Undergraduate Programs

Majors, Minors and Certificates

Finance graduates have many career choices


Careers in Finance allow graduates to choose which of today's market sectors will define tomorrow's economies. Understanding finance is a critical component in today's business environment, and it can be defined as the art and science of managing money. Nearly every decision made by an organization has important financial implications. The undergraduate Finance program offers courses designed to develop the student's analytical skills and abilities.

Graduates who complete a bachelor's degree in Finance enjoy careers in banking, financial services, corporate finance, investment management, enterprise risk management, consulting and the public sector.

 What to Expect 

During your freshman year as a Finance student, the courses you will take will be predominantly devoted to the University Core Curriculum. Completing these courses initially is important because it provides a great foundation to develop your critical thinking skills, teamwork, understanding cultural demographics, societal differences and political perceptions. 

You will also start the Student Professional Development Program (SPDP), which will provide you with the tools necessary to be successful in the job market. 

In your sophomore year, you will be prepared for the rigorous training in your major. You will be exposed to Macro and Micro economics and introduced to principles of accounting. By the end of this year, you should be prepared to begin courses directly in your major, complete the College of Business Administration Student Professional Development Program and begin thinking about which Immersion Experience opportunity you will explore.

As a sophomore you want to start exploring more about the various certifications available for your major and start looking for possible internships. Speak with your Academic Advisor about your career options and register and explore the Handshake website for internship opportunities. 

In your junior year, you will apply for admission into the College of Business Administration program, complete your BUSCORE requirement courses and start courses in your major. Keep in mind many of your courses will be offered fall or spring only. It is important you take these courses seriously to avoid any delay in graduation, as each of these courses may be a prerequisite for the next. The core finance courses to complete during your junior year are: FINC 3321 and FINC 4331

The first semester of your senior year, you will apply for graduation with your Academic Advisor. Fall graduates will meet with their advisor in October. Spring and Summer graduates will meet with their advisor in April. 

During your senior year you will take a capstone course, MGMT 4390 Strategic Management Global Business Environment. In capstone all CBA majors will work together on a final senior project. You will also be required to prepare and take the Major Field Test (MFT). 

The Major Field Test (MFT) is an innovative undergraduate outcome assessment designed to measure the basic knowledge and understanding achieved by students in a major field of study (business). Test results enable the College of Business Administration to better assess and refine curricula, and gauge the progress of students compared to others in the program and those in similar programs at schools throughout the country.  All MFTs are proctored, multiple choice exams designed to assess mastery of concepts and principles as well as knowledge expected of you at the conclusion of a business major in specific subject areas. There is a $25 fee for this exam.

Finance, Minor

Contact an Academic Advisor 

Learn about our minor and other majors: Banking •  Accounting • General Business • Information Systems • Management • Marketing