Accelerated Business Degrees in the Finance Industry

Did you know that the United States has the world’s largest capital markets? Indeed, it’s a major driver in the global financial services industry.

In its home turf, the U.S. finance industry represented 8.3% of its gross domestic product (GDP). In 2020, it was equal to $1.7 trillion. Banking, asset management, venture capital, insurance, and private equity are its key sectors.

The finance industry is also among the country’s largest employers. More than 8.4 million Americans are employed in it (2024).

The need for skilled professionals in Finance is also on the rise. The projected growth in the business and financial occupations is faster than average. Their median annual wage was $80,920 (May 2024).

But getting ahead in the finance industry without formal education isn’t easy. Formal credentials and technical skills matter in the ultra-competitive industry.

For this reason, you should consider accelerated business degrees in finance. Think of them as your fastest route to career advancement.

Here, we’ll explore the best fast-track business degree finance options for professionals. We’ll focus on three key takeaways: speed, return on investment, and relevance.

Related:

What Are Accelerated Business Degrees?

The main characteristics of accelerated business degrees in finance are:

A compressed timeline that shortens the time-to-completion.

You can earn a bachelor’s degree in 2-3 years or a master’s degree in 12-18 months only.

Year-round courses

You’ll attend courses the entire academic year (i.e., no traditional breaks). The intensive courses, combined with their fast-paced nature, are a challenge. Effective time management strategies and study skills are vital for your success.

Online and hybrid options

You’ll enjoy the flexibility and convenience that online and hybrid programs provide. Online business degrees for finance professionals

accommodate busy schedules. Evening and weekend classes are also available, especially in hybrid programs.

On another note, business degrees suitable for the finance industry include:

Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA)
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
Accelerated MBA with a Finance Specialization
Master of Finance

Many programs offer a finance specialization, so consider them.

Here’s a comparison table between accelerated and traditional business degrees for reference:

Features	Traditional Degree Programs	Accelerated Degree Programs
Time-to-completion	4 years (undergraduate: 2 years (graduate)	– 2-3 years (undergraduate) – 12-18 months (graduate)
Format Options	Mostly on-campus	– Available in online and hybrid options – Evening and weekend classes are also offered
Course Load	Spread out over the academic year, with breaks.	Fast-paced, intensive, and continuous courses
Cost Efficiency	Higher total cost due to longer duration	Lower total cost due to faster time-to-degree
Learning Style	Focused, self-motivated, and self-paced	Traditional classroom experience
Target Audience	First-time college students	– Working professionals – Career changers – Fast-track students

Why Accelerated Business Degrees Are Ideal for Finance Professionals

In an ultra-competitive job market, finance industry business degrees offer excellent value.

Speed to Market

You can earn your undergraduate business degree in 12-18 months instead of 2-3 years. This way, you’ll get a head start over your peers.

Then, you’ll love the immediate classroom-to-work applications. Hands-on projects and case studies make it possible. You can showcase your newfound skills in your work.

Career Flexibility

Accelerated business programs prepare graduates for roles in:

Investment banking
Corporate finance
Financial analysis
Financial technology (fintech)

You can become a financial analyst, risk manager, CFO assistant, or investment advisor.

Networking Opportunities

You’ll have access to alumni networks, online finance forums, and internship pipelines. The more supportive your network, the more likely your career success, too.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Accelerated business degrees in finance offered by nonprofit colleges offer good returns, too.

Lower cost of attendance: Nonprofit and public colleges usually have lower tuition and fees than for-profit colleges. The shorter time-to-completion also lowers costs.
Earlier opportunities for promotions: There’s no need to wait for four years to be in line for promotions. The earlier you earn your degree, the faster you’ll be in line.
Higher earning potential: The higher the level of education, the higher the median weekly salary (BLS Education Pays). Financial analysts with a bachelor’s degree earn $101,910/year, on average.

Note that the average cost for an undergraduate business degree is $15,000 -$50,000 per year. For an MBA, it’s $50,000-$100,000 per year.

So, in a cost-and-benefit analysis, earning a business degree pays and pays well.

Core Curriculum in Accelerated Business Degrees Focused on Finance

Traditional and accelerated business degree curricula are usually the same. Their main difference is the intensive, fast-paced, and condensed nature of accelerated programs.

Foundational Business Knowledge

Students in accelerated programs gain foundational business knowledge in these key areas:

Accounting
Economics
Management
Business law

You’ll gain a well-rounded business and finance perspective afterward.

Finance-Specific Coursework

Then, you’ll tackle finance-specific courses that cover:

Financial modeling
Investment analysis
Risk management
Corporate finance
Fintech fundamentals

Simulations, case studies, and use of fintech tools are common.

Capstone Projects or Internships

Many programs featuring accelerated MBA for finance professionals also have capstone projects or internship requirements. You’ll learn about real-world finance problems and their sustainable solutions. These culminating requirements are usually done with partner organizations and financial institutions.

Best Online and Nonprofit Schools Offering Accelerated Business Degrees in Finance

Western Governors University

If you’re looking for the best accelerated finance programs, look to WGU first. WGU embraces a competency-based model that allows students to progress at their own pace.

The online BS in Business Management program can be completed in 19 months. Students complete 36 projects and a capstone project.
The online Bachelor of Science in Finance has a 24-month time-to-completion. The 40 courses include Financial Statement Analysis, Corporate Finance, and Financial Management.

Southern New Hampshire University

Choosing nonprofit colleges business degrees allows finance professionals to enjoy excellent returns. This applies to SNHU’s online MBA with a Finance Concentration. The program has 10 courses, including Corporate Financial Management.

University of the People

UoPeople, a nonprofit college, offers tuition-free accelerated programs. Look to UoPeople’s online BSBA if you’re seeking a quality business degree for finance careers.

There are no live lectures, and you can pay as you go. There’s no tuition, but there’s a $140/course assessment fee. You can earn the 120-credit BSBA degree in less than 2.5 years. Earn a Certificate in Finance along with the degree, too.

Bellevue University

Bellevue makes it to the list of colleges offering affordable accelerated business degrees. Students pay $449/credit hour and apply for financial aid to reduce their costs.

Its BSBA program allows students to transition into its MBA and Master’s in Finance programs. Choose either the Finance or Financial Counseling emphasis in the BSBA program.

Purdue Global

Consider Purdue Global’s accelerated online MBA in finance program. The ExcelTrack Online MBA program features affordable tuition, self-paced study, and quality instruction. Select the finance concentration if you’re a finance professional.

Purdue Global is known for its Affordable online options with flexible scheduling.

Career Outcomes and Salary Expectations

Earning an accelerated business degree as a finance professional opens career advancement opportunities. Consider these leadership roles and their average salaries.

Financial analysts earn between $70,000 and $90,000 per year
Investment banking associates rake in over $100,000 per year
Corporate finance managers take between $90,000 and $120,000 per year

The higher your degree level, the more competitive you can be for promotions. Of course, your work ethic and performance also affect your chances.

Challenges and Considerations

Earning an accelerated business degree has its rewards. But you can’t enjoy these rewards without overcoming the challenges that come with it.

Intensive Pace and Workload

Being a fast learner, a critical thinker, and a problem-solver is a must.

Balancing Work and Study

Juggling work, family, and academic responsibilities isn’t easy. You may have to sacrifice one for the other. But it’s also possible to meet your obligations through time management.

Accreditation Check

Always check for the college’s regional accreditation (e.g., NECHE, HLC). Then, consider programmatic accreditation (e.g., AACSB or ACBSP).

Financial Aid Availability

Tuition and fees aren’t your only costs. You must also consider your indirect costs. For this reason, always consider the availability of financial aid.

How to Choose the Right Accelerated Business Degree for Finance

Only consider colleges and programs with regional and programmatic accreditations.
Choose a program that offers maximum flexibility, accessibility, and convenience. Online programs are the best for this purpose. Consider hybrid programs with evening and weekend classes, too.
Look at the cost of attendance. Explore your financial aid options. Determine if you can afford it with financial aid.
Consider the alumni outcomes, as these are measures of performance. Ask about placement rates in the finance industry.
Look for specializations in finance. A business degree with a finance emphasis is a competitive edge.

Conclusion

Accelerated business degrees in finance offer speed of completion, high return on investment, and significant career impact. Yes, you’ll face challenges in earning one, but the rewards are worth it. So, explore your options in affordable and accredited programs offered by nonprofit colleges today.

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