Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Securities analyst education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a securities analyst. Securities analysts usually study business, computer science, or finance. 66% of securities analysts hold a bachelor's degree, and 15% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 5,272 real securities analyst resumes to see exactly what securities analyst education sections show.
The most common colleges for securities analysts are the University of Maryland - College Park and the University of Maryland - College Park.
There are also many online securities analyst courses to help get the education required to be a securities analyst.
There are certain securities analyst certifications that you should consider. These securities analyst certifications include Security 5 Certification and Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP).
What education do you need to become a securities analyst?
What degree do you need to be a securities analyst?
- Bachelor's, 66%
- Associate, 15%
- Master's, 14%
- Diploma, 2%
- Other Degrees, 3%
What should I major in to become a securities analyst?
- Business, 18%
- Computer Science, 11%
- Finance, 9%
- Other Majors, 53%
Most common colleges for securities analysts
| Securities analyst common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| University of Maryland - College Park | 11.25% |
| University of Phoenix | 11.25% |
| George Mason University | 9.59% |
| DeVry University | 8.49% |
| Strayer University | 8.30% |
Best majors for securities analysts
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business | 18.0% |
| 2 | Computer Science | 10.7% |
| 3 | Finance | 9.2% |
| 4 | Information Technology | 8.5% |
| 5 | Computer Information Systems | 8.3% |
Best colleges for securities analysts
The best colleges for securities analysts are Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University.
A securities analyst with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for securities analysts. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become securities analysts.
1. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
2. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
3. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
4. SUNY at Binghamton
Vestal, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$9,808
Enrollment
13,990
5. Villanova University
Villanova, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$53,308
Enrollment
6,819
6. San Diego State University
San Diego, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,488
Enrollment
30,018
7. Bentley University
Waltham, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$49,880
Enrollment
4,177
8. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$53,948
Enrollment
17,238
9. SUNY Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$9,625
Enrollment
17,407
10. New York University
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$51,828
Enrollment
26,339
20 best online courses for securities analysts
Advertising disclosure
1. Ethical Hacker
Meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals by gaining the offensive security skills to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems...
2. Security Engineer
Gain the highly sought-after skills to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems from security threats or attacks...
3. Managing Network Security
Almost every organization uses computer networks to share their information and to support their business operations. When we allow network access to data it is exposed to threats from inside and outside of the organization. This course examines the threats associated with using internal and external networks and how to manage the protection of information when it’s accessible via networks. In this course, a learner will be able to: ● Describe the threats to data from information communication...
4. Network Security Support Fundamentals
Explore network security with the Network Security Support Fundamentals online course. Designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of network security, this course is crucial in today's digital world. By the end of this course, you will be able to describe the role of enterprise networks, explain enterprise network security basics, and understand network security operations. Perfect for beginners aiming for a cybersecurity career or professionals looking to enhance their skill set, this...
5. Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO)
Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO) Certification Exam Prep Course...
6. Information Security Fundamentals - Cyber Security Bootcamp
A Beginners Awareness Guide on Information Security & Cyber Security to Keep Online and Offline Devices Safe!...
7. Intro to Cybersecurity
Get your start in the high growth field of Cybersecurity by building foundational skills in how to evaluate, maintain, and monitor the security of computer systems...
8. Security Analyst
Meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals by gaining the skills to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems...
9. The Complete Cyber Security Course: Network Security!
Volume 2 : Network Security, Wi Fi Security, Wi Fi Hackers, Firewalls, Wireshark, Secure Networking. + Password Managers...
10. Cloud Security Course: Cloud Compliance, Audits,Legal issues
For CCSK and CCSP Aspirants - Cloud Agreements/Contracts, Legal and Compliance Concepts...
11. Security Architect
Meet the growing demand for security architects and learn the skills required to advance your cybersecurity career. You will master the skills necessary to become a successful security architect. Learn core strategies and implementation elements of security infrastructure design and management at an enterprise level...
12. Enterprise Security
Meet the growing demand for enterprise security engineers and learn the foundational skills of security engineering within an enterprise setting...
13. Cyber Security SOC Analyst Training - SIEM (Splunk) - [2022]
[ e Learninfosec ] SOC Analyst training - Interview Questions also included -Its hands on experience on splunk SIEM...
14. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)...
15. Cybersecurity for Business Leaders
Learn to leverage the capabilities of cybersecurity best practices to protect your organization and unlock next-level results...
16. Zero Trust Security
Companies around the world are facing constant and evolving cyber attacks, so it’s imperative that they find talent with the dynamic skills to address these pressing issues...
17. Planning and Implementing a Security Incident Response
Learn all about planning and implementing a Security Incident Response along with best practices and recommendations...
18. Network Security Auditing with nmap
Learn to perform network security scanning with nmap in the right way...
19. PCI DSS Bootcamp: The A-Z™ Information Security Course
Master the 12 Requirements of PCI DSS v4.0 Compliance, Cyber Security and Identity Access Management + Practice Test...
20. ISACA CISM Certified Information Security Manager
One of the highest paid certifications! Become a Certified Information Security Manager!...
Top 10 most affordable universities for securities analysts
The most affordable schools for securities analysts are Baruch College of the City University of New York, suny farmingdale, and usf sarasota-manatee.
If the best universities for securities analysts are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for securities analysts.
1. Baruch College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,262
Cost of attendance
14,046
2. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Cost of attendance
16,091
3. USF Sarasota-Manatee
Sarasota, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,587
Cost of attendance
13,043
4. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,240
Cost of attendance
13,991
5. California State University - Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,942
Cost of attendance
14,469
6. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
7. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Cost of attendance
16,714
8. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Cost of attendance
21,034
9. Florida International University
Miami, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,556
Cost of attendance
19,434
10. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Mayaguez, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$4,094
Cost of attendance
14,302
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for securities analysts
The hardest universities for securities analysts to get into are Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University.
Some great schools for securities analysts are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for securities analysts based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
2. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
3. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
4. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
13%
SAT average
1,445
5. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,420
6. New York University
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
20%
SAT average
1,419
7. Villanova University
Villanova, PA • Private
Admissions rate
29%
SAT average
1,407
8. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Admissions rate
10%
SAT average
1,514
9. Bentley University
Waltham, MA • Private
Admissions rate
43%
SAT average
1,338
10. George Washington University, The
Washington, DC • Private
Admissions rate
42%
SAT average
1,380
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for securities analysts
The easiest schools for securities analysts to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, holy names university, and barry university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a securities analyst without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for securities analysts.
1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Bartlesville, OK • Private
Admissions rate
68%
SAT average
964
2. Holy Names University
Oakland, CA • Private
Admissions rate
70%
SAT average
849
3. Barry University
Miami, FL • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,006
4. Notre Dame College
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
994
5. University of North Texas at Dallas
Dallas, TX • Private
Admissions rate
83%
SAT average
992
6. La Roche College
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
99%
SAT average
1,008
7. Holy Family University
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
72%
SAT average
1,017
8. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Standish, ME • Private
Admissions rate
84%
SAT average
1,069
9. Ottawa University
Ottawa, KS • Private
Admissions rate
78%
SAT average
1,024
10. LIM College
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
83%
SAT average
1,061
Average securities analyst salary by education level
| Securities analyst education level | Securities analyst salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $93,439 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $84,744 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $71,814 |
Securities analyst education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common computer and mathematical questions.
Search for securities analyst jobs
Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025