Students who are interested in entering the corporate finance field can complete associate or bachelor's degree programs. A two-year associate degree program in supervisory management or a similar area prepares students to being a career in corporate finance by combining financial courses with general business courses. Four-year students can complete a bachelor's degree in finance or corporate finance, where they learn the foundational skills in accounting, finance and other business management areas such as risk management and global investments. These programs prepare students to advise large companies such as hedge fund corporations and laterally structured multinational firms. Many of these types of degree programs additionally are available online.
Master's degree programs in finance also allow students to concentrate on the area of corporate finance, according to Golden Gate University. These programs typically require two years of study and might feature about six classes. Master's degree students also might have to complete a research thesis. To get into this type of program, students usually must have a four-year bachelor's degree in business, finance or a related field where they completed many higher math courses. Doctoral degree programs additionally are available in finance and include studies of corporate finance theory. These programs usually require students to complete about four to five years of study and complete a dissertation, according to New York University. Master's degree students can move up into management roles that require them to manage portfolios and money for an entire corporation, while Ph.D.-holders can seek roles in research, public policy or university teaching.
Courses in a corporate finance training program include topics such as budget management, investments and an introduction to business. In addition, finance courses might cover statistics, macroeconomics, cost management, banking, financial analysis and capital markets. Corporate finance classes also teach students about mergers and acquisitions, business valuation and international corporate finance. Students additionally learn about corporate finance requirements for regulatory compliance, studying the Securities Exchange Commission, Sarbanes Oxley Act and internal revenue code.
Individuals who have completed training in corporate finance can assume a variety of titles such as financial manager or public accountant or even work in accounting management. They also can become financial planners, bankers and auditors. These professionals can serve as corporate financial advisers as well. In addition, auditors and accountants can seek credentials from a wide variety of professional societies such as the Institution of Management Accountants and the Institute of Internal Auditors, which make them more competitive in the job market.
Employment of financial managers, accountants and auditors is expected to grow by 8 to 22 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can be attributed to a rise in the number of businesses, the expansion and globalization of finance and companies, changing financial laws and corporate governance regulations. Median annual wages of financial managers in May 2008 were $99,330, while the figure for accountants and auditors was $59,430, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics.