Online Classes in Finance

Finance could be defined as the management of monetary resources of a person or entity. It is a challenging field that has application in various business sectors. With increasing complexity of financial products in the market, the demand for finance personnel is likely to expand in the future. These days, an increasing number of online classes are offered by various universities. The online nature of these courses provides the convenience of avoiding cost and time of travel to classes. It also provides a flexible learning environment to professionals who may continue to work at the same time.

Online finance classes cover areas ranging from basic principles of finance to complex financial theories and models used in making financial decisions. These are offered as stand-alone classes or as part of a bachelor's or master's degree program. Individuals could take online finance classes in order to advance professionally, or simply to keep themselves updated in their careers. The classes cover areas such as corporate finance, real estate investment, and business finance. Master's degree level finance courses may include Corporate Finance and Project Budget and Finance. For bachelor's degree, courses may include the following:

• Personal Financial Planning
• Business Finance
• Financial Management of Small Business
• Financial Management of Not-for-Profit Organizations
• Finance for Decision Making
• Working Capital Management
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Corporate Risk Management
• Portfolio Management
• Real Estate Investment

Apart from degree programs in finance, a number of free online finance classes are also offered. These programs don't offer a degree, but could be of help to professionals seeking to sharpen their knowledge of finance. These classes cover topics such as financial markets, accounting, borrowing equity, and investment risk. To suit the needs of professionals working in finance, they may also teach the application of financial concepts in the practical world.

Career Prospects
Those who pursue an online degree in finance may have diverse career opportunities in various industries including the corporate sector, non-profit, and government organizations. Professions typical in the field of finance include the following:

Financial Manager
Financial managers typically look after the financial position of an organization. They perform the task of producing financial reports, supervising investment activities, and developing strategies to achieve long term financial goals of an organization. The minimum education level required to pursue a profession as financial manager is usually a bachelor's degree in finance or equivalent. However, these days, employers may seek candidates with a master's degree. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage of financial managers was $103,910 in 2010.

Financial Analyst
These professionals evaluate investment projects in order to determine profitable investment opportunities that may be available. Usually a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or equivalent is required for entry level positions in this field. However, for advanced level positions, a master's degree may be required. According to the BLS, the median annual wage of financial analysts was $74,350 in May 2010.

Personal Financial Advisor
These individuals provide financial advice to people. They provide assistance in areas such as taxes, insurance, and investments. According to the BLS, the median annual salary of personal financial advisors was $64,750 in May 2010.