• Education Prerequisites: Some online finance certificate programs only require a high school diploma or GED for admittance, while others also require that individuals have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a related field.
• Professional Prerequisites: Online graduate certificate programs typically require that students gain some experience in the fields of accounting or finance prior to applying. Undergraduate certificates, however, do not usually have professional requirements.
• Average Program Length: 6 months -1 year (full time); 2 years (part time)

Online finance certificate programs are designed for those who want to find a position in the field of financial reporting, analysis, or planning. They are often geared towards students who already work in finance, but want to advance into higher positions. In general, these programs are usually shorter than finance degree programs and focus only on core content classes, rather than a wide range of academics. As all course work is submitted online, students have the opportunity to complete class work without interrupting their personal schedules.

Completing an Online Certificate Program in Finance

Students who wish to pursue a certificate in financial have two options: the online undergraduate certificate and the online graduate certificate. Designed for students who have no finance experience, the undergraduate finance certificate teaches students the basics of finance and prepares them to establish entry-level careers within the field. The graduate finance certificate, on the other hand, is for students who already have some finance education and experience. It teaches students advance finance skills to help them advance their careers into higher-level positions, like management or financial analysis.

Regardless of the certificate level chosen by the student, the accredited online finance certificate program should train students to prepare and analyze financial statements and documents and assist with developing an organization’s budget. Students should also take course work in investment and cost allocation. The best online certificate programs will contain instruction on auditing and taxes, as well. When enrolled in online programs, the course work for all of these classes will be submitted through an online portal and communication between student and professor will take place over chat or email clients.

Many certificate programs give students the opportunity to specialize in an area of finance that interests them. Some concentrations offered by universities include nonprofit finance, corporate finance, and investment management. Students can also take electives over topics that will be relevant for their future careers, such as behavioral finance or wealth management. Students will likely gain knowledge about risk management as well. Internships are not generally required as part of the online finance certificate; however, gaining experience within the field can improve job prospects. Students therefore may want to consider seeking out an internship or part-time job within the field prior to graduating from the certificate program.

What Your Online Certificate in Finance Can Do for You

After graduating from online college certificate programs in finance, students may have a wide range of financial careers open to them. Their specialized knowledge in financial analysis, budgeting, and risk management makes them valuable assets for corporate, nonprofit, and even government positions. Those who already hold positions in finance can use certificate programs to help keep their knowledge current as well as assist them with promotions. Potential positions include financial analysts, financial examiners, financial managers, and financial advisors.

Salary will vary greatly by job title. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that financial analysts, who guide businesses to make decisions about spending and investing, earn a median annual salary of $74,350, while financial examiners, who keep up-to-date on financial laws and risks, earn only a little more, with a median annual salary of $74,940. The BLS also reports that financial managers earn a median annual salary of $103,910, while financial advisors can earn around $64,750 annually. However, keep in mind that individual salaries will vary.

Online Certificate Programs by School

	Herzing University - Herzing's online certificate program offers the flexibility, personalization, and support you need to succeed in today's ever-changing job market. Discover Herzing's hands-on coursework, experienced faculty, and student-first approach which sets them apart from other online universities.
	Ultimate Medical Academy - Get personalized attention with UMA. One-on-one tutoring, pre-interview coaching, job search assistance, alumni services—they’re all included in Ultimate Medical Academy’s competitively priced tuition. As a nationally accredited school, we provide quality career training online and at our two campuses in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Let’s talk about your needs, your career goals and how UMA can help you succeed. Gainful employment information can be found at ultimatemedical.edu/gainful-employment.pdf and includes information on tuition, loan debt, completion, placement and occupations.
	Penn Foster Career School - Penn Foster Career School offers over 85 online career diploma and certificate programs that can help students prepare for a career path in some of today’s fastest growing fields. If you are looking for training in allied health, business, education, or the trades, then Penn Foster Career School is a great choice. Penn Foster Career School is regionally accredited by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.