How Do I Choose the Best Financial Analysis Program?

In order to choose the best financial analysis program, it can be a good idea first to determine if you would like to earn a degree or if you only want to receive some training. Other factors to consider may include methods of taking courses, such as online versus traditional classroom training. Many individuals who are considering a financial analysis education think about issues such as cost of attendance, location, and reputation of a program.

Financial analysis refers to any process initiated to determine the financial health of an organization. A professional in this field might analyze financial statements and investment portfolios to determine a business's available cash flow and value. Managers and executives can use this information to compose business plans. Financial analysts may work for firms that specialize in helping business clients or for individual businesses that hire in-house financial teams.

If you are interested in earning a degree at the conclusion of a financial analysis program, you will probably need to demonstrate that you are qualified to enroll. Degree programs often require applicants to have earned minimum scores on proficiency exams and to have upheld certain grade point averages. Applicants also may write essays or statements of purpose and request letters of reference from educators or employers.

Enrolling in a financial analysis program to take courses without earning a degree can be much easier. In these cases, however, students may still be required to have certain prerequisites. For example, to take a course in advanced investment strategies, a student may first have to have taken an introduction to portfolio management.

Most aspiring financial analysis students have a choice between conventional classroom courses and distance learning courses. It is also common for a financial analysis program to offer both options. For example, a student might take some classes online and others on campus. Some programs may be conducted primarily on the Internet, though students may be required to appear on campus once or twice a semester for meetings or seminars.

Reputation of a financial analysis program can be another important factor. Many professionals believe that a degree from a program that has been highly ranked by academic and trade publications can make a job applicant more appealing to financial employers. Factors such as funding, prestige of faculty, and selectivity of admissions can impact the reputation of a financial analysis program. Many highly regarded programs also offer students valuable internship opportunities and might even help to place them in jobs after graduation.