Finance

Business & EconomicsBachelor's4 Years

Financial markets, investment analysis, banking, and corporate finance.

Who It's For

Good Fit

You enjoy working with numbers, understanding markets, and figuring out how money and investments work. If you are analytical, detail-oriented, and excited about topics like stock valuation, corporate strategy, or risk management, finance is a strong match. Students who are competitive, enjoy fast-paced environments, and are comfortable with quantitative reasoning tend to thrive.

×Consider Alternatives

If you dislike working with spreadsheets and financial models for extended periods, finance can feel repetitive. Students who prefer creative or people-centered work may find the quantitative and competitive culture of finance programs and careers unfulfilling.

How Your High School Classes Connect

How much each subject matters in this degree

Math
Important
English
Minor
History
Minor
Computer Science
Minor

Common Coursework

Managerial Accounting
ModerateReq

Analyze costs, budgets, and financial data to help managers make internal business decisions.

Microeconomics
ModerateReq

Analyze how individuals and firms make decisions about prices, production, and resource allocation.

Calculus for Business
DemandingReq

Apply derivatives and integrals to optimize profit, cost, and revenue in business contexts.

Business Statistics
ModerateReq

Use probability, regression, and hypothesis testing to make data-driven business decisions.

Financial Accounting
ModerateReq

Record business transactions and prepare income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.

Corporate Finance
DemandingReq

Learn how companies raise capital, evaluate investments, and manage financial risk.

Financial Statement Analysis
ModerateReq

Evaluate a company's financial health by dissecting its income statement, balance sheet, and cash flows.

Investments & Portfolio Management
DemandingReq

Analyze stocks, bonds, and funds to build diversified portfolios that balance risk and return.

Macroeconomics
ModerateReq

Study economy-wide forces — GDP growth, inflation, unemployment, and government monetary policy.

Money & Banking
ModerateElec

Study how banks create money, set interest rates, and how the Federal Reserve shapes the economy.

Financial Modeling
DemandingElec

Build spreadsheet models to forecast revenue, value companies, and analyze deal scenarios.

Derivatives & Risk Management
DemandingElec

Price options, futures, and swaps, and use them to hedge against financial risk.

International Finance
DemandingElec

Analyze exchange rates, global capital flows, and how multinational companies manage currency risk.

Common Next Steps

MBACFA CertificationMaster's in Financial Engineering

Brightest = most common path

Job Market Outlook

6/9related careers have positive growth outlook
Moderate Growth×4Strong Growth×2Stable×2Uncertain×1

Is Finance right for you?

Take our free 20-minute assessment to find out if finance matches your personality, interests, and strengths.

Take the Free Assessment