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