What is International Finance?
International finance is the study of how money and credit flows between countries and how finances are managed in companies that have business operations in more than one country. This field deals with topics that include foreign direct investment and currency exchange rates, among other topics. International finance also covers issues relating to financial management including socio-political concerns and foreign exchange risks that are associated with multinational corporations.
International Finance Degrees
Students who are interested in this area of study can pursue an international finance degree, at various levels. Many universities offer such programs at both the undergraduate and the graduate levels.
Bachelor’s Degree in International Finance
A bachelor’s degree in international finance is designed to teach students about the fundamental business practices and principles with a global perspective. Here is some information about a bachelor’s degree in international finance that might be of some help to aspiring graduates:
Duration |
4 years |
Entry Requirements |
High School Diploma/GED |
Other Entry Requirements |
SAT/ACT scores
|
Courses Offered
|
-
International Business
-
Systems and Structures of International Trade
-
International Relations
-
International Management
-
Comparative Politics
-
World Economics
|
Graduate Certificate in International Finance
This certification is the ideal opportunity for those looking for advancement in their careers. Individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in international finance, management or economics can opt for a certification for an added credential on their resume. This program would add to their skills by making them more knowledgeable on matters of international finance, without having to invest the time and money in a master’s degree.
Here is some information about a graduate certificate in international finance that might be of some help to you:
Duration |
6 months of full time study |
Entry Requirement |
Bachelor's Degree |
Work Experience Requirement |
5 years (for some programs) |
Coursework |
-
International Accounting
-
International Finance
-
Systems and Structures of International Trade
-
International Legal Environment
|
Master’s Degree in International Finance
A master’s degree in international finance would expose students to more advanced level courses relating to international trade, investment policies, international political environment and economics. Most programs would allow students to choose an area of specialization according to their grades and interests. Some universities might even offer their students various opportunities to study abroad and take international finance courses in universities across the globe. For this purpose, foreign language courses are also encouraged.
Here is some information about a master’s degree in international finance that might be of some use to you:
Duration |
1-2 years |
Entry Requirements |
Bachelor’s Degree |
Experience Requirements |
Some universities might require real-world experience from the applicants (internships, apprenticeships, volunteer work, part time job, full time job etc)
|
Courses Offered |
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Global Economic Environment
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International Trade Policy
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International Macroeconomics
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Financial Modeling
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Multinational Corporate Finance
|
Careers in International Finance
The field of international finance offers a vast range of career opportunities. After studying topics such as investing, banking, bonds, commodities and stocks with an international focus, students have a large number of career options available to them. Let’s take a look at some of these:
Financial Analyst
These individuals are responsible for analyzing business or financial data and applying various mathematical models to financial or business conditions. They determine the value of goods and services and recommend investment plans to their clients.
Here are some quick facts on financial analysts:
2015 Median Salary |
$80,310 per annum |
Entry Level Education |
Bachelor’s Degree |
Number of Jobs, 2014 |
277,600 |
Job Outlook, 2014-24 |
12% (Greater than average) |
Employment Change, 2014-24 |
32,300 |
*Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Financial Manager
These individuals are responsible for the financial health of a company. They work across many industries and produce financial reports, develop strategies and supervise investment activities in accordance with the long term goals of their organization.
Here are some quick facts about financial managers:
2015 Median Salary |
$117,990 per annum |
Entry Level Education |
Bachelor’s Degree |
Work Experience in a Related Field |
5 years or more |
Number of Jobs, 2014 |
555,900 |
Employment Change, 2014-24 |
37,700 |
Job Outlook, 2014-24 |
7% (As fast as average) |
*Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
These individuals are responsible for connecting buyers and sellers in financial markets. They make sales of securities to individuals as well as companies who are in search of investors. They also perform advisory roles for organizations.
Here are some quick facts about Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents:
2015 Median Salary |
$71,550 per annum |
Entry Level Education |
Bachelor’s Degree |
On the Job Training |
Moderate Term |
Number of Jobs, 2014, |
341,500 |
Job Outlook, 2014-24 |
10% (Faster than average) |
Employment Change, 2014, 24 |
32,500 |
*Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Schools that offer International Finance Degrees
For students aspiring to go global in finance, a solid research into the best schools available is necessary. Here is some basic information that might help you get an overview of this research:
School
|
Programs
|
Highlight
|
New York University
|
Undergraduate Finance Programs
International Business Programs
Business and Political Economy
International Studies Program with various locations
Stern Department’s Short-term Immersion Program
|
NYU is considered the world’s first global university
|
University of Texas, Austin, TX
|
McCombs School of Business
Bachelor in Business Administration in International Business
MBA with a concentration in Global Business
|
The international business program is one of the most sought-after
|
University of Pennsylvania
|
Wharton School of Business
Dual Degrees in International Studies and Business
MBA/MA in International Management
MA in International Relations
International Exchange Programs
|
The Wharton School has its alumni in around 153 countries all over the world
|
University of South Carolina
|
Undergraduate Degrees in International Business
International MBA Program
Master of International Business
Ph.D. in Business Administration
|
The Moore School at USC prepares students to become leaders in various global markets
|
International finance degrees are now offered by numerous universities in one way or the other. Universities such as the Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., University of California, Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg, University of Virginia in Charlottesville and University of North Carolina all have really popular international finance degrees.