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Research online degree and certificate programs in global finance. Get information on requirements, courses, career prospects and salary to make an informed decision about your education.

Online training programs in global finance are available as bachelor's degree programs in financial management with global finance coursework. Online graduate certificate programs, often designed to supplement a Master of Business Administration program, are also available. At the master's degree level, online Master of Science in Finance programs may offer international finance and investing coursework.

Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents typically need a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions and a master's degree for more advanced positions. Personal finance advisors and financial analysts typically need a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and a master's degree is often required for advancement.

While online global finance bachelor's degree programs aren't readily available, there are online Bachelor of Science programs in financial management that allow students to specialize their studies through international or global finance coursework. These programs are ideal for those interested in learning how to manage investment decisions. Not surprisingly, students need an aptitude for math as well as strong analytical skills to succeed in these programs.

Curricula for many of these 4-year programs are offered entirely online. Online courses often operate on a weekly assignment deadline, instead of daily. Contributing to a discussion board is typically required. Other types of courses are blended and require students to meet on campus once a week and complete the remaining assignments or project collaborations from home.

Financial management bachelor's degree programs often include general education curricula and basic business courses in micro and macroeconomics, statistics and accounting. Elective courses and a finance core make up the rest of the program requirements. Sample course descriptions are listed below:

Course topics teach students how to recognize the risks associated with certain types of investments, such as stocks, options and bonds. Students might also be tasked with monitoring current economic conditions in order to evaluate a mock portfolio.

Students explore techniques for assessing the value of an organization and forecasting its performance. Special attention is paid to multinational corporations and markets.

This course examines the political, social and legal factors that come into play when conducting business with corporations overseas. Students also compare domestic and international business practices.

Jobs in financial analysis or personal financial advising are among the employment options available to graduates of financial management bachelor's degree programs. They may also pursue jobs as securities, commodities and financial services sales agents, though registration and licensure through the Financial Industry Regulation Authority is necessary for a career in this field.

As of May 2012, these sales agents earned an average salary of $100,910, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Financial analysts made average salaries of $89,410, while personal financial advisors earned an average of $90,820 per year.

The BLS reported favorable employment prospects for all of these careers. Financial analysts and personal financial advisors could see job opportunities increase 23% and 32%, respectively, over the 2010-2020 decade. A 15% job growth was forecast for securities, commodities and financial services sales agents over the same period.

Students who complete financial management bachelor's degree programs could pursue graduate training in any number of fields. These include certificates and master's degree programs in accounting, business administration and finance, all of which are available online.

Online certificate programs covering topics in global finance are often geared toward working professionals who'd like to learn more about this field, typically to advance their careers or supplement their Master of Business Administration (MBA) coursework. Some programs admit applicants provided they have adequate work experience in the banking, finance or accounting fields. Others offer open enrollment to all interested students.

The time it takes to complete one of these programs is relatively short. Some schools offer courses that can be completed entirely online in as little as 2 months. Assignments and readings are often due on a weekly basis. Students might also be required to periodically submit posts on course discussion boards or pass an assessment when coursework is completed.

Students in global finance certificate programs might take anywhere from 3-5 graduate-level courses. Sample topics of study are listed below:

This introductory course teaches students how to evaluate financial statements and credit analyses as well as estimate cash flows. Other topics of study include techniques for valuing capital projects and performing a working capital analysis.

Students in this course study more advanced topics, including risk management strategies and methods for calculating inflation differentials for foreign currency. The management of debtor and creditor accounts is also discussed.

This course familiarizes students with the markets trading these particular derivative securities. Topics of study include pricing formulas and valuation techniques.

Graduates of global finance certificate programs can also pursue jobs as financial analysts, personal financial advisors or securities, commodities and financial services sales agents. If they have sufficient work experience, they might also find employment as financial managers. While only a 9% employment growth was forecast for these professionals over the 2010-2020 decade, they earned mean salaries of $123,260 as of May 2012, according to the BLS.

Graduates of global finance certificate programs can pursue an MBA. These degrees are readily available online, often at the same schools offering certificate programs.

Global finance master's degree programs typically require students to complete extensive study abroad, whether to work alongside executives in other countries or observe the business negotiations of multinational corporations. As a result, these programs aren't usually offered online. However, there are related online Master of Science in Finance programs offering concentrations or coursework in international finance and investing. These degree programs teach students how to assess the risks associated with international business transactions and foreign markets as well as evaluate investment decisions.

Students entering these programs will need a bachelor's degree. A resume detailing work experience may also be required. Similar programs in business administration or management might also offer finance specializations or coursework.

These graduate programs require roughly 50 credit hours of coursework that can be completed entirely online via course management systems. Many schools offer distance education students some of the same resources available to traditional students, such as library resources, advising and disability services.

Coursework often includes a handful of core courses in accounting, economics and statistics. The remaining curriculum consists of finance courses that range from topics in financial policy and administration to capital markets and budgeting. A few of the more common course offerings are outlined below:

This course focuses on the financing of foreign trade. Methods for evaluating an organization's credit and calculating the associated risks are also discussed. Some courses include an additional focus on financing for multinational corporations.

Financial analysis courses familiarize students with accounting statements and procedures. Topics of study might include methods for using internal audits to evaluate a company's performance.

This course often provides students with a capstone experience. They can study current financial theory or research topics of interest, such as the role taxes play in investment decisions.

Career options for students who complete global finance master's degree programs are the same as for those who earn a bachelor's degree or graduate certificate. However, holding an advanced degree could qualify professionals in this field for advanced positions or help them get a leg up over applicants who only hold a bachelor's degree.

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Learn about online degrees in music therapy. Get information on master's and doctoral degrees, program requirements and career prospects to make an informed decision about your education.

Online programs in music therapy are typically available only at the graduate levels. Master's programs are fairly common, though they may require a combination of on-campus and distance learning coursework. In addition, applicants to these programs often need to hold a bachelor's degree in music therapy and certification in the field.

Online Ph.D. programs in music therapy are rare. However, a few schools offer related programs with music therapy concentrations; program titles might include expressive therapy or music education. Similar to master's programs, applicants may need to be credentialed music therapists.

Both master's and doctoral programs are research-intensive. Master's-level students often need to complete a thesis or final project in order to graduate, while doctoral programs typically culminate in a dissertation.

While only a bachelor's degree is required to become a music therapist, master's degree programs are typically the lowest degree level offered online. Online master's degree programs in music therapy are often designed for experienced music therapists who wish to further their education. Programs focus on developing advanced research and clinical practice skills. Since music therapists work in healthcare settings and use music to assess and treat patients, coursework is heavily focused on the application of music to clinical settings.

Prospective students looking to study music therapy online should already hold bachelor's degrees in music therapy and should have completed an internship or fieldwork experience as part of their bachelor's degree programs. Alternatively, a degree equivalency program, which includes only music therapy training, may be sufficient for individuals who already hold bachelor's degrees in other fields. Prospective students should also be approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists, though some programs may accept students who are listed as non-board-certified music therapists on the National Music Therapy Registry.

Online master's degree programs in music therapy typically require around 30 units to complete. Depending on how many courses a student takes each semester, these programs can take 1-3 years to finish. Some programs can be completed fully online, while others require minimal on-campus visits. Students need a computer with Internet access so they can view assignments and course materials through an online software platform.

Programs may offer thesis and non-thesis options. Toward the end of their program, students must either complete an original research project or pass a comprehensive exam. Common coursework requirements include both research and clinical topics.

Students familiarize themselves with reviewing literature, designing studies and analyzing research results. The course may also cover developing an area of focus and writing reports on research findings, as well as ethical considerations in research.

This course introduces students to technology used in the music therapy field. Students examine ways that technology can be applied in clinical practice and research.

In this course, students learn how to implement music therapy techniques in a clinical setting. Some programs may deliver this course as a practicum that must be completed in person at an approved location.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of recreational therapists, which includes music therapists, is expected to increase 17% over the 2010-2020 decade. Job prospects are expected to be best for certified therapists and those who work with the elderly. The American Music Therapy Association conducted a salary survey for music therapists in 2011, which revealed that music therapists earned an average salary of about $48,000. As of December 2013, Payscale.com reported a median annual salary of $42,658 for music therapists.

Students interested in furthering their music therapy education beyond the master's degree level may consider pursuing a Ph.D. Some Ph.D. programs are specifically in music therapy, while others offer music therapy study options within a broader discipline, such as expressive therapies. Programs typically require a master's degree and 3-5 years of professional experience as a clinical music therapist. As with the master's degree programs, board certification or eligibility for board certification is a common requirement for admission. Ph.D. programs in music therapy are heavily research-oriented and aim to prepare students to become leaders in the field and make new research contributions.

Depending on whether or not a dissertation is required, Ph.D. programs in music therapy can be completed in as little as three years. It is very difficult to find Ph.D. programs in music therapy that can be completed fully online. However, there are programs that allow a combination of online and on-campus courses. Online courses are delivered through online software, such as Blackboard. Students taking online courses probably won't need anything more than the typical requirements of a computer with Internet access and word processing software. Several intensive residencies or retreats that take place on campus may be required throughout the program.

In addition to coursework requirements, some programs require the completion of a dissertation and an oral defense. A preliminary exam may help a potential student qualify for candidacy before they submit a dissertation proposal and begin dissertation research. Coursework focuses on developing teaching and research skills.

Students are given insight as to the foundational and efficacy research that has contributed to the field of music therapy. Students may examine research in a specific area of music therapy, such as music medicine and/or music psychotherapy.

In this course, students explore different methods of supervision that may be employed when teaching undergraduate students or overseeing a professional practice. The course examines behavioral, humanistic and psychodynamic models for supervision.

Students may participate in a research and/or teaching apprenticeship. A research apprenticeship involves assisting faculty members with designing studies, conducting research, writing reports and submitting results for publication. In a teaching apprenticeship, students assist faculty members with undergraduate teaching and supervision duties, such as hosting seminars and reviewing lesson plans.

Board-certified music therapists must renew their certification every five years. The Certification Board for Music Therapists has two options for renewal: therapists can either take an exam or complete 100 recertification credits. Acceptable types of recertification credits include continuing music therapy education courses, professional development activities and professional service activities.

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Students have many online options for training to become preschool teachers. Certificates, associate's and bachelor's degrees in early childhood education are sometimes available through online programs. Each of these programs provides education that can lead to careers working with young children.

Online certificate and degree programs for preschool teachers are hard to find. Certificate programs are rare, either online or on campus, while the classroom experiences required in associate's and bachelor's degree programs make totally online degree programs impossible.

Certificate programs may allow students to complete all courses via distance learning. However, some certificate programs are open only to students enrolled in a degree program at a school. In these short programs, students get general information on the education of young children, with courses that may include child development, children's literature and educational theory.

Associate's and bachelor's degree programs for preschool teachers are available in early childhood education. These programs may offer a few online courses. Associate's degree programs may require teaching experiences in a day care center, while the bachelor's degree programs call for student teaching experience in a school. In both these degree programs, students study education theory, child development and classroom management.

Education and training requirements for preschool teachers/child care workers vary from state to state. Several states say childcare workers must have completed a training course before starting to work. Federal Head Start teachers must have or be working towards an associate's degree. Some states require that child care workers hold a certification from a national professional organization. Early childhood education majors who want to teach in a public school must meet state teacher licensing requirements.

Though rare, online certificate programs in early childhood education are available. Topics relevant to preschool education, like child development and beginning education techniques, are the main focus in these programs. In some cases, the program you apply to may have restricted admissions, open only to students who are residents of the state housing the school and are currently enrolled in a specific degree program at the same school.

Online certificate programs in early childhood education typically allow students to complete all courses in a distance learning format. In some cases, the program may require students to participate in a practicum at an approved site, such as a preschool. This gives students the chance to gain hands-on experience teaching and supervising young children. Schools may use technology like Blackboard's ANGEL system to deliver course materials.

Curricula for these programs focus on giving students foundational information in educating young children.

In this foundational course, students learn the history and development of early childhood education techniques. One focus is the development of curricula for children, including those who are disabled, from infancy through age eight. Other topics discussed may include ethics and early childhood education theory.

Students in this class learn about teaching literature and language arts to young children. In addition to being exposed to a variety of different type of children's literature, students learn how to incorporate technology into language arts lessons.

Stages of youth development from birth through adolescence are covered in this course. Child behavior is discussed through the lens of data and psychological theories.

An early childhood education certificate may be sufficient education to gain a position in child care or preschool teaching. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some positions in this field only require a high school diploma, with no further training, so a certificate could be seen as an asset by some employers. However, the BLS does indicate that some preschool teaching jobs are only open to those with more advanced education (www.bls.gov).

Online associate's degrees for preschool teachers are not common. Like the certificate, degrees in this category are typically in early childhood education rather than preschool teaching. These degree programs may focus on a specific area of early childhood education, such as child development.

Typically, all the classes required for this degree are available online. However, some programs may require students to seek practical experience at an approved site. These practicums can take place in preschools or day care centers. They may be scheduled at the student's convenience, but cannot take place online.

In addition to this focus on educating young students, general education courses are typically included.

Classroom-relevant art activities are explored in this course. The class focuses on developing creativity rather than entertaining students.

Age-appropriate math and science topics are covered in this course. Additionally, students learn how technology might be used to teach these lessons.

Techniques for educating children with special needs are covered in this course. Assignments may include developing a curriculum for individual special needs students.

Earning an associate's degree in early childhood education opens a few doors not available to those with fewer credentials. For example, the BLS pointed out that Head Start programs are now required to hire professionals with an associate's degree as a minimum credential. The BLS also stated that it is becoming increasingly common for employers of child care workers to hire employees with associate's degrees.

Online bachelor's degree programs in early childhood education are available on a limited basis. As is common in this field, the degree title itself may be in a variety of closely related disciplines, like early childhood education or education studies. In the latter case, the degree is available with a specialization in early childhood education.

Depending on the program you choose, it is possible to take the bulk of your requirements for this degree online. However, in-person student teaching experiences are required for state teaching certification. Additionally, some programs offer classes that have some elements online, but include in-person classroom observation and interaction components that cannot be completed online.

Coursework in these bachelor's degree programs includes a more in-depth study of child psychology and development.

This class delves into the philosophical foundations of early childhood education. The class may require observation of different age groups including kindergarteners and infants.

The course covers growth and development from birth through middle childhood. An emphasis may be placed on multiculturalism and how development plays out across different cultures.

Students in this class are trained to encourage parents and family to become involved in the education of their young child. The course may emphasize diplomatic interaction and other skills necessary to promote family participation.

Having a bachelor's degree in early childhood education can be an asset if you want to manage or run a preschool or daycare center, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The NAEYC serves as an accrediting body as well as an advocacy group, and according to its standards, early childhood program administrators must have a bachelor's degree (www.naeyc.org). Additionally, the BLS says that a bachelor's degree in early childhood education may qualify graduates to teach kindergarten through third grade.

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This article details typical program requirements and coursework areas in foreign language programs at the associate's and bachelor's degree levels. You can also find out about employment options and continuing education information for foreign language students by reading on.

Some online foreign language degree programs are available at the associate's and bachelor's degree levels, although they aren't very common. Master's degree programs in a foreign language are rarer. Programs may require students to attend campus for certain components of the curriculum or for testing. Potential students need to make sure they can meet the online platform technological requirements.

Bachelor's degree programs in a foreign language may offer a teaching certification track. Students aspiring to become teachers would have additional requirements, including a student teaching internship that requires in-person presence. Prospective foreign language teachers should check with their program to find out if it pairs them with an internship and prepares them for the state certification examination.

Students in online foreign language programs learn to speak a new language, a skill that's beneficial in many industries and occupations. A large majority of online foreign language degree programs focus on a particular language, such as German, French, Korean, Spanish or Chinese. These Associate of Arts degree programs also offer foundational coursework for students planning to pursue a bachelor's degree in a foreign language or a teaching degree.

The number of credit hours needed to earn an associate's degree in a foreign language is usually around 60 and full-time students could complete one of these programs in two years. Because of the interactive nature of learning a foreign language, a limited number of fully online associate's degree programs exist; some online programs require some in-person instruction or testing. Class lectures and the dissemination of assignments typically occur through podcasts, chat rooms and discussion boards that a student can access with a computer and an Internet connection. Some courses may require a student to purchase textbooks, and this can be accomplished online or at the campus bookstore.

Students pursuing an online associate's degree in a foreign language typically need to complete general education requirements as a part of their degree program. English, the arts, history, math and humanities are some of the courses that may be necessary to fulfill the degree requirements. Foreign language courses include instruction in speaking, reading and writing the selected language. Common course topics include:

Through progressive levels of courses, students become proficient in speaking and understanding others who speak the foreign language of their choice. Skills in expression and proper pronunciation are emphasized.

Class work focuses on grammar, spelling and sentence structure in the writing process. Students also analyze fiction and non-fiction literature and gain insights about the culture.

Students gain professional interaction skills in their foreign language. Language and cultural issues in the industries of business, education, health and legal environments are discussed.

Online Bachelor of Arts degree programs in a foreign language provide students with bilingual skills that can be utilized in many occupations in business and in the public sector. Some programs can also be combined with teaching certification programs if that is the career path a student wants to follow. As with the associate's degrees, students typically focus their studies on a particular foreign language. For example, programs are available in French or Spanish. Many bachelor's degree programs require or recommend that a student be proficient in the language, and this can be accomplished by earning a foreign language associate's degree or taking several years of a foreign language in high school.

Students can earn bachelor's degrees in a foreign language by completing about 120 credit hours, and about a quarter of those involve the foreign language chosen. Students may log onto an online portal and participate in class discussions, take exams and turn in assignments. A computer with Internet access and word processing software are basic requirements. If a proctored exam is required, students may find a testing location in their area.

General education requirements are similar to those in the associate's degree program, but additional electives are usually required. While some curriculum in the major includes speaking and writing skills, extra instruction in understanding cultural and historical details of the country of origin is often offered as well. Course topics may include:

Students read and analyze the works of authors well known in the country of study. The use of the language in expressing ideas and emotions in these pieces of literature are examined.

The techniques of translating are taught and students learn how to use these skills in business and public sector environments. Both written and spoken translations are covered in the curriculum.

Students learn about the way of life and cultural traditions of people who speak the language of study. Coursework includes the study of the influence of the arts, history, cinema, written works and geography.

A graduate of an online foreign language degree program may qualify for a job as an interpreter or translator. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for interpreters and translators was predicted to grow by 42% from 2010-2020 (www.bls.gov). Based on May 2011 data from the BLS, the 47,950 translators and interpreters employed in the U.S. earned an average annual salary of $50,610.

Some foreign language graduates pursue a secondary teaching degree and become high school foreign language teachers. The BLS projected a 7% increase in the employment of high school teachers from 20010-2020. In May 2011, the BLS reported 1,004,850 secondary teachers working in the U.S., and the average yearly wage earned by these teachers was $56,760.

All teachers who work in public schools are required to be licensed, including foreign language teachers. Licensure, which is referred to as certification in some states, typically requires one to complete at least a bachelor's degree and teacher training programs, participate in a student teaching experience and pass an exam, according to the BLS.

After obtaining an undergraduate degree in a foreign language, professionals may desire to obtain advanced skills and pursue a master's degree in foreign language studies or foreign language teaching. Some institutions offer these programs online in addition to on-campus programs.

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This article tells you what to expect in online associate's and bachelor's degree programs in sign language interpretation. Get information about online courses, program requirements, career prospects and salary to make an informed decision about your education.

Sign language interpreters work with the hearing impaired to translate sign language into spoken or written language and vice versa. Online degree programs in sign language interpretation are available at the associate's and bachelor's degree levels. Students may be able to earn both types of degrees completely online, although some bachelor's degree programs call for a few on-campus classes.

A graduate with either of these degrees is equipped for employment as an interpreter. Bachelor's degree students, due to their more extensive training, may have more employment options. Some states require that interpreters be licensed and hold certification from a professional association. This certification requires passing a written and performance test. One major certification organization, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), does not require a degree in ASL interpretation, but does mandate a bachelor's degree in any subject or equivalent training. Certified interpreters must complete a required amount of continuing education training in order to maintain their credentials.

In many of the states that require licensing, certification is the main qualification, but some states also mandate at least an associate's degree or a certificate in sign language interpretation.

Students pursuing an online sign language interpreter associate's degree will acquire communication skills in American Sign Language (ASL) and are prepared to begin a career as an interpreter for the deaf and hearing-impaired community. Some programs focus on interpretation careers in educational environments.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees are among the most common offered online and some schools may require students to demonstrate proficiency in ASL before acceptance. This requirement can be satisfied by taking courses in ASL in high school or at the college level.

An online associate's degree in sign language interpretation can usually be completed in four or five semesters of full-time study. Students log onto an Internet portal and access lectures, assignments and exams. Most of these associate's programs can be earned entirely online and no in-person contact is necessary.

Communication with instructors and other students occurs through interactive audio and video technology. Students are required to have access to a computer with a high-speed Internet service, word processing software and webcam.

Associate's degree programs in sign language interpretation require the completion of general education coursework that includes math, science, English and general psychology. Degree-related courses focus on studying and perfecting ASL communication skills.

Students learn how to receive a message visually or verbally and convert it into the proper format. Emphasis is placed on methods of relaying accurate emotions and inflections in the delivery.

An analysis of the many world languages and how ALS fits in will be discussed. Students study the grammatical similarities and differences between English and ASL and how to apply theories of language to ASL communication.

Students explore the legal issues, history, conflicts and attitudes of the deaf community. Classes taken while learning basic ASL provide an introduction into topics covered in this course.

Graduates of an online bachelor's degree program in sign language interpretation are prepared to work as highly-skilled interpreters with knowledge of new research in the field of communicating with the deaf. Applicants must be high school graduates or hold a GED certificate. Students usually need prior ASL experience or take additional basic ASL courses while enrolled in the degree program. Some programs may also require students to complete an associate's degree program before applying. Students who only want to learn ASL and not study interpretation can find online courses in ASL or study ASL in a foreign language program.

An online bachelor's degree in sign language interpretation is a 4-year program, but could take longer if ASL basic courses are needed or if the student is not enrolled full-time. Students log into a virtual classroom, watch lectures and take exams. Some schools provide interaction technology such as instant messaging and chat rooms to communicate live with instructors and other students. Depending on the school, on-campus class work may be required.

General education requirements in English, math, science and humanities must be completed in order to earn the degree. Additionally, ASL proficiency courses may need to be completed before a student can take courses in the major.

Students move beyond basic ASL skills and become more fluent in the hand motions and emotive expression. Application of spatial use, non-manual behaviors and register variations are taught in the lab component of this course.

Coursework includes the study of communication events and the intent of the message. Students gain an understanding of the filters, signals and devices used in conversations.

Students are introduced to the vocabulary and skills necessary to interpret in special settings. Course material covers adaptation techniques when interpreting in legal, health, religious, artistic and conference environments.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the hiring rate of all interpreters and translators is predicted to increase by 22% during the 2008-2018 decade (www.bls.gov). In May of 2010, a total of 44,200 interpreters and translators were employed in the U.S. and earned an average annual salary of $49,790.

Based on research from the BLS, interpreters can obtain general professional certification through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and the National Association of the Deaf. RID also offers certification exams in speech reading, deaf-to-deaf interpreting and legal interpretation. Although not required for all interpreter positions, many employers prefer applicants who hold a certificate.

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