Find your perfect college degree
For students aspiring to pursue a career in investing, the stock market, and related fields, selecting the right degree major is crucial for building a strong academic foundation.
Certain degree majors, such as Finance, Economics, and Accounting, offer comprehensive knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to dealing with the complexities of the financial world. These programs will also equip students with the necessary tools to navigate the dynamic landscape of investment and finance.
12 Types of Investing Careers and Fields
Before discussing the various degree majors that lead to a career in investing, we’ll have to specify the types of jobs related to investing, financing, and related fields. Here are just some of them:
1. Financial Analysts
Financial analysis involves the assessment of stocks, bonds, and other investment performance, with the goal of guiding businesses and individuals in their financial activities. According to the US Labor Statistics Bureau, employment for financial analysts may grow by 8% within the decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
2. Portfolio Managers
They are responsible for the creation and management of investment portfolios for clients, organizations or institutions to achieve specific financial goals.
3. Market Analysts
These professionals conduct research and analysis on financial markets, economic trends, and specific industries to provide insights and predictions that can help investors make informed decisions about their investment strategies and market positions.
4. Investment Bankers
Their responsibilities include raising capital for companies, handling mergers and acquisitions, and offering financial advisory services.
5. Private Equity Professionals
They are engaged in managing and investing in private companies, which usually need to be acquired, restructured, or developed for a profitable exit.
6. Hedge Fund Managers
These financial professionals manage investment funds by employing complex strategies that maximize returns while minimizing risk for their investor clients.
7. Financial Advisors/Planners/Consultants
They guide individuals or businesses on financial planning, including investments, insurance, retirement planning, and tax strategies. The median wage for personal financial advisors, according to the latest data, is $95,390 per year, which more than doubles the $46,310 median annual wage for all occupations. Employment growth for advisors may also increase faster than the industry average of 8% from 2022 to 2032.
8. Risk Managers/Analysts
They manage and assess potential risks associated with financial investments and activities to protect businesses or clients from financial losses.
9. Venture Capitalists
These financial specialists invest in early-stage companies with high growth potential. They typically provide capital and expertise to help these companies grow and succeed.
10. Securities Traders
Security traders use their expertise to make profitable trading decisions in the financial markets when buying and selling financial securities like stocks, bonds, or derivatives on behalf of clients or their firms.
11. Real Estate Investment Professionals
They focus more on the investment and management of real estate properties like residential, commercial, or industrial real estate assets. With the increasing activities in real estate, especially in North America, the global market for asset-backed securities may rise from $2,276.03 billion in 2023 to $2,912.57 billion in 2027, at a compound annual growth rate or CAGR of 6.4% according to the Business Research Company.
12. Commodities Trader
These professionals are involved in the purchase and sale of various commodities like gold, oil, and agricultural products in financial markets to generate profits.
The 15 Best Degree Majors for Investing Careers
1. Finance
A Finance Degree Major focuses on the study of managing money and investments, including understanding the nature of financial systems, making informed investment-related decisions, and analyzing various financial risks. This Major is perhaps one of the most relevant programs that directly relates to a career in investing.
Aspiring investing professionals who enroll in a Finance degree program will gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles of investing, asset valuation, financial markets, and risk management.
They will also gain the skills of, among others, assessing the viability of different investment opportunities and managing financial portfolios effectively. Furthermore, they will also develop proficiency in using financial tools and software to assess investment strategies and make informed decisions.
The core courses in a Finance Major program that are relevant and crucial for investing specialists include:
- Investment Analysis, which covers different investment opportunities, risk assessment, and other factors that influence investment decisions,
- Portfolio Management, which builds students’ skills in creating and maintaining investment portfolios, diversifying assets, and optimizing portfolio performance.
- Financial Markets and Institutions, which explores how financial markets operate, the role of financial institutions, and the impact of market dynamics on investment strategies.
Some of the schools offering a Finance Major program include the University of Texas at Dallas (traditional Bachelor program) and the University of Michigan-Dearborn (hybrid Master program).
2. Economics
An Economics Degree Major, such as the online Bachelor programs offered by Ball State University and Pennsylvania State University, focuses on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It evaluates how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions regarding resource allocation.
The relevance of this degree to aspiring investing professionals is that the curriculum provides them with a comprehensive understanding of the impact of economic factors on investment decisions and allows them to analyze market trends and forecasts.
Students will also build their skills in data analysis and critical thinking, as well as further their understanding of economic theories. Moreover, their proficiency in interpreting economic indicators and using economic models to assess investment opportunities is enhanced.
Here are some of the common core courses under the Economics Major curriculum that are highly relevant to aspiring investing specialists:
- The Financial Economics course provides the foundation for understanding economic principles in the context of financial markets.
- The Macroeconomics course explores the behavior of the economy as a whole and the factors that influence investment strategies.
- The Microeconomics course examines the behavior of individual agents in the economy, including the impact of supply and demand on specific investment sectors.
3. Business Administration
The Business Administration Degree Major explores the management and organization of business operations. Among others, it helps aspiring investing specialists build their financial analysis and strategic planning skills that are essential in the assessment of the financial viability of investment opportunities and the efficient management of resources.
Some of the relevant Business Administration courses that are valuable for an investing career are the following:
- Corporate Finance, which focuses on financial decision-making strategies within corporations
- Strategic Management, which teaches students how to evaluate investment opportunities and maximize returns
- Financial Accounting, which trains students to analyze company financial data and assess investment risks and opportunities
University of Florida and Maryville University are just two of the many institutions offering online-based Bachelor’s in Business Administration degree programs.
4. Accounting
The accounting degree program trains students to record, report, and analyze financial transactions systematically. Accounting is crucial for maintaining financial records and assessing the financial health of organizations.
The relevance of this Major for students aspiring to a career in investing is that they gain the skills necessary to analyze financial data and assess both the financial performance and risks of potential investment targets. Through this degree program, students will also understand the impact of accounting practices on investment decisions.
The relevant Accounting courses that aspiring financial professionals can find beneficial include the following:
- Financial Statement Analysis, which focuses on analyzing financial statements to evaluate the financial health of companies for, among others, making informed investment decisions
- Auditing and Assurance Services, which provides an understanding of auditing principles and practices that will guide students on how to assess the reliability of financial information critical for investment evaluation
- Tax Planning and Strategy, which explores the impact of taxation on investment decisions and equips students with the knowledge to develop tax-efficient investment strategies
Several prestigious universities across the country offer Bachelor’s in Accounting programs, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Arizona State University, and Old Dominion University, all of which offer online or hybrid learning formats.
5. Investment Banking or Management
Degree programs such as Lynn University’s Bachelor in Investment Management or Wisconsin School of Business’s MBA in Corporate Finance & Investment Banking equip students with the skills necessary to analyze market trends, assess investment opportunities, and provide strategic financial advice.
They involve facilitating various financial services for corporations, governments, and other institutions through various transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, underwriting, and securities issuance.
Through these Majors, students also develop their skills in financial modeling, valuation, and deal structuring, as well as gain proficiency in conducting due diligence, assessing risk, and negotiating complex financial transactions.
Some of the valuable courses under this curriculum include the following:
- Corporate Valuation and Financial Strategy, which trains students to assess the value of companies as well as investment opportunities
- Mergers and Acquisitions, which exposes students to the process of corporate mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures and trains them to make strategic decisions and structure deals
- Debt and Equity Markets, which provide students with the capabilities to evaluate capital-raising strategies and to provide sound investment advice to clients
6. Financial Planning
Financial Planning degree programs, such as the Bachelor of Science program offered by Florida State University online, teach students the strategies for setting and achieving financial goals through effective management of resources and investments.
Covering a variety of aspects like retirement planning, budgeting, and risk management, graduates of these programs can work with individuals or family clients as well as companies and organizations.
Those who want a career in investing and are enrolled in a Financial Planning major can gain proficiency in assessing risk tolerance, developing investment portfolios, and providing personalized financial advice.
Various courses in the program are relevant to investing careers.
- The Retirement and Estate Planning course builds a solid foundation of the concepts necessary for offering comprehensive investment advice to clients related to estate and post-employment life.
- The Taxation and Wealth Management course equips students with the knowledge to develop tax-efficient investment strategies for clients.
- The Risk Management and Insurance Planning course equips students with the ability to help clients mitigate financial risks and protect their assets through appropriate investment choices.
7. Mathematics (with a focus on finance or statistics)
It may sound unlikely for many individuals, but a Mathematics Degree Major is highly relevant for those aspiring to pursue a career in the investing field due to its emphasis on developing strong analytical and quantitative skills.
A Mathematics program, especially one with a focus on finance or statistics, equips students with various skills necessary for a successful career in the investing field, including the utilization of mathematical tools and techniques to accurately and efficiently perform the following tasks:
- Comprehension of complex financial models
- Analysis of market trends
- Interpretation of large sets of financial data
- Assessment of investment risks
- Development of predictive models
- Optimization of investment strategies
In essence, financial specialists with a background in mathematics can make well-informed financial decisions based on accurate data and statistics.
Some of the relevant Mathematics degree courses for aspiring financial specialists include the following:
- Financial Mathematics equips students with the quantitative analysis skills necessary for their careers in the investment field.
- Time Series Analysis provides the foundation for evaluating historical financial data and forecasting future market trends for investment decision-making.
- Stochastic Calculus provides the techniques for assessing and managing investment risks in dynamic market environments.
University of Massachusetts Lowell is one of the schools offering a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a Statistics Concentration degree program in an online learning format.
8. Statistics and Data Science
A Statistics and Data Science degree major focuses on the application of statistical methods and data analysis techniques to interpret complex data sets with the goal of gaining insights into patterns, trends, and correlations.
This major is relevant for aspiring investment professionals as it equips them with the skills needed to analyze large sets of financial data, assess market trends, and make data-driven investment decisions that will eventually help maximize returns and minimize risks.
Some of the relevant investment-related courses in a Statistics Major curriculum include the following:
- Quantitative Risk Management, which helps students develop effective risk management strategies in the investment field using statistical methods
- Data Mining and Machine Learning provide the techniques for extracting valuable insights and patterns for well-informed investment decisions.
- Time Series Analysis, which equips students with the ability to analyze time-dependent financial data to forecast market trends and make sound investment decisions based on historical data
When opting for a Statistics and Data Science degree program, consider one that offers specialization in finance or related fields, such as the on-campus Bachelor in Data Science with Econometrics Concentration degree program of Florida Polytechnic University.
9. Actuarial Science
Actuarial science is the use of statistical and mathematical methods to evaluate the risk in pension, insurance, investment, finance, and other industries.
A major in actuarial science, such as the online Bachelor programs offered by Walsh University and Indiana University, equips students with the skills necessary to assess and manage financial risks, analyze investment opportunities, and develop strategies to mitigate risks in investment portfolios.
By attending an Actuarial Science degree program, students can develop skills in assessing risks and modeling probabilities, as well as proficiently utilize actuarial tools and techniques to evaluate investment risks and optimize returns.
There are various courses in an Actuarial Science curriculum that are highly beneficial to students aspiring to be investing professionals.
- The Risk Theory and Credibility Analysis course, which is often delivered as two courses, provides concepts that are essential for assessing and managing financial risks in investment portfolios.
- The Financial and Insurance Mathematics course trains students to apply mathematical methods to financial and insurance-related problems for investment risk assessment and management purposes.
10. Risk Management
A Risk Management degree, such as the online Bachelor’s program offered by Grand Canyon University, equips students with the capability to identify, evaluate and manage potential risks in finance, business and personal assets, among other fields, in order to protect investments.
A variety of courses under the Risk Management Major curriculum are beneficial for aspiring investment specialists, including the following:
- Financial Risk Management focuses on identifying and managing financial risks in investment portfolios.
- Property and Casualty Insurance Principles relate to the assessment and management of risks related to property and liability exposures in investment portfolios.
- Enterprise Risk Management covers approaches to integrated risk management for identifying and managing risks across various fields.
The Risk Management degree is one of the majors that directly relate to the investing careers. It’s also often offered as a specialization under a Business Administration degree program.
11. Quantitative Finance
Quantitative Finance involves the application of mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial markets, assess risks, and develop investment strategies.
A major in Quantitative Finance, like the online degree programs offered by Stevens Institute of Technology and James Madison University, provides students with valuable skills in financial modeling, data analysis, and quantitative analysis techniques. They gain proficiency in using mathematical models and programming languages to further their careers in the investing field.
Some of the Qualitative Finance Major courses that will prove highly valuable for aspiring investing professionals include the following:
- Financial Derivatives and Risk Management provides students with the tools and competencies to assess and manage derivative-based investment risks.
- The Algorithmic Trading and High-Frequency Finance course offers training in the creation and implementation of algorithmic trading models and strategies in the investment field.
- Computational Methods in Finance allows students to apply advanced mathematical methods to assess financial data and develop investment strategies.
12. International Finance
A degree program in International Finance Major involves the study of financial systems, markets, and institutions on a global scale. It is highly relevant to students aspiring to be investing professionals because the curriculum covers global financial trends, exchange rate mechanisms, and cross-border investment opportunities.
In essence, the degree program trains students to become proficient in assessing international investment risks, developing global investment strategies, evaluating the impact of geopolitical factors on investment decisions, and understanding the complexities of international financial markets.
Some of the International Finance courses that aspiring investing specialists can benefit from include:
- Global Financial Markets and Institutions, which provides students with valuable insights into the structure and operations of financial markets and organizations across the world
- International Trade and Finance, which equips students with the capabilities to assess the impact of international trade policies on investment strategies and financial markets
- Currency and Foreign Exchange Markets, which trains students to assess currency risks and develop strategies for hedging against foreign exchange fluctuations in international investments
Colleges and universities often offer international Finance as a specialization or a minor to a Finance or Business Administration degree. Atlantic International University is one of the schools offering International Finance as a major degree.
13. Financial Engineering
The field of Financial Engineering combines mathematics, statistics, computer science and information technology to find solutions to problems in finance and to create systems and strategies that meet specific investment objectives.
It’s definitely a highly relevant Major for students aspiring to be investing specialists, as the curriculum provides them with the skills necessary to develop and implement advanced financial models, assess investment risks, and optimize investment portfolios using quantitative and computational techniques.
They also gain proficiency in using mathematical models and computational tools to design complex investment products and develop innovative investment strategies.
The relevant courses in a Financial Engineering curriculum include:
- Data Analytics in Economics, which equips students with the skills to analyze economic data sets for interpreting trends and making data-driven forecasts.
- Engineering & Economic Financial Management, which provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the engineering and economic principles so that they can develop and implement effective financial management techniques for investment portfolios
Some of the schools offering Financial Engineering degree programs include Montana State University (Bachelor’s), New York University (Accelerated B.S./M.S.), and University of Illinois (Master’s).
14. Business Analytics
Business Analytics degree programs train students to interpret complex business data with the use of data analysis and statistical techniques in order to make data-driven decisions and strategic plans within organizations.
Aspiring investing professionals will find this Major beneficial, as it builds and develops the skills to analyze financial data and assess market trends with the goal of optimizing investment strategies and maximizing returns on investments.
Moreover, a Business Analytics curriculum has the following business finance courses:
- Financial Data Analysis equips students with the tools and techniques to analyze financial data sets and extract meaningful insights for investment analysis.
- Portfolio Management provides students with the principles and techniques of managing investment portfolios, including risk assessment and asset allocation strategies.
- Strategic Investment Decisions teaches students how to apply data-driven approaches and analytical tools to make strategic judgments on investment activities.
Grand Canyon University is just one of the schools offering an online Bachelor in Business Analytics degree program. As a bonus tip, consider opting for a Business Analytics major program that offers specialization in Finance or Economics.
15. Applied Economics
Applied Economics is the study of economic principles and theories and their applications to real-world economic issues and policy analysis in various sectors, including finance and investment.
A degree majoring in applied economics is relevant for those who want a career in investing because the curriculum covers the analysis of economic trends and market dynamics as they relate to investment opportunities.
In addition, students will also gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of macroeconomic and microeconomic factors on investment decisions and financial market trends.
Some of the relevant Applied Economics courses are the following:
- Financial Econometric Methods provides students with the tools required to conduct empirical research in finance.
- Economic Forecasting trains students to effectively use analytical software and data to make informed investment choices based on comprehensive economic analysis.
- Applied Microeconomics trains students to make informed investment decisions based on their comprehensive understanding of how microeconomic factors influence real-world market dynamics.
The schools offering Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics include Texas A&M University (both online and on-campus) and the University of Minnesota (on-campus only).
Why Consider a Career in Investing
There are several reasons to opt for a career in investing, including the following:
- Has the potential for high earnings, especially if you excel in the field and make well-informed investment decisions.
- It provides intellectual stimulation, as the career requires continuous learning, analysis, and strategic thinking.
- Offers career growth opportunities, considering that successful investors take on more significant responsibilities in higher positions.
- Provides an opportunity for entrepreneurship, as investing professionals can start their investment firms or companies, which leads to promising career growth opportunities.
- Operates in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, which means the career offers an exciting and ever-evolving work atmosphere that can be appealing if you thrive under pressure and enjoy challenges.
- It involves helping individuals and organizations achieve their financial goals, whether it’s saving for retirement, funding a project, or expanding their operations.
- Contributes to economic growth by helping companies and industries with their financial progress and development through sound strategic investment planning and implementation.
If these factors appeal to you, then consider a career in investing.
Key Takeaway
Selecting the appropriate college major is critical for a successful future in investing and the stock market. These majors provide you with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various finance and investment roles, setting you on the path to a rewarding career.
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