India is home to a fast-growing financial sector, so earning a finance degree can pay off for several reasons. With a finance degree, you’ll gain valuable skills and knowledge in areas like accounting, economics, and financial analysis. Furthermore, studying finance gives you an edge as many employers look for individuals with knowledge of financial concepts.
While attending in-person classes at a university is one way to get a fiance degree, online finance degrees are increasingly popular with students. Online courses are available from several schools around the world. These programs are flexible and affordable alternatives to conventional university programs. If you’re interested in a financial career, then earning a finance degree online is a good start.
The Benefits of Earning a Finance Degree
There are many benefits to earning a finance degree. First and foremost, it provides you with the skills and knowledge you need for a successful career in the field. These include skills and expertise in accounting, economics, and financial analysis, which are in high demand. Having knowledge of these financial concepts can give you an advantage in today’s competitive job market.
Additionally, earning a finance degree often leads to higher-paying jobs and more career opportunities than some degrees. For instance, Glassdoor says the average annual salary is ₹12,00,000 for a finance manager and ₹12,59,189 for an investment banker in India. And with the growth of the financial sector in India, there are great opportunities for career growth in the field.
Tara Moore/GettyOnline Finance Degrees Are Flexible and Affordable
One of the biggest benefits of earning an online finance degree is the flexibility it offers. With a conventional finance degree, you would be required to attend classes at a university campus. However, with an online program, you can study from anywhere in the world at your convenience.
Secondly, online programs are often more affordable than traditional programs. That’s because there aren’t commuting or campus housing costs and some schools offer scholarships and charge fewer fees for online students. Thirdly, SHIFT says e-learning increases retention rates by 25-60%, compared to face-to-face retention rates of 8-10%.
Additionally, earning an online degree is a greener option. For instance, Knowledge Direct says a study by Britain’s Open University found an online course “consumes an average of 90% less energy and produces 85% fewer CO2 emissions per student than conventional face-to-face courses.”
“A report by KPMG shows that India has the second-largest market for online education, right after the US,” according to The Indian Express. So, Indians are increasingly choosing to embrace advancements in technology and choosing online learning over traditional face-to-face learning.
Top Options for Online Finance Degrees
If you’re interested in pursuing a finance degree, then there are many online options to consider. Here are some of the top online finance degree programs in India and international programs abroad.
- For undergraduate students, there’s the University of London’s online bachelor of science in finance and accounting programs. Colorado State Univerity Global Campus and Penn State World Campus also offer a variety of online undergraduate degrees related to finance.
- For graduate students, some of the online MBA options in India include Manipal University Jaipur and Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Other online options include graduate programs in finance at Duke University, Florida International University, and Penn State World Campus.
- For certificate programs, there’s the Indian Institute of Technology Madras’ digital certificate programs in financial services and banking. And then there’s the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore’s accounting and finance online certificate programs through the edX platform.
Career Opportunities for Finance Graduates
A finance degree can lead to a variety of rewarding careers in the financial sector. Here are some of the career paths for finance graduates.
- Accountants are responsible for recording, classifying, and reporting financial transactions. They must ensure that financial statements are accurate and that companies comply with tax laws. Many accountants perform audits and provide consulting services.
- Financial planners help individuals and families save for retirement, homes, education, and other expenses. They develop investment plans that meet the financial goals and risk tolerances of their clients. Financial planners typically work for banks and insurance companies.
- Investment bankers help companies and organizations raise money by issuing and selling securities. Investment bankers typically work for large banks or securities firms. They must be able to identify good investment opportunities and recommend smart strategies for their clients.
- Financial analysts make recommendations about mergers, acquisitions, stocks, bonds, and corporate expansions. They track market trends and provide advice on how to respond to them. Financial analysts typically work for investment banks or other financial institutions.
- Credit analysts are responsible for assessing the creditworthiness of borrowers and recommending lending terms. They review credit applications and credit reports, looking for signs that a borrower may not be able to repay a loan. Credit analysts typically work for banks.
- Business teachers instruct students in the principles of business administration and management. They may specialize in areas like accounting, marketing, or finance. Business teachers typically work at colleges and universities.
The Bottom Line
Indians who earn finance degrees often enjoy a number of benefits. For instance, they gain valuable skills and knowledge in areas like accounting, economics, and financial analysis. Furthermore, studying finance can lead to higher-paying jobs and greater career opportunities.
While attending in-person classes at a university is one way to get a degree, online finance degrees are increasingly popular with students. Online programs offer more flexibility and affordability than traditional university programs. So, it’s worth considering online programs.