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.

Finance student working on a computer
General Studies
42-47
Business Foundation Courses (BFC)33
ACC 201Introductory Financial Accounting3
ACC 202Introductory Managerial Accounting3
ECO 260Principles of Macroeconomics3
ECO 261Principles of Microeconomics3
FIN 301Financial Management3
GBA 201Business Analytics & Reporting3
GBA 210Business Statistics I3
GBA 211Business Law I3
MGT 350Organizational Behavior3
MKT 301Principles of Marketing3
SCM 301Principles of Supply Chain Management3
Additional BSBA Requirements 115
MGT 416Production and Operations Management3
ACC 418Accounting Information Systems3
or MGT 418 Management Information Systems
MGT 419Strategic Management3
PHL 230Ethics3
or PHL 232 Business Ethics
Select three credit hours of Applied Learning course(s)3
Major Requirements 124
ECO 460Business and Economic Forecasting3
FIN 310Investments3
FIN 321Financial Markets and Institutions3
FIN 401Financial Management II3
FIN 412Futures and Options3
FIN 431International Financial Management3
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

  1. No more than 6 credit hours of D permitted in major coursework
  2. Earn an overall GPA of at least 2.0 and a major GPA of at least 2.0.

University Graduation Requirements 

  1. Earn a minimum of 120 credit hours (100 level and higher, maximum of 6 CED credit hours applicable).
  2. 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.
  3. Earn 30 of the last 45 credit hours at MWSU in institutional coursework (exclusive of credit by examination).
  4. Participate in required departmental and campus wide assessments. 
  5. Fulfill the Missouri Constitution requirement.
  6. 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.

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.