Online associate degree in financial services: learn while you earn

Financial services encompasses a variety of potential careers including accounting, bookkeeping, credit analysis, auditing, and budgeting. Although entry level positions may require a high school diploma, employers are increasingly expecting candidates for jobs in financial services to have an associate degree in financial services or a related field. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects job growth to be about average between 2008 and 2018, job prospects are expected to be good due to retirement and career advancement. Earning an online associate degree in financial services can provide a gateway to professional careers in banking, insurance, lending or auditing.

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Earning an online associate degree in financial services: What you'll learn

Associate degree programs typically require completing approximately 60 semester credits including core courses designed to provide a general background in subjects including math, sciences, and the humanities. You'll also study topics related to a financial services degree program including:

Accounting principles
Banking and lending
Credit analysis
Financial reporting
Bookkeeping
Financial services technology (computer programs and software)
Auditing

Financial services professionals must be proficient in math, detail oriented and good communicators. Working in financial services requires working with financial documents, reports and records, but it may also involve working with the public or clients. Tax preparers, investment analysts and stockbrokers are examples of careers requiring excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Depending which type of financial services career you want to pursue, you may also study subjects including tax law, mortgage and real estate law, and international banking. Earning an associate degree in financial services can teach you more about the wide array of career opportunities available within the spectrum of financial services because of the variety of classes you can take.

If you already work in the field of financial services, enrolling in an online associate financial services degree can help with advancing your career. Online degree programs provide the opportunity to study when and where convenient: an important benefit for balancing family, career and education.

Financial services jobs: A sampling of earning potential

Although top jobs in financial services usually require bachelor's or advanced degrees, earning your associate financial services degree can qualify you for certain jobs. The BLS reports that US accountants and auditors earned a mean annual wage of $32.42 and a mean annual salary of $67,430 as of May 2009. The top paying financial services sectors for accountants and bookkeepers as of May 2009 were:

Accounting, tax prep, bookkeeping and payroll services: $73,920
Management of companies and enterprises: $66,350
Insurance providers: $65,520
Local government: $57,490
State government: $54,040

Clerical and specialist jobs within financial services typically pay less, but gaining work experience and completing your associate degree in financial services or a related field sets the state for showcasing your talents and advancing your career. Contact schools offering associate degree programs in financial services to learn more about enrollment and federal financial aid programs which may include grants, loans, and scholarships.