Finance — Master Money, Markets, and Investment Strategy
What Is Finance?
Finance is the study of how individuals, businesses, and institutions manage money over time. The major covers investment analysis, corporate finance, portfolio management, financial modeling, and risk assessment. Students learn to analyze financial statements, value companies, build financial models, and make data-driven investment decisions. Finance is distinct from accounting — while accountants record and report financial transactions, finance professionals use that data to make strategic decisions about investing, lending, and managing capital. The field offers pathways to some of the highest-paying careers in business, including investment banking, private equity, asset management, and corporate finance.
Why Study Finance?
Finance is one of the most lucrative undergraduate majors, with clear pathways to high-paying careers on Wall Street, in corporate boardrooms, and at financial advisory firms. The analytical and quantitative skills you develop are valued across industries, and financial literacy is increasingly recognized as essential for leadership roles in any organization. Finance also provides excellent preparation for the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation, which is the gold standard for investment professionals.
Skills You Will Develop
Common Classes in Finance
Here are the 8 core courses you can expect in a typical Finance program:
Principles of Finance
Time value of money, risk and return, bond and stock valuation, capital budgeting, and the cost of capital. The foundational concepts underlying all finance.
Corporate Finance
Capital structure, dividend policy, mergers and acquisitions, working capital management, and how corporations make financial decisions to maximize shareholder value.
Investments
Security analysis, portfolio theory, asset pricing models (CAPM, APT), mutual funds, ETFs, options, and futures. How to build and manage investment portfolios.
Financial Markets & Institutions
How banks, insurance companies, pension funds, and capital markets function. Monetary policy, interest rates, and the regulatory environment.
Financial Modeling
Building financial models in Excel: discounted cash flow (DCF) models, comparable company analysis, leveraged buyout (LBO) models, and scenario analysis.
International Finance
Foreign exchange markets, currency risk management, international capital flows, and the financial challenges of operating across borders.
Financial Statement Analysis
Deep analysis of income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Ratio analysis, trend analysis, and detecting financial manipulation.
Risk Management & Insurance
Identifying, measuring, and managing financial risk: market risk, credit risk, operational risk, and the insurance products used to mitigate them.
Career Paths in Finance
Salary ranges are approximate national averages. Growth projections are from BLS through 2032 and will vary by location and experience.
Degree Pathways for Finance
Associate (A.A.S.)
Two-year program covering financial fundamentals. Qualifies for bank teller, loan processor, and financial services assistant roles.
Bachelor's (B.S.)
The standard entry for financial analyst, banking, and corporate finance roles. Four years with emphasis on quantitative skills.
Master's (M.S. Finance / M.B.A.)
For advancement in investment banking, asset management, and corporate finance leadership. The CFA designation is an alternative for investment careers.
Doctoral (Ph.D.)
For academic research and university teaching in finance. Finance Ph.D. holders are among the highest-paid business school professors.
Industry Outlook
The financial services industry is a massive employer, with over 6 million jobs in the United States. Financial analyst roles are projected to grow 9% through 2032. While some traditional roles face disruption from fintech and automation, the need for professionals who can analyze complex financial data, manage risk, and advise on investment strategy continues to grow. The emergence of cryptocurrency, sustainable investing (ESG), and financial technology has created entirely new career specializations.
Expert Tips for Finance Students
- 1
Master Excel before anything else. Financial modeling in Excel is the most important practical skill in finance. Wall Street Prep, Breaking Into Wall Street, and Coursera all offer excellent financial modeling courses.
- 2
Target summer internships aggressively. Investment banking, asset management, and corporate finance recruit interns in the fall of junior year. Start networking and preparing for interviews early.
- 3
Consider the CFA designation if you are interested in investment careers. It is rigorous (three levels of exams over 2-4 years) but widely respected and can substitute for an MBA in many investment roles.
- 4
Develop programming skills alongside your finance knowledge. Python, SQL, and data visualization tools are increasingly expected in finance roles, especially in quantitative analysis and fintech.
- 5
Network relentlessly through your university's finance club, alumni network, and industry events. Finance is a relationship-driven industry, and warm introductions open doors that cold applications cannot.