If you’re interested in high-paying, in-demand careers such as being a financial manager, loan officer, accountant or financial advisor, a finance degree is a great stepping stone to those roles. But when planning to pursue a degree in this field, it’s important to consider the average completion time for different programs, so you can fit them into your schedule. So, how long does it take to get a finance degree?
The amount of time it takes to complete your degree comes down to many factors, including the type of finance degree you choose. An undergraduate finance program often has a different timetable than a graduate finance program, for example. Other factors that affect how long it takes to graduate include:
- Enrollment status and course load (full or part-time student)
- Transfer credits
- Taking time off
- Course availability
- Financial constraints
- Dual degrees
- Accelerated programs
Explore how long it will take you to complete a finance degree, whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate, master’s or Ph.D.
Typical Timeline for a Bachelor’s in Finance
If you’re still early in your career or changing fields, a bachelor’s in finance can be the perfect stepping stone to the roles you want. So, how long does it take to get a degree in finance if you choose a bachelor’s program?
On average, it takes around four years to complete a bachelor’s degree in finance. These degrees include a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Finance and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance. The four-year timeframe assumes you take a full-time course load for eight consecutive semesters.
If you’re completing a bachelor’s degree in finance part-time, expect it to take longer than four years. Though they take longer, part-time program options may appeal to students who have other obligations, such as a full-time job or caregiving, that make it difficult to take classes full-time.
You may be able to finish a bachelor’s degree in finance in two to three years in an accelerated program. Check coursework and degree requirements, which typically include core courses such as:
- Principles of finance
- Risk management
- Corporate finance
- Financial markets and institutions
- Financial modeling and analysis
- International finance
Master’s in Finance Duration
So, how long does it take to get a master’s in finance? A master’s degree in finance is generally shorter than an undergraduate degree, taking one to two years as a full-time student.
If a full-time, in-person master’s program isn’t a good fit, you have other options. Online, part-time and executive master’s degree programs offer greater flexibility to meet your needs. The Online Master of Science in Finance from William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business, for example, takes 16 months to complete.
Check admissions requirements, which may include a bachelor’s degree, strong GPA, letters of recommendation and possibly GMAT/GRE scores. Within your master’s, you may also have specialization options, such as Investment Banking, Financial Analysis or Risk Management.
What to Expect in a Finance Master’s Program
In a master’s finance program, you can expect core courses in accounting, economics, statistics and investment theory, among others. You will likely also need to complete practical experience, such as an internship or capstone project. Through these courses and hands-on experience, you’ll develop key skills in data analysis, problem-solving and communication.
Doctorate in Finance (Ph.D.) Path
A Ph.D. in Finance may take five years or longer to complete as a full-time student. In this time, Ph.D. candidates complete coursework in advanced finance courses, write original research papers and write and defend a dissertation. Later years of the program typically don’t involve coursework, just working on dissertation research.
Doctorates in finance aren’t common, but they position you well for careers as a professor, quantitative researcher or analyst.
Factors That Influence Program Length
All the degrees listed above may take more or less time to complete, depending on your transfer credits and prior education. You may also need to complete an internship or co-op as part of your graduation requirements. Enrolling full-time will enable you to complete your degree sooner than part-time enrollment.
Tips for Completing Your Finance Degree Faster
If you’re motivated to complete your degree faster than the provided estimates, there are some strategies you can try. For example, you can take summer courses in addition to your course load during the fall and spring semesters. Or, you can enroll in additional online classes that provide more flexibility so you can fit them into your schedule.
Talk to your academic advisors about your desire to complete your degree faster. They can help you map out the most efficient path to graduation and suggest ideas on how to meet your requirements sooner.
Keep in mind that accelerating your degree timeline means increasing your workload over that period. You have to find a balance between how quickly you want to complete your degree and how much extra work you can take so it doesn’t hurt your academic performance. Stay organized, manage your time well and don’t forget to take a break once in a while.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Dream Career in Finance
As a full-time student, expect a bachelor’s degree in finance to take around four years, a master’s to take one to two years and a doctorate to take five years or more. Your timeline for finishing your degree will depend on many factors, including the program you choose, the course load you take and your credit transfers (if any).
If you’re looking for a flexible master’s degree option, consider the Online Master of Science in Finance from William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business. The program only takes 16 months to complete as a full-time student and gives you the quantitative and leadership skills you need to succeed in in-demand finance roles. As an online program, it’s ideal for those working full-time jobs or juggling other responsibilities.
In less than two years, you could be ready to start the next phase of your career, unlocking higher earnings and job satisfaction. Schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor today to get started.