Finance is the backbone of any business. The business major who specializes in finance will find opportunities in almost any industry. 

Finance Coursework 

Business majors who study finance will focus on mathematics, statistical analysis, technology, and ethics. Finance is a more narrow focus than accounting, and will require the development and use of critical thinking, as well as problem solving skills. 

Educational Requirements 

For most finance careers, you will need at least a bachelor's degree. If you would prefer to work in management, a master's in finance or an MBA in finance is highly recommended. To get an idea of what you can expect to encounter in different programs, follow these links:

Bachelor Programs

Master Programs

MBA Programs

Finance Programs for Business Majors 

Almost every business school, as well as many colleges and universities, offer finance programs to interested business majors. If you have a career path mapped out, your best bet will be to search out finance programs that churn out the type of graduates your desired employers look for. 

Working in Finance 

After graduating from a quality finance program, business majors should be able to secure at least entry-level employment with banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies, corporations, and a variety of other organizations. Possible job titles include:

Finance Officer

Financial Advisor

Financial Analyst

Financial Planner

Underwriter

Additional Career Information 

To learn more about the career and salary potential for business majors with a finance degree, see the Job Profile for Finance Officers or the Job Profile for Financial Analysts.

Other Business Majors

Business Majors: Human Resources

Business Majors: Hospitality Management

Business Majors: Entrepreneurship

Other Business Majors

Business Majors – Accounting

Business Majors – Advertising

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Banking Degrees and Majors Overview

A banking official has many responsibilities and must understand the aspects of business and finance as they relate to local communities. Bankers must assess funding needs for a multitude of situations, including small businesses, real estate developments and even international trades. In addition, bankers must be able to assist customers and communicate effectively. Bachelor's degree programs in or related to banking are available to those interested in this field.

View 32 Popular Schools

Bachelor of Applied Science in Banking

This general degree program prepares students for many roles within banking, including loan officer, credit analyst, financial planner, investment banker and branch manager. Students will gain the communication skills, both verbal and written, needed to interact with customers. Graduates should also know how to make sound decisions when it comes to marketing, finance and management in a bank setting.

Educational Prerequisites

The prospective student must hold a high school diploma or equivalent before enrolling in this banking degree program. Some schools may want to consider other items, such as an applicant's ACT/SAT scores, high school GPA and personal recommendations.

Program Coursework

A banking degree program covers a broad range of topics to prepare well-rounded graduates. Following are some courses one might take:

Financial accounting

Statistics

Communication

Bank management

Credit analysis

Banking regulations

Financial planning

International banking and business

Investments

Market research

Career Outlook and Salary Information

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 64% banking industry jobs go to bank tellers, who made an average of $11.35 per hour in 2008. Those with this degree may also hold positions as loan officers, who earned an average hourly wage of $25.72 in 2008. Between 2008 and 2018, employment in the banking industry was expected to increase by 8% which is slower than average. The BLS stated that the prospective job outlook is high for administrative or management positions within the banking industry (www.bls.gov).

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Banking and Finance Concentration

This degree program focuses on the core business areas of management, financing, marketing and accounting with an emphasis on banking. Candidates gain strong understandings of the business of banking and financing in this specialized program. The knowledge gained will help students prepare for the Series 6 and 63 securities license exams. Upon completion graduates will be eligible to obtain supervisory and managerial positions. Application requirements are similar to those mentioned earlier.

Program Coursework

The curriculum provides an overview of the economic, ethical, strategic and legal aspects of running a financial institution. Here are a few courses one might take in such a banking degree program:

Management principles

Information technology

Marketing principles

Banking principles

Finance

Statistics

Business communications

Investments

Business law

Money and banking

Career Outlook and Salary Information

According to the BLS, financial managers made an average of $37.15 per hour in 2008. The same source states that the number of bank locations will increase because of the competition to gain customers.

Continuing Education Information

Those who wish to continue their educations may enroll in programs that lead to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance. Students gain more in-depth understandings of investment banking, management, commercial banking and international finance.

Finance & Banking Major

A Demanding Finance & Banking Program

This degree gives students the opportunity to study the principles of finance, investment analysis, portfolio management and financial derivatives with emphasis placed on practical applications of the theory being taught. Finance & Banking courses form a major which is delivered with a combination of problem-based learning and traditional teaching. As part of their career preparation, all Finance & Banking students are also encouraged to take advantage of the many lectures and informal talks by leading business executives.

Our program of study prepares graduates for decision-making positions in both the public and private sectors. Specifically, this degree prepares students for a career in financial services firms such as banks, and large and small corporations, insurance firms, stockbrokers, government agencies, investment managers and financial advisors.

Finance & Banking Undergraduate Resources

Major Requirements

The Finance & Banking major requires 30 Finance & Banking units, 24 of which are major requirements and 6 are electives from different Finance & Banking fields.

Academic Plan