Program Overview

Program Overview

The online Bachelor of Science in Finance from Southwest Minnesota State University is a 100% online program that can be completed in four years of full-time study. The program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) and offers two concentrations: Corporate Finance and Financial Planning and Investments.

Program Details

• The program consists of 120 total credits and 21 total courses.
• The curriculum features a comprehensive business core, specialized finance coursework, and two concentration options.
• Students can choose from a range of career-focused electives to align their degree with their future goals.
• The program includes hands-on coursework, applied projects, and an optional internship to build valuable experience.

Concentrations

• Corporate Finance: This concentration focuses on analyzing data, guiding investments, and driving business growth with a strong foundation in corporate finance and real-world applications.
• Financial Planning and Investments: This concentration helps students build a rewarding career in financial planning, investment strategy, and wealth management.

Curriculum

Business Core

The business core consists of the following courses:

• ACCT 211: Principles of Accounting I
• ACCT 212: Principles of Accounting II
• BLAW 305: Business Law I: Legal Environment and Contract Law
• ECON 201: Principles of Microeconomics
• ECON 202: Principles of Macroeconomics
• ECON 470: International Business & Economics
• FIN 230: Business Statistics I or MATH 200: Introduction to Statistics
• FIN 350: Managerial Finance
• MATH 115: Finite Mathematics
• MGMT 221: Computer Concepts and Applications
• MGMT 300: Management Principles
• MKTG 301: Principles of Marketing

Finance Core

The finance core consists of the following courses:

• FIN 425: Investment and Portfolio Analysis
• FIN 457: Corporate Finance I
• FIN 458: Corporate Finance II
• FIN 492: Financial Policy
• FIN 495: Senior Examination

Concentration Courses

Financial Planning & Investments Concentration

• ACCT 414: Federal Tax I
• FIN 360: Insurance and Risk Management
• FIN 365: Personal Financial Planning
• Select one of the following or General Finance course:
  • ACCT 413: Cost Accounting I
  • ACCT 451: Federal Tax II
  • FIN 370: Capital Budgeting
  • FIN 415: Financial Statement Analysis
  • FIN 420: Financial Institutions Management
  • MKTG 351: Introduction to Digital Marketing

Corporate Finance Concentration

• FIN 370: Capital Budgeting
• FIN 415: Financial Statement Analysis
• FIN 420: Financial Institutions Management
• Select one of the following or General Finance course:
  • FIN 360: Insurance and Risk Management
  • MGMT 420: Business Analytics and Technology
  • MGMT 432: Project Management

General Finance Concentration

• Select four of the following:
  • ACCT 413: Cost Accounting I
  • ACCT 451: Federal Tax II
  • AGBU 330: Commodity Futures & Options Trading
  • BLAW 355: Business Law II: Commercial and Financial Law
  • ECON 328: Money and Banking
  • ECON 380: Public Finance
  • FIN 330: Financial Management for Small Business
  • FIN 354: Working Capital Management
  • FIN 360: Insurance and Risk Management
  • FIN 366: Real Estate
  • FIN 370: Capital Budgeting
  • FIN 415: Financial Statement Analysis
  • FIN 420: Financial Institutions Management
  • FIN 428: Financial Modeling
  • FIN 460: Business Forecasting
  • FIN 491: Senior SeminarFinance
  • MGMT 420: Business Analytics and Technology
  • MGMT 422: Production & Operations Management
  • MGMT 432: Project Management
  • MGMT 455: Human Resource Management
  • MKTG 351: Introduction to Digital Marketing
  • PHIL 105: Ethical Issues in Business

Admissions Requirements

• Application Deadline: 05/15/26
• Start Date: 05/26/26
• Online Application Form
• Application Fee: $20 (waivable)
• Official Transcripts: Send official high school transcripts. Transfer students must send transcripts from each institution attended.
• Minimum GPA: 2.5 minimum, 3.0 recommended
• International Students: Additional information and requirements may be necessary for international students.

Tuition & Aid

• Cost per Credit Hour: $323.30
• Total Number of Credit Hours: 120
• Total Estimated Tuition: $38,520
• Other Costs to Budget For: The estimated tuition cost does not include factors such as textbooks, supplies, or additional fees and expenses.
• Military Benefits: SMSU proudly welcomes active military and veteran students. We accept the GI Bill and VA education benefits.
• Financial Aid Options & Support: Southwest Minnesota State University offers a variety of solutions to help you invest in your education, including in-state tuition rates to all students, military benefits, financial aid opportunities, and scholarships for qualifying applicants.

Career Opportunities

The expertise gained in the online BS in Finance program prepares students for diverse career opportunities across the financial sector, including:

• Financial Analyst: $101,910 per year
• Personal Financial Advisor: $102,140 per year
• Budget Analyst
• Credit Analyst
• Financial Advisor
• Corporate Finance Manager
• Treasury Analyst

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the online bachelor's degree in finance from SMSU, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a solid understanding of financial principles, investment strategies, portfolio management, personal finance, and related business concepts.
• Interpret and analyze financial statements, employing financial modeling techniques to inform decision-making.
• Utilize financial analysis tools to assess and support corporate financial decisions.
• Recognize and apply legal, ethical, and social responsibility considerations in business and finance contexts.
• Communicate ideas and analyses effectively through both oral presentations and written reports.
• Apply critical thinking skills to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical financial solutions.
• Work productively and respectfully as a member of a collaborative team.