Traditionally, theft was committed by burglars and criminals against tangible goods or artifacts. However, technology has changed everything. Unscrupulous elements have added identity and cyber theft to their portfolio. As a result of electronic crimes, financial sector and information security systems are greatly impacted.

In several cases, there is a linkage between financial sector and fraud. Fraud is essentially any form of misrepresentation, occupation or service meant to deceive others for financial gains. An example is a financial scam in which one party says that amounts of others will be invested for unbelievable gains. The truth is far from that and a comprehensive fraud occurs. Consequently, fraud investigation has gained importance. A fraud investigation is a reactive response to a fraud. Fraud investigators are trained in various offenses, evidence collection and investigative techniques.

There are several programs offered by institutions in financial and fraud investigation such as Master of Arts (Fraud & Financial Investigation), Graduate Diploma of Fraud and Financial Investigation, Graduate Certificate in Fraud and Financial Investigation and Financial Fraud Investigation. Program durations vary based on type of course. Course content of these programs generally revolves around computer fraud; forensic accounting; investigation techniques; fraud and economic loss quantification; uncovering, investigating and analyzing financial evidence; testifying as witnesses and playing active role in criminal investigations.

Career outlook is positive in this field with rising security concerns on white collar crime and computer fraud. Companies are ramping up their security departments based on their security threat perceptions. Salaries are lucrative. Fraud Investigator draws salaries between $30,000 to $60,000 which can go up to a range of $125,000 to $150,000.

University of Phoenix and Strayer University lead the premier group offering quality programs with flexibility built in. DeVry and Argosy Universities provide “best in class” education. Kaplan University prides itself on programs that are designed with students’ futures in mind.

A key component of business finance is financial analysis. Individuals who perform financial analysis are called financial analysts. Example, chartered financial analyst or CFA. The purpose of financial analysis is to evaluate company’s financial position and to provide recommendations on its health and improvements to make it more robust. Cash flow statements and balance sheets are good input for effectively performing financial analysis. Financial analysts can either be employees of company or consultants.

Financial analysts look at several key financial ratios to determine viability of business and companies. Such ratios include, among others, profit to loss, assets vs. liabilities, leverage, liquidity, profitability, efficiency, shareholder return and market value. The ratio between assets and debt is leverage whereas liquidity is how well companies finance their debts. Similarly, profitability ratio determines companies’ earnings generation. Efficiency is optimal utilization of assets to return greater profits whereas shareholder return ratio is about the effective return of profits to shareholders.

There are numerous programs available if you wish to pursue careers in financial analysis spanning Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees available through campus and online modes. One such popular program is an MBA with specialization in financial analysis. Certifications are also available in the lines of CFA.

Career opportunities can present themselves as financial analysts, advisors, accountants and managers. Growth is one of the fastest in the industry as per Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries are fair lucrative and get better with experience and level of education. Location and employer also affect earnings. Financial analysts earn median annual salaries of $50,000 and $55,000 respectively in Pennsylvania and New York.

Premier institutions offering programs include University of Phoenix, Strayer and DeVry Universities with top notch academic credentials. Not to be bested, Argosy and Kaplan Universities also join the league providing “best in class” education.

One key area of accounting is financial accounting. This aspect of accounting primarily deals with the company’s financial position and translates it into reports for consumption by outside parties and stakeholders like stockholders and creditors. Some of the reporting may even be mandated by law. Examples of financial accounting reports may relate to financial analysis, tax preparation or venture capital. Typically, financial accountants are those who have become specialists in this field. An example is certified public accountants.

There are numerous programs offered with an emphasis on financial accounting such as Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. These are available not only through campus mode but also through online channels. MBA degrees with specialization in financial accounting are quite popular and have great demand in the market. Course content may involve tax law, accounting practices, business math, financial reporting, database management and bookkeeping skills. It is advisable to choose programs offering internships as these provide practical exposure.

Career outlook is robust with the accounting field in general experiencing positive growth. Job opportunities open up as Certified Public Accountants, tax examiners, stockbrokers or related professionals. Several financial accountants may also open private practice and be self employed. CPAs specialize in attesting to the accuracy of financial statements produced by companies for external bodies. Tax examiners, on the other hand, work for governmental organizations. They work focuses on determining the validity and accuracy of tax statements submitted by individuals, corporations and organizations. Another career opportunity in the limelight is that of stockbrokers. They trade in stocks, bonds and other securities of investors. Salaries are lucrative with CPAs, federal tax examiners and stock brokers earning median incomes of $50,770, $52,830 and $69,200 respectively in 2004.

Premier institutions offering quality programs include University of Phoenix and Strayer University. DeVry, Argosy and Kaplan Universities also provide programs that are distinctive and “best in class”.

Simplistically put, finance is money management through various instruments and institutions. Finance can also be categorized into separate fields such as personal finance, business finance and public finance. Finance may not always be directly in the form of money and may be represented by other means.

The prominence of finance as one of the ruling economic forces in the world equates to it being one of the foremost employment generating industries on this planet. Many aspirants undergo formal education with finance as a specialization to begin exciting and rewarding careers while established personnel keep upgrading their qualifications to enhance their opportunities.

Numerous institutions offer specialized programs in finance spanning Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees available through campus and online modes. MBA is one such popular program. Course content may involve financial management, external reporting, financial analysis, corporate financial policy, econometrics, investments, ethics, corporate governance, financial reporting and analysis. License and certifications may apply. Examples: Chartered Financial Analyst [CFA].

Career prospects are robust with positive growth projected in this field. Employment opportunities span roles such as budget analysts, investment bankers, real estate agents, loan officers, money managers, underwriters, and personal financial advisors. Entry-level positions require a minimum of Bachelor’s degree. Certifications and/or license may apply. Example: Chartered Financial Analyst [CFA]. Salaries vary depending on the role performed. For example, median annual salaries for financial analysts were $70,400 in 2007 as per Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% earned $137,000 in the same year. Other variables impacting salaries are education, experience, location and employer.

Quality education is provided through programs from University of Phoenix and Strayer University. Customized and flexible programs that fit the schedules of students are offered by DeVry University and Argosy University. Priding itself as being second to none, Kaplan University’s programs are designed with the future of students in mind.

Economics primarily studies production, distribution and consumption of goods & services. Economic analysis serves society and includes in its outreach most fields in existence today such as business, finance, government, crime, education, family, health, law, politics, religion, war and science itself.

Economics is all about choices we make in using scare resources with alternative uses to satisfy apparently unlimited wants. The subject typically includes, among others, areas of importance like business cycles, employment levels, energy costs, exchange rates, inflation, interest rates and taxes. Individuals can also choose between diverse specializations like study of changing interest rates, industrial economics [monopolies, etc.], international economics [exchange rates, tariffs, etc.], labor economics, macroeconomics, microeconomics and public finance economics, to name a few.

The disciple offers numerous programs spanning Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees. Career prospects improve considerably with higher level of qualifications. These degrees are conveniently available through campus and online modes so that students and working staff can balance study and work commitments.

Career outlook is positive in this discipline with growth of 7% projected through 2016 by Bureau of Labor Statistics. BLS also indicates that job seekers with degrees in economics have an edge over others. Annual mean wages for economists approximated $86,700 as of 2007. Salaries vary based on education, experience, location and employer. Opportunities exist in public and private sectors with government being the biggest employer of all. A Bachelor’s degree may average starting salaries of $35,752 whereas Master’s degree bags around $43,731. PhDs average annual starting salaries of $52,912. Teaching opportunities are also available for economists.

University of Phoenix and Strayer University top the group with flexible programs followed by DeVry University and Argosy University are second to none in their outstanding academic credentials and quality programs. Kaplan University always aims for customized careers designed with students’ futures in mind.

Business has moved from conventional modes to the electronic mode viz., computers and websites connected primarily through internet technologies. It is commonly referred to as eBusiness and depends largely on information and communication technologies to function effectively. eCommerce is also one of its components that drives the success of eBusiness.

The benefits of eBusiness are manifold. It offers greater outreach when compared to “brick and mortar” businesses. It is cost optimized and doesn’t need huge investments in upfront stores, attractive displays and advertising. Security issues are also being addressed thoroughly and electronic shopping carts makes the buying experience seamless and smooth. Several eBusinesses are also inclining towards electronic tech support through real time chat systems, email and conventional / VoIP phones.

Institutions offer numerous programs focusing on much needed skills in eBusiness. They include Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees along with certifications and diplomas that equip students with skills of conventional business and eBusiness. These are available through campus and online modes. Course content may span computer languages, office suites [spreadsheets and databases], business law, finance, accounting, marketing, macroeconomics, microeconomics, statistics, emerging technologies, control and security of eCommerce, eBusiness technologies and models, eCommerce law, eCommerce marketing, eCommerce systems design, information architecture and networking, and information systems management.

Career opportunities are strong in this discipline with rapid growth leveraging latest technologies. Most professionals may become self employed with some preferring employment opportunities. Salaries vary based on role, education, experience and employer. For example, advertising managers with eBusiness background earn average salaries of $89,570 as compared to $63,610 for their non-managerial peers.

University of Phoenix and Strayer University lead the group with quality programs in this discipline followed by DeVry University and Argosy University known for top notch academic credentials. Kaplan University prides itself on being second to none providing satisfying careers to students.

A century back, accounting was done manually. This involved spending a lot of time and effort and errors were frequent involving rework. Since then, technological progress has ensured that life has become easier with computerized accounting.

The most popular computerized accounting system is Enterprise Accounting System [ERP] that connects major business operations within the organization. It shares several features of traditional accounting such as general ledger, fixed assets, payroll and reconciliation tasks. It is faster saving time and effort. It is easier with simpler interfacing for staff. It is environmentally friendly, saves paper and avoids clutter. Importantly, multiple users can simultaneously work on it. Departments are also integrated into it with information making more sense than just being a paper trail. Data retrieval is quick and convenient with routine operations formulated or programmed. Overall, it allows smoother analysis and interpretation of data and effective decision-making. Programs are available at various levels such as Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees along side diplomas and certifications. These include computerized accounting as one of the concentrations.

Career prospects for this discipline are positive. Accountants and auditors are expected to be familiar with computerized accounting and those have qualifications in this area have a definite edge. As per Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth in Accounting and Computer Technicians fields are projected at 18% and 37%, faster than average of all occupations, through 2016. As per National Association of Colleges’ salary survey in 2006, the average salary offer for Bachelor’s degree holders starting in this field was $46,718. Likewise, it was $49,277 for those holding Master’s degrees.

Several institutions offer programs in computerized accounting including University of Phoenix and Strayer University that lead the group. Joining them are DeVry University and Argosy University with world class reputation. Kaplan University’s programs are customized and designed with the students’ futures in mind.

Controllership is of immense importance to any organization. Controllers are the professionals who exercise controllership. These are professionals who authorize major expenditures within a company.

The position involves huge responsibilities primarily from a financial perspective. Professionals occupying such roles are individuals with a minimum Master’s degree qualification in Accounting. Their roles are also characterized by experience spanning several years in key positions and important decisions taken by them. These roles are not just limited to the private sector but also form a part of governmental framework wherein they may be required to certify expenditures too. Typical examples of such roles are Chief Financial Officer or Comptroller of Currency. The roles require staying constantly in touch with dynamic procedural responsibilities that are either mandated by governments or emanate internally from within companies. Key skills required for such roles are effective decision making, problem solving skills, strong planning capabilities, in-depth accounting knowledge, forecasting, visualization, networking and high pressure management.

There are several programs that are offered to prepare students for careers in controllership though they are not substitutes for experience per se. These programs Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate level degrees along side certifications and diplomas offered through campus and online modes. Practical exposure is expected and plays a crucial role in shaping careers in the long term. Duration of the programs varies with Master’s degrees usually taking 2-3 years.

Career prospects are bright for the accounting industry and growth is expected to be on the fast trajectory. As per Salary.com, www.salary.com, the average salary for a controller is more than $80,000 a year.

Affordable and quality programs are offered by University of Phoenix and Strayer University followed by DeVry University and Argosy University that focus on customized programs available from multiple locations. Kaplan University’s programs set high standards designed with the students’ future in mind.

Business as a term has been in existence since a long time. In recent times, it has virtually exploded giving rise to numerous jobs. It has become more structured with specializations emerging in business management wherein students can focus their energies, passions and innate talents to generate positive outcomes. Of course, the rewards in choosing specialized careers in business management are self explanatory since they provide rewarding opportunities and careers. Examples of business management specializations are customer service, office management, operations management and eCommerce.

Many institutions offer business management programs through campus and online modes. Online programs are especially convenient for working staff since they can balance study and work commitments. These programs span Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees along with certifications and diplomas. The Master of Business Administration is one such popular program wherein students can specialize in the streams of their liking and aptitude. The duration of the courses also varies based on the type of program.  A few significant classes that are discussed in these programs are organizational behavior, economics, quality and productivity management and business ethics.

Career outlook in this discipline is very promising since the number of jobs are not only diverse but also numerous. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has forecasted growth at 17% through 2014, much higher than average of all occupations. On an average, earnings may span between $45,000 and $85,000 per year though levels fluctuate based on education, experience, location and employer.

Leading the top schools in Business Management is University of Phoenix and Strayer University providing accessible programs for all. Following it are DeVry University and Argosy University offering host of programs in this discipline and equally reputed as the first two universities. Kaplan University completes the list offering a menu of campus and online programs that cater to different sections of students and working staff.

Do you own a business? Alternatively, are you aiming for the sky in top organizations? In either case, the skill of administering business or business administration, as it is popularly referred to, is crucial in the success of your career.

In modern times, the importance attached to soft skills relating to business administration coupled with field practice have gained immense acceptance in the business community to ensure that their organizations are managed effectively and profitably. Importantly, business administration is not a static skill. As business and strategies evolve, business administration is also constantly undergoing a change process that is transforming itself anew. Examples are the assimilation of techniques employed by western world techniques with those of Asian countries like Japan.

Business administration is diverse and includes several specializations like accounting, information systems, hospitality management, health services management and project management to name a few. You can acquire skills in the stream of your choice. Several institutions offer business administration qualifications spanning Diplomas, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees through campus and online modes. The duration of the programs varies based on the type of program. These programs are suited for working staff too who can balance work and study commitments.

Career opportunities in this discipline are immense with a vast array of jobs. Salaries vary depending on type of employment, education, experience and employer. Median annual earnings are $55,000 for human resources staff or accountant whereas it is $60,000 for managers in both human resources and accounting as per Bureau of Labor Statistics.

University of Phoenix and Strayer University offer quality business administration programs that are highly accessible followed by DeVry University and Argosy University which provide flexible education that is “best in class”. Kaplan University also joins the league with programs that are designed with the students’ futures in mind.