Program Overview

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Major in Business Administration, Finance Concentration

The Major in Business Administration, Finance Concentration is designed to prepare undergraduate students to enter the finance profession with comprehensive knowledge and real-world skills in their area of emphasis. The field of finance is constantly evolving, and the program focuses on providing state-of-the-art tools, techniques, and computer applications.

Learning Objectives

Students will demonstrate the ability to:

• Display broad conceptual knowledge, analytical abilities, and problem-solving skill sets in finance.
• Analyze and interpret financial statements, and capital markets and economic data to inform business decisions.
• Explain the role of business financing and investment decisions on firm value.
• Understand the structure and function of financial markets, and the pricing of securities that trade in these markets.
• Characterize the relationship between expected return and various sources of risks.
• Identify and implement asset allocation and portfolio diversification strategies to improve investment outcomes.
• Appreciate the role of the firm in the broader economy and society, including an understanding of the many stakeholders of the firm in global markets.

Program Details

In addition to the core areas of asset valuation, investments, and global finance, the concentration allows students to select from three options for more in-depth study:

• The Corporate Finance option prepares students for positions in both financial and non-financial business enterprises in which they will need to make and defend strategic financial decisions in capital budgeting, planning, control, and policy.
• The Investment Analysis option focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of investment valuation, selection, and portfolio management, for both individual and institutional investors.
• The Real Estate Finance option prepares students for careers in commercial or residential real estate and related industries, while also providing strong foundations in financial analysis.

Accelerated Program

The Finance concentration includes an accelerated program option for students to graduate on a faster schedule. Accelerated Programs typically include 15-16 credits each fall and spring semester for three years, plus 6-9 credits over two to three summer sessions. Students who enter CSU with prior credit (AP, IB, transfer, etc.) may use applicable courses to further accelerate their graduation.

Potential Occupations

Finance students are prepared for a number of different careers in business. Internships and volunteer experiences enhance skills and marketability. Examples of fields in which graduates can find finance-related occupations include:

• Commercial, mortgage, and investment banking
• Corporate finance
• Investments
• Portfolio management
• Financial analysis
• Securities analysis
• Loan analysis
• Risk management and insurance
• Stock brokerage
• Government banking and securities regulation
• Government finance
• Teaching and research

Requirements

To complete the Finance concentration, the Business Administration core courses and the Finance concentration core courses must be completed. Students must select one of the following options as well: Corporate Finance, Investment Analysis, or Real Estate Finance.

Effective Fall 2025

The College of Business requires a minimum grade point average of 2.000 in business and economics courses as a graduation requirement.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Major in Business Administration, Finance Concentration is as follows:

• Freshman:
  • BUS 100 or 105: Introduction to Business
  • BUS 225: Transforming Business for Sustainable Impact (GT-AH3)
  • CIS 200: Business Information Systems
  • CO 150: College Composition (GT-CO2)
  • ECON 202: Principles of Microeconomics (GT-SS1)
  • Complete 3 credits from the following: MATH 117, MATH 118, MATH 120, MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 127, MATH 141 (or higher level calculus course)
  • Biological and Physical Sciences: 4 credits
  • Electives: 7 credits
• Sophomore:
  • ACT 210: Introduction to Financial Accounting
  • ACT 220: Introduction to Managerial Accounting
  • BUS 220: Ethics in Contemporary Organizations (GT-AH3)
  • BUS 260: Social-Ethical-Regulatory Issues in Business
  • ECON 204: Principles of Macroeconomics (GT-SS1)
  • STAT 204: Statistics With Business Applications (GT-MA1)
  • Biological and Physical Sciences: 3 credits
  • Historical Perspectives: 3 credits
  • Electives: 6 credits
• Junior:
  • CIS 370: Analytics and AI in Business
  • FIN 3001: Principles of Finance
  • FIN 310: Financial Markets and Institutions
  • FIN 355: Principles of Investments
  • MKT 3001: Marketing
  • Select 3 credits from the following: BUS 300, JTC 300, JTC 301
  • Option courses: 3-6 credits
  • Electives: 6-9 credits
• Senior:
  • BUS 479: Strategic Management
  • FIN 475: International Business Finance
  • MGT 301: Supply Chain Management
  • MGT 320: Contemporary Management Principles/Practices
  • Option courses: 9-12 credits
  • Electives: 6-9 credits

Corporate Finance Option

• Junior:
  • FIN 370: Financial Management-Theory and Application
• Senior:
  • FIN 470: Derivative Securities
  • FIN 471: Enterprise Valuation
  • Upper-Division ACT, FIN, or REL Electives: 6 credits

Investment Analysis Option

• Junior:
  • Upper-Division ACT, FIN, or REL Electives: 6 credits
• Senior:
  • FIN 311: Debt Securities Analysis
  • FIN 455: Advanced Portfolio Management
  • FIN 470: Derivative Securities

Real Estate Finance Option

• Junior:
  • REL 360: Real Estate Principles
  • Upper-Division ACT, FIN, or REL Elective: 3 credits
• Senior:
  • REL 430: Real Estate Market Analysis
  • REL 460: Real Estate Investment
  • Upper-Division ACT, FIN, or REL Elective: 3 credits

Second Concentration in International Business

A second concentration in International Business may be taken in conjunction with the Finance concentration. Students must also select an option within the Finance concentration. Upon graduation, both concentrations will be noted on a student’s official transcript.

Distinctive Requirements for Degree Program

To declare this major, direct entry as a new freshman or transfer to the College of Business is highly selective and only those students meeting academic requirements will be accepted. For details, contact the Office of Admissions.

CSU and the College of Business use holistic review when determining eligibility for admission to the College of Business as a new freshman. An example of a strong candidate for admission to the College of Business is one who is actively involved in their high school and community, has at least a 3.200 GPA with a 1200 or higher on the SAT or a 27 or higher on the ACT.

To be eligible for admission to the College, CSU students (including Undeclared Business Interest) must have a 3.000 cumulative GPA on a minimum of 15 graded credits at Colorado State and a grade of B- or higher in ECON 202 and a grade of C- or higher in each course (total of 3 credits) from the following: MATH 117, MATH 118, MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 141, or a higher level calculus course.

External transfer students who have completed a minimum of 15 graded credits with a 3.000 cumulative GPA and a grade of B- or higher in ECON 202 and a grade of C- or higher in each course (total of 3 credits) from the following: MATH 117, MATH 118, MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 141, or a higher level calculus course.

To Prepare for First Semester

The Curriculum for the Business Administration-Finance concentration assumes students will be able to successfully complete the College of Business Math requirement within the first year.

The College of Business requires a minimum grade point average of 2.000 in business and economics courses as a graduation requirement.

Semester Plans

• Semester 1:
  • BUS 100 or 105: Introduction to Business
  • CO 150: College Composition (GT-CO2)
  • 1C: 3 credits
  • Biological and Physical Sciences: 4 credits
  • Historical Perspectives: 3 credits
• Semester 2:
  • BUS 225: Transforming Business for Sustainable Impact (GT-AH3)
  • CIS 200: Business Information Systems
  • ECON 202: Principles of Microeconomics (GT-SS1)
  • Complete 3 credits from the following: MATH 117, MATH 118, MATH 120, MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 127, MATH 141 (or higher level calculus course)
  • Elective: 1 credit
• Semester 3:
  • ACT 210: Introduction to Financial Accounting
  • BUS 220: Ethics in Contemporary Organizations (GT-AH3)
  • ECON 204: Principles of Macroeconomics (GT-SS1)
  • Biological and Physical Sciences: 3 credits
  • Elective: 3 credits
• Semester 4:
  • ACT 220: Introduction to Managerial Accounting
  • BUS 260: Social-Ethical-Regulatory Issues in Business
  • STAT 204: Statistics With Business Applications (GT-MA1)
  • International Business Group 2 - Global Focus: 3 credits
  • Elective: 3 credits
• Semester 5:
  • CIS 370: Analytics and AI in Business
  • FIN 300: Principles of Finance
  • FIN 310: Financial Markets and Institutions
  • MGT 435: Global Ethical Leadership Stakeholder Mgmt
  • Select 3 credits from the following: BUS 300, JTC 300, JTC 301
  • International Business Group 2 - Global Focus: 3 credits
• Semester 6:
  • FIN 355: Principles of Investments
  • FIN 370: Financial Management-Theory and Application
  • FIN 475: International Business Finance
  • MGT 320: Contemporary Management Principles/Practices
  • International Business Group 3 - Experiential Learning Requirement: 3 credits
• Semester 7:
  • FIN 470: Derivative Securities
  • MGT 301: Supply Chain Management
  • MGT 475: International Business Management
  • MKT 300: Marketing
  • Upper-Division FIN, REL, or ACT Elective: 3 credits
• Semester 8:
  • BUS 479: Strategic Management
  • FIN 471: Enterprise Valuation
  • International Business Group 1 - Select one course from the following: MGT 468, MGT 478, MKT 365
  • International Business Group 3 - Experiential Learning Requirement: 3 credits
  • Upper Division FIN, REL, or ACT Elective: 3 credits

International Business Group 2 – Global Focus

Select 6 credits from the following:

• AM 430: International Retailing
• ANTH 200: Cultures and the Global System (GT-SS3)
• ECON 317: Population Economics
• ECON 332/POLS 332: International Political Economy
• ECON 440: Economics of International Trade and Policy
• ECON 442: Economics of International Finance and Policy
• ECON 460: Economic Development
• GR 320: Cultural Geography
• HIST 470: World Environmental History, 1500-Present
• IE 450/SOWK 450: International Social Welfare and Development
• IE 470: Women and Development
• IE 471: Children and Youth in Global Context
• IE 472: Education for Global Peace
• IE 478: Managing International Development Programs
• JTC 412: International Mass Communication
• NRRT 320: International Issues-Recreation and Tourism
• POLS 232: International Relations (GT-SS1)
• POLS 362: Global Environmental Politics
• POLS 431: International Law
• POLS 433: International Organization
• POLS 437: International Security
• POLS 442: Environmental Politics in Developing World
• POLS 462: Globalization, Sustainability, and Justice
• SOC 364: Food, Agriculture and Global Society
• SPCM 434: International and Intercultural Communication

International Business Group 3 – Experiential Learning Requirement

Select at least one from the following:

• Education Abroad experience
• Internship with global focus
• L** language course

Investment Analysis Option

• Semester 1:
  • BUS 100 or 105: Introduction to Business
  • CO 150: College Composition (GT-CO2)
  • 1C: 3 credits
  • Biological and Physical Sciences: 4 credits
  • Historical Perspectives: 3 credits
• Semester 2:
  • BUS 225: Transforming Business for Sustainable Impact (GT-AH3)
  • CIS 200: Business Information Systems
  • ECON 202: Principles of Microeconomics (GT-SS1)
  • Complete 3 credits from the following: MATH 117, MATH 118, MATH 120, MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 127, MATH 141 (or higher level calculus course)
  • Elective: 1 credit
• Semester 3:
  • ACT 210: Introduction to Financial Accounting
  • BUS 220: Ethics in Contemporary Organizations (GT-AH3)
  • ECON 204: Principles of Macroeconomics (GT-SS1)
  • Biological and Physical Sciences: 3 credits
  • Elective: 3 credits
• Semester 4:
  • ACT 220: Introduction to Managerial Accounting
  • BUS 260: Social-Ethical-Regulatory Issues in Business
  • STAT 204: Statistics With Business Applications (GT-MA1)
  • International Business Group 2 - Global Focus: 3 credits
  • Elective: 3 credits
• Semester 5:
  • CIS 370: Analytics and AI in Business
  • FIN 300: Principles of Finance
  • FIN 310: Financial Markets and Institutions
  • MGT 435: Global Ethical Leadership Stakeholder Mgmt
  • Select 3 credits from the following: BUS 300, JTC 300, JTC 301
  • International Business Group 2 - Global Focus: 3 credits
• Semester 6:
  • FIN 311: Debt Securities Analysis
  • FIN 355: Principles of Investments
  • FIN 475: International Business Finance
  • MGT 320: Contemporary Management Principles/Practices
  • International Business Group 3 - Experiential Learning Requirement: 3 credits
• Semester 7:
  • FIN 470: Derivative Securities
  • MGT 301: Supply Chain Management
  • MGT 475: International Business Management
  • MKT 300: Marketing
  • Upper Division FIN, REL, or ACT Elective: 3 credits
• Semester 8:
  • BUS 479: Strategic Management
  • FIN 455: Advanced Portfolio Management
  • International Business Group 1 - Select one course from the following: MGT 468, MGT 478, MKT 365
  • International Business Group 3 - Experiential Learning Requirement: 3 credits
  • Upper Division FIN, REL, or ACT Elective: 3 credits

Real Estate Finance Option

• Semester 1:
  • BUS 100 or 105: Introduction to Business
  • CO 150: College Composition (GT-CO2)
  • 1C: 3 credits
  • Biological and Physical Sciences: 4 credits
  • Historical Perspectives: 3 credits
• Semester 2:
  • BUS 225: Transforming Business for Sustainable Impact (GT-AH3)
  • CIS 200: Business Information Systems
  • ECON 202: Principles of Microeconomics (GT-SS1)
  • Complete 3 credits from the following: MATH 117, MATH 118, MATH 120, MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 127, MATH 141 (or higher level calculus course)
  • Elective: 1 credit
• Semester 3:
  • ACT 210: Introduction to Financial Accounting
  • BUS 220: Ethics in Contemporary Organizations (GT-AH3)
  • ECON 204: Principles of Macroeconomics (GT-SS1)
  • Biological and Physical Sciences: 3 credits
  • Elective: 3 credits
• Semester 4:
  • ACT 220: Introduction to Managerial Accounting
  • BUS 260: Social-Ethical-Regulatory Issues in Business
  • STAT 204: Statistics With Business Applications (GT-MA1)
  • International Business Group 2 - Global Focus: 3 credits
  • Elective: 3 credits
• Semester 5:
  • CIS 370: Analytics and AI in Business
  • FIN 300: Principles of Finance
  • FIN 310: Financial Markets and Institutions
  • MGT 435: Global Ethical Leadership Stakeholder Mgmt
  • Select 3 credits from the following: BUS 300, JTC 300, JTC 301
  • International Business Group 2 - Global Focus: 3 credits
• Semester 6:
  • FIN 355: Principles of Investments
  • FIN 475: International Business Finance
  • MGT 320: Contemporary Management Principles/Practices
  • REL 360: Real Estate Principles
  • International Business Group 3 - Experiential Learning Requirement: 3 credits
• Semester 7:
  • MGT 301: Supply Chain Management
  • MGT 475: International Business Management
  • MKT 300: Marketing
  • REL 460: Real Estate Investment
  • Upper-Division FIN, REL, or ACT Elective: 3 credits
• Semester 8:
  • BUS 479: Strategic Management
  • REL 430: Real Estate Market Analysis
  • International Business Group 1 - Select one course from the following: MGT 468, MGT 478, MKT 365
  • International Business Group 3 - Experiential Learning Requirement: 3 credits
  • Upper-Division FIN, REL, or ACT Elective: 3 credits

Program Total Credits

The total credits required for the program are 120 credits.