Finance

Major, Minor

The Oakley School of Business

Finance is more than numbers-it is the language of opportunity, risk, and value creation. The Finance program prepares students to understand how money, markets, and financial decisions influence organizations and economies at every level. With a strong foundation in financial analysis, investments, budgeting, and risk management, graduates emerge ready to think critically, act ethically, and make an impact from their first day in the field.

Student in classroom listening to professor

Opportunities & Outcomes

What sets a finance graduate apart? The ability to combine technical expertise with ethical judgment. Through hands-on coursework and immersive learning experiences, students build skills in financial planning, data-informed strategy, and clear professional communication. Grounded in the liberal arts, the program cultivates integrity and leadership, preparing graduates not just to succeed in finance, but to shape it responsibly.

Career Pathways

Where can a Finance degree take you? Graduates launch careers across corporate finance, banking, investment services, and the public sector or pursue advanced study in graduate or professional programs. The possibilities are as broad as the field itself.

Corporate Finance & Business

  • Financial analyst (entry-level)
  • Budget or forecasting analyst
  • Corporate finance or treasury assistant
  • Business or operations analyst

Banking & Financial Services

  • Commercial or retail banking associate
  • Credit or loan analyst
  • Relationship or account services associate
  • Risk or compliance support roles

 

Investments & Wealth Management

  • Investment or portfolio assistant
  • Wealth management or financial planning associate
  • Brokerage or trading support roles
  • Client services or advisory assistant

Accounting, Audit & Risk

  • Financial reporting or audit support roles
  • Risk management or assurance associate
  • Internal controls or compliance analyst
  • Regulatory or governance support positions

Government, Nonprofit & Public Finance

  • Public sector finance or budget roles
  • Nonprofit finance or development support
  • Economic or policy research assistant
  • Grants or financial compliance coordinator

 

Graduate & Professional Pathways

  • MBA or graduate study in finance or economics
  • Professional certifications (e.g., CFA, CFP®, CPA pathways)*
  • Graduate programs in analytics, accounting, or public administration

*Additional certification or graduate study may be required for some roles.

Programs of Study Offered

  • Bachelor of Science in Finance
  • Finance Minor

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Qiuye Cai

Dr. Qiuye Cai

Full-time Assistant Professor of Finance

Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Science

Bonaventure Program

Every QU student’s foundation for our liberal arts education, involving service learning, signature courses, writing, technological literacy. Program Requirements

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