Study Finance Degrees in Texas

Finance is a solid degree choice, especially if you want to earn your degree online. In Texas, you have all sorts of online degree options from schools big and small. In fact, Texas might have one of the most robust selections of online finance degrees in the nation.

Whether you want to focus on business applications of finance, personal finance, or something in between, Texas’ higher education system has options for you. Below are some of the popular options you might consider for completing your undergraduate education.

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

Online Finance Degrees in Texas

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

  • Texas A&M University – Commerce
  • Texas Tech University
  • University of Houston
  • University of Texas Permian Basin
  • Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
  • Texas A&M International University
  • Lamar University
  • Purdue Global
  • Southern New Hampshire University

Texas A&M University – Commerce

Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance

At Texas A&M University – Commerce, you can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance that can help prepare you for many different careers, from working in personal finance to capital management to investment management. Whatever career path you intend to take, you’ll emerge from this program with hard skills that are in demand by top financial organizations.

This four-year Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-accredited program requires you to complete 120 credits to graduate. The four-year timeline is not set in stone, however. For example, taking two summer classes for three summers cuts more than a semester off your graduation timeline. Add an extra class or two along the way in the spring or fall, and you’ll shave a full year off the time needed to complete this degree.

As is typical of bachelor’s degrees, you must complete a set of general education requirements. These foundational courses explore topics related to English, math, social sciences, and natural sciences, to name a few. Generally speaking, you’ll complete these courses during your first and second years in college, as they form the basis of more advanced studies within your major.

Then, in the third and fourth years, you’ll focus more on finance, business, and related topics. For example, you’ll take broad courses like Principles of Accounting I and II, Macroeconomics, and Microeconomics. You’ll build on these courses with studies in finance, like the following:

  • Introduction to Business Finance
  • Principles of Investments
  • Economic Forecasting
  • Money, Banking, and Financial Markets
  • International Business Finance

These and other finance-focused courses lay the groundwork for you to explore the different types of finance careers mentioned earlier.

But, because this is a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, you’ll also take a host of classes focusing on broader topics in this field. For example, you’ll take a Business Communication course that helps you develop the requisite skills to communicate complex financial information effectively.

As another example, you’ll take a Principles of Management class that explores how to run a business, manage employees, and build a culture in which everyone buys into the company’s overall vision. These and other skills are necessary for working as part of a financial team that can competently address the needs of the company, stakeholders, investors, and so forth.

In addition to a quality curriculum, this program also offers world-class faculty. You’ll learn from the same professors as on-campus students and gain valuable insights into finance from their real-world experience. Moreover, you get the advantage of having one-on-one career coaching so you can turn your educational experiences in this program into a career after graduation. The career services available to you include the following:

  • Resume assistance
  • Interview preparations
  • Networking opportunities
  • Professional headshots

You must meet the following criteria to apply as a first-year student and have guaranteed admission:

  •  Complete the Foundation High School Program with at least one endorsement, including the following:
    • Four units of English
    • Three units of math
    • Three units of science
    • Three units of social studies
    • Two units of a language other than English
  • Rank in the top 30 percent of your graduating class or achieve an acceptable score on the ACT or SAT.
  • Submit high school transcripts.
  • Submit transcripts from every college or university from which you’ve earned credit.

Texas Tech University

Online Bachelor of Science in Applied Personal Finance

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Personal Finance from Texas Tech prepares you for a career as a financial advisor. In fact, your studies in this program ready you to take the Accredited Personal Counselor (AFC) exam, which is offered by the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE). Passing the test earns you a high-level credential that signifies you’re a trusted financial professional.

Over the course of 120 credits, you’ll gain valuable general knowledge and finance-specific competencies. As described earlier, you’ll complete about two years of general education classes that help you build skills helpful for work and life, like better communication skills, analytical skills, and problem-solving skills. You’ll also be exposed to categories of classes that help you gain an appreciation for the world in which you live, such as creative arts, American history, and Texas history. Likewise, you’ll gain skills needed to contribute positively to your community, like coursework in ethics.

Your finance training focuses on a number of specific competencies that you can draw upon as you establish your career. For example, this program helps you develop:

  • Proficiency in Excel
  • Consumer financial management skills
  • Financial counseling skills
  • Effective communication skills

You’ll gain these and other critical skills in a well-thought-out curriculum that begins with broad coursework. These courses, like Introduction to Personal Finance and Principles of Economics, help you get your feet wet in the world of finance while also ensuring you have a solid foundation for exploring more complex finance studies.

Speaking of which, the third and fourth years of this curriculum dive deep into specific financial topics that you are likely to encounter in your day-to-day career as a personal financial advisor. For example, you’ll take courses in Estate Planning, Asset Management, and Retirement Planning. You’re also required to take classes in Risk Management, Wealth Management, and Individual Tax Planning.

This program also heavily emphasizes the importance of professional development. As such, you’ll participate in courses like Professional Development in Personal Financial Planning I and II. These courses examine advanced issues in financial settings, from financial business models to staffing issues. Likewise, you must complete 30 hours of volunteer work in preparation for moving into a professional residency, which occurs during the summer between the program’s third and fourth years.

Furthermore, you’ll complete a capstone experience during the program’s final year. The purpose of the capstone is to demonstrate what you’ve learned throughout the program in an integrated format in which you develop fully formed financial plans. You’ll also explore case studies to get more familiar with common (and uncommon) situations in finance. There are opportunities to work with real-world clients as well.

To apply as a first-year student, be sure you meet the following criteria:

  • Submit official high school transcripts.
  • Submit official transcripts from every college or university from which you’ve earned credit.
  • Submit optional supplemental items as you see fit, including:
    • SAT or ACT scores
    • A resume
    • Letters of recommendation
    • A personal essay

Texas Tech offers assured admission to applicants who meet any of the following requirements:

  • Graduate in the top 10 percent of your class.
  • Graduate in the top 25 percent of your class and earn a 24 on the ACT or an 1180 on the SAT.
  • Graduate in the top 50 percent of your class and earn a 26 on the ACT or a 1240 on the SAT.
  • Graduate in the top 75 percent of your class and earn a 27 on the ACT or a 1280 on the SAT.

University of Houston

Online Bachelor of Business Administration

The University of Houston offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in finance that teaches the underlying theories of finance as well as helps you acquire practical skills that enable effective financial decision-making.

The skills you gain in this program can be applied in many different settings, too. For example, you might work as a private financial advisor, in non-profit finance, or for public-sector businesses. Whatever the case, you’ll have the financial knowledge, technical skills, and decision-making skills that employers look for.

Your coursework takes two forms: synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous online classes involve live class sessions where you can interact with your professors and classmates in a “traditional” classroom setting, albeit in a virtual environment. Meanwhile, you’ll also have asynchronous classes in which you learn at your own pace.

The combination of these two types of classes give you the greatest flexibility for earning your degree. On the one hand, synchronous courses allow for collaboration and discussion. On the other hand, asynchronous courses allow you to work quickly through material you’ve mastered or more slowly through material that requires a little more attention.

A total of 120 credits are needed to graduate. These credits are divided into several categories:

  • Core Courses and College Requirements
  • Business Administration and Management Courses
  • Advanced Business Requirements
  • Major Coursework and Electives

The courses included in these categories help you graduate with a well-rounded skill set. For example, the Core Courses and College Requirements include six credits of studies in English. Specifically, you’ll take First-Year Writing I and II, which promote the development of effective written communication skills.

The Business Administration and Management Courses include 24 credits of studies in areas like Business Computer Applications, Principles of Financial Accounting, and Principles of Managerial Accounting. You’ll also take lower-division classes in broad topics like Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and Business Statistics.

From there, you’ll move onto 21 credits of Advanced Business Courses. These classes explore niche topics in business, management, and marketing, such as:

  • Introduction to Marketing
  • Supply Chain Management Fundamentals
  • Business Law and Ethics
  • Global Environment of Business
  • Introduction to Organizational Behavior and Management

You’ll supplement your studies in business administration with finance-specific classes. For example, you’ll take a course in Corporate Finance that examines topics like capital structures, capital budgeting, and dividend policies. You’re also required to take an Investment Management course that analyzes the relationship between risk and return, how to optimize financial portfolios, and techniques used to evaluate securities.

Other finance courses you might take include Personal Financial Planning, Risk Management and Insurance, and Commercial Banking. Other options explore topics like Global Energy Management, Real Estate, and Statistical Analysis for Business Applications, to name a few.

The University of Houston allows select BBA majors to enroll in an accelerated BBA/MS pathway. Doing so allows you to take graduate courses as an undergraduate student, with those credits applying to both degrees. This, in turn, allows you to graduate sooner, typically in five years rather than the six years typically needed to earn both degrees.

You must complete the following steps to be considered for admission as a first-year student:

  • Complete the application for admission and pay a $75 application fee.
  • Submit high school transcripts.
  • Submit official transcripts from every college or university from which you’ve earned credit.
  • Submit ACT or SAT scores (unless you choose test-optional admission)
  • Submit any supporting documents as required (e.g., resume, essay)

University of Texas Permian Basin

Online Bachelor of Business Administration

Another Bachelor of Business Administration with a Finance major you might consider is from the University of Texas Permian Basin. Like the other programs on this list, you must complete 120 credits to graduate. Most students require four years to do so, but as described earlier, you can accelerate your studies by taking summer classes, additional classes in the spring and fall, or all of the above.

This online finance degree is AACSB accredited and offers a well-rounded education in this field. In fact, your studies not only prepare you for a variety of finance-related careers, but it also prepares you to obtain critical credentials, like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner.

But, before you reach that step, you must work your way through a comprehensive curriculum. You’ll begin by exploring a 42-credit sequence of general education classes that cover a wide range of topics, such as:

  • Art Appreciation
  • Introduction to Public Speaking
  • Biology
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • American Literature since 1865

This is just a sampling of classes, of course. You’ll take courses in other areas, like geology, English composition, math, history, and music.

This degree requires you to complete 18 credits of lower-level business classes, too. These courses examine wide-ranging topics in business, including Managerial Accounting, Financial Accounting, and Data Analysis with Excel. A 24-credit business core sequence follows that, during which you’ll gain knowledge and skills regarding Business Communications, Principles of Management, and Principles of Marketing. Furthermore, the business core coursework introduces you to topics in Strategic Management, Marketing, and Operations Management.

The finance major courses are a blend of finance and accounting. You’ll actually start by completing Intermediate Accounting I and Accounting for Business Decision-Makers to gain basic financial accounting skills. From there, you’ll take advanced classes such as:

  • International Finance
  • Intermediate Corporate Finance
  • Financial Markets and Institutions
  • Principles of Investments

You’ll supplement these courses with nine elective credits in areas that most interest you. The program offers a number of options here, including Energy Finance, Healthcare Finance, and Financial Planning. Between the electives and required courses in finance, you’ll graduate with a well-rounded set of skills that enables you to work for finance organizations of all types.

You can apply to this program year-round, and, if accepted, start your studies at a number of points throughout the spring, summer, and fall. To apply, fill out an undergraduate application for admission. To be considered for admission as a first-year student, you must complete the following tasks:

  • Complete the online application and submit a $40 application fee.
  • Submit official high school transcripts that show your class rank, GPA, and expected graduation date.
  • Submit official ACT or SAT scores (this is optional, though).
  • Submit official transcripts from every college or university from which you’ve earned credit.

If you’ve earned 24 or more college credits, you must apply as a transfer student. To do so, you must submit transcripts from each college you’ve attended and provide proof of complying with the TSI requirement.

Does a Finance Degree Require Lot of Math?

A finance degree does require a considerable amount of math. You’ll need to develop a strong foundation in various mathematical concepts to succeed in your studies and future career. Core courses often include subjects like algebra, calculus, and statistics. These mathematical skills are essential for analyzing financial data, understanding economic models, and making informed decisions.

In addition to these fundamental math courses, you’ll also study topics such as financial mathematics, which involves more specific applications like interest rates, annuities, and investment strategies. Quantitative methods are integral to the curriculum, and you’ll frequently use them to solve complex financial problems.

Moreover, finance majors often learn to use specialized software and tools that require mathematical proficiency. These tools help in modeling financial scenarios, conducting risk assessments, and performing valuations.

Your ability to comprehend and apply mathematical concepts will be crucial in various finance-related roles, such as financial analysis, investment banking, and risk management. Thus, a solid grasp of math is not just a requirement but a valuable skill that will benefit you throughout your finance career.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Finance Degree?

The duration of a finance degree can vary depending on the type of program and the institution offering it. Generally, the following timelines apply:

  • Associate Degree in Finance: This typically takes about two years to complete on a full-time basis. Part-time students may take longer, depending on their course load each semester.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Finance: A standard bachelor’s program usually takes around four years for full-time students. Part-time students might need additional time to complete their degree, often extending to five or six years.
  • Master’s Degree in Finance: Master’s programs in finance generally take one to two years for full-time students. Some accelerated programs may be completed in as little as one year, while part-time students may take up to three years or more.
  • MBA with a Finance Concentration: MBA programs with a focus on finance typically take about two years to complete for full-time students. Part-time programs may extend this duration to three or four years.

What are the Career Opportunities With a Finance Degree in Texas?

With a finance degree, you can access various career opportunities in Texas. The state’s diverse economy and strong financial sector provide numerous paths for finance graduates.

In banking, you may work as a financial analyst, loan officer, or bank manager, assisting clients with financial decisions and managing their accounts. Investment firms offer positions such as portfolio manager or investment banker, where you analyze financial markets and guide clients in making investment choices.

Corporate finance is another key area, with roles like financial manager, where you oversee a company’s financial operations, or risk manager, responsible for identifying and managing financial risks. Additionally, financial planning careers are available, allowing you to work as a financial advisor, helping individuals and businesses plan their financial futures.

Texas also has a significant presence in the energy sector. Many energy companies need finance professionals to manage their financial strategies and investments. Roles in this sector include financial analysts who assess financial data to support decision-making and chief financial officers who oversee the financial health of the company.

Moreover, Texas’s growing technology and healthcare industries create further opportunities. Finance professionals are in demand to support financial operations, strategic planning, and investment decisions in these expanding fields.

In short, a finance degree offers you a wide range of career options in Texas, allowing you to apply your skills in banking, investment, corporate finance, financial planning, energy, technology, and healthcare. The state’s growing economy provides a robust platform for you to build a successful career in finance.

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