What type of degree is neeeded for a career in investment banking?

What degree is needed to obtain a career in finance / investment banking?

Depends what school you go to and for when you are asking (straight out of undergrad or after some work experience) :

If you go to an Ivy League school, you can basically major in whatever you want. Plenty of History, Poly Sci, etc. majors can get I-banking jobs. You have to demonstrate a basic grasp and interest of corporate finance in the interviews though.

If you don't attend one of those schools, I'd recommend majoring in finance (Econ is a second choice). Corporate finance is a core concept in investment banking. If you can double major or minor in engineering, science or math, it'll add some intellectual credibility since they are regarded as 'hard' subjects.

If you are already in another career and looking to get into I-banking and do not have much financial experience, I'd generally say to pursue an MBA (must be a top 20) to apply as an Associate. I-banks hire plenty MBA students without any previous banking experience.

You will need a degree in Economics, but may also want to take additional investment courses that are offered.

MBA

If you can work for low money to start. NONE!!! all you need is to pass the series 7 exam.

If you want to work at a brand name firm like smith barney then you need a masters in economics.

MBA from Ivy League.