Finance

Finance plays a central role in the operation of the economy and is crucial to an organized society’s resource allocation system. Individuals often come in contact with financial instruments (money, stocks, bonds, etc.) and financial institutions (banks, thrifts, insurance companies, etc.); thus, they need to understand the role of the financial system in managing their lifetime financial portfolio. Finance majors acquire the knowledge and skills to help individuals and companies make decisions regarding allocation of scarce resources through analyzing accounting data, utilizing economic concepts, and applying statistical tools in the valuation of financial and real assets.

Career Opportunities

The BBA in finance prepares students for careers in commercial banking, financial institutions, and financial departments within corporations and government organizations. Finance focuses on the application of mathematics, statistical analysis, technology, and ethics to the decision making process. A finance major will develop critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary for careers in banking, corporate finance, investments, and real estate.

Finance Career Paths

  • Commercial or Retail Banking
  • Bank Examination and Regulation
  • Financial or Credit Analysis
  • Securities Brokerage and Trading
  • Mortgage Lending and Underwriting
  • Financial Planning and Advising

Finance Major

The Finance major requires 124 credit hours and leads to a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. For specialization, students may choose from a list of electives based on their interests and career preparation needs. In order to maximize the benefits of their degree, students are strongly encouraged to work closely with a faculty advisor in securing an internship and developing their personal program of study.

Finance Major Course Curriculum  Finance Major Flowchart

Finance Minor

A minor in finance is attained by selecting, in consultation with the finance minor advisor, at least 18 hours of finance course work. Students improve understanding of the management of financial institutions and the management of financial assets (such as personal, organizational, and governmental funds as well as business assets). Engineering, pre-med, communications, and agribusiness majors all benefit from this minor.

Finance Minor Course Curriculum

Finance Student Organizations

Beta Gamma Sigma

Beta Gamma Sigma is an honorary organization available only through Colleges of Business that are accredited through the International Association for Management Education. The main goal of the organization is for faculty to honor students with the highest academic achievements.

Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest honor a student of business can receive — the business equivalent of Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Beta Kappa. Only the top 10 percent of the junior and senior class and 20 percent of the master’s students are selected for membership.

  • Corporate recruiters actively seek individuals who have attained membership in Beta Gamma Sigma. Long after graduation, membership will enhance career development.
  • Programs such as the BetaLink On-Line Community and the Alumni Network offer alumni opportunities to stay connected and benefit from their commitment to academic excellence.
Advisor:
Dr. Patty Ann Bogue Go to Dr. Patty Ann Bogue's page for contact information. Email Dr. Patty Ann Bogue Call Dr. Patty Ann Bogue

Bulldogs Belong

The Bulldogs Belong program encourages students to further their commitment to creating inclusive environments while celebrating diversity. This program considers the time you devote to topics related to inclusion and diversity to be an investment in our college, our campus, and your future. Earn credit for attending events, participating in organizations, studying abroad, and even certain courses.

Becoming a member of Bulldogs Belong allows you to learn about the diverse cultures represented at Mississippi State and about yourself. It helps you recognize what you can do to improve the world and take action that creates a more inclusive environment for all.​

It also serves as verifiable proof that you are committed to inclusion and diversity, a topic that is rapidly gaining importance with the potential employers that are most appealing to you.

For more information, contact Bulldogs Belong coordinator, Dr. Mike Breazeale. 

Coordinator:
Dr. Mike Breazeale Go to Dr. Mike Breazeale's page for contact information. Email Dr. Mike Breazeale Call Dr. Mike Breazeale

College of Business Ambassadors

The College of Business Student Ambassador program provides our business students the opportunity to become leaders through a variety of ambassador activities each year. The organization comprises some of our best and brightest business students at Mississippi State University. The student ambassadors volunteer their time to promote the College of Business and the university. They help coordinate special events, recruit prospective students, meet and greet parents, and visit with our business alumni.

The purpose of our student ambassador program is to promote the College of Business through several different avenues such as recruiting, events, and networking with alumni. The organization also serves to be the voice of the College of Business student body. As representatives of the college, our ambassadors demonstrate a thorough knowledge of our business majors, faculty, and university traditions.

 

Advisor:
Madison Crimm Go to Madison Crimm's page for contact information.

Financial Management Association (FMA)

The student chapter of the FMA is an extremely active chapter that has received a number of awards. Chapter activities which include professional, social, and service activities, providing members with the opportunity to meet finance professionals, gaining insights into career opportunities. For more information, contact the Department of Finance & Economics at 662.325.2342.

Advisor:
Anwar Bou Mosleh Go to Anwar Bou Mosleh's page for contact information.

MSU Undergraduate Women In Business (UWIB)

Mississippi State's Undergraduate Women in Business (UWIB) is an organization that consists of young women within the College of Business that are willing and driven to take the necessary steps to ensure that each individual has the knowledge and confidence to take on the competitive workforce within Corporate America.

Advisor:
Emily Daniels Go to Emily Daniels's page for contact information. Email Emily Daniels Call Emily Daniels

NABA (National Association of Black Accountants)

NABA, Inc. is a nonprofit membership association dedicated to bridging the opportunity and wealth gap for Black business leaders in accounting, finance, business and entrepreneurship. Representing Black business leaders in these fields, NABA advances people, careers, and the mission by providing education, resources and meaningful career connections to professional and student members.

Mississippi State became affiliated with NABA in 2021. They have served on campus providing insight to big companies, internships, scholarships, and many other social events.

Advisor:
Renata Roberts Go to Renata Roberts's page for contact information.