The major in finance is designed to provide you with the financial knowledge and skills required for a successful business career. This field of study attempts to give you a thorough understanding of the theoretical financial principles and the practical implementation of these principles in the world of business. You will learn how financial markets operate and how to make effective investment and financial decisions for firms and individuals. This major is designed to help you develop analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
Knowledge and practice in the world of finance have become crucial in the success of corporations and of the individuals employed by them. Financial markets are the major conduits through which investments are channeled in the global marketplace. Understanding these markets and how to make investment decisions are crucial for your success in business.
Careers in Finance
If you have chosen finance as your area of expertise for your career, then you are in luck. Analysis from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that employment for financial analysts is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations between 2010 and 2020. You will have access to numerous opportunities both regionally and nationally, in a number of different financial career choices. Your knowledge in financial advising, management and analysis will give you an edge up on the competition. Below are just a few career opportunities that are available to finance majors:
Financial Analyst
In this career, you research the economic conditions of your industry and business in order to offer financial and investment recommendations. For example, you would advise your business or clients on buying or selling a company’s stock based upon its overall current and predicted strength. You are also responsible for preparing financial models to predict future economic conditions for any number of variables.
Investment Banking Analyst
In the banking sector, you would interpret financial data and economic trends that enable you to offer investment advice. Your clients can vary from wealthy investors to government agencies that are looking to issue stocks and bonds, so you must display diverse communication skills alongside your bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Auditor
Your job as a financial auditor is to provide reviews of companies’ financial statements and ensure that their public records are accurate and in compliance with existing legislation. You are responsible for developing financial reports for your company’s records as well as for tax preparation and more.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies | ||
| 42-47 | ||
| Business Foundation Courses (BFC) | 33 | |
| ACC 201 | Introductory Financial Accounting | 3 |
| ACC 202 | Introductory Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| ECO 260 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECO 261 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| FIN 301 | Financial Management | 3 |
| GBA 201 | Business Analytics & Reporting | 3 |
| GBA 210 | Business Statistics I | 3 |
| GBA 211 | Business Law I | 3 |
| MGT 350 | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| MKT 301 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| SCM 301 | Principles of Supply Chain Management | 3 |
| Additional BSBA Requirements 1 | 15 | |
| MGT 416 | Production and Operations Management | 3 |
| ACC 418 | Accounting Information Systems | 3 |
| or MGT 418 | Management Information Systems | |
| MGT 419 | Strategic Management | 3 |
| PHL 230 | Ethics | 3 |
| or PHL 232 | Business Ethics | |
| Select three credit hours of Applied Learning course(s) | 3 | |
| Major Requirements 1 | 24 | |
| ECO 460 | Business and Economic Forecasting | 3 |
| FIN 310 | Investments | 3 |
| FIN 321 | Financial Markets and Institutions | 3 |
| FIN 401 | Financial Management II | 3 |
| FIN 412 | Futures and Options | 3 |
| FIN 431 | International Financial Management | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Intermediate Accounting I | ||
| Intermediate Accounting II | ||
| Cost Accounting | ||
| Individual Income Tax | ||
| Money and Banking | ||
| Business Law II | ||
- 1
At least 18 credit hours in the major must be earned from the Steven L. Craig School of Business.
Credit for additional BSBA requirements must be earned from the Steven L. Craig School of Business.
NOTE: All upper-division Business courses required for the BSBA must be taken from the Steven L. Craig School of Business, from an AACSB accreited university or from a school with an approved articulation agreement.
Program Graduation Requirements
- No more than 6 credit hours of D permitted in major coursework
- Earn an overall GPA of at least 2.0 and a major GPA of at least 2.0.
University Graduation Requirements
- Earn a minimum of 120 credit hours (100 level and higher, maximum of 6 CED credit hours applicable).
- Earn a minimum of 30 credit hours in upper-division courses. Lower-division transfer courses accepted as meeting upper-division departmental course requirements cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.
- Earn 30 of the last 45 credit hours at MWSU in institutional coursework (exclusive of credit by examination).
- Participate in required departmental and campus wide assessments.
- Fulfill the Missouri Constitution requirement.
- Successfully pass the Missouri Higher Education Civics Achievement exam.
Are you ready to declare this major? Download, sign and submit the form(s) to the Craig School of Business.
- Major: B.S.B.A. Finance
- Pre-Major: Business
Mapping your degree plan is an important task for every student. You should consult with your academic advisor to create a plan for degree completion and monitor it regularly.