Finance

Program Overview

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Finance

Foundational knowledge and skills to prepare for a career in finance.

Types

• Bachelor
• Minor

Location

• On-Campus
• Online

Credits

57*

Cost

$9,875 $220/per credit hour

Overview

Money (or the lack of it) influences the decisions we make in virtually every aspect of our lives. Managing finances wisely is a crucial way to help individuals and organizations thrive. Our Bachelor of Science in Finance degree offers the tools and skills you need to propel your financial performance – and that of the company or individual you work for – in the day-to-day as well as the long-term outlook. From financial analysis to financial strategy, this bachelor’s in finance explores the essentials within the financial lifecycle. Build out expertise in key areas such as investments, risk management, spreadsheet analysis, accounting fundamentals and more. Take advantage of flexible online, on-campus, or blended program formats that let you make the most of your education while you take aim at your next career advance.

By the numbers

$82,260

Average Salary

3%

Industry Growth

1 in 5

Students Make Dean's List

16:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Programs & Requirements

General Education Requirements

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Arts
• Financial Management Minor

Bachelor of Science in Finance

Students in the Finance program will build a solid core of base business skills, but will also build their development in the program with courses related to finance, securities and investments, banking, portfolio management and more. Electives can help you focus your major to your chosen career goals.

Course Requirements

• Required Courses (24 hours)
  • BADM 133 - Introduction to Business
  • BADM 136 - Microeconomics
  • BADM 137 - Macroeconomics
  • BADM 300 - Business Statistics
  • BADM 330 - Legal Environment of Business
  • BADM 331 - Principles of Management
  • BADM 333 - Business Analytics
  • BADM 436 - Capstone: Global Business
• Required Finance Foundation (9 hours)
  • BACC 131 - Principles of Accounting I
  • BACC 132 - Principles of Accounting II
  • BADM 335 - Financial Management
• Required Finance Core (15 hours)
  • BACC 331 - Intermediate Accounting I
  • BACC 332 - Intermediate Accounting II
  • BADM 338 - Business Decision Concepts
  • BADM 452 - Advanced Financial Management
  • BADM 454 - Advanced Spreadsheet Analysis
• Required Electives (9 Hours)
  • Choose three from the following:
    • BACC 410 - Accounting Law & Ethics
    • BADM 336 - Money, Banking and Credit
    • BADM 337 - Investments
    • BADM 457 - Estate Planning
    • BADM 458 - Risk Management and Insurance

Bachelor of Arts in Finance

A Bachelor of Arts requires all the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of four classes (12 hours) in a foreign language.

• Choose one foreign language sequence:
  • FREN 131 Elementary French I
  • FREN 132 Elementary French II
  • FREN 231 Intermediate French I
  • FREN 232 Intermediate French II
  • SPAN 131 Elementary Spanish I
  • SPAN 132 Elementary Spanish II
  • SPAN 231 Intermediate Spanish I
  • SPAN 232 Intermediate Spanish II

Financial Management Minor

A minor in financial management provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices involved in effectively managing financial resources within various organizational contexts. This minor program is designed to complement students' primary areas of study while equipping them with essential knowledge and skills in finance. By completing this program, students will develop a strong foundation in financial management that can enhance their career prospects across various industries or lay the groundwork for further specialization through graduate studies.

Minor Requirements (21 Credit Hours)

• Required Courses (21 hours)
  • BACC 130 - Fundamentals of Accounting
  • BADM 335 - Financial Management
  • BADM 336 - Money, Banking and Credit
  • BADM 337 - Investments
  • BADM 452 - Advanced Financial Management
• Choose 6 Elective Credit Hours from the following:
  • BADM 458 - Risk Management and Insurance
  • BADM 454 - Advanced Spreadsheet Analysis
  • BADM 457 - Estate Planning

Mission & Goals

The mission of this bachelor’s degree in finance is to thoroughly prepare students for successful careers in business and finance.

• Manage financial portfolios of individuals and organizations
• Develop a strategic approach to tackling financial challenges
• Leverage the latest technology and techniques to enhance financial practice
• Cultivate advanced communication and problem-solving skills
• Support a financial model that aligns with global economic realities

Career Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Budget Analyst: $82,260

Budget analysts help public and private organizations plan their finances.

Accountant/Auditor: $78,000

Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records.

Financial Analyst: $96,220

Financial analysts guide businesses and individuals in decisions about expending money to attain profit.

Financial Examiner: $82,210

Financial examiners ensure compliance with laws that govern institutions handling monetary transactions.

Personal Financial Advisors: $95,390

Personal financial advisors provide advice to help individuals manage their money and plan for their financial future.

Loan Officer: $65,740

Loan officers evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of loan applications.

FAQs

What is a finance degree?

A finance degree is an academic program designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required for effective financial management. This degree focuses on critical areas such as financial analysis, investment strategies, risk management, and accounting fundamentals, preparing graduates for diverse careers in the financial sector while emphasizing practical skills alongside theoretical understanding.

How long does a finance degree take?

Typically, a bachelor’s degree in finance takes about four years to complete. This duration includes fulfilling general education requirements along with finance-specific coursework, culminating in approximately 120 credit hours, with around 57 credit hours dedicated to finance courses.

Can I get a finance degree online?

Yes, many universities offer finance degrees online. These programs provide the same core knowledge as traditional on-campus programs while offering added flexibility for students to study from anywhere. Additionally, hybrid programs that combine online coursework with on-campus experiences are also available.

Is a finance degree worth it?

A finance degree can be highly valuable, as the demand for financial professionals continues to grow. Graduates can expect competitive salaries, averaging around $82,260 for various roles. The skills acquired in a finance program can lead to stable career paths in a field essential for both individuals and businesses.

What can I do with a finance degree?

Graduates with a finance degree can pursue various careers, including roles such as financial analyst, accountant, personal financial advisor, budget analyst, financial examiner, and loan officer. Each of these positions offers unique responsibilities and opportunities to make informed financial decisions for businesses and individuals.

How to get a finance degree?

To obtain a finance degree, students typically enroll in a college or university offering a finance program, complete the required coursework that includes general education and finance-specific classes, maintain a satisfactory academic record to meet graduation requirements, and apply for graduation upon completing all necessary credits.

Is finance a hard major?

The difficulty of a finance major varies for each individual, often involving complex topics such as mathematics, economics, and statistics. Those with a strong interest in financial markets and analytical problem-solving may find the subject engaging. Success in this major generally requires dedication, critical thinking skills, and effective time management.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

> The Bachelor of Science in Finance degree offers the tools and skills required to excel in finance, both for personal and corporate advancement. It provides a deep understanding of essential financial concepts such as financial analysis, financial strategy, and investments. The program's flexible online, on-campus, and blended formats enable students to balance their education with other commitments while pursuing career advancement.

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Outline:

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• Course Requirements
• Required Courses (24 hours):
• Introduction to Business
• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Business Statistics
• Legal Environment of Business
• Principles of Management
• Business Analytics
• Capstone: Global Business
• Required Finance Foundation (9 hours):
• Principles of Accounting I
• Principles of Accounting II
• Financial Management
• Required Finance Core (15 hours):
• Intermediate Accounting I
• Intermediate Accounting II
• Business Decision Concepts
• Advanced Financial Management
• Advanced Spreadsheet Analysis
• Required Electives (9 Hours):
• Accounting Law & Ethics
• Money, Banking, and Credit
• Investments
• Estate Planning
• Risk Management and Insurance

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Assessment:

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Teaching:

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Careers:

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• Finance Careers & Outcomes
• Budget Analyst: $82,260
• Accountant/Auditor: $78,000
• Financial Analyst: $96,220
• Financial Examiner: $82,210
• Personal Financial Advisors: $95,390
• Loan Officer: $65,740