Stock market trading is usually covered through finance degree programs. To work as a stockbroker or in a field dealing with stock market investments, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree is usually required. However, those wishing to advance in their careers can benefit from a master’s degree.

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How to Select a Stock Market Trading School

• Career goals
• Practical experience

Career Goals

When choosing a school, individuals need to consider their career goals and choose a school that offers a program that fits those goals. People who work for a stock market trading company often gain experience, which can translate into various career advancement opportunities. Others prefer to start their own business.

Practical Experience

Some schools offer simulation training as part of their finance programs. Students may wish to consider this when choosing a school, because simulation training will allow them to get practical experience with stock trading while still in school. Mock trading or working in a simulated Wall Street-like environment through a school club or program may also be options to gain practical experience.

Stock Market Trading Program Overviews

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 bachelors’ 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 courses are offered through professional development and continuing education departments at many scholastic institutions. Course topics for the Series 7 exam include:

• Municipal securities markets
• Margin requirements and computations
• Primary and secondary securities markets
• Tax regulations