Most people who want to become financial or securities analysts need to earn at least a bachelor's degree, usually in a field like accounting or business. It is sometimes possible to enter the workforce with only a high school diploma or an associate's degree but this is relatively uncommon. In fact, many of the most successful analysts have gone on to receive master's degrees, usually in financial management or business administration. Employers often see university education as a sort of preliminary training for the rigors the job will entail.