Finance majors learn money management skills valuable to businesses, organizations, and individuals. Finance graduates consistently rank among the highest average starting salary for any undergraduate major. In addition, opportunities exist in a wide range of specific financial fields. For example, real estate and personal financial planning are ideal for those with strong interpersonal skills who enjoy working with people. Meanwhile, financial analysis and risk management cater to those with strong analytical and mathematical backgrounds.

Topics Covered

In the first two years, students take a broad range of classes both in the College of Business and across campus. Upper-level courses focus on developing finance knowledge and skills.

• Classes include areas related to: Financial Management, Managerial Economics, Investments, Calculus, and Advanced Financial Management.
• Students are encouraged to have an internship. In the past students have obtain internships with Ally Financial, Farmers Bank & Trust, Murphy USA, Johnson & Johnson, Lockheed Martin, and Walmart.
• Students are assigned a member of the finance faculty as an advisor to help with class scheduling, professional mentoring, and career placement.

Financial Analysis Careers

• Financial Manager – manages the company’s financial workings. They prepare financial reports and look at investment data, they strive to maximize profits through development of strategies for the company’s long-term financial goals. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm
• Financial Analysis – helps individuals and businesses in making financial decisions. They watch and assess the performance of investments, such as stocks and bonds. They have a predicted job growth of 12% faster than other occupations.
  https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm
• Cost Estimator – gathers and analyzes data to estimate the costs required to manufacture products, construct projects, or to provide a service. They usually specialize in an industry or product. They have a 9% faster than average job growth.
  https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/cost-estimators.htm
• Did you enjoy your accounting classes, but your heart is set on finance? Then look into becoming a Financial Examiner. Financial Examiners make sure that companies comply with laws and regulations that govern financial institutions. They review balance sheets, evaluate loan risk, and assess bank management. Financial Examiners make sure that borrowers are treated fairly. Employment is expected to grow 10% faster than the average of other occupations due to new regulations.
  https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-examiners.htm

Student Engagement

• Students can join ENACTUS a community of student, academic and business leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better more sustainable world. ENACTUS members are afforded numerous opportunities to network and participate in a variety of projects and trips.
• Students are encouraged to compete in a variety of Phi Beta Lambda events at the state and national level
• Students can participate in the Finance and Economics Society to meet other students, and network with financial professionals.
• Student can also participate in the Student Investment Advisory Council to manage endowment funds.

Faculty Expertise

• The finance faculty in the Rankin College of Business are highly skilled professionals, with doctorate degrees in the field or years of professional experience.
• Our faculty are strong scholars, having conducted research in banking, financial markets, small business management, asset valuation, and finance and economics education.

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