How to Select a Stock Market Trading School
Bachelor's and master's degree programs in business and finance are available at numerous colleges. Many schools also offer programs geared towards licensure.
Consider the following when looking for stock market trading schools:
- Individuals need to consider their career goals and choose a school that offers a program that fits their goals
- Students may wish to consider simulation training as it will allow them to get practical experience with stock trading while still in school
Bachelor's Degree in Finance
A bachelor's degree program in finance teaches students about investing. Most programs cover stock trading, portfolio management, and capital budgets. For the person looking to get into stock market trading, courses in finance fundamentals and investment strategies can be helpful. Many bachelor's degree programs also allow students to participate in projects, clubs, or groups where they get to practice stock trading and can learn about working within this field. Simulations allow students to perform stock trading in an environment that replicates the real world. Coursework addresses:
- Management decisions
- Financial reporting
- Cost accounting
- Investments
- Corporate finance
Master's Degree in Finance or Business Administration
Master's degree programs are offered in finance or in the form of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a finance concentration. In either type of program, the focus is on advancing the skills learned at the undergraduate level. Curriculum is aimed towards those who want to take on a financial planner role instead of just focusing on stock trading. A research-based final project showcasing the student's overall knowledge and abilities in finance is usually required. Students learn about:
- Financial research
- Regulations
- Analysis
- Modeling
Continuing and Professional Education
Stockbrokers and those working in stock market trading must hold a Series 7 license as required by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). To prepare for taking the licensing test, individuals can enroll in a Series 7 prep course. These finance exam prep courses are offered through professional development and continuing education departments at many scholastic institutions, as well as through online programs. Course topics for the Series 7 exam include:
- Municipal securities markets
- Margin requirements and computations
- Primary and secondary securities markets
- Tax regulations
10 Schools with Stock Market Trading Programs
The following ten schools are all 4-year, but some are private and others are public. Look to these schools for your best shot at joining the stock market trade:
| College/University | Institution Type |
|---|---|
| Indiana University | 4-year, Public |
| Kansas State University | 4-year, Public |
| New England College of Business | 4-year, Private |
| Penn State | 4-year, Public |
| Bryant University | 4-year, Private |
| Berea College | 4-year, Private |
| Lake Forest College | 4-year, Private |
| University of Idaho | 4-year, Public |
| University of Maryland | 4-year, Public |
| California State University | 4-year, Public |
A bachelor's degree in finance or business administration is sufficient to enter the workforce as an investor or stock trader, but a Master of Business Administration would better suite aspiring financial planners.
