Overview

The primary goal of the B.S. in Finance program is to prepare undergraduate students for professional positions in corporate finance and financial planning.

The Department of Accounting and Finance offers a B.S. in Finance with two areas of emphasis. We offer a track in Corporate Finance for those students interested in careers in financial analysis, credit analysis, security analysis and banking, and who also might be interested in obtaining the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation. We also offer a track in Financial Planning for those students interested in careers as financial advisors, investment advisors, insurance advisors and estate planning advisors, and who also might be interested in obtaining the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the B.S. in Finance program, students will:

• Be knowledgeable in the functional areas of business
• Display effective written and oral presentation skills
• Work effectively in teams to accomplish objectives
• Be aware of legal and ethical issues in the business environment
• Use critical-thinking skills to become effective problem-solvers and strategic thinkers

Minor

Finance Minor

A minor in Finance is appealing to students who seek to increase their financial acumen and create a more appealing résumé to potential employers.

The minor in Finance requires coursework in Accounting and Finance:

Note: A grade point average of 2.00 is required for all courses taken in residence that may be applied to the minor.

Program Requirements

B.S. in Finance

Requirements for the B.S. in Finance include:

• Business School core courses
• Globalization requirement
• Choice of Tracks - Corporate Finance or Financial Planning
• Designated Liberal Arts courses

*MATH 112C or 120C may be substituted for MSTI 130C.

**PHIL 273C may be substituted for REST 386D.

Notes on the Finance requirements:

• At least half of the business courses required for the Finance major—including the business school core, globalization course and the specific courses in each of the Finance tracks—must be taken at the College.
• Students should keep in mind that courses must be taken in a timely manner (e.g., the 100-level courses should optimally be taken during the student’s freshman year at the College, the 200-level during the sophomore year, etc.). In addition, students must pay careful attention to course prerequisites; not doing so could delay progress through the program.
• Students choosing to double-major within the Bittner School must receive the school dean’s approval on a declaration form outlining which electives must be distinct in each major. The form is submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs along with the Academic Change Form.

For students majoring in Finance (either track), the seven specific courses in each track and FINA 315 are included in the determination of the grade point average in the major. Although majors need to achieve a 2.00 grade point average in these courses, it is not necessary to earn a grade of “C” or above in every course.

Finance Tracks

Corporate Finance Track

Financial Planning Track

Note: It is strongly recommended that students in the Financial Planning Track also take FINA 337 Investments II, as a general elective in their academic programs.

Recommended Progression

B.S. Finance — Corporate Finance Track

Recommended progression of courses required for a B.S. Finance major with a Corporate Finance Track. Students should consult Core Requirements for a complete description of the College’s Core.

*FINA 413 recommended

B.S. Finance — Financial Planning Track

Recommended progression of courses required for a B.S. Finance major with a Financial Planning Track. Students should consult Core Requirements for a complete description of the College’s Core.