What Can I Do With A Degree In Finance?

A finance major trains students in the art and science of efficiently managing money. Students learn financial principles including the time value of money, financial ratio analysis, working capital management, risk and return, valuation, financial markets and institutions, security analysis and portfolio management, interest rate theory, and capital budgeting. In addition, students have an opportunity to develop competencies needed for career success, including verbal and written communication skills, analytical and problem solving skills, interpersonal skills, computer and other technology skills, and leadership abilities.

At the undergraduate level, the Department of Finance offers a Bachelor in Business Administration degree with a major in Finance. This program offers students the opportunity to focus in one of two areas - Corporate Financial Management and Financial Services. At the graduate level, students may pursue a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Finance or International Finance.

Corporate Financial Management

Corporate financial management utilizes financial principles to efficiently manage the assets of an organization, whether for profit or not-for-profit.

Financial Services

Financial services refer to the broad range of services and products provided by the finance industry to individual and business consumers. These services include banking, securities brokerage, investing, real estate and personal financial planning.

Companies that Hire Finance Majors

Professional Organizations for Finance Majors

Career Outlook

Corporate Financial Management — Today’s business environment increasingly requires efficient management of firm assets. Well-trained students have the opportunity to begin their careers from a number of entry points (some listed above) and to advance to the highest levels of firm financial and overall management.

Financial Services — The various fields in financial services remain dynamic and ever changing. These growing areas that serve individuals and business entities facilitate the efficient operation of business and the planning for and building of personal wealth. The banking industry, which employs the largest number of financial managers, is expected to continue to consolidate and reduce the number of financial managers.

Average starting salaries for graduates with degrees in finance tend to vary widely, depending on the job function, but are usually in the range of $30,000 to $60,000 per year. For more information, see Business Salaries

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