Online Financial Planning Degree Programs

An online financial planning degree prepares graduates to take up positions that help people and businesses map out their financial future.

Financial planning is the process of determining how a business entity can afford to achieve its strategic goals and objectives. This is done using financial plans and tools as well as financial expertise. The work of a financial planner can be both personally and fiscally rewarding. Most employment openings in this sector require individuals to have excellent interpersonal skills, and an in-depth knowledge of investments, estate issues, and taxes. If you are interested in a career that involves the buying and selling of bonds, insurance policies, and stocks, or the giving of specific kinds of investment advice, various licenses would be needed dependent upon the products that are offered. State licensing regulations vary depending upon location, the latest information is available from the NASAA (North American Securities Administrator Association).

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Online Accounting Degree & Finance Degree Programs

University of Phoenix

• BS in Business/Finance
• AA in Accounting
• BS in Accounting
• BS in Business/Accounting
• MBA - Accounting
• MS in Accountancy

Capella University

• MBA - Accounting
• MBA - Finance

• AA: Accounting
• BS: Accounting
• Diploma: Accounting
• Executive Graduate Certificate in Accounting
• Executive Graduate Certificate in Information Systems
• MBA: Accounting
• MS: Accounting: Accounting Information Systems
• MS: Accounting: Controllership
• MS: Accounting: CPA Preparation
• Undergrad Certificate: Accounting: Advanced
• Undergrad Certificate: Accounting: Introductory
• BBA: Banking
• BBA: Finance
• MBA: Finance

College for Financial Planning

• Master of Science in Finance
• Master of Science in Finance - Financial Analysis
• Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning

• Accounting, AA (Online)
• Accounting, BA (Online)
• Professional Accounting, BA (Online)

• AS of Accounting - Computer Information Systems
• AS of Accounting - Management
• AS of Business - Accounting
• Bachelor of Business - Accounting
• MBA - Accounting

• Associate of Science in Accounting

• AS - Accounting Specialist
• BS - Private Sector Accounting

• Bachelor's - Business Administration - Finance
• Graduate Certificate - Financial Analysis
• Master's - Accounting and Financial Management

American InterContinental University and American InterContinental University Online

• Bachelor's of Business Administration - Accounting & Finance
• MBA - Accounting and Finance
• MBA - Finance

Kaplan University

• BS in Business Administration / Corporate Finance
• MBA / Finance

• BS in Finance and Economics
• MBA with Emphasis in Finance

Colorado Technical University and Colorado Technical University Online

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Finance
• Master of Business Administration - Finance

• BBA in Corporate Finance
• MBA in Finance

Accounting Programs in Canada (Diploma Programs)

Reeves College

Department Business

• Accounting and Payroll Administrator
• Accounting Technician

CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care

School of Business

• Business Accounting Technician
• Accounting & Payroll Administration
• Business Administration (BA)

Vancouver Career College

Department of Business

• Accounting and Payroll Administrator (APA)
• Business Administration / E-Commerce Management (BAE)
• Business Administration Management (BAM)

Financial Planning Education and Training

A financial planning advisor should hold at the minimum a bachelors degree, though the most rewarding positions are available to professionals who have also earned a master's qualification in a related field. A focus on analytical, statistical, and math skills would usually be required in the financial planning degree .

Though not every employer would expect applicants to hold a dedicated degree, it is essential to at least have achieved a qualification in a related field that helps to prepare for the occupation. There are now various programs available in financial planning that can be taken up at community colleges, universities, and through the online medium.

The financial planning degree course would not only impart information relating to the use of investment vehicles, it should also prepare students with skills that allow them to be understood by a range of personal and corporate clients. Understand the different type of investors, and knowing how to tailor the advice that is given is essential. The use of easy to understand terminology to help present concepts is important.

Financial Planning Careers

Upon the completion of the financial planning degree program, an individual would be well placed to take up a position in the insurance and finance industries such as securities and commodity brokers, insurance carriers, banks, and investment firms.

The number of openings for graduates from this type of degree course is expected to grow by thirty per cent in the period from 2008 to 2018. This is faster than in other sectors and is in part due to the increase in the number of retirees in the country. More people will be looking to their personal investments to help ensure financial security upon reaching retirement age.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

As of May 2008, there were more than two hundred thousand people employed as personal financial advisers in the US. There are currently opportunities available in all states, though the greatest demand is in Florida, California, and New York. Around a third of finance advisers were self employed, operating in small advisory firms.

The competition for the best paid jobs for those with a financial planning degree will be intense, therefore holding a higher qualification would help to guarantee a rewarding career. The median salary as of May 2008 stood at $69,000, with the middle fifty per cent earning between $45,390 and $118,200. There is also the possibility of receiving large bonuses depending upon the type of employer. Advisers can receive desirable commission rates for the products they sell, on top of their fee.