Spring Break

Campus offices will close for spring break at 12 pm Thursday, March 20, and will reopen Monday, March 24.

Explore all Undergraduate Programs

Finance

Foundational knowledge and skills to prepare for a career in finance.

Two students prepare to join leaders at the annual business forum
Two students prepare to join leaders at the annual business forum

Types

Bachelor
Minor

Location

On-Campus
Online

Credits

57*

Cost

$9,875
$220/per credit hour

If money makes the world go ‘round, the world needs plenty of financial experts.

Money (or the lack of it) influences the decisions we make in virtually every aspect of our lives. Managing finances wisely is a crucial way to help individuals and organizations thrive. Our Bachelor of Science in Finance degree offers the tools and skills you need to propel your financial performance – and that of the company or individual you work for – in the day-to-day as well as the long-term outlook. From financial analysis to financial strategy, this bachelor’s in finance explores the essentials within the financial lifecycle. Build out expertise in key areas such as investments, risk management, spreadsheet analysis, accounting fundamentals and more. Take advantage of flexible online, on-campus, or blended program formats that let you make the most of your education while you take aim at your next career advance.

Anchor: Stats

By the numbers

$82,260

Average Salary

3%

Industry Growth

1 in 5

Students Make Dean's List

16:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog. 

General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Finance

Students in the Finance program will build a solid core of base business skills, but will also build their development in the program with courses related to finance, securities and investments, banking, portfolio management and more. Electives can help you focus your major to your chosen career goals. 

Course Requirements

A Bachelor of Arts requires all the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of four classes (12 hours) in a foreign language.

Choose one foreign language sequence:

  • FREN 131        Elementary French I
  • FREN 132        Elementary French II
  • FREN 231        Intermediate French I
  • FREN 232       Intermediate French II
     
  • SPAN 131        Elementary Spanish I
  • SPAN 132        Elementary Spanish II
  • SPAN 231        Intermediate Spanish I
  • SPAN 232       Intermediate Spanish II

Financial Management Minor

A minor in financial management provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices involved in effectively managing financial resources within various organizational contexts. This minor program is designed to complement students' primary areas of study while equipping them with essential knowledge and skills in finance. By completing this program, students will develop a strong foundation in financial management that can enhance their career prospects across various industries or lay the groundwork for further specialization through graduate studies.

Minor Requirements (21 Credit Hours)

Take the Next Step

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals - Finance

The mission of this bachelor’s degree in finance is to thoroughly prepare students for successful careers in business and finance.

Manage financial portfolios of individuals and organizations
Develop a strategic approach to tackling financial challenges
Leverage the latest technology and techniques to enhance financial practice
Cultivate advanced communication and problem-solving skills
Support a financial model that aligns with global economic realities
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Finance Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Budget Analyst: $82,260

Budget Analyst: $82,260

Budget analysts help public and private organizations plan their finances.

Accountant/Auditor: $78,000

Accountant/Auditor: $78,000

Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records.

Financial Analyst: $96,220

Financial Analyst: $96,220

Financial analysts guide businesses and individuals in decisions about expending money to attain profit.

Financial Examiner: $82,210

Financial Examiner: $82,210

Financial examiners ensure compliance with laws that govern institutions handling monetary transactions.

Personal Financial Advisors: $95,390

Personal Financial Advisors: $95,390

Personal financial advisors provide advice to help individuals manage their money and plan for their financial future.

Loan Officer: $65,740

Loan Officer: $65,740

Loan officers evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of loan applications.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

A finance degree is an academic program designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required for effective financial management. This degree focuses on critical areas such as financial analysis, investment strategies, risk management, and accounting fundamentals, preparing graduates for diverse careers in the financial sector while emphasizing practical skills alongside theoretical understanding.

Typically, a bachelor’s degree in finance takes about four years to complete. This duration includes fulfilling general education requirements along with finance-specific coursework, culminating in approximately 120 credit hours, with around 57 credit hours dedicated to finance courses.

Yes, many universities offer finance degrees online. These programs provide the same core knowledge as traditional on-campus programs while offering added flexibility for students to study from anywhere. Additionally, hybrid programs that combine online coursework with on-campus experiences are also available.

A finance degree can be highly valuable, as the demand for financial professionals continues to grow. Graduates can expect competitive salaries, averaging around $82,260 for various roles. The skills acquired in a finance program can lead to stable career paths in a field essential for both individuals and businesses.

Graduates with a finance degree can pursue various careers, including roles such as financial analyst, accountant, personal financial advisor, budget analyst, financial examiner, and loan officer. Each of these positions offers unique responsibilities and opportunities to make informed financial decisions for businesses and individuals.

To obtain a finance degree, students typically enroll in a college or university offering a finance program, complete the required coursework that includes general education and finance-specific classes, maintain a satisfactory academic record to meet graduation requirements, and apply for graduation upon completing all necessary credits.

The difficulty of a finance major varies for each individual, often involving complex topics such as mathematics, economics, and statistics. Those with a strong interest in financial markets and analytical problem-solving may find the subject engaging. Success in this major generally requires dedication, critical thinking skills, and effective time management.

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Finance

You call it learning about your future finance professors. We call it networking.

Dr. Geremy Harper

Dr. Geremy Harper

Adjunct Professor
Business Administration

Dr. Geremy Harper

Contact Information

geremy.harper [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Hannah Bolinsky

Dr. Hannah Bolinsky

Adjunct Professor
Business Administration

Dr. Hannah Bolinsky

Contact Information

hannah.bolinsky [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Steve Horan

Dr. Steve Horan

Adjunct Professor
Business Administration

Dr. Steve Horan

Contact Information

steve.horan [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
View All

Request Information

Having enough information is always a good business choice. Ask us anything, and we'll get back to you soon!

Loading...