Whether you’re looking for work on Wall Street or just a finance career that will make you rich, a specialized graduate degree from one of the top 15 master’s in finance degree programs can help you on your journey.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Topping our list of the 15 best master’s in finance degree programs in the United States is the University of Pennsylvania. The private Ivy League institution was established in Philadelphia in 1740 by Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. With a student to faculty ratio of just six to one, more than two-thirds of classes offered at the University of Pennsylvania have fewer than 20 students enrolled. An overwhelming 98 percent of students who begin their college education at the University of Pennsylvania stay there for the duration of their undergraduate studies. At the undergraduate level, the University of Pennsylvania meets 100 percent of student financial need without loans. This financial aid policy makes the school’s nearly $50,000 undergraduate tuition rate surprisingly affordable and allows many students to graduate debt-free. U.S. News & World Report 8^th among the best colleges for veterans, 9^th among national universities and 11^th among the nation’s best value schools.

The University of Pennsylvania is home to the best graduate program in finance in America, according to U.S. News & World Report. It also has the honor of being ranked the best undergraduate program and the 4^th best graduate business school in the nation. USA Today also ranked the school at the top of its list of the best colleges for majoring in finance, noting that its graduates earn an average starting salary of $61,000 and an average mid-career salary of $132,000 – the highest mid-career average of all top business schools. The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1881, has the distinction of being the first collegiate business school in the world. University of Pennsylvania graduate students with an interest in finance pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a major in finance. Their coursework includes required classes in Corporate Finance and Macroeconomics and the Global Economic Environment as well as upper-level finance electives such as investment management, financial derivatives and behavioral finance.

Business College: The Wharton School

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Enrollment: 1,715 students

Tuition: $64,920

2. University of Chicago

Since its founding in 1890, the University of Chicago has cultivated a reputation for excellence in both academics and research. The 5,860 undergraduate students enrolled in the College at the University of Chicago must fulfill a rigorous required core of general education classes as they pursue one of 49 majors. The 9,866 graduate and professional students enrolled at the University of Chicago are spread across six professional schools and five academic divisions in subjects like law, medicine, humanities, biological sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, molecular engineering, public policy and business. At the undergraduate level, the University of Chicago meets 100 percent of demonstrated student financial need, and the school also offers financial assistance to students in its master’s and doctoral programs through merit-based and need-based aid. U.S. News & World Report ranked the university tied for 4^th place among national universities and the best colleges for veterans, as well as 15^th among the best value schools in America.

Not only does the University of Chicago host the second best master’s degree program in finance in the country, but its business college, the Booth School of Business, is tied for second place on U.S. News & World Report’s college rankings lists. At the master’s degree level, Chicago Booth students earn an MBA with one of 13 concentrations, including finance and analytic finance. Chicago Booth’s MBA program is known for its flexibility, with only one required course, Leadership Effectiveness and Development. Each student will take a foundational course of their choice in the subjects of financial accounting, microeconomics and statistics. To develop a breadth of business knowledge, students choose from several course options in subject areas like finance, marketing, operations, management and business environments. The Booth School of Business also offers a Ph.D. program in finance, which combines business studies with coursework in the Department of Economics. Ph.D. in Finance students study the behavior patterns of stocks and bonds prices, investment decisions, corporate governance and financial institution management.

Business College: Booth School of Business

Location: Chicago, IL

Enrollment: 2,509 students

Tuition: $63,980 

3. New York University

Since its founding in 1831, New York University has educated 470,000 alumni spread across more than 180 nations around the world. Today, there are 44,000 students enrolled in New York University’s 17 divisions, making NYU the country’s largest private university. The school has a 93 percent retention rate, which means the vast majority of freshmen stay at NYU for the duration of their undergraduate studies, and 84 percent of NYU students graduate within six years. Students at New York University enjoy small class sizes, with a student to faculty ratio of just 10 to one and fewer than 20 students in most classes. More than half of NYU undergraduate students receive some form of need-based financial aid from the institution, with an average award amount of $24,246. U.S. News & World Report has ranked NYU highly on lists such as National Universities, Best Colleges for Veterans, High School Counselor Rankings and Most Innovative Schools.

The Stern School of Business offers both a Master of Science in Global Finance and an MBA program that includes the option to specialize in finance. The M.S. in Global Finance degree program is offered in conjunction with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and includes required international travel experiences. The full-time MBA program requires students to complete 60 credits, but they have plenty of flexibility to customize their education, since more than half of these credits are elective courses. Possible MBA specializations at NYU include finance, corporate finance, financial instruments and markets, financial systems and analytics and technology-enabled finance practices (FinTech). The Stern School of Business’s MBA program is one of the most selective in the country. NYU also offers a Mathematics in Finance degree option through its Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences. U.S. News & World Report ranked NYU’s graduate finance programs third in the nation and the Stern School of Business among the top 20 business schools in America.

Business College: Leonard N. Stern School of Business

Location: New York, NY

Enrollment: 2,339 students

Tuition: $63,720 

4. Stanford University

Stanford University is currently celebrating its 125^th anniversary, having opened in 1891. The private institution is home to a large campus, where 700 major buildings and 97 percent of the undergraduate student population reside on 8,180 acres of land. Despite the campus size, students can expect small class sizes and personalized attention, with a student to faculty ratio of just four to one. As a prominent research university, Stanford’s research budget is $1.22 billion annually. The university encompasses seven schools in the academic subjects of medicine, law, engineering, education, earth sciences, humanities and sciences and, of course, business. Stanford University follows a quarter-based, rather than a semester-based, academic calendar. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Stanford University highly in many categories, including naming the school as:

• 2^nd among the Most Innovative Schools
• Tied for 3^rd among High School Counselor Rankings
• 4^th among Best Value Schools
• Tied for 4^th among National Universities
• Tied for 4^th among Best Colleges for Veterans

The Stanford Graduate School of Business was established in 1925. Graduate students interested in business and finance have options when they choose Stanford for their education. The Stanford MBA program provides general management knowledge but also encourages students to pursue a personalized education plan, using elective courses to study a specific aspect of business – like finance – in-depth. In 2014, Stanford University also introduced a multidisciplinary Master of Science in Mathematical and Computational Finance degree option. This program replaces the M.S. in Financial Mathematics program formerly offered by the School of Humanities & Sciences. The new program covers coursework such as statistics, applied and computational mathematics and financial applications. Stanford University also offers a Ph.D. in Finance degree program for students whose goals are more academically-oriented rather than industry-oriented. Not only does U.S. News & World Report recognize Stanford University’s graduate finance program as 4^th in the nation, but it has also ranked the Stanford Graduate School of Business as tied for the 2^nd best business school.

Business College: The Stanford Graduate School of Business

Location: Stanford, CA

Enrollment: 824 students

Tuition: $64,050

5. Columbia University

With a history of more than 250 years of academic excellence, it’s no wonder Columbia University rounds out the top five graduate finance degree programs in the U.S. When the school was founded in 1754, it was called King’s College, having been established by royal charter of King George II. The school closed briefly during the American Revolution and adopted its current name when it reopened in 1784. Columbia University’s long history makes it the oldest college in New York and the fifth oldest across the nation. U.S. News & World Report ranked Columbia University tied for 3^rd place on its High School Counselor Rankings list, tied for 4^th on its National Universities list and its Best Colleges for Veterans list and 6^th place on its Best Value Schools list. The college is known for small class sizes even at the undergraduate level, where the student to faculty ratio is six to one and more than 80 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students.

Columbia University offers a couple of different academic options for graduate students interested in finance. The Master of Science in Financial Economics (MSFE) degree program is offered by Columbia Business School’s Finance and Economics Division and provides students with two years of intensive study into the fields of finance and economics. The MSFE program combines MBA and Ph.D. courses. In fact, Columbia University’s MSFE program is rigorous enough that it has a good deal of coursework in common with the Ph.D. program, but is focused more on industry than academics. MSFE students take courses such as:

• Asset Management
• Asset Pricing
• Capital markets
• Corporate finance theory
• Debt markets
• Financial Accounting
• Financial Econometrics
• Finance Theory
• Microeconomic Analysis

Columbia University students can also consider the Master of Arts in Mathematics of Finance (MAFN) degree program, offered by the departments of mathematics and statistics, and the Master of Science in Financial Engineering, offered through the Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research.

Business College: Columbia Business School

Location: New York, NY

Enrollment: 1,287 students

Tuition: $65,988

6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Since it was founded in 1861, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has been closely linked with innovation and exploration, particularly in the field of science. The school as a whole has earned recognition nationwide, including coveted rankings on U.S. News & World Report’s lists such as:

• High School Counselor Rankings (tied for 1^st place)
• Most Innovative Schools (3^rd place)
• Best Value Schools (5^th place)
• National Universities (7^th place)
• Best Colleges for Veterans (7^th place)

In addition to its schools of science and engineering, MIT also hosts a school of architecture and planning, a school of humanities, arts and social sciences and – of course – a school of management. Using technology and language from each of these disciplines to develop world-changing solutions to problems remains the mission of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Despite the seemingly high tuition cost, MIT awards need-based scholarships to more than half of the schools’ undergraduate attendees, and one-third of undergrads attend MIT tuition-free.

Does it surprise you to find a technical institute like MIT on a list of the best finance programs? The private research university might be better known for its reputation in fields like science, technology and engineering, but its Sloan School of Management has built its own prestigious reputation in the business world. U.S. News & World Report ranks MIT tied for 5^th place among the best business schools and its graduate finance program 6^th in the nation.  Students in MIT’s Master of Finance (MFin) program choose from a 12-month and 18-month study option. Compared to MIT’s MBA in finance program, the MFin degree option is a more specialized program and is focused on developing the skills of “early professionals.” Students can choose to complete an optional concentration in capital markets, corporate finance or financial engineering. MIT offers a personalized curriculum that allows students to supplement core requirements and advance subjects with elective courses that can be taken within or outside the finance department.

Business College: Sloan School of Management

Location: Cambridge, MA

Enrollment: 806 students

Tuition: $65,446

7. University of California—Berkeley

The State Constitution of California is what first planted the seeds for the founding of a university that would bring “glory and happiness” to “advancing generations.” In 1868, this dream came to fruition with the founding of the University of California. The public institution developed out of the joining of Oakland’s College of California, a private school, and the new Agricultural, Mining and Mechanical Arts College. The University of California—Berkeley has been named the top public school in America by U.S. News & World Report, which also ranked the school highly on its lists of High School Counselor Rankings (tied for 14^th), #20 in National Universities (20^th) and Most Innovative Schools (tied for 21^st). Admissions at the University of California—Berkeley are competitive, with just 17.3 percent of applications accepted. The school offers 277 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including both academic programs and professional programs.

The graduate finance degree program offered by the University of California—Berkeley is the Master of Financial Engineering (MFE). Don’t let the inclusion of the word “engineering” in the program title fool you. The one-year degree is designed for professionals in the finance industry and offers the skills needed to find success working at a commercial bank or investment bank. Coursework includes investments, derivatives, financial institutions, qualitative and empirical methods in finance, calculus and asset pricing, fixed income markets, credit risk modeling, dynamic asset management, behavioral finance, high-frequency finance, finance ethics and regulations, financial practice, international finance, securities markets, financial risk management and opportunities in the financial world. They must also gain hands-on experience through applied finance projects and a mandatory 10- to 12-week internship. U.S. News & World Report ranks both the University of California—Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and its graduate finance program 7^th in the nation. 

Business College: Haas School of Business

Location: Berkeley, CA

Enrollment: 1,301 students

Tuition: $53,907 in-state; $55,968 out-of-state

8. Harvard University

Harvard University is the kind of Ivy League school that everyone in the United States has heard of, so it’s no surprise that the prestigious private institution would make our top 15 list. Founded in 1636, Harvard isn’t just the oldest school on this list, but “the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.” Approximately 14,500 of Harvard University’s 21,000 enrolled students – more than two-thirds of the entire student body – are graduate and professional students. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the college highly on lists such as:

• High School Counselor Rankings (1^st place)
• National Universities (2^nd place)
• Best Value Schools (2^nd place)
• Best Colleges for Veterans (2^nd place)
• Most Innovative Schools (tied for 8^th place)

In addition to its reputation for academic excellence, Harvard University is known for small class sizes even at the undergraduate level, generous financial aid packages and having the world’s largest academic library.

Like the institution as a whole, Harvard Business School has earned high honors. U.S. News & World Report rated it the best business school in America and ranked its graduate finance program 8^th in the nation. Students in Harvard University’s MBA in finance program start their education with a year-long required field experience that emphasizes leadership development, a global business perspective and hands-on learning. Students take required courses in finance, marketing, leadership and organizational behavior, financial reporting and control, technology and operations management, strategy, corporate accountability, entrepreneurial management and the intersection between business, government and the international economy. Students then use elective courses to develop an area of focus, such as finance. New MBA students at Harvard University work closely with their “section” of 90 peers, with whom they take all first-year courses. About 80 percent of students in Harvard University’s MBA program choose to live on campus in the Harvard Business School dormitories, and the demand for on-campus living space is so high that student accommodations are assigned by a lottery system.

Business College: The Business School at Harvard University

Location: Boston, MA

Enrollment: 1,872 students

Tuition: $61,225

9. University of Michigan—Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan dates back to 1817. At its founding, the school was located in Detroit and called the University of Michigania, or Catholepistemiad. The institution took on its current name in 1821 and moved to its current Ann Arbor campus in 1837. Since these early beginnings, the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor has flourished. While its first classes included just seven students taught by only two professors, the school now educates more than 43,000 students and employs more than 3,096 tenure-track professors. The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor is now home to 19 colleges spanning academic areas from the liberal arts to medicine and law. U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor 29^th among the top national universities. In addition naming the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor’s graduate finance program ninth in the nation, the publication also ranked the school’s undergraduate business program fourth and its graduate business program tied for 12^th place.

The Ross School of Business was founded in 1924 and currently boasts 45,000 alumni spread across 88 nations. In addition to its prestigious academic reputation, the Ross School of Business’s MBA programs include one-on-one personalized executive coaching. This is just one of the factors that lead to 97 percent of University of Michigan—Ann Arbor MBA students getting job offers within just three months of graduating. At the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, students take a Fast Track in Finance as part of their MBA program. They can choose from two academic paths within their finance track. The University of Michigan’s other campuses also offer graduate programs in finance and business. The University of Michigan—Flint also offers an MBA with a concentration in finance option. At the University of Michigan—Dearborn, the College of Business offers a Master of Science in Finance degree program that allows students to concentrate in either corporate finance or investments.

Business College: Stephen M. Ross School of Business

Location: Ann Arbor, MI

Enrollment: 1,299 students

Tuition: $56,590 in-state; $61,590 out-of-state

10. Northwestern University

Northwestern University’s tradition of academic excellence dates back all the way to the 1850s. The idea of an institution that would serve the entire Northwest Territory was first conceived in 1850. The school’s nine founders together purchased the land to begin its construction in 1853, and in 1855, the one-building institution opened its doors to a tiny inaugural class of 10 students. Today, Northwestern University’s main campus in Evanston is 240 acres, with campuses in Chicago and Qatar as well. More than 21,000 students attend the institution, which is now home to a dozen colleges. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Northwestern University overall as tied for 12^th among the top national universities and 19^th among the best value schools. At the graduate level, the private research college has achieved high rankings in many academic fields, including business, law, engineering, education, medicine, psychology, economics, history and many other subjects of study.

Students who choose Northwestern University for their finance education will graduate with a master of business administration (MBA) degree. The finance department at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management offers two MBA specializations, the finance major and analytical finance. The finance major offers a broader education that prepares students for both management generalist and finance specialist career roles. The analytical finance track focuses on technical aspects of financial markets and is intended for students who want to transition into highly specialized roles in the finance industry. The school also offers a financial doctoral program for students who want to go on to earn their Ph.D. as well as executive programs in the discipline of finance.  In addition to ranking the school’s graduate finance program 10^th in the nation, U.S. News & World Report also ranked Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management tied for fifth place among the best business schools.

Business College: Kellogg School of Management

Location: Evanston, IL

Enrollment: 1,960 students

Tuition: $64,059

11. University of California—Los Angeles

In 1919, the University of California first opened its “Southern Branch,” which would become the University of California at Los Angeles in 1927. At its founding, the school was known for its two-year undergraduate training program for aspiring teachers. Today, UCLA has branched out significantly. The public institution now offers more than 125 undergraduate majors and 80 minors as well as close to 150 graduate programs. U.S. News & World Report ranked UCLA second in the nation among the top public schools, tied for 18^th place among the best colleges for veterans and tied for 23^rd place among national universities. Outside the classroom, the UCLA is known for its research opportunities and its service to the community. For more than half a decade, the UCLA has been awarded close to a million dollars in research grants annually, and it is home to 290 research centers. As the UCLA nears its 100^th anniversary, the school still prizes creativity, discovery and optimism as some of its main values.

In addition to ranking the University of California—Los Angeles as the 15^th best business school, U.S. News & World Report also ranked its graduate finance program 11^th in the country. Students in UCLA’s Master of Financial Engineering (MFE) program complete 52 quarter units over just 13 and a half months. They complete classes in investment fundamentals, financial accounting, econometrics, corporate finance, stochastic calculus, empirical methods in finance, derivatives, financial risk management, fixed income markets, computational methods in finance, quantitative asset management and credit markets. A summer internship is required, as is a hands-on applied finance project completed with a team. Because the program is based on financial engineering rather than simply the study of finance, it stands out from many other graduate finance programs. UCLA defines financial engineering as “the mathematical modeling, quantitative research and analysis involved in pricing, selling, trading and investing in a wide range of financial instruments,” which is why students in this program take more mathematics courses.

Business College: Anderson School of Management

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Enrollment: 1,696 students

Tuition: $50,517 in-state; $54,644 out-of-state

12. Ohio State University

Ohio State University was founded in 1870. Today, the public institution has more than 44,000 undergraduate students enrolled. The school also educates graduate students in fields such as business, law, medicine, nursing, science, social science, engineering, education, public affairs and fine arts. While Ohio State University’s main campus is located in Columbus, the school also encompasses research centers and campuses across the state. U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked Ohio State University among the 20 best public colleges in the nation, and the school is currently tied for 16^th place on that list. The publication has also ranked Ohio State University tied for 27^th place among the best graduate business schools, tied for 42^nd place among the best colleges for veterans and tied for 52^nd place among the top national universities. In addition to its excellent academic reputation, the institution is known for its more than 1,000 extracurricular organizations and is home to the Ohio State Buckeyes collegiate football team.

Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business was founded in 1916 and recently celebrated its 100^th anniversary. The Financial Times ranked Ohio State University’s Specialized Master in Finance degree among the best pre-experience master’s degree programs in finance across the nation. The program takes just nine months to complete and can prepare students for success in finance careers with such highly-regarded companies as Nationwide, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo. Students who complete the program are well-equipped to attain their Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Financial Risk Manager (FRM) designations. Students take core classes in corporate finance, data analysis, economics, leadership and derivatives as well as a team project in their final semester. They can choose a specialization from four academic tracks: corporate finance, investment management, risk management and real estate. Of the 30 semester hours students spend earning their degree, 15 hours are electives that allow students to choose their own academic path and complete their specialization.

Business College: Max M. Fisher College of Business

Location: Columbus, OH

Enrollment: 552 students

Tuition: $30,120 in state; $49,592 out of state

13. Tulane University

When Tulane University was first founded in 1834, it was strictly a medical school. The college has come a long way, now offering more than 70 undergraduate majors. The downtown New Orleans university first established its business school, then called the College of Commerce and Business Administration, in 1914. Today, that business college is known as the A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University, and it’s tied for 68^th place among the best graduate business schools in the nation, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. The publication has also ranked Tulane University tied for 41^st among national universities and tied for 33^rd place among the best colleges for veterans. As one of just 62 schools that make up the Association of American Universities, the private university provides exciting opportunities for research. Tulane University is also big on community service, going so far as to make it a required part of its undergraduate curriculum.

The Freeman School of Business at Tulane University isn’t only accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – it’s a founding member of the prestigious accrediting organization. Its Master of Finance (MFIN) program is also a CFA Program Partner of the CFA Institute, making it an excellent choice for students who aspire to earn their Chartered Financial Analyst credential. The 34-credit program takes 11 to 18 months to complete over a fall, spring and summer semester. Students can specialize in energy or banking and financial services.

In addition to their specialized classes, Master of Finance students at Tulane University take coursework in subjects such as:

• Corporate Finance
• Equity Analysis
• Financial Communications
• Financial Reporting
• Fixed Income Analytics and Models
• Investments and Asset Pricing
• Risk Management and Applications
• Valuation

Financial Times ranked Tulane University’s Master of Finance program among the top pre-experience master’s in finance degree programs in the world.

Business College: A. B. Freeman School of Business

Location: New Orleans, LA

Enrollment: 916 students

Tuition: $48,800

14. University of Rochester

The University of Rochester is a well-regarded private research school accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. When the institution was first founded in 1850, it was a Baptist university, though today it maintains no religious affiliation. Even at the undergraduate level, the University of Rochester is known for its unique curriculum, offering students the chance to build their own customized education plan. With “no required subjects,” students can choose courses from broad academic “clusters” so they have the freedom to study the subject areas they are most passionate about without worrying about satisfying rigid general education requirements. The school as a whole has earned high rankings from publications such as U.S. News & World Report, including ranking 26^th among the best value schools, 27^th among the best colleges for veterans, 33^rd among the top national universities and tied for the 39^th spot on its list of the best business schools.

Simon Business School’s Master of Science in Finance degree program includes coursework in investments, corporate finance, capital budgeting, fixed income securities, economics, statistics, financial statement analysis and communicating business decisions. Students of the University of Rochester’s M.S. in Finance program have options. Those who are most concerned with earning their degree quickly can complete the graduation requirements in just 10 months. Students who want the chance to gain work experience and build professional connections can choose an internship track, instead – and still complete their degrees within 17 months. The University of Rochester even offers a brief nine-month program that allows students who have earned a more general MBA degree to develop the specialized skills they would find in a master’s in finance program. The Financial Times ranks the University of Rochester’s M.S. in Finance program among the top five pre-experience degree programs in the nation. Simon Business School is also responsible for publishing the Journal of Financial Economics, the Journal of Monetary Economics and the Journal of Accounting and Economics.

Business College: Simon Business School

Location: Rochester, NY

Graduate Business Enrollment: 209 full-time (185 part-time) students

Tuition: $46,000

15. Illinois Institute of Technology

Completing our list of the top 15 master’s in finance degree programs is the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech, or IIT). While you may not expect to find a technical institute ranked among the best master’s in finance programs, IIT’s program is unique. Illinois Tech’s history dates back to 1893, then the school first opened as Armour Institute and focused on coursework in architecture, engineering, chemistry and library science. In 1895, another nearby school, Lewis Institute, was founded, offering studies in science, engineering and the liberal arts. The two schools merged in 1940 to create the high-ranking private technical university flourishing today. IIT has earned institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Illinois Tech is also a research school. In addition to the Institute for Food Safety and Health, the Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering, the Wanger Institute for Sustainable Energy Research and the independent nonprofit IIT Research Institute, the school is also home to 21 business tenants at University Technology Park at Illinois Tech. This facility combines research, business and technology, housing tenants in labs, offices and incubators and providing the resources they need to grow and succeed.

The Stuart School of Business was founded in 1969 and has earned specialized accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. IIT’s Stuart School of Business offers a Master of Science in Finance degree available in full-time and part-time formats. Full-time students typically complete the 33-credit hour program in two years, while part-time students are allowed to take up to five years. Students can choose from a dozen concentrations in subjects like corporate finance, alternative investments, risk management, high-frequency trading and financial programming. During their studies, students take the following six core courses:

• Financial Modeling
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Futures, Options, and OTC Derivatives
• Mathematics with Financial Applications
• Statistical Analysis in Financial Markets
• Valuation and Portfolio Management

The school also offers two dual degree options, the M.S. Finance/Master of Business Administration and the M.S. Finance/Juris Doctor. The Financial Times ranked IIT’s program third in the nation among pre-experience master’s in finance degree programs.

Business College: Stuart School of Business

Location: Chicago, IL

Graduate Business Enrollment: 1,003 students 

Tuition: $28,463

Editor’s Note: This ranking is intended as a guide to help prospective finance students start their research so they can ultimately find the right graduate school for their needs and goals. Tuition rates, enrollment data, school history, quality rankings and other facts were provided by U.S. News & World Report, the Financial Times, USA Today and the individual schools’ websites.

For Further Reading:

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What Degree Do I Need to Be a Policy Analyst?

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The post Top 15 Master’s in Finance Degree Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

And due to the recent and near-ubiquitous adoption of online education over recent years, there are more options for prospective economics than ever before. Even some of the most traditionalist and conversative universities around the world have recently adopted online education in response to the worldwide pandemic, which has led to many of the best master’s of economics programs shifting offerings to the digital education space. 

This widespread adoption of online education has simultaneously unraveled cynical skepticism toward online education on both the side of employers and educators, meaning that there have simultaneously never been more options and these options have never had such acceptance and approval. So with this in mind, our researchers have done the legwork and compiled some of the best options to consider for earning your master’s of economics online. 

Our researchers have organized this ranking according to metrics that we believe will be most meaningful to prospective students–including overall prestige of the institution, graduation rate, tuition costs, and aggregate scores from parallel education rankings. 

1 West Texas A&M University

The West Texas A&M University Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business offers a renowned economics program that can be completed as a fully online master’s degree. The program has racked up numerous accolades that recognize it for outstanding standards of excellence and promising outcomes for program graduates. Students of the program will master the skills needed to succeed in careers of economic and financial consulting and advising in either the private or public sector. 

The program can be completed through 36 to 45 credit hours of coursework that is completed through an asynchronous schedule. The program also offers excellent flexibility for students who wish to progress through the program while holding down full-time employment. As such, hard working professionals have up to six years to complete the program so as to ensure a comfortable work-life balance.

Net Price: $13,185

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degree in Economics at Texas A&M University here.

2 Purdue University

The Purdue University Krannert School of Management is one of the most prestigious and respected business schools in the country and beyond. Students of the Krannert School of Management go on to achieve their goals through exemplary careers. Among other top-notch degree programs, the Krannert School of Management offers a fully online Master of Science of Economics.  

Students of the program will learn from top-tier faculty who specialize in cutting-edge quantitative and empirical instructional methods. As such, students will progress through a high-tech curriculum that enforces study in the following areas: econometrics (big data, machine learning), statistical software applications, modern computational and programming tools (Python), business outcome-forecasting, game theory and more.

Students of the program will be able to choose from a four degree specialization tracks: 

• Business and Data Analytics
• Financial Economics
• Public Economics and Policy
• Advanced Theory

Net Price: $12,527

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at Purdue University here.

3 University of Missouri

The University of Missouri offers a number of career-centric degree programs that are designed to propel students to the next threshold of professional advancement. Particularly in the case of the College of Arts and Sciences, programs are designed to position graduates to capitalize on market needs and job market opportunities. Specifically, the College offers a fully online Master of Arts in Economics. 

Esteemed faculty cultivate students’ skill sets with hands-on learning opportunities meant to cultivate mastery in the following areas: public sector business development, international trade, international finance, economic development.

Students who graduate from the program will be prepared to take on employment in any of the following roles (evidenced by recent graduates who hold these titles):

• Data Scientist
• Director of Institutional Research
• Economic Development Incentive Specialist
• Energy Markets Manager
• Lecturer in Economics
• Quantitative Modeling Analyst

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at University of Missouri here. 

Net Price: $18,480

4 University of Detroit Mercy    

The University of Detroit at Mercy College of Liberal Arts & Education offers some of the most recognized and awarded degree programs on this list. This particularly true for one program in particular, the fully online Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics has racked up numerous accolades recognizing it for its top-tier education and promising outcomes for recent graduates. 

While not listed as an economics program in the name, the program is specifically designed to position students within the field of global economics. In fact, the data analytics curriculum represents a well-informed strategy to position students to capitalize on the rising prominence of data-centric strategy in economic careers. 

For students interested in the technical side of global economics, few programs replicate this commitment to a high tech, career-centric curriculum.

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at the University of Detroit here.

Net Price: $20,415

5 Ohio University

Ohio University offers a globally-minded, STEM-designated Master of Arts in Economics that is particularly accommodating to international students. The STEM designation allows for a program classification, which grants up to 24 months of extra training after graduation for international students. 

The program can be completed at jaw-dropping pace, with completion in as little as one year. Class sizes are kept to a small number to encourage full integration and engagement between students. This is meant to convey a focus on socially aware collaboration, which is an integral part of the economist’s profession. 

Specifically, graduates of the program will be prepared to excel in any of the following career paths: 

• Data Analyst
• Research Analyst
• Financial manager
• Policy analyst
• College instructor

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at Ohio University here.

Net Price: $6,677

6 Johns Hopkins University

John Hopkins University is a school that confers tremendous clout to graduates of its programs. JHU is at the forefront of research in countless fields, and produces industry-shifting professionals year after year. Most of its programs commit to industry-relevant research methods, so that graduates enter the job market armed with knowledge of the current market needs and opportunities. 

JHU’s Online Master of Applied Economics offers one of the most flexible and accommodating degree programs on this list. Students can choose from a robust catalogue to facilitate building a unique profile of training. Students will be able to choose from 7 concentrations and 27 electives in order to build the program that is best suited to individual career aspirations. 

Moreover, students can complete the program in as little as 12 to 24 months. Making this one of the most prestigious, flexible, and efficient programs on this list–which more than justifies the comparatively high tuition costs. 

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at Johns Hopkins University here.

Net Price: $30,701

7 American University

American University is a school that focuses on providing students with a foundation to build professional thriving and success. Its online programs are helmed by top-tier faculty who hold at least 20 years of experience in their respective specialties, and who work to stay on top of the most current trends and opportunities.

American University offers a host of online degree programs, among which is a fully online Master of Arts in Economics. As with many of its programs, American University offers tremendously affordable tuition rates which are further tempered by generous financial aid packages and transfer credit policies. 

American University is an ideal option for students who want quality education that can bring them into the job market quickly and affordably. From enrollment to graduation, students of the program will complete the following required courses: 

• Introduction to Mathematical Economics
• Microeconomic Theory
• Macroeconomic Theory
• Applied Econometrics I
• Applied Econometrics II
• Economics MA Capstone Seminar

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at American University here.

Net Price: $9,656

8 Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University offers a fully online Online Master of Arts in Financial Economics Program, which is designed to accommodate students with even the busiest of work schedules. The program’s curriculum is designed to cultivate an awareness of global economics and international business, so that students can analyse data sets from all angles. 

To this end, coursework is strongly positioned in data science fundamentals in the context of financial analyses. As such students will become well-accustomed to research methods and protocols for assessment of an entity’s financial operations–which will position graduates for success in both public and private sectors. 

Students will complete the following required courses:

• Microeconomic Theory
• Macroeconomic Theory
• The Economics of Financial Markets and Institutions
• Econometrics
• Research Seminar
• Finance for Decision Making
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Corporate Financial Management
• Securities Analysis

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at Youngstown State University here.

Net Price: $11,595

9 Georgia Southern University

The Georgia Southern Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies provides students with a strong career-centric foundation from which to build professional advancement. Specifically, students at the College will have the opportunity to earn a fully online Master of Science in Applied Economics (M.S.A.E.). 

Students of the program will delve deeply into topics relating to business development, performance metrics, and financial analyses. As such, graduates will be prepared to work in any industry which participates in economic development, public utilities, or federal and state regulation. 

For students interested in a curriculum that tackles state and federal regulation practices and policies this program is an ideal option. 

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at Regent University here.

Net Price: $15,795

10 University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a research-centric school that leverages a large network of research partners and facilities to offer industry-aware programs that capitalize on market opportunities. This is particularly beneficial in degree programs that benefit the most from cutting-edge research methods, such as is the case with the fully online Master’s in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics.

The program is completed through 30 credit hours either online or on-campus, which typically takes around 2 years. Students of the program will build toward specialization in key areas such as the following:

• Econometrics
• Statistical analysis
• Utilizing industry standard software (such as STATA)
• Programming languages (such as ‘R’ and Python)
• Operational Metrics 

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at Regent University here.

Net Price: $15,970

For Further Reading:

Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Policy Analyst?

The post The 10 Best Online Masters in Economics appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

In 2019 there were more than 1.4 million accounting jobs in the US economy, making it one of the most sizable traditional job markets. Explosive growth is more typical of a new job economy or industry and does not reflect the health of the accountancy job market. In fact, explosive growth within the accounting industry is happening–it’s just not happening in the traditional places that one might expect. 

Cloud accounting software, automation artificial intelligence (AI), and other forms of information technology (IT) are spurring evolution across various sectors of the accounting profession. Expert accountants are able to leverage a command of IT to automate large portions of the daily workload and streamline monotonous tasks. 

Accountants who use IT simultaneously reduce the brain-drain of carrying out repetitive, monotonous tasks day-in and day-out, but it also increases the workload-capacity for these talented accountants, which ultimately makes them more competitive in the job market–they are better compensated and maintain more secure prospects of future employment.  

Why Earn an Online Master’s in Accounting?

Earning a Master’s of Accounting is an excellent strategy for positioning one’s self for success in the accounting industry. Many of the best accounting positions are reserved for those with an advanced graduate degree or for those who have established a specialization. As mentioned above one of the most promising specializations to pursue is one in information technology, data science, or [accounting] software development. 

Online Master’s of Accounting programs are typically designed to accommodate working adults, meaning course formats offer the flexibility that allows students to complete coursework amidst even the most demanding of schedules. Online programs can also typically be completed more quickly than traditional on-campus variants. So oftentimes an online master’s represents the most efficient entrypoint into the job market. 

And in 2021 with most American universities offering online programs there is a good fit for any student. Luckily our researchers have done the legwork for you, and we have compiled the best online Master’s of Accounting for your consideration below: 

Best Online Master’s of Accounting

1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

UNC at Chapel Hill is a premier institution of higher education in the southeast known for cultivating world class professionals, top tier thinkers, and paradigm-shifting innovators. UNC Kenan-Flagler produces some of the accounting field’s most impactful professionals. Its programs train students in addressing the real world problems of the industry, so that upon graduation they are prepared to provide constructive solutions in the workplace. 

UNC Kenan-Flagler offers a fully online Master of Accounting program that is completed through 36 to 48 credit’s worth of coursework. The on-campus variant of the program is hailed as one of the best of its kind, and the online option vows to offer the same level quality and academic rigor. 

Students of the program will engage coursework in independent projects and through peer collaboration. The program faculty commit to providing students with more than just education, they look to provide students with mentorship and professional guidance. This is likely why the placement rate for graduates is so high–98% of students have accepted a job offer within three months of graduating from the program. 

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2. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 

The University of Illinois is a nationally recognized institution of academic excellence which has broadened its online offerings to service students around the globe. Today the University offers more than 100 online degree options delivered through 1700 courses, making it one of the most robust online education programs in the country. 

The University of Illinois Gies College of Business is the first of the top 5 ranked accountancy programs to offer a fully online program option. The online Master of Science in Accounting program can be completed in 18 months of 36 months, depending on which cadence best accommodates a student’s schedule. 

Students of the program will learn from industry giants–faculty who have demonstrated success and innovation in the real world. But one of the most distinguishing offerings is the extensive alumni network of the program, which seems committed to helping both current students and recent graduates find success. 

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3. North Carolina State University 

North Carolina State University (NCSU) is built around a model of experiential learning–that is that students ‘learn by doing.’ NCSU encourages students to engage communities both local and abroad in order to expand horizons and broaden professional repertoires. NCSU is consistently recognized for offering a multitude of world class degree programs. 

Among which is the Master of Accounting program that can be completed entirely online that is designed to offer both flexibility and academic rigor. This highly competitive program will challenge students to take their skills and knowledge to the next level. Specifically, the program prepares students to take on positions of management and leadership in the accounting industry after graduation. 

The program’s tuition is about $34,000 for in-state students and $60,000 for out-of-state students. While this price tag might seem high, the program is recognized as one of the best of its kind–where graduates are sure to see highly lucrative employment opportunities. 

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4. California State University-Sacramento 

California State University-Sacramento (CSUS) is committed to driving innovation in the higher education space. Its efforts have been both largely successful and recognized, as Money Magazine ranked CSUS as the ‘9th Most Transformative’ among top U.S. colleges. Among its innovations is the University’s recent expansion into online education where its programs seek to service working students and busy professionals. 

Among these online programs is a Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) that is 100% compatible with the CPA exam, so that graduates will be perfectly positioned to pursue careers at certified public accountants. Coursework is delivered through a variety of formats to keep the online education experience fresh and stimulating. 

Students will progress through a combination of streaming classroom sessions, chat-based group projects, and more. Beyond the preparation for the CPA exam, students will delve deeply into the following topics: 

• Auditing Attestation
• Financial Accounting and Reporting
• Regulation
• Business Environment and Concepts

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5. The University of West Florida 

The University of West Florida (UWF) is built around the core mission of providing students with affordable education programs that do not sacrifice academic merit. At UWF students will be groomed to become creative and innovative professionals who can offer solutions to real world problems. This grooming is accomplished by project-based learning, real-world projects, and team-based collaboration. This will be of particular helpfulness to aspiring accountants whose profession is a largely collaborative one. 

UWF offers an AACSB-accredited, fully online Master of Accountancy program that prepares students to thrive in professions of finance, accounting, and business. This flexibility of professional direction is a core and distinguishing element of the program. 

Students can choose to focus on one of two specialization tracks that are meant to reflect the most common professional paths in the industry. Specifically students can choose between the following program paths: Professional Accountancy, or Professional Taxation specialization. 

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6. George Mason University 

George Mason University (GMU) is Virginia’s largest public research university and services more than 37,000 students from around the globe. In 2016 GMU was recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education to be one of the most impactful research universities in the United States. GMU leverages its extensive research infrastructure to inform its degree programs, position programs to reflect real world challenges and industry trends. 

This approach will be of particular value to accountants whose education will benefit massively from a program that reflects current market trends. GMU offers a fully online Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program that prepares students to capitalize on current opportunities in the industry. 

Perspectives of this program will find its metrics of success highly alluring. Graduates of the program earn higher salaries than professionals who hold a Bachelor of Accounting–roughly $10,000 more. And 7 out of 10 students have already secured a position in their chosen specialty by the time of their graduation. 

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7. University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut School of Business is one of the premier institutions of business education in the United States. And with its expansion into the online education space, more students can benefit from its programs than ever before. UConn’s online programs have been recognized by the United States Distance Learning Association for its ‘best practices’ and high standards for academics. 

The UConn School of Business offers a fully online Master of Science in Accounting (MSA). US News & World Report ranked the program as the 9th best program in the United States. The program is one of the most affordable MSA programs on the market–the combination of affordability and academic prestige makes the program extremely attractive, and is the reason we thought it deserved a more generous ranking. 

The MSA program provides students with an extensive catalogue of electives and course options. By strategically pursuing study in key topics, students are able to establish a specialization. The program alters the course catalogue, adding or exchanging courses to reflect the most current industry trends and opportunities.  

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8. Rutgers University

Rutgers University Business School is a name synonymous with prestige and academic excellence. Graduates of the program will benefit from this well-known reputation–both directly through the extensive and highly active alumni network, and indirectly through the employment opportunities that come with an impressive academic background. 

Rutgers Business School offers several graduate level accounting programs: 

• Master of Accountancy in Financial Accounting
• Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accounting
• Master of Accountancy in Professional Accounting
• Master of Accountancy in Taxation

The Master of Professional Accounting program can be completed entirely online, while the other programs typically combine elements of online and on-campus education. 

Students of the Professional Accounting program will learn from world class faculty, who specialize in preparing students to excel as Certified Public Accountants. For professionals interested in broadening their horizons as a CPA, few programs can compete.  

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9. SUNY Polytechnic

SUNY Polytechnic Institute is built on the foundational mission of providing students with the real-world technical skills that facilitate professional success and fulfillment of career aspirations. This approach to building technical expertise will be particularly advantageous for accountants looking to build a strong background in skill-based accounting. 

SUNY Polytechnic offers a fully online Master of Science in Accounting, which is fully accredited and recognized to fulfill the credit requirements of the CPA certification process. Students of the program will complete 33 credits worth of coursework organized into 11 core courses. 

Students will select which courses to complete from a robust catalogue of options. Chosen coursework is meant to facilitate the building of professional speciality, so that students can choose to complete the coursework that is most beneficial to their individual career goals and interests. 

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10. Saint John’s University

St. John’s University is a premier educator in the accounting-education space, and employs a unique focus on positioning theoretical concepts to tackle practical problems. In other words, students at the University will not just study concepts and theories, they will learn how to actually apply these theories and concepts to one’s career to drive actionable results. 

Too few institutions of higher education are willing to apply this focus, because it means constantly tailoring education programs to reflect industry needs and market challenges in the real world. St. John’s offers an online graduate level accounting program that reflects the real world demands of the job market. 

Specifically students can earn a Master of Science in Accounting that is designed to jumpstart careers in tax, auditing, and accounting disciplines. A distinguishing element of this program is that it seeks to position program graduates to take on positions of management and leadership in the job market–positions that are typically the most prestigious and lucrative. 

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11. Georgia Southern University 

Georgia Southern University is one the state’s largest institutions of higher education. A fundamental mission of the University is to provide students with future-focused degree programs so that upon graduating from a program students are prepared for the job market that they enter. This approach is particularly meaningful for accountants, whose profession is constantly evolving and changing in accordance with market demands and other economic factors. 

George Southern students can earn a Master of Accounting Online, or a WebMAcc. The program is meant to be completed on a two year schedule, while providing students with the flexibility to progress through the program without altering professional or personal responsibilities. Ambitious students should not have trouble earning this degree while holding full-time employment. 

The program is provided through the AACSB accredited School of Accountancy, which is a distinction only held by 180 accounting programs in the world. Students of the program can enjoy the confidence that their degree-work will be recognized by all the relevant professional bodies and agencies. 

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12. DePaul University

DePaul University Online distinguishes itself through a uniquely committed faculty who take on a greater role in their students’ lives. Specifically, DePaul faculty are more than just educators, they work to fulfill the role of mentor and adviser for their students. And in the Driehaus College of Business & Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, faculty work to ensure that business-minded students are prepared to make professional goals and aspirations into a reality. 

The Driehaus College of Business & Kellstadt Graduate School of Business offers students a fully online Master of Science in Accounting. Faculty of the program represent world-class professionals with backgrounds as top-notch CPAs and professionals/academics from the Big Four accounting firms. 

Program faculty work to ensure that students are building the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their desired field or area of professional interest. Faculty also leverage extensive professional networks and connections to help ensure students’ have an abundance of career opportunities upon graduation–which is a tremendous value itself.  

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13. Oklahoma Christian University 

As suggested by its name, Oklahoma Christian University maintains strong ties to the Church of Christ. What this means for students is that degree programs will emphasize the principles of community engagement, leadership, and a standard of ethics. All of which are meaningful for professionals regardless of religious orientation or lack thereof. 

Students at Oklahoma Christian can earn a Master of Accountancy that can be completed entirely through online coursework in as little as 12 months. This represents one of the quickest routes to professional advancement for perspectives of graduate accounting programs. The program is accredited and is able to provide this quick pace without sacrificing academic merit. 

Specifically students will participate in an comprehensive exploration of the following topics: 

• Economic Issues
• Advanced Auditing and Professional Ethics
• Advanced Financial Accounting
• Ethics, Decision Making and Communication
• Legal and Regulatory Issues
• Accounting Research and Quantitative Techniques
• Financial Services
• Accounting Theory — Topics in Accounting
• Advanced Tax Accounting

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14. University of South Dakota 

The University of South Dakota (USD) Online looks to provide busy adults and working students with the nationally recognized degrees of the flagship University tailored to provide the utmost flexibility. USD degree programs are consistently recognized as some of the best of their class provided at an affordable rate. Perhaps most astonishing is that USD manages to offer the same tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students, which is typically where online degree program tuition rates spiral out of hand. 

USD students can earn a Master of Professional Accountancy from the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business. The School of Business was first founded in 1927 and has been accredited by the AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) since 1949. Less than 5% of the nation’s business schools have earned this prestigious designation. 

Students of the Master of Professional Accountancy program can choose the general track or the Accounting Analytics Specialization. The specialization track facilitates the building of data science and IT skills, which as mentioned in this article’s intro is one of the burgeoning areas of the accounting industry. 

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15. Maryville University of Saint Louis 

Maryville University Online distinguishes itself in accounting education by emphasizing its future-focused curriculum. Students of its programs will be taught more than just rote memorization of concepts, they will delve deeply into core principles that will help students stay ahead of the curve. And perhaps more importantly, programs teach students how to remain adaptable, so that they can adapt to the ever-changing environment of the accounting industry. 

Students at Maryville University Online can earn a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) in as little as 10 months. This astonishing pace is accomplished by focusing on central concepts and principles and encouraging students and by offering credits for previous professional experience. 

The program also offers a bridge option that is designed for students who do not have an accounting background. Regardless of the chosen track, graduates of the program will have fulfilled the requirements for the CPA certification. Few programs can compete with the efficiency and flexibility of Maryville’s MSA. 

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16. Saint Leo University 

Saint Leo University is one of the oldest Catholic Institutions in the state of Florida. Today it has evolved to offer programs to students of all faiths around the world through its online degree programs, and research centers in seven states. Saint Leo provides its students with strong liberal arts education that lays a foundation in ethics, leadership, and research-based innovation. 

Embodying these ideals is Saint Leo’s Master of Accounting degree program that can be completed entirely online. Program faculty are committed to upholding a standard of academic excellence that confers professional clout to degree-holders. 

 Students who complete the program will be prepared to complete the CPA and CMA exams and will progress through coursework in classes such as the following: 

• Intermediate Accounting 1
• Cost Accounting
• Auditing
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Accounting Information Systems

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17. Seton Hall University 

Seton Hall University’s online programs are nationally recognized for carrying a strong standard of ethics. Programs emphasize a commitment to the civic good by cultivating leaders who employ a sense of optimism to enact a positive influence in their profession. Seton Hall looks to balance online education by emphasizing real-world examples and projects-based learning. In other words, students at Seton Hall will ‘learn by doing.’ 

The Seton Hall University Stillman School of Business offers students a fully online Master of Science in Accounting. The Stillman School of Business is among the top 1% of its kind in maintaining dual AACSB accreditation in both accounting and business. 

Students of the program will learn more than just the standard accounting curriculum, they will learn how to excel in the corporate environment, how to engage in international markets, and how to leverage technical know-how to advance one’s career. Seton Hall’s accounting program is certainly one of the best of the best. 

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18. Western New England University 

Western New England (WNE) University distinguishes itself through a commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit in students. Degree programs at WNE teach students how to think creatively and how to solve theoretical problems with practical solutions. This type of environment is ideal for accounting professionals with entrepreneurial aspirations. 

The WNE School of Business offers a fully online Master of Science in Accounting that is completed through 30 credits of coursework. The program curriculum is designed to fulfill the prerequisites for the CPA examination and certification process. 

The WNE accounting program distinguishes itself through offering students an excellent opportunity for specialization. Specifically students can earn a degree specialization in Forensic Accounting/Fraud Investigation. 

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19. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine 

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine (SJCME) is a historically Catholic institution with roots connected to the Sisters of Mercy organization. Today though SJCME positions its programs to service students from all backgrounds whether religious or secular, and emphasizes its core values in a commitment to ethical standards and to fostering a sense of civic leadership in students. 

SJCME students can earn a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) that covers advanced and comprehensive studies in finance, taxation, accounting, and auditing. Students will also engage in electives and research projects that facilitate the building of an area of focus. The curriculum fulfills the prerequisites for the CPA examination and certification process. 

A distinguishing element of this program is its interdisciplinary curriculum which covers principles and subjects of universal value to business operations. Graduates of the program will be able to convert information into valuable financial conclusions within any industry. 

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20. New England College

New England College provides students with career-focused education and professional advancement. Central to the College’s values is its commitment to positioning students for professional success and achievement. The College demonstrates this commitment by providing students with unparalleled opportunities for internships, research opportunities, and professional projects. 

New England College offers a Master of Science in Accounting that is completed entirely online through 40 credits of coursework. The program is designed to build key competencies as identified by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. As such, completing the program will complete the prerequisites for the CPA licensure process. 

A distinguishing element of this program is its concentration track option. Specifically students can earn a degree specialization in Forensic Accounting. This specialization track is designed to prepare students to obtain the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation.

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The post The 20 Best Online Master’s in Accounting Degree Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

What Business Degree Makes the Most Money?

Many business careers have six-figure or near-six-figure salaries. Dozens of business and related jobs earn more than double the median annual salaries for all occupations.

Our list below of the highest-paying business degrees includes the 15 business degrees that prepare students for the positions with the highest median salary. 

High-paying business careers are out there. To get them, you will need a solid education and an in-demand degree.

As you’ll notice, the highest-paying business majors on our list run the gamut from undergraduate to graduate and generalist to highly specialized. That’s because running successful business ventures takes all kinds of skills. 

RELATED: What Are the Highest-Paying Business Entry-Level Jobs?

Some occupations in business administration call for an undergraduate degree. Others, like high-ranking management positions and roles that require highly specialized knowledge, need more advanced study.

Depending on what you want to do, you may need a broad or specialized business degree. You may major in a field closely related to business or a subject that seems less directly involved with the business world. What all of the highest-paying business degrees have in common is the significant earning potential they offer to students. 

Here are 15 degrees that lead to a high-paying business career.

Related: How Many Jobs Are Available in Finance?

1. Master of Business Administration

First on our list is undeniably one of the best business masters degrees: the Master of Business Administration (MBA).  

The MBA degree is the traditional pathway for business professionals who want to advance into high-level (and high-paying) roles. The MBA is a graduate business degree that includes core courses in a broad range of business subjects, according to U.S. News & World Report, such as:

• finance
• accounting, management
• marketing
• strategy
• operations
• information systems 

The traditional MBA program takes two years of full-time graduate study to complete. Many schools now offer these masters degrees in business programs in both part-time and accelerated study options in their online and on-campus programs.

RELATED: How Long Does It Take to Get a Business Degree?

What leads many people to consider an MBA the best business masters degree is its versatility. The MBA program gives you a flexible degree that includes graduate-level study across a range of business subjects. The MBA appeals to a range of employers in the world of business and finance.

Despite their strengths as generalist business masters degrees, MBAs do offer some opportunity to gain more in-depth, specialized knowledge of particular business subjects. Students may choose a specialization or concentration in a subject of interest.

RELATED: What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Business Administration?

Among the most popular MBA specializations are:

• Finance
• Supply chain management
• International business
• Computer information systems
• Entrepreneurship 
• Marketing 
• Sustainability 

There are plenty of roles you can hold with your MBA. It helps to choose a well-respected school and a sought-after specialization. Many of the more lucrative business career paths are open to students who earn an MBA with a relevant concentration.

Chief executives like CEOs typically need an MBA.  Chief executives have the highest-earning role in the business world. The median salary for chief executives was almost five times the median wage for all occupations in 2021, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) reported. As a result, if you’re asking “What business major makes the most money?”, the MBA is probably the best answer. 

Chief executives are top managers who hold titles such as president, executive director and managing director. They oversee the big-picture direction of the company or organization, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Management analyst is another possible job for an MBA graduate. While not nearly as lucrative as chief executive, management analyst still ranks high on the list of the top-paying business careers, with the BLS reporting a near-six-figure annual salary.

A management analyst acts as a business consultant. They provide valuable advice that helps companies improve productivity, efficiency and profitability. An MBA is an important credential for those who want to be chief executives, management analysts and other high-level business professionals. The degree alone won’t help you get to these senior positions. You will also need a great deal of experience and the leadership abilities to inspire confidence in companies and employees.

Job Titles: Chief Executive, Management Analyst

Median Salaries (2021): $179,520, $93,000

Occupation Group: Management 

2. Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems

Some of the highest-paying jobs in the business world revolve around technology. A degree in computer science or information science can help prepare students for technological roles. These play an important part in the success of modern businesses. If you want one of the most profitable positions in the business world, you will need more than just computer knowledge. You must develop a background in business theory and practices. You can then apply that computer knowledge to help your company achieve its goals.

RELATED: The 20 Best Masters in Cyber Security Online

A bachelor’s degree in management information systems (MIS) is a great choice. It combines business classes with the mathematics, software development and computer programming courses of a computer science program. By the time you graduate from an undergraduate MIS degree program, you will understand how computer coding and technology works. You will also learn to use computer technology to solve an organization’s problems.

A degree in MIS can help you get a position as a computer and information systems manager. This program is sometimes called information technology (IT). Managers and IT project managers figure out what a company’s technology needs are based on their goals and challenges. They implement systems that meet these needs.

Even the lowest-paid information systems managers have a fairly high salary. The BLS reported that computer and information systems managers at the 10th percentile – that is, the 10 percent of workers in a given occupation who earn the least – still earned a median wage that amounted to upwards of $30,000 more per year than other operations management roles in 2021.

Earning your MIS degree can also qualify you for a role as a database administrator. Database administrators are responsible for creating, maintaining and keeping secure the electronic databases that have the information a business uses to operate. While not quite as high-paying as a manager role, this technology position had a median salary of $96,710 in 2021, according to the BLS. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicted for this occupation a positive job outlook with faster-than-average job growth.

Job Titles: Computer and Information Systems Manager, Database Administrator

Median Salaries (2021): $159,010, $96,710 

Occupation Group: Management 

3. Bachelor’s in Marketing

Getting people to buy your product or service is crucial to the success of a business. Whether a company focuses primarily on business to business (B2B), business to consumer (B2C) or business to government (B2G) transactions, you need marketing and sales professionals on your team. In a bachelor’s degree program in marketing, students learn about consumer behavior and how to influence people’s purchasing decisions. They take coursework such as:

• advertising
• sales
• marketing research
• strategic marketing 
• marketing management

RELATED: The 20 Best Online Marketing Degrees (Bachelor’s)

Students must understand the data behind marketing campaigns. It is just as important for them to learn to create winning advertisements and marketing strategies. You should expect to take classes in finance, statistics and analytics. Some programs include specialized aspects of marketing like social media marketing, e-commerce and public relations. Marketing majors take business classes such as:

• economics
• management
• business law and ethics

When you earn your marketing degree you can begin a path to the role of marketing and sales manager. The job duties may be different from one employer to the next. It can even be different from one job title to another. Marketing and advertising managers work more behind the scenes. They develop the campaigns and strategies that promote a company and its products or services. Sales managers, on the other hand, focus more on leading teams of sales representatives. They handle tasks like:

• training sales staff
• setting sales goals
• measuring progress toward those goals

The salary of a marketing and sales manager depends on the size of the employer and scope of the job duties. A marketing manager for a major national or global corporation will earn more than a marketing manager for a small business that makes mostly local transactions. A bachelor’s degree in marketing will prepare you for more entry-level roles like marketing specialist.

RELATED: How Much Can I Make With a Degree in Digital Marketing? 

Job Titles: Marketing & Sales Manager, Marketing Specialist

Median Salaries (2021): $135,030, $63,920                 

Occupation Group: Management

4. Master’s in Finance

MBAs aren’t the only suitable masters degrees for business majors. Some of the top-paying business degrees are specialized master’s programs, like the Master of Finance degree. 

There are two kinds of graduate degrees in the field of finance. Some students earn an MBA in finance. This business degree is a master’s degree with an emphasis on business in general that includes some specialized studies in finance.

There is also a specialized finance degree available at the master’s level of study. This is business degree for graduate students who are looking to delve deeper into the field of finance rather than dividing their studies between a wide array of business subjects.

There are several reasons to consider earning a master’s in finance degree. For one thing, many employers are seeking candidates with a targeted educational background. Also, you can complete a traditional master’s in finance degree program in just one year. That’s half the amount of time it would take to earn an MBA in finance degree.

A master’s in finance degree helps students who want to work as financial managers. These management professionals are in charge of the overall financial health of a company or organization.

Financial managers handle a wide range of responsibilities. For example, they create financial statements. They oversee the efforts of finance workers. They analyze market trends to develop business forecasts.

Technically, it is possible to get a finance manager position with just a bachelor’s degree and extensive work experience. However, there will be strong competition for these management roles. Having a master’s degree and graduate-level skills in financial analysis and software can help candidates stand out from the crowd and impress prospective employers. In addition to a master’s degree, aspiring financial managers may also want to pursue professional credentials. Some of the most common credentials in financial management are: 

• The CFA Institute’s Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification
• The Association for Financial Professionals’ Certified Treasury Professional credential

Job Titles: Financial Manager

Median Salaries (2021): $131,710 

Occupation Group: Management  

5. Bachelor’s in Supply Management

All kinds of organizations, from retailers to manufacturers, need some form of supplies to keep their operations running. Supply management is the operational process of obtaining goods and materials for a company or organization’s use. This may be for internal use, for manufacturing purposes or retail sales. You might also hear related terms like supply chain management and logistics. 

Coursework that is common in undergraduate supply chain management degree programs includes: 

• introduction to supply management
• principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics
• strategic management
• supply chain strategy and practice
• manufacturing planning and control
• behavior and organization. 

Often, students also take more general business courses, such as classes in business leadership, business communications and business laws and ethics. Hands-on experiences and internship opportunities are an important part of many supply management degree programs. The experience students gain is valuable in helping them get started in the career field.

A bachelor’s degree in supply management can put you on the path to a career as a purchasing manager. This is a position with a six-figure median annual salary. Purchasing managers:

• develop and implement plans to get the products a business needs
• compare vendors and suppliers
• decide which business offers the best quality products or materials for the best price
• forge and maintain relationships with suppliers
• handle price and contract negotiations
• oversee the work of buyers and purchasing agents

The purchasing manager is a high-level role, one in which even the 10th percentile earned a salary around $77,310 as of 2021. To reach this position, candidates usually need a minimum of five years of experience acting as purchasing agents or buyers.

Job Titles: Purchasing Manager, Buyer or Purchasing Agent

Median Salaries (2021): $127,150, $63,470 

Occupation Group: Management

6. Master’s in Human Resources

Supplies aren’t the only thing businesses need to succeed. To run effectively, companies and organizations also need to have hardworking employees. They need those employees to be trained properly and working as efficiently as possible.

Graduate degree programs in human resources are among the best business masters degrees. These programs teach students how to handle the important administrative duties that relate to staffing and employee relations. In a master’s in human relations degree program, according to U.S. News & World Report, students take core courses such as:

• Employee and labor relations
• Organizational change
• Human relations management strategy
• Conflict management
• Employment and labor law
• Collective bargaining
• Human performance improvement
• Compensation and benefits

Students often choose to take elective courses that lead to a specialization in subjects such as project management, staffing and recruitment or training and development. Many master’s degree programs in human resources also include some sort of final capstone experience. This may take the form of an internship, thesis or research project.

RELATED: What Salary Can I Expect With a Human Resources Management Degree?

A master’s degree in this field gives you the skills needed to become a human resources manager. Lower-level human resources management roles are available to candidates with just an undergraduate degree. However, having a master’s degree will improve a candidate’s job prospects in this competitive field, according to the BLS.

Human resources managers serve an important role. They connect a company’s employees with its management and administration team and handle job duties such as recruiting staff and handling any employee issues that arise. Training and development manager is another role you can go for with a graduate degree in human resources. Unlike the more general role of human resources manager, these professionals focus on training the company’s workforce.

Both of these management roles typically require a minimum of five years of related work experience, often in roles such as human resources specialist or training and development specialist.

Job Titles: Human Resources Manager, Training and Development Manager

Median Salaries (2021): $126,230, $120,130

Occupation Group: Management

7. Master’s in Economics

Economics is the study of how resources are transferred and used. Money, real estate, natural resources, labor and time are studied in a bachelor’s program.

 In a master’s in economics degree program, students study: 

• theory and principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics
• Mathematics (such as statistics and econometrics)
• international economics
• labor economics
• financial economies and risk
• managerial economics
• applied econometrics
•  economic development and growth

While it’s not necessary to have an undergraduate degree in economics to get started in a graduate program in the subject, it is important to have a solid mathematics foundation. Undergraduate-level coursework in calculus is a prerequisite for most graduate economics programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. Some master’s in economics programs offer students the chance to specialize in a topic like advanced theory or financial economics.

A graduate degree in economics can prepare you for a career as an economist, a high-paying business-related role. Economists fit more closely in the category of social scientist than business professional. However, with a six-figure median annual salary and a lucrative $193,690 wage at the 90th percentile as of 2021, economist is among the highest-paying business careers all the same.

In the business world, economists don’t just study the production and distribution of various kinds of resources. They also use their findings to develop data-backed business recommendations.

More than one-third of economists work for the federal, state or local government. Many others work in management consulting or research and development services. An economics degree can prepare graduates for other roles, too. In fact, most students who graduate from an undergraduate economics degree program don’t go on to become economists. Instead they find business roles such as research assistant, financial analyst and market research analyst, according to Forbes.

Job Titles: Economist

Median Salaries (2021): $105,630

Occupation Group: Other Business-Related Occupation

8. Bachelor’s in Engineering

On the surface, one of the best-paying business degrees, engineering, may not seem like a business degree at all. Engineering degrees incorporate a great deal of math, science, computer software training and practice in engineering design. Still, the architectural and engineering services industry is a major part of the business world. Success as an engineer hinges on an understanding of business principles as well as engineering principles. Engineers need to take into account clients’ needs, budgets and timetables in planning an engineering project. 

At the undergraduate as well as graduate level, most engineering degree programs focus on a particular discipline of engineering. Each of these disciplines includes studies in core courses such as:

• Science
• Mathematics
• principles of engineering

All high-quality engineering programs allow students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working in laboratory and design studio settings. Most encourage or require some form of an internship opportunity. However, the precise curriculum of an engineering program depends heavily on the specialization the student is pursuing. Among the most popular engineering specializations are:

• civil engineering
• computer engineering
• construction engineering technology
• electrical engineering
•  mechanical engineering
• petroleum engineering
• software engineering

Students majoring in computer engineering or software engineering may devote much of their studies to computer science or computer programming.

RELATED: Which Degree Is Best for a Software Engineer?

Students in a civil engineering program focus more on engineering mechanics and systems.

Becoming an engineer in your chosen discipline is the traditional career path following an engineering degree program. However, some engineering graduates choose a different, and at times more lucrative, career. The $103,710 annual salary the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported for sales engineers in 2021 was more than the median salaries of:

• Electrical and electronics engineers
• Mining and geological engineers
• Marine engineers
• Materials engineers
• Biomedical engineers
• Health and safety engineers
• Environmental engineers
• Mechanical engineers
• Industrial engineers
• Civil engineers
• Agricultural engineers

Sales engineers develop the same level of engineering knowledge in their discipline as students who go on to become professional engineers, but they put that knowledge to work in the business world. A sales engineer is responsible for selling highly technical products and services to clients, typically businesses. Sales engineers are necessary when the product is so technical that it takes a salesperson with a college-level engineering background to understand the science behind the product. They can explain that information to clients in clear, accessible language.

Job Titles: Sales Engineer

Median Salaries (2021): $103,710

Occupation Group: Sales

9. Bachelor’s in Actuarial Science

Actuarial science is the study of risk. Majors in actuary science degree programs have strong analytical skills. They use numerical data to identify the mathematical likelihood of an outcome occurring. An actuarial science program typically includes coursework in:

• Algebra
• Calculus
• Probability and statistics
• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Business and finance

In addition to these core courses in math and business, actuarial science majors can benefit from taking classes in computer science and communication. 

Graduates from an actuarial science program need to have skills in:

• Public speaking
• Written communication
• Computer programming
• Using databases, spreadsheets and statistical analysis tools

College degree programs in actuarial science may also include preparation for the actuarial exams candidates must pass to attain certification. There are around 200 colleges across the globe that offer degree programs in actuarial science.

RELATED: What Degree Do I Need to Be an Actuary?

A degree in actuarial science is an excellent start to a career as an actuary. These mathematics professionals earn a lucrative living. The $105,900 median salary the BLS reported for 2021 lands them among the best-paid employees in the business world. They also had an exceptionally high 10th percentile wage of $63,260 and 90th percentile wage of $206,820. More than 70 percent of actuaries worked for the finance and insurance industry as of 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other actuaries find employment in the professional services industry, management and government entities.

Some of the different types of actuaries include:

• Health insurance actuaries
• Life insurance actuaries
• Property and casualty insurance actuaries
• Pension and retirement benefits actuaries
• Enterprise risk actuaries

Their work helps determine the terms and rates of insurance policy contracts as well as companies’ financial strategies. Earning certification is essential for full professional status as an actuary. This requires successful completion of professional actuarial exams.

Job Titles: Actuary

Median Salaries (2021): $105,900

Occupation Group: Other Business-Related Occupation

10. Bachelor’s in Health Administration or Health Management

Managing the business side of the healthcare industry requires a background in both business studies and the issues facing healthcare providers. An undergraduate degree program in health administration or health management combines these studies in a focused curriculum. It equips graduates with the skills needed to oversee the operations of a hospital or medical practice.

Business courses are an important component of a health administration curriculum. According to U.S. News & World Report, students in a healthcare management program typically take classes in the following subjects of study: 

• Human resources
• Economics
• Finance and leadership
• Health law and regulations
• Standards for healthcare staff
• Policy issues in healthcare
• Medical facilities management
• Critical issues in healthcare 

Some health administration programs allow students to pursue a specialization such as health care informatics systems, long-term care management or public administration. Often, students complete an internship or practicum to attain hands-on work experience.

With a degree in health administration or health management, you can be on your way to a role as a medical and health services manager. Sometimes called health care executives or health care administrators, these management professionals don’t provide care themselves. They direct and coordinate care to make sure that medical facilities run efficiently and that patients get adequate treatment. 

With a $101,340 median salary and a $205,620 90th percentile wage as of 2021, medical and health services manager is among the most lucrative business management positions. This is also a rapidly growing management role. The BLS predicts a “much faster than average” 28% job growth rate for opportunities for medical and health services managers between 2021 and 2031. 

Nearly a third of medical and health services managers oversaw the operations of hospitals as of 2021. Others worked in physicians’ offices, nursing homes, home health services and government entities.

Job Titles: Medical and Health Services Manager

Median Salaries (2021): $101,340

Occupation Group: Management

11. Bachelor’s in Finance

Finance is consistently one of the highest-paid business majors for undergraduates. 

At the bachelor’s level, a finance degree program introduces students to the basics of business, accounting and financial reporting and analysis. Later in the curriculum, U.S. News & World Report noted, students will encounter more in-depth coursework in subjects such as the following:

• Risk management
• International finance
• Investment principles
• Corporate finance
• Portfolio management
• Financial institutions and markets
• Insurance
• Financial management
• Regulatory issues in finance

By the time students graduate with their bachelor’s in finance degree they should understand:

• The different types of financial assets and how to manage them to promote growth
• The factors that determine an organization’s financial health and how to evaluate those factors
• How to budget for the company’s expenses and analyze the company’s finances and the industry’s financial markets

Some undergraduate finance programs include a specific focus on financial planning, according to the BLS.

Among the most lucrative careers you can attain with a bachelor’s degree in finance are personal financial advisor and financial analyst.

A personal financial advisor works directly with individuals helping them plan for and achieve their financial goals. These professionals might help clients weigh their options when it comes to:

• making investment decisions
• saving for college or retirement
• planning their estate
• minimizing their tax burden
• purchasing insurance or real estate mortgages

Financial analysts, on the other hand, focus more narrowly on analyzing investment opportunities. They may work with individuals, but they also work with companies. Financial analysts find employment in banks, mutual funds, pension funds, insurance companies and securities firms, the BLS reported. Some work on the “buy-side,” where they focus on obtaining investments. Others work on the “sell-side” and seek investors to purchase their stocks and bonds.

Personal financial advisors have a higher median salary ($94,170, as of 2021), but financial analysts have an exceptionally high 10th percentile wage among financial specialists ($57,900). This data shows that even the lowest-paid analysts are earning a good income.

Job Titles: Personal Financial Advisor, Financial Analyst

Median Salaries (2021): $94,170, $91,580

Occupation Group: Financial Specialist

12. Master’s in Statistics

Statistics is the scientific study of analyzing and interpreting numerical data. Students majoring in statistics commonly take a blend of math and science courses that include:

• Calculus
• Linear algebra
• Survey methodology
• Perimental design
• Statistical theory
• Probability

Graduates of statistics degree programs need to have a well-rounded background. Students often take courses in engineering, physical science, chemistry, biology and health services, particularly as undergraduates.

Statistics students don’t work only with formulas but also with computer software. In fact, using data analysis software is so integral to the study of statistics that it is also recommended that students take some computer science and computer programming courses. Some entry-level roles in the field of statistics are available to graduates from a bachelor’s degree program. However, most roles require that candidates hold at least a master’s degree, if not a Ph.D.

RELATED: Statistics Jobs: What Kind of Job Can You Get With a Degree in Statistics?

Statistician is the job title given to math professionals who gather and evaluate data through statistical methods to gain insight into solving problems. A statistician is responsible for everything from figuring out what data can help a company gain valuable insight to devising and implementing ways to attain that data and finally analyzing the information they collect. Statisticians work in several different employment environments, including federal government agencies and college and university settings. In the business world, most statisticians find jobs in:

• scientific research and development services
• finance and insurance
• management consulting services

For statisticians, the career outlook is highly positive. While the expected increase in job opportunities for all occupations is just five percent between 2021 and 2031, statisticians are looking at a “much faster than average” growth rate of 31 percent. With a median salary of $95,570 and a 90th percentile wage of $157,300 as of 2021, statistician is one of the top-paying business careers and the third most lucrative math career.

Job Titles: Statistician

Median Salaries (2021): $95,570

Occupation Group: Other Business-Related Occupation

13. Bachelor’s in Accounting

It’s a common misconception that an accounting degree is all about mathematics, according to U.S. News & World Report. True, you do need to have solid math skills to succeed in the degree path and any career that follows. Still, accounting is a business degree program, not a math program.

RELATED: How Long Does It Take to Become an Accountant?

Accounting is the work of preparing financial statements and reports. In a bachelor’s degree program in accounting, students take courses such as:

• Fundamentals of accounting
• Principles of accounting
• Auditing principles
• Internal auditing
• Financial accounting
• Managerial accounting
• Financial reporting
• Business law
• Finance
• Economics
• Business communications

By the time students graduate from an undergraduate accounting degree program, they will understand the workings of business transactions and how to prepare a wide variety of financial reports. They will not, however, have met the 150 semester hours of college study needed to be eligible for the certified public accountant (CPA) credential. For that reason, many graduates of bachelor’s in accounting degree programs go on to attain a master’s degree in accounting or an MBA.

RELATED: What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs With an Associates Degree in Accounting?

An undergraduate accounting degree can prepare you for a couple of possible positions in the business world. Financial examiner and accountant are the most notable. Accountants and auditors earned a median wage of $77,250 annually as of 2021, according to the BLS. They follow a fairly direct career path, work with individuals or companies to prepare accurate financial statements and offer advice for making smart financial decisions. Tax returns, balance sheets and income statements are just a few of the types of financial reports accountants are responsible for creating.

Financial examiners are the higher paid of the two occupations, earning a median salary of $81,090 per year. These professionals focus more narrowly on the rules and laws companies have to follow with regards to financial practices and reporting. Some financial examiners specialize in “risk scoping,” assessing the financial wealth of institutions such as banks and credit unions. Others are more concerned with “consumer compliance.” They ensure financial institutions abide by the laws designed to protect consumers from predatory lending practices. Nearly one-fifth of all financial examiners worked for the federal or state government as of 2021, according to the BLS. Other financial examiners work in credit inter-mediation, financial investments and management.

Job Titles: Financial Examiner, Accountant

Median Salaries (2021): $81,410, $77,250

Occupation Group: Financial Specialist

14. Bachelor’s or Master’s in Operations Research

Operations research is a math-heavy degree program. This is one of the highest paid business degrees that is best students for students with strong analytical and mathematics skills.

Core courses such as calculus, statistics and linear algebra are essential to success in the field of operations research. Students should also take enough computer science coursework to thoroughly understand the software used to run statistical analyses and model data. It’s also a good idea for operations research majors to take classes in subjects that need quantitative analysis, such as economics, political science and engineering.

Should you go for a bachelor’s degree in operations research, or a master’s degree? That depends on what you want to do with the degree. An undergraduate degree in operations research or a similar program is sufficient to attain some entry-level roles in the field, according to the BLS. However, there are some jobs you won’t be able to get unless you have a master’s degree or a Ph.D. Having an advanced degree can improve your job prospects considerably.

With a degree in operations research or a similar educational path, you can pursue a career as an operations research analyst. This math professional applies quantitative, statistical and analytical methods to data to develop solutions to real problems facing businesses and organizations. While their work uses mathematical principles, the challenges operations research analysts face aren’t quite as simple as solving an equation. These professionals don’t just look for any solution, but instead for the best solution. That requires analyzing the pros and cons of a variety of different actions.

One-quarter of operations research analysts worked in the finance and insurance industry as of 2021. Others found employment in professional and scientific services, manufacturing, management and the federal government. In addition to having a high median salary of $82,360, operations research analysts also enjoy a highly positive job outlook. The BLS predicts that operations research analysts will see a “much faster than average” job growth rate of 23 percent between 2021 and 2031.

Job Titles: Operations Research Analyst

Median Salaries (2021): $82,360

Occupation Group: Other Business-Related Occupation

15. Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology

You might associate the field of psychology more with counseling or clinical treatment than with business. However, industrial-organizational psychology is a specialized discipline of psychology that focuses on how humans behave in the workplace and other organizations, according to the American Psychological Association.

You can pursue a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology even if you didn’t major in psychology as an undergraduate student. You will just need to complete certain prerequisites, such as introductory and experimental psychology coursework. At the graduate level, The Princeton Review reported, coursework in industrial-organizational psychology includes:

• Psychology
• Human resources
• Business and management
• Organizational development
• Personnel selection
• Training in organizations, work motivation and attitudes
• Leadership and strategic change
• Performance measurement

Some form of field work may also be required. A typical master’s degree program in industrial-organizational psychology can be completed in one and a half to three years, The Princeton Review reported.

An industrial-organizational psychologist applies his or her knowledge of human behavior to the specific setting of the workplace. These psychology professionals help businesses find ways to improve productivity and workplace culture and resolve management and employee performance problems by implementing psychological principles and practices. Their goals may range from developing fair and constructive company policies to raising employee morale and developing effective working styles.

In most specialties of psychology, you need a Ph.D. to become a psychologist. Industrial-organizational psychology is an exception to that rule, the BLS reported. Candidates with a master’s degree can begin working in entry-level industrial-organizational psychologist roles.

With a median salary of $81,040 and a 90th percentile wage of $133,890 as of 2021, industrial-organizational psychologist is among the most lucrative business careers without a business degree.

Job Titles: Industrial Organizational Psychologist

Median Salaries (2021): $81,040

Occupation Group: Other Business-Related Occupation

Editor’s Note: No one educational or career path is right for everyone. If you aspire to rise to a well-paid position in the business world and make the big bucks, you need to weigh your options and consider all of the factors that will affect your professional life. What are your strengths and interests? How will you get the experience you need to advance to your dream career? This list is a guide for you to start off your research into the right degree program and career path for you. For more information about the highest-paying business careers, check out this resource from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

DQ Staff

Updated April 2023

For Further Reading:

• What Self-Employed Career Opportunities Do You Have With a Business Degree?
• What Are the Easiest Graduate Degrees to Get in Business?
• What Government Jobs Can You Get With a Business Degree?
• What Should You Know When You Interview for a Job With a Degree in Business Administration?

The post 15 Top Highest-Paying Business Degrees appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

What Are the Highest-Paying Math Jobs?

Mathematical skills – and the other competencies students develop pursuing an undergraduate math degree – are in-demand in many fields.

RELATED: What Are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Degree in Math?

High-paying jobs for math majors may include high-paying jobs in financial and government agencies, consulting firms, insurance companies, colleges and universities and more.

1. Cryptographer

At the intersection between mathematics and computer science is the cryptographer career path. In general, cryptography refers to the security and privacy of messages and data – but the modern field of cryptography refers specifically to computers and cybersecurity.

A cryptographer writes the computer code – and algorithms – used to protect data security online. When hackers and other cybercriminals attempt to breach data security measures and access or steal unauthorized information, the encryption programs created by a cryptographer

Average Annual Salary

The average salary for cryptographers across the United States in 2021 was $145,356, according to Western Governors University. The highest-paid cryptographers made nearly $200,000 per year, and even the 4% of the occupation with the lowest wages still earned salaries around $102,000.

2. Financial Manager

Another math role with an exceptionally high salary is financial manager. A financial manager makes financial decisions for a company and oversees the organization’s financial activities. Some of the job titles that fall under the financial manager role include treasurer, controller and chief financial officer (CFO).

RELATED: What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Finance?

Median Salary

For financial managers as a whole, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median salary of $131,710. The top 10% of earners in the financial manager occupation made upwards of $208,000, while the lowest-paid 10% of the field reported annual earnings below $77,040.

The management of companies and enterprises industry, which employed one in 10 financial managers, paid the highest median salary of all top employment industries at $158,820. The 15% of financial managers working in the professional, scientific and technical services industry earned a median salary of $158,770.

In the manufacturing industry, which employed 6% of the field, and the finance and insurance industry, which employed 30% of the field, financial managers earned a median salary of $131,710. For the 7% of financial managers who worked for government agencies, the median salary was $123,010.

Of course, how high a management position a financial manager holds affects their earning potential. Salary.com reported an average salary of $224,461 for treasurers, $240,082 for controllers and $420,300 for chief financial officers.

RELATED: How Many Jobs Are Available in Finance?

3. Mathematician

Mathematician may seem like the most direct career path for math majors, but in fact, relatively few math majors follow this trajectory. There are only about 2,000 mathematicians working in America, even though the BLS reported that there are 887,590 American workers in the mathematics field.

Mathematicians are the professionals whose job duties involve math in the purest sense. To solve problems – which may be theoretical or exist in the real world – they create mathematical equations. Testing new mathematical theories and developing mathematical rules are some of the duties that a mathematician may perform.

Mathematicians who focus on abstract math work acquire mathematical knowledge for the sake of advancing the field. Mathematicians interested in applied mathematics use their knowledge of complex mathematics and their math skills to understand, organize and quantify problems and to write and solve equations through which they can address real issues.

If you want to be a mathematician with an academic focus working at a college or university, you will likely work toward a full math professor role. Unfortunately, math professor jobs and other roles for mathematicians in colleges and universities pay significantly less than other mathematician jobs. The median salary the BLS reported for mathematicians working in colleges and universities was $61,600 as of 2021 – and these math jobs typically require a doctorate degree.

Median annual salary:

Mathematicians across the United States earned a median salary of $108,100 as of 2021, the BLS reported. The highest-earning mathematicians made more than $169,500, while the lowest-earning mathematicians earned below $61,760.

Mathematicians in the professional, scientific and technical services industry, which made up 13% of the profession, earned a median salary of $129,800. The federal government – the largest industry of employment for mathematicians, which employed 62% of the workforce – paid a median wage of $115,610. Unfortunately for the 13% of mathematicians working for colleges and universities, academia pays much less, with a median salary of $61,600.

4. Actuary

With strong math skills, you could quantify just about anything – even risk. The role of an actuary is to calculate risk by looking at economic data and running complex calculations. Most actuaries work for either an insurance company or a financial institution.

While a math major can prepare students for an actuary career, students interested in becoming an actuary may also pursue a specialized degree in actuarial science.

RELATED: What Is the Salary Potential for Someone With an Actuarial Science Degree?

Median Salary

The median salary actuaries earned in 2021 was $105,900, the BLS reported. Actuarial science is such a lucrative career path that the top 10% of earners in the field made upwards of $206,820. The lowest-paid 10% of earners reported salaries below $63,260.

Among the top employment industries for this field, the government paid the most, with a median salary of $110,590. Only 3% of the field works for the government. The finance and insurance industry, which employed 74% of actuaries in the U.S., reported a median salary of $110,000.

Salaries in the professional, scientific and technical services industry and the management of companies and enterprises industry – which employed 13% and 4% of the occupation, respectively – paid very close median salaries of $101,600 and $101,510.

5. Data Scientist

Despite the job title, a data scientist is more a math professional than a scientist, at least compared to scientist jobs that first come to mind. The role of data scientists is to analyze data. This is another role that combines mathematical knowledge, statistical methods of analysis and the knowledge of computers needed to write algorithms that support machine learning.

Median Salary

Data scientists reported a median salary of $100,910 in 2021, the BLS reported. For the best-paid scientists in this career, earnings are in excess of $167,040 per year. At the lowest end of the pay scale are salaries below $59,430.

All of the top employment industries for the data scientist profession paid salaries within the range of $100,000 to $102,000. The scientific research and development services, which employed 5% of the occupation, paid a median salary of $102,750.

The 15% of the field working in the computer systems design industry reported a median wage of $102,600. For both the management of companies and enterprises industry and the management, scientific and technical consulting services – which employed 10% and 7% of the profession, respectively – the median salary for data scientists was $101,000. For the 9% of the profession working for an insurance company, the median salary was $100,360.

6. Statistician

Statistics is a data-centric discipline of analysis. Statisticians can apply methods of statistical analysis to calculate the statistical probability of many different outcomes or events in virtually any imaginable industry. Science, medicine and business are some examples of the fields that rely upon statistical methods.

RELATED: Statistics Jobs: What Kind of Job Can You Get With a Degree in Statistics?

Median Salary

As a whole, statisticians enjoy a near-six-figure median salary of $95,570, the BLS reported. The best-paid 10% of statisticians earned upwards of $157,300 per year, but the lowest-paid 10% of statisticians reported earnings under $50,000.

In the best-paid of the top employment industry – scientific research and development – statisticians earned a median salary nearly $20,000 higher than the median wage for the occupation as a whole. This industry accounts for 14% of employment in the profession and pays a median salary of $114,770. The median salary among statisticians working for federal government agencies, as 15% of the occupation does, amounted to $114,050.

RELATED: What Are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Degree in Statistics?

In the rest of the top employment industries for statisticians, earning potential is significantly lower. Insurance carriers employed 6% of statisticians and paid a median salary of $83,820. The 8% of the profession employed in the healthcare and social assistance industry reported a median salary of $79,060. Nearly one in 10 statisticians worked for colleges and universities, which paid a median salary of $77,750.

7. Personal Financial Advisor

An important area of finance is managing wealth. A personal financial advisor, including those with the Certified Financial Planner credential, helps clients manage, plan, save, invest and grow their wealth.

Personal financial advisors don’t make recommendations based on hunches. Rather, they analyze available financial data and past patterns to predict what will happen in financial markets.

Nearly one-fifth of all personal financial advisors are self-employed, the BLS reported. Self-employed financial advisors may also manage their own financial firms.

Median Salary

Earnings vary a great deal among personal financial advisors, for whom the BLS reported a median salary of $94,170 in 2021. While the best-paid 10% of the field reported earning more than $208,000, the lowest-paid 10% of the occupation reported salaries under $47,570.

Personal financial advisors who worked in the securities and financial investments industry – as 59% of the field does – earned a median salary just shy of six figures, at $99,970. The personal financial advisors employed in the remaining top employment industries earn substantially less, amounting to a difference of $20,000 to $30,000 per year.

The management of companies and enterprises industry employed just 1% of personal financial advisors but paid a median salary of $79,780. Close behind is the credit intermediation industry, which employed 15% of the profession and paid a median salary of $76,620. For the 3% of personal financial advisors working for insurance carriers, the median salary was $69,410.

8. Financial Analyst

As the name suggests, a financial analyst analyzes financial data. There are many types of financial analysts, including:

• Investment analyst
• Financial risk specialist or financial risk analyst
• Fund manager
• Portfolio manager
• Securities analyst
• Ratings analyst
• Buy-side analyst
• Sell-side analyst

Financial analysts often look at past market data and trends and companies’ financial statements. An investment analyst, for example, often develops financial models and advises an employer’s financial team on investment opportunities that are likely to pay off.

Median Salary

The overall median salary the BLS reported for financial analysts in 2021, $95,570, is slightly skewed because this occupation includes two roles with median wages more than $8,000 apart. For financial and investment analysts specifically, the median wage was $91,580, while the median salary for financial risk specialists hovered a bit higher, at $100,000.

The highest-paid 10% of financial and investment analysts earned upwards of $166,560, while the highest-paid financial risk specialists made more than $171,000. Financial and investment analysts in the 10th percentile made less than $57,900, while financial risk specialists in the 10th percentile earned below $59,370.

The securities, commodity contracts and other financial investment activities industry was the highest-paying industry for both financial and investment analysts and financial risk analysts, with median salaries of $100,800 and $127,110, respectively.

For financial and investment analysts, the professional, scientific and technical services industry followed, with a median wage of $96,600. The management of companies and enterprises industry paid a median salary of $83,990, followed by the insurance industry, which paid a median wage of $81,150. In the credit intermediation industry, financial and investment analysts earned a median salary of $79,910.

The management of companies and enterprises industry is the second most lucrative among the top employment industries for financial risk specialists, paying a median salary of $102,750. In the credit intermediation industry, the median salary was $98,320, closely followed by the $98,250 median salary reported for the professional, scientific and technical services industry. Insurance carriers paid financial risk analysts a median salary of $91,770.

9. Operations Research Analyst

An operations research analyst uses mathematical modeling methods and calculations to solve all kinds of practical problems organizations face, from making pricing decisions for goods and services to coordinating the supply chain, production schedules and resource allocation.

Median Salary

The BLS reported a median salary of $82,360 for operations research analysts. The best-paid operations research analysts earned considerably more. For the top 10% of earners in this role, salaries were in excess of $160,850. However, the lowest-paid 10% of operations research analysts made less than $48,690.

Although the federal government employed only 6% of the field, it paid the most, with a median salary of $120,950. The 28% of operations research analysts who worked for the professional, scientific and technical services industry reported a median salary of $99,790.

In the manufacturing industry, where 5% of the profession worked, the median salary was $98,040. For the 8% of the occupation working in the management of companies and enterprises industry, the median salary was $94,070.

The finance and insurance industry, which accounted for one-quarter of the profession, paid a noticeably lower salary of $79,450.

10. Market Research Analyst

A market research analyst uses mathematical and statistical methods to analyze market data. Through their work analyzing economic trends, a market research analyst is able to help organizations make decisions on what products to offer, how to price them and how to market them successfully to consumers.

Median Salary

Market research analysts as a whole earned a median salary of $63,920 as of 2021, the BLS reported. The highest-paid 10% of market research analysts earned more than twice that much, with salaries above $128,320. The 10% of the operations research analyst occupation with the lowest earnings made less than $37,570.

The management of companies and enterprises industry, which employed 7% of the profession, paid the highest median salary among the top employment industries: $79,640. The 4% of the field working for the publishing industries earned nearly as much, with a median wage of $79,450. In the finance and insurance industry, where 10% of the field worked, median pay amounted to $76,650.

The median salary in the wholesale trade industry, which employed 7% of market research analysts, reported a median salary of $64,090. For market research analysts working in the management, scientific and technical consulting services, which amounted to 11% of the occupation, the median salary was $62,650.

What to Expect as a Math Major

If you want to prepare for one of the highest-paying jobs for math majors, you’re going to need to take numerous math courses. Math majors study mathematical theory, methods and applications. In the course of pursuing a four-year math degree, students are likely to study mathematical analysis, linear algebra, abstract algebra, modern algebra, multivariate analysis, calculus, number theory, differential geometry and topology.

RELATED: What Is the Salary Potential for Someone with a Math Degree?

Math majors will also be exposed to methods for applied mathematics. As part of their bachelor’s degree studies, a math major may also complete a minor or elective coursework in an area of interest, such as business or computer technology, to help them develop a knowledge base that will help them in an applied mathematics career.

RELATED: What Kind of Job Can You Get With a Degree in Math?

Other Majors to Consider If You’re Good at Math

Math degrees aren’t the only options for students with strong math skills. If you want to apply your knowledge of mathematical concepts and equations to real-world issues, it might make sense to pursue a bachelor’s degree in an area relevant to the career path you plan to pursue.

Computer Science

If you want to become a cryptographer or work in another role in cyber security, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science may be the right choice. Computer science and mathematics have more in common than many people realize. In fact, mathematical principles inform the computation theories and methods of statistical analysis that are critical parts of bachelor’s degree studies in computer science.

In a bachelor’s degree program in computer science, students typically take classes in data structures and algorithms, computer programming, computer architecture, systems programming and computational science and theory.

Engineering

If you want to use your knowledge of mathematical equations to design solutions to real problems, a career as an engineer may appeal to you. Engineers work in numerous disciplines – mechanical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering and electrical engineering, to name a few – and find employment in environments like engineering firms, technology companies, government agencies, colleges and universities and other settings.

RELATED: Architect vs Engineer: What Is the Benefit of an Engineering Degree Over an Architecture Degree?

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering take enough math courses, along with basic science courses, to develop a strong math and science background that they can apply to work in engineering design.

Finance

The area of business that is most closely related to mathematics is finance, which revolves around the management of wealth. Students who pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance typically study corporate finance, investment analysis, futures and options, securities analysis and portfolio management, international finance and financial management.

What Level of Education Do You Need for the Highest-Paying Math Jobs?

For most of the highest-paying math jobs, at least some level of college education is required. The BLS lists actuary, operations research analyst and data scientist among the math jobs with a bachelor’s degree required. A bachelor’s degree is also considered the entry-level education needed for many business jobs for math majors, such as financial analyst and personal financial advisor.

RELATED: What Are the Highest-Paying Business Entry-Level Jobs?

Although professionals with strong math skills and a relevant bachelor’s degree can do well in a variety of career roles, there are some positions for which a bachelor’s degree alone may not be enough. Some professionals working in math jobs go on to pursue a graduate degree, such as a master’s degree, or to earn a doctoral degree like a PhD.

Generally, a master’s degree is most likely to come in handy when you are pursuing a high-level role in research and development or in management. Some of the master’s degree programs that may be of interest include mathematics, business administration, finance, computer science, data science and engineering.

RELATED: How Advanced Does My Degree in Math Have to Be to Get a Good Job?

You don’t have to go for your master’s degree straight after completing your bachelor’s degree program. Many students apply to entry-level jobs for math majors after graduation, through which they gain experience and on-the-job training that can help them plan their career trajectory.

For some of the highest-paying math jobs, work experience and on-the-job training are sufficient preparation for advancement on their own, while for other roles, having a master’s degree can be invaluable.

RELATED: What Kind of Business Jobs Can You Get With a Degree in Math?

The Most In-Demand Skills for Math Majors

Any math job requires strong mathematical skills, but there are specific related skill sets that can prove valuable in a high-paying math career.

Analyze Data

Most of the math jobs on our list involve at least some analytical component. Having strong analytical skills is valuable not only for jobs that revolve around analysis specifically but also for jobs that involve any sort of strategic decision-making.

Whether you’re using methods of statistical analysis or simply applying logic and reasoning to better understand and solve problems, your analytical skills are essential to success in a math career. Due the need to analyze not only mathematical equations but also how to apply mathematical methods to real-world problems, math majors develop excellent analytical skills in the course of earning their bachelor’s degree or advanced degrees.

Solve Problems

A math major solves problems, but the types of challenges they overcome aren’t limited to arriving at the answer to a tricky equation or figuring out the value of a variable. The business, financial, risk, cyber security and other problems that are the focus of math jobs are often best addressed in similar ways, such as organizing a problem logically, analyzing each aspect and modeling solutions.

Studying math equips students with strong problem-solving skills – and that’s a skill set that almost every job requires.

Interpret Financial Reports

It takes only basic arithmetic skills and accounting knowledge to prepare financial statements, but making meaning out of financial reports is much more challenging. With their thorough grasp of mathematical concepts and theories, math majors are well-suited to make meaning and glean insights out of financial and economic data.

For Further Reading: 

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Policy Analyst?

The post Top 10 Paying Jobs That Involve Math appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Introverts do well in calm environments and work spaces that tend to be more private. As an Introvert, you probably don’t want to go into an aggressive, outgoing position like sales or stock trading. Introverts are more analytical and observational and find their energies are heightened with moments of reflection and lessen with too much interaction. There are certain careers that align with the Introverted person more than others. Highlighted below are what we found to be the Top 10 Careers for Introverts. The featured occupations not only present an ideal work surrounding for Introverts, they are more in demand nationally and have annual salaries that are relatively high.

Keep in mind though that it was also Carl Jung who said,

“There is no such think as a pure introvert or extrovert. Such a person would be in the lunatic asylum.”

Of course, people’s behaviors can often fluctuate; if an Introverted job is not working out for you, maybe you’re more Extroverted than you think. In that case, check our Top 10 Careers for Extroverts!

1. Land Surveyor

Anytime new construction takes place, a surveyor is sent out to measure distances and angles. They research land records, previous survey records and land titles. They locate boundary lines and record their results. Precision is the name of the game. The data of a survey must be accurate as their findings indicate where a new building can or cannot be built.

All information is prepared in the form of a report or various maps and presented their clients. Clients might be private, public companies or government agencies.

Surveying includes fieldwork conducted outdoors with camera-like heavy duty equipment as well as indoor office work. You may work on a team; however, a lot of the job is a solo gig. You will have to travel to the project location and stand for long periods of time. Sometime work will be in remote areas with very little communication with anyone. You did say you were an Introvert, no?

Median Salary: $56,230
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 10% increase between 2012 and 2022

2. Librarian

The library – the only place where you can legitimately tell people to shut up without seeming like a nut. It’s a world made by introverts, for introverts, and it can be yours to rule.

That may be an overstatement. But Librarian is an ideal job for the more introverted among us. Sure, you work with the public some, checking in and checking out books, giving recommendations, and helping with research, but much of your time is spent shelving books, cataloguing and filing, repairing damaged volumes, and other good recharging tasks. And if you’re so introverted the mild public interaction is too much for you, you can always specialize in something like archival or digital media, where your only company is rare books or computers.

Median Salary: $55,000
Education Level: Master’s degree
Projected employment growth: 7% increase between 2012 and 2022

3. Animator

Bringing drawings to life has always been the domain of focused, even obsessive, introverts. Sure, it takes many animators to make something like an animated feature film, but even in those large teams, most of the work in done individually, with an editor and director bringing all of the pieces together into a finished film.

Of course, the internet has created a new world of animation, much of which can be managed by just one animator; think of the little Google Doodle animations that make obscure historical dates and holidays so much fun. Same goes for video games – someone had to animate the characters in your favorite time-killing app. And odds are, that person is an introvert.

Median Salary: $61,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 6% increase between 2012 and 2022

4. Forensics

So you’d like to work in law enforcement, helping keep citizens safe and earning a tidy pension and retirement, not to mention reliable benefits. But you’re an introvert – there’s no way you’re walking a beat or patrolling the streets where you’ll have to interact with all kinds of people (especially people who don’t like you). Maybe a desk job, but that still means a lot of demanding, very stressed people to work with. And forget about prison guard. Sheesh.

There’s still a way to put away criminals from a safe space: forensic science. Plus, there are many specializations you could follow so you’re doing something interesting to you, such as digital forensics analyst (if you like computers), forensic pathologist (if you like biology), and print examiners (if you like – well, fingerprints). You may work in the field collecting evidence, or in a lab examining evidence, but in either case, it’s mostly just you and the evidence. Just the way you want it.

Median Salary: $52,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 6% increase between 2012 and 2022

5. Food scientist

A food scientist studies food. Scientifically.

Well, there you go. Nothing more to see here.

Okay, there’s a lot more to it. Some Food Scientists perform basic research learning about the biology and chemistry of the plants and animals we eat, to try and better understand how food affects our bodies, how to preserve and process foods effectively, and how to make food more sustainable. Others work in applied research, using the insights gained by basic researchers to make the products we see in our grocery stores.

As a laboratory-based profession, Food Scientist can be appealing to introverts who work better in small groups or with partners, but not with a lot of social interaction.

Median Salary: $65,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 9% increase between 2012 and 2022

6. Marine Biologist

Do you get along better with dolphins than with people? Is that a weird question? If you think it’s a weird question, move on. But if it struck a nerve, you may want to consider becoming a Marine Biologist.

As a Marine Biologist, you won’t be completely on your own; Jane Goodall might have gone to live with the apes, but going to live with the fish is another thing entirely. Most Marine Biologists will have to work in teams, since studying marine life requires a lot of equipment and specialized knowledge that no one person could be expected to have. But they will usually be small groups of trusted colleagues, not the general public, and much of your work will be with creatures who don’t expect you to make small talk. You don’t even have to be interviewed by National Geographic, if you don’t want to.

Median Salary: $57,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 5% increase between 2012 and 2022

7. Information Security Analyst

You really don’t need an explanation about why a computer career is good for introverts. You’re here already, on your computer. What you may not realize is that security is one of the fastest-growing, highest-paying careers that only requires a bachelor’s degree, and that doesn’t require you to sweet-talk or sell anyone anything. Security is its own selling point.

An Information Security Analyst keeps hackers out of networks, makes sure sensitive information is encrypted and protected, looks for weaknesses in security, and creates standards for others in an organization. They will periodically report to administrators, but for the most part, they’re at the computer, building and using tools to make sure no one steals your PIN number or SSN.

Median Salary: $87,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 37% increase between 2012 and 2022

8. Organic Farmer

If you’re happiest with a little dirt under your nails and a little sunburn on your arms, you know where you belong. And if you love the earth and distrust all the unnatural processes of industrial-scale farming, you may find yourself happiest as an Organic Farmer.

Let’s not mince words – there is nothing easy or lucrative about being a farmer. Organic farms are mostly small, family farms, and even if you’re doing well enough to hire workers, you’re going to be doing most of that work yourself. And farming is sun-up to sun-down, year-round hard labor. You have to do it for love. But, if you’re in the right market, where organic produce is appreciated, and you find a clientele who is willing to pay the extra price for quality, you might just make it. And you’ll do it on your own terms.

Median Salary: $31,000
Education Level: n/a
Projected employment growth: n/a

9. Technical Writer

You like to write, and you’re good at it, but moving to New York and living the Rent lifestyle doesn’t appeal to you. Way too many parties for you. There’s a way to write, make a solid income, and never, ever have to sing a show tune. Technical writing.

The Technical Writer writes all the things that no one thinks about someone writing – instruction manuals, FAQs, and data reports. To be a good technical writer, you need to be skilled in taking complex or confusing information and making it clear and accessible to the intended audience. Some skill with drawing or computer graphics is helpful too, as you will often make your own diagrams and charts to help readers visualize your instructions. It’s not romantic, but it pays better than slam poetry.

Median Salary: $65,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 15% increase between 2012 and 2022

10. Astrobiologist

Many an introvert has looked up at the stars, wondering how we got here and whether there’s anyone else out there wondering the same thing. Introverts are often dreamers like that. But there’s a job where dream meets reality, and that job is Astrobiologist.

No, it’s not just a career that exists on Star Trek. Astrobiologists combine astronomy, biology, and other scientific fields in a search for the origins of life on Earth and the possibility of life elsewhere. It’s a research field, largely in universities or NASA facilities, and while there may be some teaching involved, most of your career will be spent in books, at computers, at telescopes, and in laboratories. You can be just as social or antisocial as you want; if you want to be a conference star or the next Neil Degrasse Tyson, you can do it, but if you want to be alone with the secrets of the universe, go for it. They’re yours.

Median Salary: $106,000
Education Level: Doctorate degree
Projected employment growth: 10% increase between 2012 and 2022

Related Resources: 

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

The post Top 10 Careers for Introverts appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

As an extrovert, your outgoing nature and people skills will make you an excellent candidate for a wide range of career paths in sought-after industries like healthcare, finance, education, legal, communication and business. With our Top 10 Careers for Extroverts list, you can discover a profession that will be as personally fulfilling as it is financially and professionally rewarding, one that fits your personality as well as your goals.

Remember, though, that no one is a complete extrovert. If none of these options appeal to you, take a look at our Top 10 Careers for Introverts – you might not be as much of an extrovert as you think.

 1. Lawyer

Lawyers represent individuals, organizations, businesses and government agencies in legal matters that range from criminal trial proceedings to drawing up contracts and wills. They inform and guide their clients in legal matters ranging from business to personal. While television portrayals typically show attorneys at trials, lawyers don’t spend every moment of their time locked in real-life courtroom battles. They do a lot of their work behind-the-scenes, communicating with clients, investigating legal matters and collecting evidence, interpreting laws and drafting legal documents. They must communicate facts both in writing and verbally – and that’s where the career appeals to extroverts.

When a lawyer goes to trial, he or she must be comfortable speaking in front of an entire courtroom full of people. Lawyers need to have the confidence to argue legal matters in court, in front of judges and juries, and to question witnesses and defendants. They must make their arguments compelling. For an introvert, this could be a daunting task, but an extrovert like you might find this to be the most exciting and rewarding part of the job.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $113,530

Education Level: Law school degree (Doctoral degree)

Projected employment growth: 10 percent

2. Physical Therapist

Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who work with patients to improve their mobility and decrease pain. When patients suffer an illness or injury that restricts their ability to move, it can affect every aspect of their lives. Physical therapists rehabilitate these patients through the use of exercise, hands-on therapy, stretches, heat and cold applications, electric stimulation, assistive devices for walking and other modalities and equipment. A physical therapist’s job is to help patients function better.

A wide variety of patients requires physical therapy. Young people and even babies must see a physical therapist for help with developmental delays. Among older patients, strokes are a common cause of mobility issues that call for physical therapy. Patients may also come to a physical therapist at any age to help with conditions caused by sports injuries or accidents. Sometimes patients need therapy for recovering from a one-time but acute injury, while other times they’re seeking solutions for coping with chronic conditions. A physical therapist must be comfortable interacting with a range of patients. Like other medical professionals, they need to be able to educate and explain treatment plans to patients. More so than many other healthcare workers, physical therapists must motivate and encourage patients, some of whom may feel depressed as a result of their injury and limitations or discouraged by progress that is slower than they would like. An outgoing, extroverted physical therapist can inspire these patients and help them make the best possible recovery for their condition.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $79,860

Education Level: Doctoral degree

Projected employment growth: 36 percent

 3. Dental hygienist

Dental hygienists are healthcare professionals who clean and examine patients’ teeth. They work in dentists’ offices, where they spend most of their workdays interacting directly with patients. When patients visit the office for a cleaning or for other preventive dental care, the dental hygienist is the one who actually cleans and polishes their teeth, using manual, power and ultrasonic equipment to eliminate stains, plaque and tartar. They are often responsible for taking x-rays of the mouth, administering fluorides, applying sealants to teeth and examining patients’ mouths to detect any signs of dental problems or oral diseases.

While patients are in the chair, they typically can’t do much talking themselves, since the dental hygienist is hard at work on cleaning their teeth. It takes an extrovert to feel comfortable doing most or all of the talking, helping to put the minds of sometimes nervous patients at ease. Dental hygienists also advise patients on ways to enhance their dental health, such as the right way to brush and floss and the impact of diet on their teeth and gums. For someone with a compassionate nature and an outgoing personality, the opportunity to interact frequently with patients and to educate them on improving their health can be energizing and fulfilling. 

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $70,210

Education Level: Associate’s degree

Projected employment growth: 33 percent

4. Financial Advisor

Financial advisors use their knowledge of the world of finance to guide clients in choosing the right investment opportunities, decreasing their tax burdens and making insurance decisions to protect their interests. Successful financial advisors are knowledgeable about a wide range of finance topics, from tax laws to stocks, bonds and other types of investments. However, they do more than offer general advice. They interact with clients directly and learn about their personal situations, including their goals and financial situations. Financial advisors then talk with their clients about the different options available to them and the financial risks involved. They research different investment opportunities to discuss with their clients, keep an eye on how clients’ investments are performing and answer any financial questions their clients have.

The people and speaking skills necessary to interact well with clients are among the most important qualities a financial advisor can have, which makes this career an excellent choice for extroverts. After all, financial advisors need to understand their clients’ goals and their current financial situations. They must establish a rapport with clients that will help them discuss important matters that are both financial and personal, such as when the client wants to retire and how to plan financially for life changes like having children. Financial advisors also need strong sales skills to market their own services, especially if they are self-employed.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $67,520

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 27 percent

5. Nurse

Nurses care for patients in a variety of settings, from hospitals and doctors’ offices to nursing home facilities, prisons and schools. Registered nurses fulfill many roles in patient care. They write down medical histories, symptoms and their own observations. Nurses work with other healthcare professionals to coordinate treatment plans, perform diagnostic tests, use medical equipment and interpret test results. Within the healthcare facility, nurses dispense treatments and medicines.

One thing nearly all of a nurse’s many job duties have in common is their interaction with others. Obviously, nurses interact with the patients with whom they work directly. They need to have good people and communication skills to connect with patients, some of whom may be nervous about test results or uncomfortable procedures, and to put their minds at ease. Good nurses draw upon these same skills to explain to patients what to expect and what they must do, including how to take medication. They must also have and express compassion for their patients. Since nurses often work with doctors and a variety of other healthcare professionals, they also use their strong communication and interpersonal skills collaborating with other members of their team.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $65,470

Education Level: Associate’s degree

Projected employment growth: 19 percent

6. Mediator

Mediators are legal professionals who work with the parties involved in a legal dispute to help them resolve the problem outside of the court system. They are neutral or impartial with regards to the case, meaning that they aren’t on the side of either the plaintiff or defendant. Instead, they meet with both parties simultaneously and work to help them communicate effectively to reach an agreement without having to go to trial. Though they do their work in private hearings rather than in the courtroom, mediators are an important part of the legal system. Resolving disputes outside of court means that the parties involved can avoid the cost, time and hassle of a trial and that fewer cases are clogging up an already overburdened court system.

While mediators must know and understand the laws that relate to the cases they mediate, much of their success is based upon skills that are common among extroverts. Mediators must be good listeners and communicators, and they must be able to interact well with others to help them communicate more effectively, too. They have to talk to plaintiffs, defendants and witnesses to learn the background of the case and the events that led to the legal dispute.  They must make sure that everyone involved understands the process and sort out each party’s interests and concerns. Mediators need excellent critical thinking and people skills to get parties on opposite sides of a dispute to put aside their differences and work toward resolving the issue without having to resort to a trial or further litigation. For extroverts who naturally enjoy being surrounded by and interacting with people, the challenge of getting parties on opposite sides to work together can be as exciting as it is rewarding.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $61,280

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 10 percent

7. Human Resources Specialist

In the business world, human resources professionals play an important role: helping companies and organizations hire their employees. Workers are an important asset in every industry, and it’s a human resources specialist’s job to screen and hire quality workers and to handle matters such as training and orientation, employment paperwork, payroll and benefits.

When dealing with new and prospective new employees, human resources specialists will spend a lot of time interacting with people they don’t yet know. They must be comfortable meeting and interviewing new people from a wide variety of backgrounds, and they need to communicate well by being both good listeners and good speakers. Human resources specialists need to be confident in their own decision-making skills when it comes to determining which candidate is the best fit for the position they are trying to fill. Even after the hiring process is complete, human resources specialists guide new employees in filling out paperwork and understanding their job duties and benefits as well as conducting employee orientations. For extroverts, the opportunity to meet and interact with new people isn’t just a necessary part of the job, but may very well be the best part of the job. With experience and ambition, human resources specialists can advance to human resources manager positions. Not only does a management job allow extroverts to put their considerable leadership skills to work, but it also comes with substantially higher pay – a median salary of $99,720 per year.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $55,640

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 8 percent

8. Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists are professionals in the field of media and communication who work toward a specific goal: managing the public image of an organization. Some public relations specialists, media specialists or communications specialists work in-house within a government entity, healthcare facility, educational institution or other organization, while others work in firms that handle public relations campaigns for a variety of external clients. Regardless of their work environment and situation, public relations specialists use the same strategies to create and perpetuate a positive image among consumers, investors and the media for the organizations they represent. They draft press releases announcing news concerning their organizations and distribute the information to a network of relevant contacts in the print and broadcast media. They field requests for information from media representatives and coordinate interviews with company spokespeople so that the information can be used in a newspaper or magazine article, a radio broadcast or a television news segment.

Strategy – and skilled implementation of that strategy – is an important part of success in public relations, but being a good problem-solver and writer isn’t enough. Public relations specialists must have excellent interpersonal skills to cultivate a network of relevant media contacts and maintain strong working relationships with those contacts. They must be comfortable not only initiating contact with reports, editors and other members of the media, but also speaking for the organization they represent. Where introverts might shudder at the thought of putting themselves and their company in the public eye and constantly courting the attention of the media, true extroverts will thrive in a busy, fast-paced career like public relations. Experienced public relations specialists can move into management positions, where they can earn a median annual salary of $95,450 and have the opportunity to lead teams and campaigns.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $54,170

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 12 percent

9. Teacher

Teachers are the professionals responsible for educating young people in a variety of subjects and grade levels. Whether teaching very young children at the preschool, kindergarten and elementary school level or teenagers and young adults at the middle school or high school level, teachers must be able to connect with their students and find ways to make learning interesting. They create and carry out lesson plans that illustrate course material. They may procure or develop worksheets and tests. Teachers assign and grade classwork, homework and projects that help students learn not only the material, like a history lesson or science lecture, but also help them develop skills such as critical thinking. They grade tests and assignments and work with struggling students to help them grasp lessons.

Teachers are often the only adult, or one of the only adults, in a classroom full of students. They must not only be comfortable with public speaking, but also getting to know and communicate with each individual student. Successful teachers have the interpersonal skills to interact and communicate with a variety of people, from their young students to fellow adults. Teachers have to discuss students’ progress, including their strengths and weaknesses, with parents and guardians during conferences or when an academic or behavioral issue arises. They also have to work with colleagues, including other teachers, school counselors and administrators. Whether a teacher is standing up in front of a class giving a presentation, facilitating a group discussion or assigning work, he or she must lead students and manage the classroom – tasks that extroverts, who thrive in environments full of people and interaction, will often be comfortable doing. 

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $53,090 – $55,050 per year

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 6 to 12 percent

10. Event Planner

Event planners are the business professionals who organize a wide variety of events that range from weddings and parties to professional conferences, conventions and meetings. They work directly with both clients and professionals in the hospitality, transportation and professional services industries. Prior to the event, planners coordinate all of the details, including the date and time, the venue, transportation and catering or food service. They seek out locations and services that will fit the client’s needs, negotiate prices and coordinate all services required, making sure to keep the cost of the event under the agreed-upon budget. The job doesn’t end once the planning is complete. While the event is going on, planners are busy managing equipment, guest registration and other logistics and resolving any problems that emerge.

As an extrovert, you probably enjoy going out and experiencing events, from weddings to business conventions. What career could be more interesting than planning those events yourself? Event planners spend much of their time interacting with other people. They talk to clients to discover their needs and ideas. Then they work with the appropriate vendors and suppliers to fill those needs and negotiate contracts and prices. Because event planning is such a fast-paced industry, the professionals in it must be composed under pressure and comfortable thinking on their feet to solve problems.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $45,810

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 33 percent

Related Resources:

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What Degree Do I Need to Be a Mediator?

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What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Exciting Jobs: The Top 15 Jobs for Adrenaline Seekers

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Our list of the top 10 accounting degree programs draws from national rankings, achievements and reputations to present you with everything you need to know about the best accounting schools in the United States. The list includes public schools to private schools, institutions with various religious affiliations, and schools at every price point from $5,000 to $50,000 per year. Each of these colleges and universities is accredited and highly accomplished, so the real question is, which school is right for you?

1. University of Texas–Austin

One of the largest universities in the United States holds the distinction of being the nation’s best accounting school, according to U.S. News & World Report. The University of Texas at Austin is a public institution that has repeatedly earned recognition from publications like Forbes and Kiplinger for providing a great education at a great value – especially for in-state students. It’s held the top spot on U.S. News & World Report’s undergraduate accounting programs list for seven years now.

Not only are UT’s accounting programs ranked the best in the nation at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, but its undergraduate and graduate business programs as a whole earned high marks, too. The accounting department at the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business offers degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. levels.

The typical undergraduate degree is the Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting degree. Through a minimum of 21 credits of accounting coursework, this program prepares students for work in the private sector or with government agencies. Students in this program take undergraduate accounting classes in accounting foundations and fundamentals, managerial and financial accounting, financial statement analysis, auditing, taxation and accounting career options. They can also conduct independent research and gain hands-on experience through practicum and internship opportunities. The school also offers a finance degree program that includes an emphasis in accounting, with both corporate and financial institution tracks available. Beyond the undergraduate degree, students can pursue a Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) degree or a Ph.D.

Location: Austin, TX

Enrollment: 39,523 undergraduate students

Tuition: $10,738 in-state or $38,126 out-of-state

2. University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign

Another public institution, the University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign, takes the second-in-the-nation spot on U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, and on our top 10 list. The College of Business at the University of Illinois offers four accounting degrees at various levels of study:

• The Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
• The Master of Accounting Science
• The Master of Science in Accountancy
• The Master of Science in Tax (Chicago-based)
• The Ph.D. in Accountancy

All programs offered under the University of Illinois Department of Accountancy emphasize a number of factors, such as:

• Active learning methods
• Accounting classes that work in conjunction with general education coursework
• Broad-based introductory courses
• Integrated conceptual framework
• Up-to-date research findings
• Soft skills like communication and interpersonal skills
• The real-world experience to put all of this knowledge into practice

The four-year Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program includes coursework in subjects such as:

• Accounting measurement and disclosure
• Accounting decision-making
• Accounting control systems
• Accounting institutions and regulations
• Auditing standards
• Assurance and attestation
• The principles of taxation
• Advanced financial reporting
• Advanced income tax problems.

For students who aspire to take the certified public accountant (CPA) exam, the one-year Master of Accounting Science (MAS) program provides the required fifth year of study and expands students’ foundational accounting knowledge. MAS students can choose a concentration to pursue in detail, such as finance, taxation, supply chain management, business and public policy, corporate governance and information technology.

Location: Champaign, IL

Enrollment: 32,579 undergraduate students

Tuition: $15,636 in-state or $30,796 out-of-state

3. Brigham Young University–Provo

The school that ranks third on U.S. News & World Report’s undergraduate accounting rankings list also happens to be the most affordable of the top 10 schools. Brigham Young University at Provo is a private, religious institution. The school’s affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its strict honor code mean it’s not the right fit for every student. However, an annual tuition rate of just $5,150 for members of the Mormon Church and $10,300 for non-members makes the university a great value.

The BS Accountancy program at Brigham Young University is part of the Marriott School of Management and, more narrowly, the School of Accountancy. Students in the undergraduate accounting program take courses in accounting, business, management and economics, such as:

• Principles of Accounting
• Cost and managerial accounting
• Financial accounting
• Fundamentals of taxation
• Financial statement auditing
• Business and accounting information systems
• Business law in the environment
• Supply chain and operations
• Organizational effectiveness
• Communication in organizational settings
• Financial management
• Marketing management
• Management information systems
• Ethics for management
• Managerial finance
• Strategic management
• Economic principles and problems

For graduate students, Brigham Young University also offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program. Students of this program can choose from a variety of emphasis options, including Professional Stem or Tax Stem, an Accounting Information Systems track, a Ph.D. prep program and a dual degree option that awards a Juris Doctor (law school degree) along with the MAcc.

Location: Provo, UT

Enrollment: 26,674 undergraduate students

Tuition: $5,150 for members of the Mormon Church or $10,300 for non-members

4. University of Notre Dame

Another private, religious institution with a top-ranked accounting program is the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. The school, tied for fourth place on U.S. News & World Report’s undergraduate accounting programs list, is known for its Catholic affiliation and “Fighting Irish” sports teams, particularly football. Bloomberg Businessweek has repeatedly ranked the University of Notre Dame’s undergraduate business program the best in the nation.

Accountancy is one of five majors offered by Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business and one of 65 total undergraduate majors. Accounting students take introductory through advanced courses in accounting, including classes like:

• Accounting measurement and disclosure
• Audit and assurance services
• Business law
• Corporate financial reporting
• Ethics in accounting
• Federal taxation
• International accounting
• Strategic cost management

A unique Decision Processes in Accounting course helps students develop their problem-solving skills. Students also attain hands-on work experience preparing tax returns as part of the school’s Tax Assistance Program for low-income individuals. Besides the technical, analytical and business skills necessary for accounting success, the accountancy program at Notre Dame also emphasizes soft skills necessary for success, including communication, teamwork and professional responsibility. Despite it being a four-year program, the majority of Notre Dame undergraduate accounting students are able to strategically use “AP credits and overloads” to meet the 150 semester hours requirement to attain a CPA license without having to spend another year in school.

If you begin your education at Notre Dame, chances are good that you’ll want to stay their throughout your studies. The school has a 98 percent freshman retention rate, U.S. News reported, which means very few students transfer to another school or drop out. The University of Notre Dame also had one of the best six-year graduation rates of all schools on the list, with 96 percent of students attaining their degrees.

Location: Notre Dame, IN

Enrollment: 8,448 undergraduate students

Tuition and fees: $47,929

5. University of Pennsylvania

Tied with Notre Dame for fourth place on U.S. News & World Report’s accounting rankings list is the University of Pennsylvania. This Philadelphia-based Ivy League school known for its famous founder, Benjamin Franklin, is another institution with extraordinarily high freshman retention and six-year graduation rates – 98 and 96 percent respectively.

Accounting studies at the University of Pennsylvania fall within the territory of the Wharton School, which happens to be the first collegiate business school in the world. Students at the Wharton School graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Economics degree. Instead of “majors,” students pursue “concentrations” within that broader economics program, which they usually don’t declare until the end of their sophomore years of study. Students in the accounting concentration complete coursework in subjects such as:

• Financial accounting
• Cost accounting
• Auditing
• International accounting
• Taxes and tax planning
• Business strategy
• Managerial accounting
• Accounting for mergers and acquisitions
• Corporate valuation
• Accounting for decision-making and control

If this school sounds like the right choice for you, make sure your application shines. The University of Pennsylvania happens to be the most selective school in the top 10 accounting programs list, accepting just 10.4 percent of applicants. This selectivity allows the school to have a faculty to student ration of just five to one, which translates to personal attention and small class sizes for non-lecture hall courses.

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Enrollment: 10,406 undergraduate students

Tuition and fees: $49,536

 6. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC), sixth on U.S. News & World Report’s undergraduate accounting programs list, is another school with a high freshman retention rate – 97 percent. Accounting students at the private research university are part of the Leventhal School of Accounting, itself part of the Marshall School of Business. The curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency, real-world style teamwork and communication, critical-thinking and analytical skills. Students can learn about global business practices both in the classroom and, if desired, through study abroad opportunities.

For ambitious students who already know they want to go to grad school, USC’s Progressive Master’s Degree program allows undergraduate students to get a head start on earning advanced degrees. In a total of five years, they can graduate with both their bachelor’s degree in accounting and either a Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree or a Master of Business Taxation (MBT) degree.

Besides its top-notch accounting program and its status as top national university, most innovative school and best value school, USC is known for its extracurricular activities. More than 3,500 students take part in Greek life in one of the 60+ fraternity and sorority chapters. All told, the school boasts more than 700 student organizations of various kinds, so there’s something for every student and every interest.

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Enrollment: 19,000 undergraduate students

Tuition: $49,464

7. Indiana University–Bloomington

In spite of the odds, Indiana schools actually snagged two spots on the top 10 list. The Indiana University at Bloomington placed seventh on U.S. News and World Report’s rankings. With in-state tuition at just $10,388 a year, the school is an especially great value for Indiana residents.

Indiana University is home to more than 550 degree programs at every level from bachelor’s to doctoral. All of the university’s five accounting programs – the B.S., M.S., M.B.A., M.P.A. and D.B.A. degrees – are part of IU’s Kelley School of Business. At the heart of a business education at Indiana University is the Integrative Core (I-Core), a group of four courses taken over the course of one semester that emphasize the interrelated aspects of business, real-world decision-making and intensive teamwork experiences. Accounting students, in particular, will take introductory through advanced classes in subjects such as:

• Foundations of accounting
• Cost accounting
• Financial accounting
• Managerial accounting
• Cost management
• Management decisions and financial reporting
• Tax analysis and decision making
• Global business
• Accounting information systems
• Auditing & assurance services
• Research in accounting and auditing
• Communication for accountants

If the Indiana University accounting curriculum sounds like the right choice for you, there’s good news. This university had the highest acceptance rate of any school in the undergraduate accounting top 10, admitting 76.1 percent of applicants.

Location: Bloomington, IN

Enrollment: 38,364 undergraduate students

Tuition: $10,388 in-state and $33,740 out-of-state

8. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

Eighth on the U.S. News & World Report undergraduate accounting rankings is another school with an extraordinary record of retaining its freshmen students. The University of Michigan has been around since 1817. In addition to being ranked among the top public schools and the most innovative schools, the university prides itself on small class sizes, with a 15-to-1 faculty to student ration and fewer than 50 students in 84 percent of undergraduate classes.

Undergraduate accounting students at the University of Michigan will graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from the Ross School of Business. However, core courses in accounting concepts and financial and managerial accounting provide students with a strong background. Students can then choose to use their elective courses to delve deeper into specific tracks like public accounting, consulting, finance and general management.

As if the highly-ranked academics aren’t enough of a reason to consider the University of Michigan, students are also drawn to what’s outside the classroom. The school is home to upwards of 1,000 research opportunities for students in various fields. There are also 60 sororities and fraternities and more than 1,400 total organizations on campus for students to take part in. Then there’s the location. Ann Arbor is “one of the best college towns in the country,” according to U.S. News & World Report.

Location: Ann Arbor, MI

Enrollment: 27,027 undergraduate students

Tuition: $13,856 to $15,602 in-state and $43,476 to $46,528 out-of-state

9. New York University

Ninth in the nation on U.S. News & World Report’s undergrad accounting list is New York University, the largest private college in the country. Located in the heart of the Manhattan, the school gives students a taste of what it’s like to live and learn in a bustling city like the Big Apple.

NYU’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business houses its undergraduate accounting program. Students in this program choose either a general accounting track or a CPA track. Students who complete the CPA track meet all education requirements necessary to sit for the CPA examination in New York.

Regardless of which track they pursue, undergrad accounting students at NYU take fundamental and advanced coursework in subjects such as:

• Financial accounting
• Managerial accounting
• Auditing
• Business law
• International accounting
• Taxation
• Accounting for mergers and acquisitions

Accounting students at NYU often choose to double major or co-major in related fields like finance and information systems. Graduates of the NYU undergraduate accounting program find work in the public and private sectors, including with the “Big 4” accounting firms Deloitte & Touche, Ernst & Young LLP, KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Location: New York, NY

Enrollment: 24,985 undergraduate students

Tuition: $48,282

 10. University of Florida

Rounding out the top 10 undergraduate accounting programs in the nation is the University of Florida. Besides being the oldest university in the state, the school is also known for its size. The 2,000 campus houses more than 900 buildings, 170 of which contain classrooms and laboratories. With an in-state tuition of just $6,310, this school is a particularly great value for Florida residents.

Accounting is one of more than 100 undergraduate majors available to University of Florida students. The Fisher School of Accounting, which hosts the undergraduate program as well as four graduate-level options of study, is part of the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business. After four years of study, students will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSAc) degree. They will take a combination of accounting, business core, general education and elective courses.

Required business core classes include coursework in subjects like:

• Marketing
• Operations
• Supply chain management
• International business
• Business finance
• Statistics for business decisions
• The legal environment of business

Classes required for the accounting major include:

• Financial accounting,
• Managerial accounting
• Cost accounting
• Financial reporting
• Auditing
• Taxation
• Business processes and accounting information systems

Students who want to attain a graduate education can speed up the process of earning their degree with the University of Florida’s “3/2 Program.” This program allows students to begin their graduate studies early and earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just five years. Students in the 3/2 Program can choose from auditing, taxation and generalist accounting tracks as they pursue their Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree.

Location: Gainesville, FL

Enrollment: 33,720 undergraduate students

Tuition and fees: $6,310 in-state and $28,588 out-of-state

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RELATED: 23 Fastest Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Often, accelerated programs and online learning go hand in hand, especially at the master’s degree level. An online program that allows students to work at their own pace is also ideal for allowing ambitious students to finish more coursework in a shorter timeframe. Our list of the fastest online master’s programs identifies graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines that can be completed online at accredited colleges and universities in less than the traditional two years of study.

What Is the Fastest Master’s Degree?

There are several factors that can affect how long it takes to earn a master’s degree. Accelerated online graduate degrees commonly possess one or more of the following features: a smaller number of credits required for graduation, an accelerated course format or degree structure, a policy of accepting a considerable number of transfer credits and a subject that fits well into an accelerated format.

Smaller Credit Requirements

Progress toward a masters degree is typically measured in credits, or credit hours. Most graduate-level courses are worth three credits or four credits, but some classes – like short modules and seminar courses – may sometimes count for only a single credit hour.

One way to reduce the time it takes to earn your master’s degree online is to choose a program that requires fewer credits. Master’s degree programs typically consist of at least 30 credits of college study at the graduate level. However, some master’s degree programs, particularly those in specialized areas, may require up to 45, 50 or even 60 credit hours of graduate coursework.

Naturally, it takes significantly less time to complete 30 credits than 50 credits. If you want to earn your degree quickly, you should look for a master’s degree program in your field of study that requires only 30 credits to 40 credits. Many of the master’s degree programs on our list require 30, 32 or 36 college credits.

Accelerated Formats and Structures

Even the best student can only handle so heavy a workload at a time, especially if they have obligations outside of graduate school. Courses and programs that are offered in an accelerated format can allow students to complete their curriculum faster. Students in one of the best online accelerated master’s programs may take more than what is typically considered to be a full load of graduate-level coursework per term.

Often, students take advantage of the accelerated formats the quickest master’s programs offer by taking a smaller number of courses at a time spread over many short academic terms. Instead of taking three or four graduate courses per semester over two long semesters, a student might instead take one or two classes during each eight-week term. Under this sort of accelerated structure, a student may complete 10 to 12 classes in a year instead of just six to eight. Students may also prefer this learning format because it allows them to focus on just one or two courses at a time instead of spreading their efforts and attention too thin.

RELATED: Top 25 Fastest Online Doctorate Degrees

Because this program structure depends on short, frequent terms, an accelerated online master’s program is likely to offer multiple start dates throughout the academic year. This type of program enables students to start their online degree program sooner, without having to wait for traditional fall or spring start dates to enroll.

Transfer-Friendly Policies

Another way to speed up your education is by making sure you get full credit for all of your work, even prior coursework. If this isn’t your first attempt at graduate school, you should look for an institution that will allow you to transfer as many of your prior credits as possible, so you’re not stuck doing extra work to get your degree. A school with a generous transfer credit policy may allow students to transfer as many as 12 credits – a third (or more) of the credits required to earn a typical master’s degree.

Some schools also offer competency-based programs that allow you to get credit for what you already know – like the knowledge you gained on the job. Usually, colleges and universities that award credit for competency, rather than strictly for course completion, count scores on proctored exams, portfolio assessments and other methods of evaluation as progress toward graduation. Choosing a nationally ranked school that awards prior learning credits is a great choice to help working professionals who are earning a master’s degree finish their education faster.

The Best Subjects for an Accelerated Online Master of Science

Earning a master’s degree can improve your career prospects and your job security in any number of fields. However, some subjects lend themselves to accelerated online studies more effectively than others.

Naturally, a program that requires a great deal of clinical fieldwork can be more challenging to complete online and in an accelerated format than other programs. This is why many of the health sciences and health-related degrees on our list take closer to 16 months, a year and a half, or just under two years, rather than the degree plan being something students can complete in 1 year.

However, programs that require less highly technical knowledge and/or those that build upon existing knowledge and fieldwork often allow for shorter completion times. Some of the subjects in which accelerated online master’s degrees are commonly offered include:

• Business (business administration
• Education
• Criminal justice
• Computer science

This isn’t an exhaustive list of the types of online accelerated master’s program options graduate students may finish quickly. Whether you want to earn a masters degree in human sciences, policy analysis, public relations, global studies, other languages or the arts – like a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or Master of Music degree – national universities offer accelerated learning programs that can be completed quickly online. An online accelerated master’s program can help you reach career goals in a wide array of real-world industries and occupations.

Accelerated Master’s Programs in Business Management and Administration

Business programs are some of the most common accelerated online master’s options out there. Business students pursuing a master’s degree online may opt for an online MBA, a master’s in business management, human resource management, project management, organizational performance and organizational leadership, business analytics and other specialization options.

Certain business programs are tailored toward management and administration in specialized areas. For example, pursuing an online college degree in public administration prepares students to work in administrative roles in government agencies and entities, while master’s programs in engineering management and healthcare administration allow students to achieve career aspirations involving leadership roles in the engineering and healthcare industries, respectively.

What can you do with an accelerated master’s degree in business? Many of these degree programs help students develop a range of useful skills, including managerial skills, skills in conflict resolution, critical thinking skills, a working knowledge of employment law and more. An accountancy program can help you become a certified public accountant (CPA), while an accelerated master in finance can help students become senior-level financial analysts.

Some online MBA program, accountancy program and other business master degree program options have earned programmatic accreditation from organizations like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the International Association for Business Schools and Programs (IABSP), and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Accelerated Master’s Programs in Education

Many online education degree program options offered with an accelerated track are teacher education degrees intended for working teachers. Master’s in education degrees that fit into this category include master’s in early childhood education and early childhood studies degrees, K-12 education programs, special education online degrees and music education degrees. Aside from these graduate-level teacher education programs, Master of Education program options may include topics like educational leadership, higher education administration, instructional design and learning technology.

Accelerated Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice

Online masters in criminal justice programs often include a variety of specialization options ranging from criminology and law enforcement studies to emergency management and homeland security. Again, these programs are often well-suited to adult learners with considerable work experience in these fields.

Accelerated Master’s Programs in Computer Science and Computer Technology

Another category of accelerated online master’s degrees that naturally works well with computer-based learning methods is computer science and computer technology. Tech-savvy students may pursue online degrees in cyber security, information systems and data analysis.

Accelerated Master’s Programs in Health, STEM Fields and Other Areas

Some master’s degree programs in health science and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields are also available on an accelerated online format. Nursing, nutritional health and behavioral sciences are just a few of the health-focused online Master of Science programs students can consider. An online graduate program like one of these can prepare students for job prospects in settings like a nursing home or care facility, hospital, clinic or other type of medical or healthcare facility.

Types of Online Master’s Degree Program Options

Many master’s degrees are Master of Science (MS) programs, but these degrees aren’t the only option for online graduate students. Other programs may award a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Education (MEd) or Master of Engineering (MEng) degree, to name a few examples.

RELATED: 100 Most Affordable Online Graduate Schools

The 40 Fastest Online Programs for Graduate Students

Many of the fastest online master’s degrees are available with just a year and a half of study, one year of study or, at certain institutions, less than a full year of study. The accelerated online master’s degrees offered at each of the 40 schools listed below are among the 40 fastest online masters degrees in the nation, and they’re sure to impress students who are eager to jump right into accelerated online programs.

Whether you’re interested in a master’s in education, an online master of business degree, a master’s in engineering management or something completely different, you’re likely to find an accelerated online master’s program for you on our list below.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

At Southern New Hampshire University, online students can choose from more than 100 distance-learning master’s degree programs. Many of these programs are available in accelerated formats that allow them to be completed in as little as 18 months, 15 months or even just 12 months.

One of the shortest online programs available at Southern New Hampshire University is the one-year MBA program. Students pursuing an MBA at Southern New Hampshire University can choose from 17 distinct concentration areas, including finance, entrepreneurship, the music business and information technology management.

Numerous other degree programs at Southern New Hampshire University can be completed in just 15 months. In the area of education, these programs include the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and the Master of Science in Higher Education Administration.

Accelerated programs related to the fields of business and management include the 15-month Master of Science in Management, Master of Science in Sports Management, Master of Science in Applied Economics and Master of Science in Project Management and Operations. There are 15-month master’s degree programs in history, English, criminal justice and data analytics. Southern New Hampshire University even offers accelerated options in healthcare-related fields. The Master of Science in Healthcare Administration can be completed in as little as 15 months, while the Master of Science in Nursing takes 18 months to finish.

To allow students to complete their master’s degree programs faster, Southern New Hampshire State University offers five start dates throughout the school year and offers a generous transfer credit policy. Generally, students with prior graduate study can transfer up to 12 credits – a third of their curriculum – to this program. Additionally, by not requiring graduate admissions tests like the GRE or GMAT, the school removes obstacles that delay or prevent prospective students from applying.

As an institution, Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The school’s individual degree programs have earned programmatic accreditation from numerous organizations, including the following:

• The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
• The Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)
• The New Hampshire State Department of Education for Teacher Certification

View general online master’s program information.

2. California Baptist University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-16 Months

If you don’t mind earning your online degree at a school with a strong religious mission, consider applying to California Baptist University. The Christian-founded Riverside-based institution is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

To facilitate accelerated online learning, California Baptist University offers accelerated online or hybrid courses with start dates every eight weeks. These programs are geared toward adult students, making them an even better option for full-time professionals and students with family obligations.

The average completion time for many online master’s degree programs at California Baptist University is just 12 months, including the Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Information Technology Management and Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Business- and administration-related accelerated programs include the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, Master of Public Administration and Master of Business Administration programs in the specializations of accounting and general management. Education is another popular field of study at this institution, where online students can pursue a Master of Science in Education with specializations in Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Studies, Educational Leadership, Special Education and Transitional Kindergarten.

Healthcare-related options include the 1-year Master of Healthcare Administration and Master of Science in Kinesiology, as well as the 16-month Master of Public Health. The school’s online Master of Science in Counseling Psychology degree is unique because courses are offered in different formats like an asynchronous online format and a virtual hybrid format that allows for real-time distance-learning interactions.

View general online master’s program information.

3. University of North Texas

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

With eight-week accelerated course formats and five start dates throughout the year, the University of North Texas offers plenty of fast online master’s degree options.

Students seeking an online accelerated master’s degree from the University of North Texas can earn their MBA in half a dozen concentrations: marketing, marketing analytics, sport entertainment management, strategic management, supply chain analytics and organizational behavior and HR management.

In the field of education, accelerated master’s degree programs at the University of North Terxas include Master of Education in Educational Leadership and the Master of Science in Early Childhood Education.

The Master of Science in Learning Technologies program exists at the intersection between education and technology. More tech-focused programs include the Master of Science in Advanced Data Analytics and the Master of Science in Digital Communication Analytics.

View general online master’s program information.

4. Saint Leo University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-24 Months

Saint Leo University bills itself as “one of the first universities in America to offer online degree programs,” so it’s no surprise that the Florida institution offers dozens of online master’s degree options.

The Catholic liberal arts-based university offers an MBA program with a variety of distinct concentrations, as well seven different Master of Education degree options and seven specializations of Master of Science in Criminal Justice programs. Other areas of online study include creative writing, theology, psychology and social work.

Online graduate students at this institution typically take one to two classes per eight-week term, six of which run – often, with no break in between terms – in an academic year. Students who take the maximum number of courses per term and work toward their degree non-stop may be able to complete many of these degree programs within a year, while those who take just one course per term will be closer to the two-year mark by the time they graduate.

When taken with advanced standing, the full-time Master of Social Work is one of Saint Leo University’s abundant online master’s degree programs that can be completed in as little as one year. However, for students without advanced standing, this program requires two years of full-time study, as does the school’s creative writing program that includes three summer residencies. For prospective students who haven’t yet earned an undergraduate degree, Saint Leo University offers “3+1” accelerated degree programs in three subject areas that allow students to rapidly complete both their bachelor’s and their master’s degrees in a shorter timeframe.

View general online master’s program information.

5. Boston University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

Boston University has a 20-year history of offering award-winning online education programs, so this school is a solid choice for students looking for a credible online master’s degree program. Coincidentally, Boston University also happens to offer 20 online degrees at that master’s level.

These degree options range from topics like insurance management and data analytics to gastronomy, a multidisciplinary program concerned with the role of food in society. BU’s Master of Science in Project Management degree program can be completed in 12 to 20 months, while the Master of Science in Enterprise Risk Management degree program consists of one and a half years to two years of study.

Education degrees are popular options and include programs in music education, art education, higher education administration and curriculum and teaching. Business-related subjects of online graduate study at Boston University include financial management, insurance management, global marketing management, project management, supply chain management, business analytics and taxation law.

Other degree options fall under the discipline of computers and technology, including subjects such as software development and computer information systems, or healthcare, including health communication and health informatics.

View general online master’s program information.

6. Indiana Wesleyan University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20+ Months

Indiana Wesleyan University offers more than 80 online degrees at the master’s level. Religion is important at this Christian institution – associated with the Wesleyan Church – that is headquartered in Marion, IN, and regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. As such, several online degree programs pertain to the subjects of ministry and divinity.

However, you would be mistaken if you assumed that the only online programs the school offers at the graduate degree level are religious in nature. The Master of Business Administration degree programs are available in eight areas of specialization and generally take 18 months to just shy of two years to complete. Master of Science in Accounting programs, which include three distinct concentration areas, take 18 months to complete, as does the Master of Science in Human Resource Management. The completion time for a Master of Science in Management program, however, is listed as 15+ months.

Programs in education that can be completed in as little as 12 months include the Master of Science in Early Childhood Teaching (for licensed teachers), the Master of Science in Elementary Teaching, while education degrees in other subjects, like special education, teaching English as a new language and curriculum and instruction, take longer to complete.

Students at Indiana Wesleyan University typically focus on one five- to eight-week course at a time.

View general online master’s program information.

7. Ball State University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20 Months

Ball State University in Muncie, IN, offers 25 online master’s degree options. Many of these programs can be completed in less than two years, but certain programs are even faster to finish. The Master of Arts in Business Education takes just one year to complete. Students can earn the Master of Arts in Educational Psychology degree in less than a year if they take a full course load every semester, but most students take closer to 18 months to complete this program.

The Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Supervision degree at Ball State University can be completed in as little as 18 months, as can the Master of Arts in Foundational Mathematics Teaching in the Community College and the Master of Arts in Secondary Education.

Students in a variety of undergraduate majors at Ball State University can also speed up their graduate education through the school’s Accelerated Master’s Program.

View general online master’s program information.

8. Trine University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-15 Months

Trine University in Angola, IN, is a private Midwest university that dates back to 1884 and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Outside of degrees in the health sciences, which typically require considerable clinical fieldwork, most of Trine University’s online master’s degrees can be completed in 12 months. Some of the degrees you could earn from Trine University in just one year include the Master of Science in Business Analytics, the Master of Science in Criminal Justice, the Master of Science in Engineering Management, the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and the Master of Business Administration with seven specialized tracks.

View general online master’s program information.

9. Northcentral University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20 Months

Northcentral University is an online nonprofit institution that is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and is affiliated with the National University System based in La Jolla, CA. Accelerated online master’s degrees at Northcentral University that can be completed in just 12 months include the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and the accelerated MBA program. Students can earn a Master of Arts in Teaching in just 13 months.

If you’re willing to spend a little more time on your studies, your options are more varied. In a year and three months, you could earn a Master of Education in Educational Leadership or a Master of Science in Technology Management. A 16-month completion time is possible for the Master of Education and Master of Human Resource Management degrees, as well as for Master of Science degrees in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Accounting, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology and Health Psychology.

Three psychology master’s degree programs – the Master of Arts in Psychology, the Master of Science in Sport Psychology and the Master of Science in Educational Psychology, take 18 months to complete. In 19 months, you could earn a Master of Public Administration degree. The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis is a 20-month program.

View general online master’s program information.

10. Concordia University System

Time to Degree Completion: 12-16 Months

The Concordia University System is a system of higher education that was founded in the Lutheran Christain tradition and today has campuses in Michigan, Texas, California, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Each campus offers its own set of online programs. The Accelerated MBA program at Concordia University Chicago is a 1-year program. At Concordia St. Paul, the Master of Science in Athletic Administration and Coaching can be completed in 18 months. Concordia University Texas offers a 16-month Master of Education in Instructional Leadership. This is just a sampling of the numerous online master’s degree programs offered by the Concordia University System.

View general online master’s program information for each campus:

• Concordia University Ann Arbor
• Concordia University Texas
• Concordia University Irvine
• Concordia University Chicago
• Concordia University Nebraska
• Concordia St. Paul
• Concordia University Wisconsin

11. Benedictine University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

Benedictine University is a Roman Catholic-affiliated institution located in Lisle, IL, that aims to serve an “inclusive academic community” while still holding true to its Benedictine tradition and its religious mission and values.

Benedictine University offers a one-year accelerated MBA program that includes potential areas of study like entrepreneurship, accounting, marketing management, financial management, international business and healthcare administration. Students in the accelerated MBA program take two courses per eight-week academic term. Another fast master’s degree program is the online Master of Science in Nutrition and Wellness degree, which can be completed in just 18 months.

If you can’t decide on just one master’s degree, why not go for both with a dual degree program? Two of the dual master’s degrees offered by Benedictine University, the online Master of Business Administration/Master of Public Health (MBA/MPH) and the Master of Public Health/Master of Science in Management and Organizational Behavior, can be completed in the shortened timeframe of three and a half years.

Benedictine University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

12. Mercy College

Time to Degree Completion: 12-15 Months

At Mercy College in New York, students will find more than 30 total fully online degree programs, including both graduate and undergraduate options. Online course formats include both traditional asynchronous classes that have no set meeting times, online synched courses that utilize real-time meetings in a virtual classroom and online hybrid courses.

One-year master’s programs at Mercy College include the Master of Business Administration degree with nine concentration options, the Master of Science in Computer Science and the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. The school also offers 15-month programs for registered nurses: the Master of Science in Nursing Administration and the Master of Science in Nursing Education. Another option for undergraduate students at Mercy College is a five-year combined bachelor’s degree and master’s degree program, which the school offers in subjects like cybersecurity and psychology.

Mercy College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

View general online master’s program information.

13. Gwynedd Mercy University

Time to Degree Completion: 12*-20 months

Gwynedd Mercy University in Gwynedd Valley, PA, offers an array of accelerated programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, online and on campus, in the fields of education, business, nursing and counseling.

For students interested in earning a master’s degree online in less than two years, a program of particular interest is the 20-month Master of Science in Educational Administration. Students who start their undergraduate coursework at Gwynedd Mercy University can also take advantage of a fast-track 4+1 combined bachelor’s in business and MBA program to earn both degrees in a total of five years.

The school also offers numerous accelerated graduate certificate and certification programs that consist of as few as four courses in narrowly specialized areas of study. If you don’t necessarily need a master’s degree, these certificate options can help you build graduate-level knowledge in a matter of months, without the cost of a full degree.

Gwynedd Mercy University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. In the school’s accredited graduate programs, students take one seven-week class at a time, allowing them to focus on just one subject area.

View general online master’s program information.

14. Western Governors University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20 Months

Western Governors University is a fully online university established by the Western Governors’ Association – a group of U.S. governors – and accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The school emphasizes accessibility to higher education, curricula that focus on practical application in the workforce and affordability, charging a flat tuition rate per six-month term instead of per-credit tuition costs.

The shortest time to earn an online master’s degree at this institution is 12 months, and the degrees that you can quickly earn in this timeframe include the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Science in Management & Leadership.

Several master’s degree programs at Western Governors University can be completed in 18 months, including:

• The Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education
• The Master of Arts in Teaching, English Education (Secondary)
• The Master of Arts in English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Language Learning (ELL)
• The Master of Arts in Mathematics Primary Education
• The Master of Arts in Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
• The Master of Arts in Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary)
• The Master of Arts in Teaching, Science Education (Secondary)
• The Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction
• The Master of Education in Learning and Technology
• The Master of Science in Nursing Informatics (BSN to MSN)

Additionally, students can complete the Master of Science in Information Technology Management degree in 20 months.

View general online master’s program information.

15. University of Charleston

Time to Degree Completion: 11-16 Months

At the University of Charleston in West Virginia, three of the five online master’s degree programs available can be completed in under two years. In fact, students can finish the school’s Master of Science in Business and Data Analytics in just 11 months, making this degree one of the fastest master’s program options in the country. In less than a year, you could be ready to pursue leadership roles in the areas of applied artificial intelligence and big data.

If your interests aren’t quite so technical in nature, other accelerated online degree options at this university include the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Science in Strategic Leadership, both of which can be completed in as little as 16 months.

View general online master’s program information.

16. Purdue University Global

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

Purdue University Global is the online learning hub of the well-respected Purdue University System. Online programs at Purdue are geared toward the needs of working adult students. In addition to accelerated course formats, online learning options at Purdue University include Competency-Based ExcelTrack programs and alternative pathways to earning college credits for what the student already knows.

The fastest online master’s degrees you will find at Purdue University are the one-year Master of Professional Studies and Master of Science in Legal Studies programs. Through the Purdue University System, online students can also complete a number of distinct graduate degrees in just 18 months, including:

• The Master of Arts in Teaching
• The Master of Science in Education
• The Master of Science in Higher EducationThe Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology
• The Master of Science in Health Education
• The Master of Health Care Administration
• The Master of Health Informatics
• The Master of Health Information Management
• The Master of Public Health
• The Master of Public Administration
• The Master of Science in Human Services
• The Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• The Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• The Master of Science in Accounting

Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, IN, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The public research university consistently ranks well among national universities.

View general online master’s program information.

17. University of Miami

Time to Degree Completion: 16-20 Months

The University of Miami is a particularly strong option for current and prospective finance professionals looking to boost their credentials quickly. The fastest online master’s degree available from this institution is the 16-month Master of Finance degree.

If you’re interested in the business side of the music and performing arts industries, a Master of Arts in Music Industry or a Master of Arts in Live Entertainment Management degree, both of which can be completed in as little as 18 months, might be the right fit for you. The University of Florida’s accelerated programs also include the Master of Science in Education Sport Administration and the Master of Science in Education Applied Learning Sciences, both of which are 20-month degrees.

The University of Miami is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

View general online master’s program information.

18. Baker College

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

At Baker College in Owosso, MI, the fastest online master’s degrees include the one-year general MBA and a more specialized one-year MBA in Business Intelligence. Students can also pursue an 18-month Master of Science in Information Systems degree. Online courses at Baker College are offered through both traditional asynchronous formats and OnlineLive formats that utilize live, real-time virtual meetings.

Baker College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

19. Central Michigan University

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months*

Central Michigan University, a public university with its main campus in Mount Pleasant, offers online learning options at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Online classes can be presented in 8-week, 12-week or 16-week formats. The quickest accelerated online master degree options at this institution are the one-year Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Administration and Master of Entrepreneurial Ventures degrees.

For undergraduates studying at Central Michigan University, the 4+1 accelerated graduate degree program allows you to double count 9 to 18 credits toward both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Under this program, undergraduates complete the first courses – up to 18 credits – of their master’s degree programs as part of their bachelor’s degree curriculum. Another benefit of this option is that the master’s-level courses students complete while registered as undergraduates are cheaper, since students pay undergraduate tuition for these classes.

This university is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

20. Thomas Edison State University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20 Months

At Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, NJ, online programs of study are available at every level, from associate’s degrees and undergraduate certificates to graduate certificates, master’s degrees and doctorates.

Thomas Edison State University is an adult-focused public university that offers numerous online MS and online MA options. The one-year degree options at Thomas Edison State University include the Master of Science in Management, the Master of Science in Human Resources Management and the Master of Science in Accounting, which is also available in a 20-month format. Earning a Master of Business Administration degree from Thomas Edison State University takes 15 months and prepares students to work in business roles in areas like accounting, finance, marketing, human resources management, healthcare management and data analytics.

Several graduate degree options for adult learners are available in 18-month formats, including the following:

• The Master of Public Service Leadership
• The Master of Science in Homeland Security
• The Master of Science in Information Technology
• The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
• The Master of Arts in Educational Technology and Online Learning
• The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

View general online master’s program information.

21. Warner Pacific University

Time to Degree Completion: 7-18 Months

The single fastest online master’s degree on our list is the Accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching offered by Warner Pacific University. Full-time students who complete a full schedule of classes from May through August and a 15-week student teaching experience during the fall semester can complete this degree by December, but they must be ready to commit to taking both morning and afternoon classes throughout the summer and essentially working full-time in the classroom during their clinical teaching experience.

Students can also opt for other fast degree options in education. The Master of Education degree for licensed teachers can be completed in 18 months. There is also a 20-month part-time Master of Teaching option that consists of evening classes for students who need a less rigorous schedule.

Outside of degrees in education, Warner Pacific University offers an accelerated Master of Business Administration and a 4+1 combined degree business administration program that awards both a Bachelor of Business Administration and an MBA.

Warner Pacific University is located in Portland, OR, and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

View general online master’s program information.

22. Capella University

Time to Degree Completion: 13-14 Months

Capella University, an online university headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, offers online instruction in dozens of graduate-level degree programs. The fastest online education options at the master’s level available at the school are the ones for which the institution offers its FlexPath format of study.

Under the FlexPath learning format, Capella University students take one or two courses at a time and complete their desired number of courses over a 12-week academic term for which they pay a flat tuition rate. The fastest FlexPath students can finish degrees like the following in as little as 14 months:

• Master of Science in General Psychology
• Master of Science in Psychology: Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Master of Science in Psychology: Sport Psychology
• Master of Science in Psychology: Child and Adolescent Development
• Master of Science in Educational Psychology
• Master of Education in Teaching and Learning
• Master of Business Administration in Project Management
• Master of Business Administration: Self-Designed MBA
• Master of Business Administration in Health Care Management
• Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management
• Master of Science in General Human Resource Management
• Master of Science in Human Resource Management in Health Care
• Master of Health Administration: General Health Administration
• Master of Health Administration in Health Care Informatics
• Master of Health Administration in Health Care Leadership

Even faster degree options are, surprisingly, graduate nursing programs. Capella University offers the following eight master’s degree programs in nursing that, with the FlexPath program, can be completed in just 13 months:

• Master of Science in Nursing in Care Coordination
• Master of Science in Nursing in Care Coordination (RN-to-MSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education (RN-to-MSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Leadership and Administration
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Leadership and Administration (RN-to-MSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Informatics
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Informatics(RN-to-MSN)(13 months

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

23. Northeastern University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20 Months

Northeastern University is a private research institution headquartered in Boston, MA, with campuses not only throughout the country but across the globe.

More than 30 of the master’s degree programs offered online at Northeastern University can be completed on a shorter timeline than the two years traditionally required for graduate school. In fact, more than 20 of these degrees can be completed within one year, and another seven programs can be completed in 18 months.

At Northeastern University, accelerated programs are available in a variety of specialized fields, including degrees in business, education, health, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects and more. The breadth of online master’s degree program options makes this school a great place for students from many backgrounds to advance their education in their given field.

View general online master’s program information.

24. Colorado Technical University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

Online classes at Colorado Technical University are just five weeks long, and new terms begin nine times each year. The mobile-friendly CTU Mobile platform makes online learning truly convenient and on your terms, since you can access your educational materials from a device like a smartphone or tablet.

The fastest online master’s degree at Colorado Technical University is the Master of Business Administration. In this one-year MBA program, students can choose from a dozen concentrations, including accounting, global leadership and logistics management.

In 18 months, students at Colorado Technical University could earn a Master of Science in Management degree or branch out into fields like criminal justice or technology with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice or a Master of Science in Information Technology.

View general online master’s program information.

25. National University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

National University is a veteran-founded private nonprofit institution that is located in San Francisco, CA, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The accelerated online master’s degrees available from National University cover a wide range of subject areas, from business to criminal justice, computer science and even health. One year of study may be enough to complete either the Center for Creative Leadership Master of Business Administration (MBA) or the Master of Criminal Justice Leadership. It takes a minimum of 14 months to earn the Master of Science in Data Analytics degree. The Master of Public Health degree program requires 18 months of full-time study to complete.

National University’s four-week classes are some of the shortest courses out there, so you’ll never feel like your courses are dragging on. New terms start nine times each year, allowing students to jump into graduate school when it’s convenient for them and to keep pushing through until they reach their educational goals.

View general online master’s program information.

26. Eastern University

Time to Degree Completion: 10-18 Months

Eastern University’s two 10-month online master’s degree programs, the Master of Business Administration in Organizational Management and the Master of Science in Data Science, make the institution one of the fastest schools for online graduate study.

The school also offers seven distinct Master of Education degree programs that can each be completed in one year, as well as a 12-month Master of Arts in Theological and Cultural Anthropology. Additionally, a Master of Arts in Teaching: Classical Education degree takes at least 16 months to complete, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership takes 18 months.

Eastern University is a Pennsylvania Christain institution that is based in St. Davids, PA, and is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

View general online master’s program information.

27. University of Arkansas

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

At the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, two master’s degree programs can be completed online in as little as 12 months. The Master of Social Work degree for students with advanced standing takes one year to finish online, including a year-long internship through which students acquire real-world experience. The Master of Science in Engineering Management degree can also be completed in this short timeframe.

Other accelerated programs at the University of Arkansas require 18 months of study. These graduate degree programs include the more technical Master of Science in Engineering, the Master of Education in Educational Technology and the Master of Science in Operations Management. E-learning students at the University of Arkansas also enjoy the benefit of getting to pay in-state tuition no matter where they live.

View general online master’s program information.

28. Full Sail University

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

At many institutions, only certain degree programs can be completed on an accelerated schedule. That’s not the case at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL. Each of the 10 master’s degree programs offered online at Full Sail University can be completed in just 12 months. The accelerated offerings include:

• Master of Science in Business Intelligence
• Master of Science in Entertainment Business
• Master of Science in Digital Marketing
• Master of Science in Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• Master of Science in Entertainment Business: Sports Management
• Master of Science in Game Design
• Master of Science in Instructional Design & Technology
• Master of Arts in Public Relations
• Master of Arts in New Media Journalism
• Master of Fine Arts in Media Design

Full Sail University is a private for-profit institution that prizes hands-on experience and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

View general online master’s program information.

29. Louisiana State University

Time to Degree Completion: 9-18 Months

One of the fastest graduate schools for online students is Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. The degree with the shortest completion time here is the Master of Social Work, which students who qualify for advanced standing – those who already have a Bachelor of Social Work degree – can finish in as little as nine months.

Students can also go for a 10-month Master of Business Administration program, with MBA concentrations in 10 different fields, including data analytics, hospitality and casino management, family enterprise entrepreneurship, project management and international business. There is also an 18-month MBA degree option.

One-year master’s programs at Louisiana State University include programs in educational leadership, human resources, nonprofit administration, health administration and sport management.

View general online master’s program information.

30. University of South Carolina

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

The University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC, is a public research university that has been educating students for more than 200 years. The school offers a robust assortment of online graduate degree options from nine subject areas, including science and engineering, education, business, nursing and the arts.

Online courses at the University of South Carolina are offered in three separate 100% online formats. The fastest online master’s degrees at the University of South Carolina are the one-year full-time Master of Business Administration program and the Master of Science in Business Analytics, both offered through the Darla Moore School of Business. The school also offers an accelerated Master of Health Information Technology, an interdisciplinary program offered by the College of Engineering and Computing that can be completed in 18 months.

View general online master’s program information.

31. Indiana Tech

Time to Degree Completion: 12*-14 Months

At Indiana Tech in Fort Wayne, IN, there’s an accelerated master’s degree option for both graduate and undergraduate students. The standalone graduate program that can be completed the quickest is the Master of Business Administration – Professional Studies degree program. Over the course of 14 months – or potentially even less time – graduate students complete an MBA program with a curriculum customized to their unique interests and goals.

For Indiana Tech undergraduates, the path to a graduate business degree may be even shorter. Indiana Tech offers a Fast Track program that shortens undergraduate study in subjects like business administration and accounting to just three years and puts the student on the path to complete an MBA or a Master of Science in Management in just two additional semesters of full-time study. (Although the graduate program isn’t an option, the three-year bachelor’s degree format is also available to undergraduates majoring in criminal justice, psychology, pre-law, communication and recreation therapy.)

Indiana Tech is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

32. Grand Canyon University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

Grand Canyon University is a private, for-profit Christian institution of higher learning in Phoenix, AZ. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The university’s online programs commonly have a shorter course duration and offer 52 start dates per year, so prospective students don’t need to wait long to start working toward their master’s degrees.

You can earn a graduate business degree in 12 to 18 months at Grand Canyon University, but doing so is a little tricky. Both the Online Master of Business Administration degree and the Master of Business Administration in Leadership degree are meant to take just shy of two years of study (22 months). However, if you already have a business administration background, you can get certain fundamental MBA courses waived to shorten the curriculum to 18 months. If you’re willing to double up on your courses at least three times during your studies, you could reduce the time it takes to graduate down to just 12 months.

If you’re not eager to make so many adjustments to shrink the time it takes to earn a graduate degree, Grand Canyon University does offer an online Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity that is designed to be completed in 18 months. Like the MBA degree (assuming no waived course requirements or doubling up on classes), the Master of Science in Computer Science degree program can be completed in under two years.

View general online master’s program information.

33. University of New England

Time to Degree Completion: 16-24 Months

As the largest private university in Maine, the University of New England – regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education – has some excellent options to offer online graduate students, including those looking for a quick way to improve their credentials.

This university is credited with having offered the first fully online asynchronous accredited Master of Social Work degree program in the country, but that isn’t the only reason this school’s online MSW program is special. While the traditional program requires three years of study to complete, the advanced standing MSW program is the fastest online graduate degree option at this school, with a completion time of 16 months. The next fastest master’s degree options are the Master of Public Health and the Master of Healthcare Administration degrees, both of which can be completed in as little as 18 months.

Additionally, all four of the online Master of Science in Education degree programs offered at this institution – the general MSEd as well as specializations in Educational Leadership, Reading Specialist and Inclusion Education – may be completed in just under two years of study.

View general online master’s program information.

34. Rivier University

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

Rivier University in Nashua, NH, offers three online master’s degree programs that students can complete in just one year. The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems degree combines technical and business coursework to prepare students for roles like system architect, integrated systems designer, quality assurance analyst and information technology project manager.

Most of the MBA programs offered by Rivier University are two-year degree programs. However, two of these options – the MBA in Management and the MBA in Information Technology Management – can be completed in only one year.

Rivier University is embracing “open educational resources” over traditional (and expensive) textbooks, which is good news for students. Using a textb00k-free format for the MBA in Management degree program is saving students approximately $1,500 dollars, according to the school. The university is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

View general online master’s program information.

35. Columbia College

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

Columbia College in Missouri offers online master’s degrees in the fields of business administration, education and criminal justice. With six eight-week terms per year, students only have to take two courses per term to complete all of the requirements for a master’s degree in just 12 months. It’s an intensive workload, certainly, but it’s doable, especially if you’re able to make graduate school your full-time focus.

Another option to speed up your education in business, specifically, is by applying to Columbia College as an undergraduate and taking advantage of the combined undergraduate and graduate Accelerated MBA program to start working toward your master’s-level studies early – and have your first graduate-level classes count toward both degrees.

Columbia College is a liberal arts and sciences college that has garnered national recognition. The private nonprofit institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

36. South University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

South University in Savannah, GA, is a private university that dates back to 1899. The fastest program at South University is the Master of Science in Human Resources Management degree, which can be completed in as little as 12 months.

A number of other degree programs, including the Master of Public Administration, the general Master of Business Administration and the Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration, can be completed in as little as 16 months.

South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

View general online master’s program information.

37. Upper Iowa University

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

Upper Iowa University in Fayette, IA, offers half a dozen online master’s degrees in various fields. For students in search of a fast online graduate degree, the standout program at Upper Iowa University is the Master of Healthcare Administration, a degree that the school advertises as taking as little as one year to complete.

Online learning at Upper Iowa University involves taking up to two courses per session, although graduate students more commonly focus on one class per session. There are two eight-week sessions in a traditional fall or spring semester, plus an accelerated six-week session in the summer.

Upper Iowa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

38. George Washington University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

George Washington University in Washington, D.C., offers more than half a dozen online master’s degree options, many in subjects that are fitting for the school’s location in the nation’s capital: homeland security, cybersecurity, political management and more. The private but federally chartered research institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The fastest online master’s degrees offered through George Washington University can be completed in as little as one year. These degrees include the Master in Management degree, the Master of Studies in Law degree, the Master of International Policy and Practice degree and the Master of Public Health degree, which is also available in an 18-month format. Both the Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Strategy & Information Management and the Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security degree programs can be completed in 16 months.

View general online master’s program information.

39. University of Florida

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

At the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL, online students can pursue graduate-level studies in 85 programs in a variety of subject areas. For students interested in the fastest online master’s degrees available, a program that will be of particular interest is the University of Florida’s one-year Master of Science in Management. This accelerated degree program consists of eight-week periods and involves a workload so intense that students are advised not to attempt to work full-time during their studies.

The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

View general online master’s program information.

40. Widener University

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

Widener University in Chester, PA, offers accelerated master’s degree programs that stand on their own as well as combination master’s and bachelor’s degree options.

Among the fully online one-year master’s degree programs available are the allied health Master of Education and the Master of Arts in Organizational Development & Leadership. Online students in the one-year Master of Business Administration degree program can pursue a concentration in business process innovation, investment management and organizational leadership.

The Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program can put undergraduate students at Widener University on the path to a quick master’s degree from the start. In addition to directly corresponding master’s degrees in fields like business, engineering and social work, students in any major can leverage this program to quickly pursue a graduate degree in business administration, organizational leadership, public administration, allied health education or criminal justice.

View general online master’s program information.

The Benefits of Accelerated Master’s Degree Programs

Completing your master’s degree program quickly can be valuable in many ways. In accelerated master’s degree programs, online students generally complete the same rigorous coursework that students in a traditional, campus-based two-year degree program would. Whether students are pursuing an online MS, an online MA or another type of online master degree, they take required core courses and, often, more specialized elective courses. However, they get through these core courses faster by carrying an intense and difficult workload.

Financially, this choice to pursue one of the fastest online master’s degrees is a wise one. Spending a shorter amount of time overall in school typically translates to paying less money in tuition, and if you’re borrowing the money to get your master’s degree, it means less student debt on which to be charged ever-growing amounts of interest. There is also an opportunity cost of staying in school longer – the money that you’re missing out on each year you’re not out in the workforce putting your degree to work full-time – that you minimize when you are able to complete your master’s degree program faster than is usually expected.

Related Resources:

• 25 Cheapest Online Master’s Degree Programs
• Easiest Online Master’s Degrees
• 50 Best Online Master’s Degrees 2021
• Top 50 Highest Paying Master’s Degrees
• The 20 Best Online Masters in Liberal Arts Degree Programs
• The 20 Best Online Master’s in Accounting Degree Programs
• The 20 Best Online Master’s in Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering Degrees
• The 20 Best Online Masters in Applied Behavioral Analysis Degrees
• The 10 Best Online Masters in Chemical Engineering Degrees
• The 20 Best Online Master’s In Communications Degree Programs
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• The 20 Best Online Master’s in Creative Writing
• The 20 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Cyber Security
• The 10 Best Online Masters in Economics
• The 20 Best Online Masters in Environmental Studies
• The 25 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Homeland Security
• The 20 Best Online Master’s in Hospitality Management
• The 20 Best Online Master’s in Information Systems
• The 25 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Information Technology (IT)
• The 20 Best Online Master’s in Library Science Degree Programs
• The 10 Best Online Master’s in Nursing Education
• The 20 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Nutrition
• Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice
• The 20 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Public Health
• The 20 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Recreation, Tourism, and Coaching
• My Undergraduate Degree is Not in the Same Field as What I Want to Get My Master’s in. Will I Be Able to Get into a Program?

For Further Reading: 

• What Degree Do I Need to Be a Policy Analyst?
• What Degree Do I Need to Be an Intelligence Analyst?

The post The 40 Fastest Online Master’s Degrees appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

What Are the Highest Paying Manager Jobs?

The best management jobs – that is, the ones that pay the highest average salaries – aren’t easy, either to attain or to do. Most of the highest-paid manager jobs require a combination of formal education and years of experience. Holding the highest-paying business management positions can be stressful at times. You may be responsible for supervising personnel, guiding the direction of an organization or managing complex projects.

RELATED: What Are the Highest-Paying Business Entry-Level Jobs?

Average salary for manager positions depends on the level of role they hold, the specific duties they perform and the company and industry for which managers work. By median salary, the top-paying management jobs include the following.

1. Chief Executive Officer

If you really want to be the boss – not just a boss ­– then top executive is the career for you. These management professionals are personally in charge of making sure an organization achieves its goals.

What a Top Executive Does

As the name suggests, top executives are the managers at the top of a company. Given their senior-level status and big responsibilities, it’s no surprise that these top management jobs are also the best-paying manager jobs out there.

A chief executive officer sets goals and procedures for a variety of departments within the company. They decide which personnel will lead those departments. Depending on their position, chief executives may monitor finances and budgets, analyze statements to assess performance and determine ways to decrease costs.

Top executive roles take many forms. In most businesses and organizations, chief executive officers (CEOs) include job titles like the following:

• President
• Vice president
• Executive director
• Chief financial officer (CFO)
• Chief information officer (CIO)
• Chief operating officer (COO)
• Chief sustainability officer

At schools, top executives include superintendents and college presidents. Even cities and states have top executives. The top executives in these environments are known as city managers, county administrators, mayors and governors.

Chief executives are generally more concerned with big-picture strategy than day-to-day operations. In other top executive jobs, like operations manager and general manager, however, the manager would spend much of their time handling daily operations and administrative duties. General and operations managers handle many different administration and management duties.

RELATED: Top 10 Paying Jobs That Involve Math

How Much a Top Executive Makes

Which top executive role you work in can make a huge difference in your pay rate. The median annual salary the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported for chief executive officers as of 2022 was $189,520 per year. The highest-paid 10% of chief executives in America make more than $239,200.

The manufacturing industry is the major employment industry that pays chief executives the most. The median annual salary for chief executives in this industry was $231,640 as of 2022. Chief executives in the professional, scientific and technical services industry also made a median wage above $200,000.

General and operations managers, the other top executives, made considerably less than their C-suite counterparts. Still, the $98,100 median annual salary far outstrips the median wage for all occupations as of 2022. The professional, scientific and technical services industry paid the best for these roles, with a median salary of $131,970.

Becoming a Top Executive

There’s no quick or easy route to a top executive role. A given company or organization only needs so many top executives, and the competition for these high-paying roles is fierce. You are likely to need some combination of education, experience and an exceptional reputation if you want to become a chief executive.

Many top executives start from the bottom and gradually advance through the ranks within their organization. Others develop their management skills and cultivate enough experience to get hired from outside the organization. Either way, you need to work hard and prove that you’re the best at what you do to cultivate the kind of reputation that gets you considered for chief executive positions.

In addition to gaining experience in management roles, candidates for top executive positions must develop excellent communication skills and leadership abilities. They need to become proficient – and confident – in making decisions and solving problems.

2. Computer and Information Systems Manager

If you want to work in technology, a career as a computer and information systems manager will allow you to make great money in a field you love. This is one of the best manager jobs in the tech field.

What a Computer and Information Systems Manager Does

Nearly all businesses and organizations today rely on computers to handle some aspect of their work. Computer and information systems managers play a crucial role in an organization’s computer systems.

Computer and information systems managers are sometimes called information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers. These professionals are responsible for figuring out what computer and IT professionals the organization needs on staff. They oversee the work of other IT professionals. Computer and information systems managers also manage the organization’s computer systems and technology. When its time to put in place new systems and technologies, computer and information systems managers are responsible for tasks like the following:

• Planning
• Installation
• Implementation
• Upgrades
• Security measures

The responsibilities of specific computer and information systems managers depend on their exact job titles, in addition to other factors.

For example, C-suite computer and information systems managers include chief information officers (CIOs) and chief technology officers (CTOs). A chief information officer will devote most of their time to devising the organization’s technology strategy. A chief technology officer will focus more on what new technology can do for the organization.

At a somewhat less senior-level of management are IT directors. IT directors lead IT departments. They often serve as the immediate supervisors for the organization’s IT personnel. IT security managers, on the other hand, focus more on the organization’s information security policies and safety measures designed to thwart a security threat.

How Much a Computer and Information Systems Manager Makes

Computer and information systems managers earned a median salary of $164,070 as of 2022, according to the BLS. The best-paid 10% of the IT manager field earned more than $239,200. All of the top five industries of employment report median annual salaries between $165,000 and $175,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The information industry paid the best, with a median annual salary of $173,540.

Becoming a Computer and Information Systems Manager

If you want to become a computer and information systems manager, you will need a strong background in computer technology. Usually, this means a formal college degree, at least at the undergraduate level. Prospective IT managers often pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science. This education provides you with the technical skills for the role, but you need more than just tech knowledge to be a good manager. Gaining some knowledge of the business world is valuable if you want to become an expert in business applications of technology. Stacking a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree on top of your computer science undergraduate degree can help prove your capabilities.

3. Architectural and Engineering Manager

Another of the highest-paying management jobs is architectural and engineering manager. A lot of work goes into engineering and architecture projects, and someone has to oversee this work and supervise those who undertake it. That someone is an architectural or engineering manager.

What an Architectural and Engineering Manager Does

On any architectural or engineering project, there are various team members with different skill sets to hire and oversee. There are schedules to coordinate and budgets to set and follow. Without doing this work, projects won’t get done correctly, on time or within budget. Companies in industries like manufacturing and architectural and engineering services rely on experienced professionals to handle these big responsibilities.

As supervisors, architectural and engineering managers naturally oversee their employees, checking not only their work but also their methods. They also handle tasks like determining what materials, equipment and employees they need for a project and coordinating the work of various teams. However, these professionals aren’t completely removed from their engineering and architectural roots. Often, they create the overall concepts and designs for a product or project. They may lead the research and development teams whose findings inform the final design concepts. When problems arise, architectural and engineering managers need to solve them.

How Much an Architectural and Engineering Manager Makes

The median salary the BLS reported for architectural and engineering managers in 2022 was $159,920. The highest-paid 10% of the architectural and engineering manager profession made more than $221,550 per year. The scientific research and development services industry paid architectural and engineering managers the best, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a median annual salary of $175,670. The management of companies and enterprises industry wasn’t far behind, with a median salary of $169,140.

Becoming an Architectural and Engineering Manager

Architectural and engineering managers typically begin their careers as either architects or engineers. They may start in entry-level roles, but they don’t stay there long. They learn as much as they can on the job.

With time, these ambitious architects and engineers take on more and more responsibilities. They step up to solve problems, make decisions, lead teams and work on complex projects. In doing so, they get noticed and develop the skills an architectural or engineering manager needs.

To begin, aspiring architectural and engineering managers need the education that will land them their first job as an architect or engineer. This usually means a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a professional degree in architecture. Graduate school is a common path for aspiring managers in these fields. Depending on your skills and areas of interest, you might pursue one of the following graduate degrees:

• Master’s in Engineering Management
• Master’s in Technology Management
• Master of Business Administration

4. Natural Sciences Manager

Don’t think high-paying management jobs only belong in the business world. If science is your calling, you can put your leadership skills to use as a natural sciences manager.

What a Natural Sciences Manager Does

Natural sciences managers oversee employees, research projects and administrative policies in scientific research capacities. They collaborate with their organization’s senior executives to develop research goals. Then they determine how to best achieve those objectives through actionable steps.

Natural sciences managers figure out what personnel, equipment, materials and training are necessary for a particular project. They are also responsible for establishing a budget for that project. They oversee and assist the scientists and technicians in their research team.

Some natural sciences managers spend all or most of their time on administrative and supervisory duties. Their work keeps them largely out of the lab. Other natural sciences managers, known as working managers, conduct research of their own in addition to overseeing other scientists’ work. Laboratory managers focus particularly on managing the supplies needed for research.

Most natural sciences managers spend years working as scientists – chemists, biologists, physicists – before they advance to the highest-paying business management positions. During their careers, they gradually take on more responsibilities, such as overseeing teams of researchers and guiding the direction of research projects and experiments. The more experience scientists have, the greater their opportunities for independence.

How Much a Natural Sciences Manager Makes

The median salary the BLS reported for natural sciences managers as of 2022 was $144,440. The 10% of natural sciences managers with the highest earnings made more than $239,200. The median wages for natural sciences managers by industry varied considerably. Natural sciences managers in research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences earned a median annual salary of $178,830, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. In the manufacturing industry, the median salary was $170,220.

Becoming a Natural Sciences Manager

Natural sciences managers must have a thorough foundation in their field of science. A scientific background is more important than formal management training or education for these high-paying manager jobs. Prospective natural sciences managers need at least a bachelor’s degree in a field like the following:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Natural science
• Engineering

A bachelor’s degree may be enough to land some entry-level jobs in natural sciences research. However, even for non-managerial roles, you will likely need to advance your education beyond the undergraduate level. Most natural sciences managers have a master’s degree or a PhD. Considerable experience working in laboratory research is also a requirement for most natural sciences manager roles.

5. Marketing Manager

Companies spend a fortune persuading consumers to buy their products or use their services. Marketing managers, another of the highest paying management jobs, play an important role in how companies use this money effectively to make the most sales possible and bring in revenue.

What a Marketing Manager Does

Marketing managers stay abreast of market trends to determine how much demand there is for a product or service and what markets that product might fit into well. A marketing manager uses data from market research surveys to predict who will purchase the product and what price they will be willing to pay.

Of course, marketing managers also perform a number of other job duties. Often, they are even involved in the product development process. They may lead teams of marketing personnel and oversee collaboration between teams of salespeople and public relations staff. In some roles, they may also handle responsibilities such as:

• Developing marketing plans
• Planning promotions or advertising campaigns
• Setting marketing department budgets
• Choosing advertising opportunities
• Negotiating prices

How Much a Marketing Manager Makes

For marketing managers, the BLS reported a 2022 median annual salary of $140,040. The best-paid 10% of the marketing manager profession made upwards of $239,200. The best paying-industries for marketing managers, management of companies and enterprises and finance and insurance, paid median salaries of $162,870 and $161,040, respectively.

Becoming a Marketing Manager

Marketing managers typically start out in lower-level roles in marketing and work their way up. Most marketing managers have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field like marketing or marketing management.

6. Financial Manager

Another of the highest-paying management jobs is financial manager. Every business and organization needs to be vigilant about its financial health. That’s what makes the work of a financial manager so critical.

What Does a Financial Manager Do?

Financial managers are the professionals who report on current finances, make decisions about investments and establish future goals and strategies. They prepare financial statements, summaries, reports and forecasts of all kinds for many different uses. They also weigh in on the organization’s financial decisions. These decisions include how the company can cut costs, increase profits, expand and acquire other businesses.

Like other types of managers, financial managers oversee lower-level workers. These managers supervise the work of less senior finance employees. Today’s financial managers now spend more of their time analyzing data and using those analyses to advise top-level executives on making financial decisions than they do simply creating reports.

There are several kinds of financial managers:

• Credit managers handle credit and collections.
• Cash managers oversee the organization’s cash flow.
• Risk managers work to minimize the likelihood that the organization will suffer a financial loss.
• Insurance managers decide what kinds of insurance, and how much coverage, is necessary to reduce any such losses.
• Controllers are primarily concerned with generating financial reports, especially special reports for government use.
• Treasurers and finance officers deal with budgets, mergers and investments.

How Much a Financial Manager Makes

The BLS reported a median annual salary of $139,790 for financial managers as of 2022. The highest-paid 10% of financial managers earned more than $239,200. The two top-paying industries, management of companies and enterprises and professional, scientific and technical services, both paid a median wage of more than $164,000 per year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.

Becoming a Financial Manager

All kinds of financial managers need plenty of experience in the field. Most financial managers have spent at least five years gaining business and finance experience. Before they advance into a management role, they often start in positions like the following:

• Accountant
• Auditor
• Financial analyst
• Loan officer
• Securities sales agent

Financial managers usually start with a bachelor’s degree in a field like finance, accounting, business administration or accounting. At the graduate level, they may pursue a Master’s in Finance degree or a Master of Business Administration.

7. Sales Manager

You need the right personality to excel in another of the highest-paying management jobs, sales manager. If you enjoy the challenge of sales and the opportunity to motivate others, a career as a sales manager will let you earn a six-figure salary with your natural salesperson personality (and the right education and experience, of course).

What a Sales Manager Does

Industries like retail, wholesale trade, manufacturing and finance and insurance depend on sales managers. Sales managers typically oversee their company’s salespeople and sales strategies.

Sales managers don’t just establish goals for product sales. They also develop the strategies and plans to meet those sales goals. When conflicts arise, they resolve customer complaints.

They hire and train their organization’s sales personnel. Their role is to recruit strong candidates to the sales department and help them to perform at their full potential. Sales manager positions also have a quantitative side, with tasks that include:

• Overseeing budgets
• Establishing quotas and sales goals
• Appointing sales representatives to specific territories
• Analyzing sales data
• Predicting sales volumes and profits

How Much a Sales Manager Makes

A median salary of $130,600 is what makes sales managers one of the highest-paid management jobs. The BLS reported that the highest-paid 10% of sales managers made more than $239,200 as of 2022. The highest-paying jobs for sales managers were in the finance and insurance and the professional, scientific and technical services industry, both of which paid median salaries above $160,000.

Becoming a Sales Manager

Most sales managers have a college degree. Fields like accounting, economics, finance, business management, marketing and math are good majors for aspiring sales managers. However, it’s sales experience that really gives candidates for the highest-paying business management positions a competitive edge. Sales managers typically have at least one to five years of experience as sales representatives, purchasing agents or other similar roles.

8. Human Resources Manager

Next on our list of the highest-paying management jobs is HR manager. Workers play an integral part in every industry. Someone needs to recruit, train and communicate with those workers.

What Human Resources Managers Do

Human resources managers are the professionals who oversee an organization’s use of, and interactions with, employees. They interview job candidates and hire the most qualified workers. Human resources managers strategize to make the best possible use of employees’ skills. To do so, they ensure those employees have the training and tools to succeed. They resolve conflicts between workers and handle disciplinary actions when necessary.

Human resources managers also serve as the point of communication between employees and administration. They have input into organization policies and deliver employee services such as benefits and payroll. A human resources manager’s responsibilities include motivating and retaining great employees.

How Much a Human Resource Manager Makes

HR managers earned a median annual salary of $130,000 in 2022, according to the BLS. The top 10% of earners in the HR manager profession made upwards of $224,360. HR managers in the professional, scientific and technical services industry reported the highest median wage, $153,830, followed by those in the management of companies and enterprises industry, where the median salary was $144,640.

Becoming a Human Resource Manager

HR managers often have a bachelor’s degree in human resources or business administration. Graduate-level degrees like an MBA, a Master’s in Human Resources or a Master’s in Labor Relations are also common.

Experience, particularly in leadership roles, is a necessity for high-paying management jobs in a human resources department. Many HR managers begin as human resources or labor relations specialists. Over several years in the field, they develop – and display – the organizational, decision-making and management skills they need to advance to this career.

9. Public Relations Manager

An organization’s image matters – especially when it comes to fundraising for nonprofit organizations. Public relations managers are professionals who strategize how an organization, nonprofit or otherwise, will communicate with members of the public.

What Public Relations Managers Do

Public relations managers oversee the material organizations use to build and improve the public perception of their organization or client. They create content like press releases to get information out to the media and garner media coverage for stories and events.

They act as or designate a spokesperson who will act as the public face and voice of the organization. PR managers work with this spokesperson to provide information and support for media inquiries.

Public relations managers single out the audiences most crucial to the organization’s mission. That may mean choosing a target audience to sell to or potential donors to appeal to for fundraising purposes. They figure out which methods of communication are most likely to be effective at reaching these groups. With this in mind, they plan promotional and advertising campaigns to get their audience’s attention.

Everything a public relations manager does is to improve their organization’s image and public identity. PR managers also supervise the work of other public relations personnel.

In nonprofit organizations, in particular, professionals called fundraising managers play an important part in securing donations, grants and other forms of funding. They plan and implement new strategies to reach their organization’s fundraising objectives. Fundraising managers direct strategies to acquire more funds. They reach out to past donors and new potential donors to ask for contributions. They choose from a variety of fundraising techniques for different fundraising events and campaigns and submit applications for grants from the government and other sources.

How Much a Public Relations Manager Makes

What makes PR manager one of the highest-paying management jobs is its median salary of $129,430. The highest-paid PR managers made more than $239,200 per year as of 2022. Fundraisers make considerably less money, but this can still be a lucrative role. The median annual salary the BLS reported for fundraisers in 2022 was $107,390, and the highest-paid fundraisers made more than $205,230.

Becoming a Public Relations Manager

If your ultimate career goal is to become a public relations and fundraising manager, expect to be in it for the long haul. These professionals usually begin their careers in entry-level public relations specialist or fundraiser positions. A few years of work experience in the field, with increasing responsibilities, may be enough to qualify candidates for lower-level management positions. For roles like public relations director and fundraising director, though, candidates often need a minimum of five to 10 years of relevant work experience.

10. Training and Development Manager

Completing our list of the top 10 highest-paying management jobs is training and development manager. Across all industries, organizations want their workers to be as productive as possible. To perform at their best – and add the most value to their company – employees need the right training and the opportunity to develop their skills.

What Training and Development Managers Do

Training and development managers are the professionals who plan and oversee training opportunities. In addition to supervising lower-level training and development specialists, they determine what training and skills employees need to achieve the company’s goals and create and coordinate those experiences. Part of training and development managers’ job duties is to use resources well. That includes making and sticking to a budget.

Employee training can take many different forms. Training and development managers may be responsible for teaching classes themselves, or they may teach other instructors or managers how to effectively train employees. They acquire training materials from vendors but might also develop their own materials, including online learning materials.

How Much Training and Development Managers Make

Like the other best-paying management jobs, the training and development manager role pays a median wage well over $100,000. The BLS reported the median annual salary for this role as $120,000 as of 2022. The highest earners in this business management profession made more than $210,470 per year.

Becoming a Training and Development Manager

Like other management careers, training and development manager is not an entry-level position. A bachelor’s degree in human resources or business administration is helpful, but the degree alone won’t land you this job. You’ll need experience working as a training and development specialist, human resources specialist or teacher. You’ll also need some form of management experience.

Money isn’t everything. You need to consider other factors besides pay when choosing a career. If you have the ambition and leadership skills to manage projects and other workers, though, why not shoot for one of the top 10 highest paying management careers?

Editor’s Note: The source for the employment, education, training and salary information presented in this article is the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While this federal agency is responsible for monitoring the labor market, including the many professions in it, students will find that job requirements, responsibilities and wages differ depending on employer, region and industry. This article is meant as a guide to help students start their own research into potential career paths.

For Further Reading:

Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers

What Salary Can I Expect With a Human Resources Management Degree?

How Long Does It Take to Become an Accountant?

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Highest Paying Jobs With a Biology Degree – Degrees in Biology – Majors & Careers

The post Top 10 Highest Paying Management Jobs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

1. Purchasing Manager  

Virtually any business that deals in manufacturing or sales has to get their supplies and products from somewhere. Purchasing managers are the high-level business professionals responsible for buying supplies to use or products to sell. They compare the cost, quality and delivery speed of merchandise and suppliers and choose the items and vendors most appropriate for their organization’s needs. Often, this requires establishing and maintaining contact with vendors, interviewing them and even visiting their supply plants to learn more about the company, its practices and its costs. Purchasing managers negotiate prices and coordinate delivery schedules with their suppliers. They keep organized records of the organization’s purchase from all suppliers and handle problems, like working with vendors to address defective products, any failures to comply with contracts and any discrepancies in pricing. A successful purchasing manager must understand not only their products, but also industry trends and the inventory and sales records within their organization.

In addition to managing an organization’s purchasing operations, purchasing managers may also oversee people – the buyers and purchasing agents who work underneath them. At some organizations, purchasing managers may be primarily responsible for supervising and coordinating the work of lower-level purchasing employees, but they still handle particularly complicated purchasing contracts themselves.

Median Salary: $100,170
Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Business or a Field Relevant to the Industry, Like Engineering, Manufacturing or Applied Science

2. Management Analyst

Regardless of industry, efficiency is an important concern of all organizations, from high-powered corporations to local government entities. Wasted time and resources cost organizations money, taking away from company profits or limited government or donor funding. Management analysts, sometimes known as management consultants, are experienced business professionals who work with organizations to boost efficiency and productivity. Some management analysts work in-house in organizations like federal and local governments and insurance companies, while others work for consulting firms or as self-employed, independent contractors.

First, management analysts must learn about the problems they are to fix. They research problems and inefficient procedures within the organization by talking to the employees involved in the work and visiting the worksite to understand what workers, tools and equipment and procedures are used. Then management analysts assess financial data like revenue and expenses. They devise alternative procedures that could help companies streamline processes, improve productivity and cut costs, and they work with management to implement these new procedures.

Median Salary: $78,600
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Management, Economics or a Related Field, or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) 

3. Financial Analyst

In banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, pension funds and securities firms, financial analysts help investors manage their portfolios, or their collective group of investments. They are the business professionals who analyze investment opportunities to help individuals and companies make the right financial decisions. They determine which investments are likely to be profitable by studying trends in the economy, current and past financial performance and the financial records of individual companies they are considering as potential investment opportunities. Sometimes financial analysts will even meet with a company’s representatives in person to learn more about the company’s internal workings and why it might be a suitable investment option. They then convey their recommendations to investors both in writing and through in-person meetings.

Some financial analysts work in buying investment options like stocks and bonds, while others work in selling. Specialized positions within the field of financial analysis include fund manager, portfolio manager, ratings analyst and risk analyst.

For financial analysts, field of employment can make a big difference in salary potential. The median annual wage for the position is $76,950, but the more than 20 percent of financial analysts who work in financial investments like securities and commodity contracts earn $90,560 per year.

Learn more about what degree you need to be a financial analyst.

Median Salary: $ $76,950
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Statistics, or a Master’s Degree in Finance or MBA  

4. Financial Examiner

At both the state and federal level, laws exist to govern the business world, including financial institutions like banks and financial transactions, like loans. These regulations would be useless without someone in place to make sure they are being followed. Financial examiners are the business professionals who check for compliance of all relevant laws among banks and other types of financial institutions.

To find out if a bank is complying with federal and state laws, financial examiners must look over the bank’s finances and financial statements, including balance sheets, operating income reports and expense account statements. To determine how risky the loans provided by the bank are, financial examiners review loan documentation. Financial examiners continually observe and report on the bank’s financial health. They pay attention to the management of the bank, including what is discussed at meetings among bank management staff and bank directors.

Because the laws are constantly changing, financial examiners must keep abreast of new regulations and understand how those regulations apply to individual banks and financial institutions. These professionals are also responsible for creating new procedures to meet changing legal responsibilities.

Nearly one-quarter of all financial examiners work for the federal government, and another 12 percent work for state governments. Others find employment in industries like credit intermediation or financial investment. Often, financial examiners concentrate on either risk scoping, which focuses on determining how financially sound the financial institution is, or consumer compliance, which reviews how banks treat consumers, particularly when it comes to loaning money.

Median Salary: $75,800
Education:  Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Economics or Finance  

5. Logistician

Are you good at solving problems and organizing the details of projects? Logisticians are the business professionals that manage the supply chain, or the movement of supplies and resources to consumers. They handle the process of attaining, dispensing and transporting items like raw materials and finished manufactured products. Logisticians coordinate the purchasing, transportation and storage of supplies and track inventory.

It’s not enough for logisticians to coordinate supply chain movements effectively – they must also improve these processes to make them more efficient. Logisticians use cutting-edge computer software to analyze the supply chain process to determine ways organizations can decrease the financial cost and the time it takes to transport supplies.

Logisticians play an important role in a wide range of industries. Their work can include managing the transport of supplies as simple as consumer products or as complex as deploying military personnel. One quarter of all logisticians work in the general manufacturing industry, with nearly another quarter of these professionals working for the federal government. Other industries that frequently employ logisticians include professional and technical services, transportation equipment manufacturing and aerospace parts manufacturing.

Median Salary: $72,780
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Process Engineering or Supply Chain Management 

6. Budget Analyst

Establishing – and sticking to – a budget is difficult enough when it comes to personal or household finances, but for major businesses and organizations, it’s essential that someone is always managing the financial plans. Budget analysts are professionals who make sure public and private sector entities are following a budget and keeping their funds and spending records organized. Most budget analysts work in federal and state government agencies and educational services, but many also find employment in industries like manufacturing and technical services.

Before an organization can adhere to a budget, it first needs to establish a reasonable financial plan. This, too, is part of a budget analyst’s responsibility. Budget analysts work with the managers in every department of the organization to compile a full, accurate budget for the entire organization to follow. When a program leader or department manager requests or proposes additional funding, the budget analyst must determine if the requested funds are available and if the request is worthwhile. Budget analysts observe the organization’s spending practices and report on whether the company or entity is adhering to the established budget.

Median Salary: $69,280
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance or Accounting

7. Personal Financial Advisor

If you make good financial decisions and understand the science of analyzing financial opportunities, a career as a personal financial advisor might make sense to you. These professionals advise clients on how to manage their money, including choosing the right investments and insurance coverage and minimizing their tax burden.

While it’s important for personal financial advisors to thoroughly understand the world of finance, it’s also important that they have the interpersonal skills to establish a rapport with their clients. Personal financial advisors meet with their clients in person to learn about their financial needs and goals, and they must find the right financial decisions to help clients meet those needs and achieve those objectives, whether the goals are short-term or long-term. In addition to advising the client and helping them make the right decisions, personal financial advisors invest the client’s money according to those decisions and regularly report on the investment’s progress and profitability.

Most personal financial advisors work in financial investment, credit intermediation and securities and commodity contracts. Others find employment in the insurance industry or in professional services. Some personal financial advisors even work for a single, exceptionally wealthy individual or family. Because everyone is interested in increasing their personal finances and making better financial decisions, opportunities are expected to grow rapidly in this career field – 27 percent over just a decade, more than twice as fast as the growth expected for all occupations.

Median Salary: $67,520
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business, Economics or Accounting

 8. Accountant and Auditor

Accountants and auditors are the business professionals who create financial documents, like balance sheets and income statements. They check financial records for accuracy and maintain those records in an organized fashion. Accounting professionals often prepare tax returns and other documents and determine the amount of tax dollars owed.

The core of accounting may be creating financial reports, but today’s accountants do more than crunch numbers. They evaluate financial practices and find ways to help companies and organizations improve these practices, including ways to raise profits and cut expenses.

There are many types of accountants. Public accountants work with clients like individuals, businesses and government entities to create legally required financial reports, such as tax documents. One particular kind of public accountant, the certified public accountant (CPA), is especially in-demand and is likely to earn a higher salary and have a greater selection of job opportunities. Management accountants create the financial statements companies need for internal use, while internal auditors review how a company is using its money to detect any instances of fraud or waste of funds.

Median Salary: $63,550
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting 

9. Insurance Underwriter

Assessing risk is an essential part of insurance of any kind, from medical and life to auto and homeowner’s. To remain profitable, insurers of all kinds must bring in more money in premiums – and the investments they are able to make with those premiums – than they pay out in claims. Minimizing risk is a prevailing strategy of accomplishing this goal. Insurance underwriters are the business professionals who evaluate the risk an insurance company will take by agreeing to provide coverage to an applicant.

When an insurance company receives an application for coverage, insurance underwriters compare applicants’ information to a pre-established set of criteria that helps them identify risk factors. They use computer software to analyze the risk of an applicant. Insurance underwriters play an important role in the insurance industry. They determine whether an insurer will offer coverage to that applicant at all, and if so, what amounts of coverage to offer and what premiums to charge. For insurance underwriters, it’s important to find a workable middle ground between accepting applicants with too much risk and rejecting so many applicants that the insurance company has no policyholders left to insure.

Unsurprisingly, the overwhelming majority of insurance underwriters work directly for insurance carriers. Others work for insurance agencies and brokerages, credit intermediation services or company management. Many insurance underwriters specialize in assessing risks for a particular type of insurance coverage, such as life insurance or health insurance.

Median Salary: $62,870
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Economics or Mathematics 

10. Market Research Analyst

To achieve success, a business must know its market. It must be able to make decisions about what products or services to provide, what to charge for them and who to sell them to. They do this with the help of market research analysts, who investigate sales trends and history in the market.

To understand the market, market research analysts must first collect data to analyze. Market research analysts review current and pasts sales trends. They figure out the best methods to learn what they need to know and amass relevant information from surveys and polls of potential customers and competitors. With the help of statistical software, these professionals can glean important insights into what consumers want and what price they are willing to pay and predict how well a product or service will sell. They convey these insights through written reports, graphs and tables and face-to-face presentations.

Market research analysts can also assist with marketing products and services. They use their understanding of the product’s target audience to devise plans and promotions that help sell the product or service. They also put their analytical skills to work to determine how effective a marketing campaign or sales plan was in generating sales and attracting customers.

Median Salary: $60,300
Education:  Bachelor’s Degree in Market Research, Statistics, Computer Science or Business

Editor’s Note: The salary and job outlook data, job descriptions and educational requirements conveyed in this article originated with the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. This federal agency is responsible for reporting on activity in the ever-changing U.S. labor market. Students should consider this article a resource to guide further research into their intended career paths, not a guarantee that a particular educational path will result in a job or that a position will pay the median annual wage.

For Further Reading: 

Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers

Top 10 Paying Jobs That Involve Math

Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs With an Associates Degree in Accounting?

How Many Jobs Are Available in Finance?

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

What Are My Degree Choices in Fraud Analysis?

How Long Does It Take to Become an Accountant?

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Given this broad definition of the economist’s profession, individual economists can work in vastly different settings and professional capacities. Professional economists can work from a micro or macro perspective, work as financial consultants, or work as high-end educators at the country’s top universities. Though whatever an economist’s chosen speciality is, it all begins with a Bachelor’s of Economics. 

Thankfully students have more options than ever before both in terms of the number of programs available, and the number of specialized tracks available within each program. Moreover, prospective students of economics no longer have to choose between a college education and earning a living. Many online economics degree programs are designed specifically to accommodate students who need to hold down part-time and even full-time employment. 

With this in mind, our researchers have compiled the best of the best Bachelor’s of Economics programs that can be completed entirely online. The programs listed in this ranking have earned their places according to metrics that we think will matter most to you: graduation rates, tuition costs, and recognition of excellence in trusted publications such as US News & World Report, and The Princeton Review. 

1 Arizona State University

Average Tuition Cost after Aid: $14,094

Arizona State University (ASU) is one of the most innovative online universities today. ASU offers one of the most robust selections of online degree programs in the world, and as such has one of the largest and most impactful alumni networks–made up of more than 530,000 students. This contributes to the jaw-dropping figure of ASU’s economic impact in 2020 reaching $4.6 billion. ASU’s online programs are helmed by more than 400 top-tier faculty who have demonstrated success both in professional and academic dimensions. 

ASU offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Economics – Liberal Arts. The liberal arts distinction is what makes this program unique. Students will have greater freedom to pursue unique electives and personal interests contextualized in an economics-curriculum. Beyond this flexibility, students will delve into a comprehensive examination of both practical and theoretical topics: 

• Brief Calculus 
• Mathematics for Business Analysis
• Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
• Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
• Applied Regression Analysis and Forecasting
• Macroeconomic Principles
• Microeconomic Principles
• Business Statistics
• Elements of Statistics
• Capstone in Economics

Learn more about Arizona State University’s Online Bachelor’s of Economics

2 The University of Utah

Average Tuition Cost after Aid: $14,364

The University of Utah is a large state university that has recently expanded into online education with continued success. A distinguishing element of what makes the University of Utah such a great option, is that its online programs combine the flexibility of online education with the student-instructor engagement of traditional on-campus programs. The University utalies state of the art digital education technology that facilitates collaborative projects, real-time discussions, and long-term research objectives. 

The University of Utah’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers a fully online Bachelor’s Economics that emphasizes evidenced based inquiry and statistical methods. Specifically, students will progress through a curriculum designed around the following core subjects: international banking and trade, economic development, international policy, inequality and sustainability, and trade laws and regulations. 

The programs include these core courses:

• Principles of Microeconomics
• Principles of Macroeconomics
• Mathematics for Economists
• Probability and Statistical Inference for Economists
• Intermediate Microeconomics
• Intermediate Macroeconomics

Learn more about the University of Utah’s Online Bachelor’s of Economics

3 West Texas A&M University

Average Tuition Cost after Aid: $13,185

The West Texas A&M University Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business is a top-tier hub for degrees in the areas of business, finance, and economics. The College is helmed by world class faculty who work at the forefront of their respective fields. The College’s degree programs consistently rank among the best of their kind and have earned recognition with numerous publications. Its online degree programs have received particular recognition for offering working students and adult learners career-focused programs at an affordable price. 

The West Texas A&M University Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business offers two economics programs that can be completed entirely online: an economics minor track, as well as a B.B.A. in Economics with a Law & Economics Specialization. Students of the program will master skills of critical thinking, communication, and negotiation–skill sets that will position students for success in the job market upon graduation. 

Learn more about West Texas A&M University’s Online Bachelor’s of Economics 

4 Washington State University 

Average Tuition Cost after Aid: $15,768

Washington State University is one of the country’s premier hubs for online education at the undergraduate level. Since the launch of the WSU Global Campus in 1992, the University has honed its specialization in offering effective degree programs to adult learners and working students that prepare students for successful careers. WSU Global Campus constantly updates its program offerings and curriculums to reflect the changing demands of the job market, so that students can devote their studies to subjects with the most impact on career-outcomes. 

WSU Global Campus offers a Bachelor’s of Economics with a number of options for specialized study. The program’s core curriculum is designed to cover the fundamentals of economics with a number of electives and business specializations available to further focus one’s studies. Specifically, students can choose from the following specialized tracks and courses: 

• Commodity Marketing (9 credits)
  • Introduction to Food and Agricultural Markets
  • Advanced Food Economics and Marketing
  • Transportation Economics and Supply Chain Analysis

• Management (9 credits)
  • Principles of Management and Organization
  • Upper Division Management Course
  • Upper Division Management Course

Learn more about Washington State University’s Online Bachelor’s of Economics

5 East Tennessee State University

Average Tuition Cost after Aid: $11,206

The East Tennessee State University College of Business and Technology Department of Economics and Finance offers a number of future-facing degree programs at the undergraduate level that can be completed either entirely online or in a traditional classroom format. The Department designs program curriculums to reflect the trending of increasingly global industries and business. Students of these programs will learn how to stay competitive in markets and industries that continue to expand around the world. These efforts are informed by the Department’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research and the Center for Banking. 

Students have two options for earning their Bachelor’s of Economics. They can choose between a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, or earn a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Economics. The Business Administration in Economics offers two further specialization options: a business economics option, and a financial economics option. A third option is available for students who want to delve into General Business studies, which constitutes a more broad investigation of business principles and theories framed in the context of a economics-focused curriculum. 

Learn more about East Tennessee State University’s Online Bachelor’s of Economics

6 Colorado State University

Average Tuition Cost after Aid: $19,800

Colorado State University is one of the nation’s premier institutions for earning a Bachelor’s degree entirely online. CSU designs its online programs around three core learning objectives. Firstly, students are trained in employing critical thought to penetrate both practical and theoretical problems–a skill that will be continuously valuable throughout any career. Secondly, customized curriculums empower students to customize their studies in such a way as to maximize learning outcomes. And lastly, CSU’s online programs are designed to reflect a societal perspective, that is, students are encouraged to think about the bigger picture and how their careers might benefit communities, small and large.

CSU offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Economics that simultaneously covers the fundamentals while providing the flexibility for students to pursue interests. Specifically, students will be able to compliment their studies with a comprehensive list of available minors and electives in the following subjects:

• Agricultural Business
• Anthropology
• Business Administration
• Gerontology
• Global and Environmental Sustainability
• Media Studies
• Political Science
• Sociology

Learn more about Colorado State University’s Online Bachelor’s of Economics

7 Fort Hays State University 

Average Tuition Cost after Aid: $12,340

Fort Hays State University is another institution of higher education that has made a name for itself by catering to the rising demand for online degree programs that employ modern technology and paradigms. The FHSU Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting offers a number of modernized curriculums designed to confer the increasingly global climate of business and trade. The Department’s degree programs are meant to represent a foundational investigation of a subject’s core topics, acting as a springboard into related career paths. 

Specifically, FHSU students can earn a fully online Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in International Business and Economics. The program will introduce coursework that is meant to familiarize students with global cultures, international business customs, geography, politics, and world languages. Students will choose from a great selection of available electives, and core coursework covers the following topics: 

• International Economics 
• International Finance 
• International Business 
• International Marketing 

Learn more about Fort Hays State University’s Online Bachelor’s of Economics

8 Utah State University 

Average Tuition Cost after Aid: $13,150

Utah State University offers a number of top-tier degree programs at an affordable price. The University has been recognized for offering some of the best accounting, entrepreneurship, and business programs in the nation. Most of which are offered through The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business. The School of Business not only offers nationally renowned degree programs, but it also offers some of the most generous scholarship programs in all of higher education. Students have received $14 million in Huntsman scholarships to date. 

Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Economics or a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, either of which can be completed entirely online. Students can choose between one of our degree emphasis tracks: Economic Theory, Managerial Economics, Pre-law Economics, and International Economics and Trade. For a better idea of the base-curriculum, consider the first year’s course schedule:

• Introduction to Economic Institutions, History, and Principles: Introduction to Microeconomics 
• Introduction to Writing: Academic Prose
• Intermediate Writing: Research Writing in a Persuasive Mode 
• College Algebra: Making Decisions with Data
• Breadth Humanities 
• Data and Information in Business 

Learn more about Utah State University’s Online Bachelor’s of Economics

9 American Public University 

Average Tuition Cost after Aid: $9,718

American Public University is one of the nation’s fastest growing centers for online education. Today, APU offers more than 200 degree and certificate programs that can be earned entirely through online coursework. Not only are its programs tremendously competitive in terms of affordable tuition costs, but you will be hard-pressed to find a more flexible or more accommodating schedule system. Courses begin every month and run for 8 to 16 weeks, which gives students many opportunities to balance schedules around demanding work schedules or life-responsibilities. 

Students can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration that can be completed entirely online. The program allows students to essentially build their own curriculum, starting with the choice for majoring in one of the following subjects: 

• Business Analysis 
• Business Project Management 
• Data Analytics 
• Digital Retailing 
• DoD Project Management
• Economics
• Entrepreneurial/Small Business Management 
• General
• Information Technology Management 
• International Business Management 
• Leading the Digital Workplace 
• Marketing 
• Operational Crisis Management 
• Real Estate Construction and Portfolio Development 
• Real Estate Marketing Management 

Learn more about America Public University’s Online Bachelor’s of Economics

10 Indiana University

Average Tuition Cost after Aid: $8,875

The Indiana University East School of Business and Economics offers a number of affordable career-focused degree programs at the undergraduate level. These programs look to position students for success by supplementing program curriculums with universally valuable skill-sets. For instance, the School of Business and Economics looks to ingrain in students an advanced understanding of both qualitative and quantitative problem solving skills. And specifically, the School looks to promote self-awareness in students, so that they can identify personal strengths and weaknesses in order to grow as both students and professionals. 

Students at Indiana University can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Economics that is designed to position students to capitalize on the growing opportunities in international business. Despite being an online program, cutting-edge technology allows for faculty to work closely with students to help cultivate their skills and abilities both as students and as budding professionals. 

Learn more about Indiana University’s Online Bachelor’s of Economics

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