, and it can involve routine, detail-oriented tasks that may not appeal to everyone.
In short, choosing between a finance degree and an accounting degree depends on individual interests, strengths, and long-term career goals. A finance degree is suitable for those interested in a broader understanding of financial systems and markets, strategic and analytical roles, and potentially higher earning potential in various financial sectors.
An accounting degree is ideal for those interested in the principles and practices of accounting, a structured career path with certification opportunities, and job stability in a high-demand field. Both degrees offer valuable skills and career opportunities, and the decision should align with personal preferences and professional aspirations.