Bachelor of Science

Finance Degree

Step up into the wide world of finance and banking.


Step up into the wide world of finance and banking.

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Finance Degree

Provide smarter financial solutions with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.

The field of finance includes banking, credit, the use of debt, and capital markets which are all driven by economics. Those who want to be successful money managers study the skills of financial management such as investment strategies, valuation and decision-making in a global economy. Capitalize on your bent towards planning and saving and analyze your tolerance for risk. Develop skills to evaluate how money performs and create financial management strategies for long term goals and investing. You’ll learn to identify and manage risks, strengths, and opportunities for value creation.

person drinking coffee at their laptop

Explore diverse career paths in the field of finance.

Whether you become a financial analyst, personal financial advisor or begin a career in banking, you'll be the one to go to for sound advice. Get the concrete skills you need to help you enter into a variety of roles with a financial institution or nonprofit organization.

  • Relevant skills for today’s financial landscape
  • 100% Online or In Class
  • Opt for additional expertise in personal finance and markets with the Emphasis in Financial Counseling

Focus on international commerce.

The emphasis on international business supply chain is designed for students interested in international commerce, including our Guangzhou College of Commerce (GCC) students.

Take the next step to advancing your career in finance.

Courses

What You’ll Learn

The Bachelor of Science in Finance program focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities for successful financial management, analysis, and decision making in a global environment. Students develop skills to evaluate financial performance and to communicate and ethically apply financial management strategies in valuation, investments, cash and treasury, international finance, and risk management. Emphasis is on identifying risks, strengths, and opportunities for long-term value creation. Upon graduation students will be able to:

  • Evaluate financial statements and financial performance to identify risks and opportunities for improved performance.
  • Apply financial management and valuation strategies to enhance business and financial decision making that promotes long-term value creation.
  • Evaluate and justify the role and importance of ethics in finance.
  • Produce meaningful and clear communication regarding financial management.

Finance Degree Courses

Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.

Requirements (51 credit hours)

(Click a course name below to view course details)

Program Foundation (12 credit hours to complete as early in the program as possible.)

This course is a functional approach to Algebra that incorporates the use of appropriate technology. Emphasis will be placed on the study of functions and their graphs including linear, quadratic, piecewise, rational, exponential and logarithmic, systems of equations and inequalities and matrices. Real world applications of each will be emphasized. Prerequisite: MA 101 or placement via ALEKS Placement Exam

This course provides the theoretical basis and problem-solving experience needed to apply the techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics, to analyze quantitative data, and to improve decision making over a wide range of areas. Topics covered include descriptive statistics, linear regression, data gathering methodologies and probability, as well as confidence intervals and hypothesis testing for one and two samples. Use of technology in solving and interpreting statistical problems is emphasized. Prerequisite: MA 101 or placement via ALEKS Placement Assessment

This course is designed for College of Business students who have basic file management and office software skills. Course projects are designed for business problem solving and include document management, using spreadsheets for information processing, design and management of personal databases for automated data management, presentation, and integrating business communications. Recommend prior computer knowledge. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Recommend prior computer knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint before taking BA 222, also MA 101 is a prerequisite.

EN 321 takes a broad and inclusive approach to workforce communication, examining the best practices of business writing, oral and online presentations, and professional research. Prerequisites: EN 101 and EN 102, Junior or Senior standing

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Students will learn how to apply the foundational information learned in CA 105. This course provides theory and practice of written skills needed in business through models, concepts, and case studies relevant to the workplace, while addressing business ethics and diversity issues. Competencies in the areas of writing, organization of thought, creativity, and decision-making are addressed. Prerequisite: CA 105

Finance Major Requirements (39 credit hours)

This course is an introduction to accounting concepts and the elements of financial statements including basic accounting vocabulary and analysis of business transactions from an accounting viewpoint. Students will be required to recognize, record, and classify new accounting data. Emphasis is placed on corporate accounting. Introductory financial statement analysis and interpretation are also covered. Prerequisite: none

Managerial accounting is designed to introduce the fundamentals of managerial accounting to both accounting and non-accounting majors. It covers accounting and management decision making in both short-term and long-term strategic situations. Students will be expected to explain and apply accounting concepts including basic costing and processes, cost classifications, responsibility accounting and ethical behavior of the managerial accountant. Prerequisite: AC 205

This course will examine the theory and practice of cost accounting. Topics covered include cost accounting system, responsibility accounting, job order costing, process costing, variable costing, budgeting, cost variance, cost behavior analysis and decision-making processes. Students will have opportunities to experience how cost accounting is used within an organization through problem and case analyses. Prerequisites: AC 206 and BA 222 or CIS 101

Accounting Information Systems (AIS) is an applied course focusing on processing data into information. Focus is placed on accounting cycles, source documents, cleaning data, emerging technology, data analysis, data visualization, and internal controls. Students will also become knowledgeable of information technology (IT) terminology, commonly used software applications, and computer-based control issues. Emphasis is placed on IT controls and security. Prerequisite: AC 206 and BA 222

This course covers the basic principles, techniques, and institutional aspects of financial management in order to provide students applications of finance content similar to those encountered in a finance career. Topics include financial markets and environment, time value of money, bond and stock valuation, risk and return, financial statement ratio analysis, capital budgeting, financial planning and control, capital structure, dividend policy, and other fundamental finance issues. Prerequisites: AC 206, MA 215, and MA 102 or MA 120

This course includes fundamental principles and practices of risk management and insurance with an applied focus on risk management processes as well as institutional and contractual details of the insurance industry. Topics include risk identification; risk characterization; pricing of risk reduction techniques; risk retention; regulatory, legal and tax implications; insurance; and other hedging strategies. Additionally, personal, business, and public policy perspectives concerning life, health, property, and liability risk management and insurance are addressed. Prerequisite: BA 312

This course builds upon the introductory finance course. It addresses advanced applications and analysis of financial theory and practice. Aspects of the following topics are addressed: financial environments, financial analysis, cash flow, incentive theory and practice, time value of money, security valuation, risk analysis, portfolio theory and practice, capital budgeting, capital structure, and contemporary financial issues. The course is designed to mimic experiences and applications found in certain finance careers. Prerequisites: BA 312

Investment principles and practices are studied in the context of individuals or organizations operating in well-developed financial markets. The course will integrate accepted economic relationships and practices to provide students with an understanding of the current investment environment. Additionally, the course will survey the institutions and securities that make up the investment environment. Students will have an opportunity to understand and experience how individuals trade financial instruments, including stocks, options, bonds, futures, and other derivative securities. Prerequisite: BA 312

This course will focus on international financial tools, applications, and concepts. Topics covered include fundamental international financial relationships and their application to firms and individuals, international transactions, tax issues, and multinational corporations. It will cover many essential elements of transacting in an international marketplace. It will also address the fundamental risks inherent in international business and the use of financial securities to hedge these risks. Prerequisite: BA 312

Cash Management, also known as treasury management, short-term financial management, or working capital management, addresses fundamental principles and practices concerning managing cash and liquidity for businesses and organizations. This course challenges students to understand and assess principles, practices, and applications relevant to efficient and effective cash management and why managing cash and liquidity is critically important for businesses and organizations. Topics addressed include: the role of cash management, ratio analysis, credit, accounts receivable, collection management, accounts payable, disbursement management, electronic commerce, information / technology needs, forecasting, financial markets, short term investments / borrowing, international concerns, relationship management, and other contemporary issues. Prerequisite: BA 312

This course provides students with the opportunity to learn about ethical decision making in business organizations. Students will examine moral values, ethical philosophies, organizational factors, and the role they play in the principles and practices of business. Students will explore the evolution of business ethics and social expectations of business in society, including from diverse global perspectives. Students will apply course concepts to real world situations to develop their understanding of business decision making as well as their own behavior when confronted with ethical dilemmas. Prerequisite: Senior standing

This course is a study of the behavior of the macroeconomy, including the causes and consequences of inflation, unemployment, and the business cycle. Monetary, fiscal, and “supply side” policies for dealing with macroeconomic problems are examined. Prerequisites: Basic college level ability in English, logic, and mathematics

This course provides an introduction to the area of Microeconomics. This introduction assists students in achieving a practical understanding and ability to apply economic concepts, theories, and practices relevant to the understanding of our economy. The course investigates the economic behavior of consumers, businesses and government. Emphasis is placed on price and output determination under various market structures and on the entrepreneurial competitive process. Prerequisites: Basic college level ability in English, logic, and mathematics

Business Emphasis (18 credit hours; not included in the major)

Note: Emphasis for Guangzhou College of Commerce (GCC) students only

Designed for those for whom English is not their first language, this course orients students to U.S. business culture, professional etiquette within a business context, and using credible research as applied in a business setting. The course provides asynchronous opportunities for English-speaking practice. Prerequisites: EN 101 and EN 102, or equivalent.

Designed for those for whom English is not their first language, this course focuses on building vocabulary, speaking and listening comprehension, and increasing fluency. This is an immersive course in U.S. workplace practices and etiquette that is adaptable to the language acquisition needs of students regardless of level. Prerequisites: EN 101 and EN 102, or equivalent; STS 280 must be taken prior to or concurrent with STS 290.

Gain a strategic perspective on business operations and supply chain management in this comprehensive course. Rooted in a global framework, it covers foundational and cutting-edge concepts related to managing operations across a global supply chain, with applications relevant to all organizations, both service and manufacturing focused. Topics include operations strategy, quality management, demand forecasting, supply chain dynamics, logistics, project management, and more. Equip yourself with essential skills to lead in today's dynamic business environment, addressing both current challenges and future needs. Prerequisite: MA 215

The course emphasizes research and analysis of external and internal forces that impact the organization and strategic success as well as action-implementing tools that are used to integrate the organization’s scope, strategies, and policies. External factors include competitive analysis, customer trends, political, legal and technological factors. Internal factors include analysis and evaluation of current business strategies, organizational systems, resource deployment, and culture. The course culminates the undergraduate business program with the capstone project. Prerequisite: Senior standing (preferably, this course should be taken in the student's final semester) and BA 312.

Introduction to the design, operation, and control of domestic and international supply chain and logistics systems. Emphasis is placed on transportation, distribution and warehousing in the business enterprise. Pre-requisites: NONE

Focus is placed on effective global sourcing including demand planning and order fulfillment. The role of customer demand and materials management is emphasized.

Analysis of business information systems such as Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for warehousing and logistics.

Financial Counseling Emphasis Option - FCO (9 credit hours)

In addition to the requirements of the Finance major, students who have elected the Financial Counseling emphasis must take all of the courses below (6 cr. hr.) plus a 3-credit hour elective from upper-level BA, AC, or FP courses.

Students evaluate and determine appropriate goals of individuals relative to their life cycle and acquire knowledge of key financial concepts and related products that can be applied to optimize personal financial wellbeing. Specific elements of the course include goal making, financial record keeping, and managing decisions associated with credit, taxation, insurance, investments, and estate management.

This course has two main objectives. First, students study about people's attitudes, values, and biases to analyze sources of money conflict. Students also learn about sources of effective communication processes to provide financial counseling and manage economic crisis events. Second, this course provides an introduction of the operations of financial markets, as well as the evolving regulatory framework within which these markets operate. Prerequisite: BA 110

Kirkpatrick Signature Series Requirements (9 credit hours)

(In addition to the Major Requirements, all Bellevue University students must complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series)

This course focuses on the political and philosophical traditions of the American republic, especially as embedded in the ideals, values, traditions, founding documents, and institutions of the United States , and considers how these traditions relate to individual citizenship and global society. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours

This course focuses on the creative tensions that exist between the forces of tradition and change as the country undergoes social, cultural, and political change. It considers the manner in which change can renew the vitality of a republic. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours

This course examines civic engagement in relation to individual freedoms and responsibilities. It fosters engaged citizens, empowered to effect positive change. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours

37

Integrative General Education Credits

+
51

Major Requirements Credits

+
39

Elective Credits

= 127 Total Credits*

General Education Courses

Take general education courses that do more than fill a requirement. At Bellevue University, these courses build foundational skills that apply to any career—critical thinking, qualitative reasoning, and ethical leadership. And, you can take courses individually or in course clusters, which connect three courses around one theme, building skills as you go.

About general education requirements >

Elective Courses

Our broad selection of electives allows you to select courses related to your major or expand your perspective in other areas of interest.

University Accreditation

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).

Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students with financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.

This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.

*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.

Get credit for what you’ve earned.
Accelerate your path to earning a degree.

Thanks to our generous credit transfer policy, you can avoid retaking the classes you’ve already completed, and chip away at the credit requirements you need to complete your degree.

  • Already have an associate degree? You could accelerate your bachelor's degree completion. Transfer your full associate degree or even your A.A.S.*
  • You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.

Finish Faster

See how credit transfer works >

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*Acceptance of transfer credits is always subject to official transfer credit evaluation by Bellevue University.

We work with what you bring to the table. Find out more.

Format

100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.

Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country. Stay on track with the help of your Student Coach — with you from day one to graduation.

Find out more about the online experience >

On-campus classes offered on a convenient schedule.

If you prefer an in-person learning experience, our Omaha-area campus offers classes that accommodate the working professional’s schedule.

“As long as you try your best, study hard, and manage your time appropriately it will make earning your degree so much more manageable.”

Amanda 2019 BS in Business Administration, Healthcare emphasis

See how a bright future in finance is possible—online or on campus.

Tuition & Financial Aid

It’s more affordable than you think.

Earning a degree is an investment in yourself, and we want to help you make sure it’s a wise one with a generous credit transfer policy and competitive tuition rates.

2024 / 2025 Academic Year

Traditional Bachelor's

$449 Online Cost Per Credit $339 In-Class Cost Per Credit (Daytime Residential Only) $250 Military Preferred Cost Per Credit

(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements)

Only pay for the credits you need.

Talk to us about our generous credit transfer policy so you can make more of the credits you’ve already earned count toward your degree.

Get help with financial aid.

Our counselors will guide you to find a financial aid plan that works for you. Explore all the ways to help pay for your degree.

Learn more about financial aid >

You can afford to go back to school. We’ll help make it happen.

Admissions

Removing barriers to the education you deserve.

College is challenging, but getting in shouldn’t be. We have simplified our requirements for admission and we do not require entrance exam scores like the ACT or SAT—so you can get on track to achieving your goals. Here’s how it will go:

To be admitted to Bellevue University, provide proof of high school completion. We accept the following forms of documentation:

  • Official high school transcript
  • GED certificate
  • Homeschool letter of completion
  • Certificate demonstrating that the student has passed a state authorized examination recognized by the state in which it is awarded — equivalent to a high school diploma.
  • Self-certification on application.

You’ll just need to complete the application and submit the following:

  • Official high school transcripts or proof of high school completion
  • If applicable, official transcripts from any college or university you previously attended
  • A one-time $50 application fee
  • Note:
    • International students must provide a few extra documents. See international student bachelor admissions details.
    • Students applying for a cohort-based major must possess an associate degree or 60 semester hours completed with a grade of "C-" or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning. If you do not meet this requirement, you can build your credits directly with Bellevue University.

Short on time? You can start the application and save your progress as you go. Start your application >

You'll just need to create an account and complete a pre-application to Bellevue University through Guild. Once you receive confirmation that your pre-application to Bellevue University has been approved, you'll need to complete the required steps to get fully accepted and registered. These include:

  • Submitting transcripts from past institutions
  • Completing the FAFSA, per your employer's benefit requirement

If you’re transferring from another institution of higher education, you must submit an official transcript from each accredited institution you previously attended. Here are a few details to note:

  • A transcript can be emailed securely to [email protected] or by mail. It is required to be sent directly from the issuing institution to Bellevue University's Office of the Registrar to be considered an official document. Please check with previous institution for available sending options.
  • Applicants who submit an official transcript which reflects a two-year degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution are not required to show proof of high school completion.
  • Transcripts must be submitted even if credits were not earned at the previous institution or if transfer credit is not granted.

Ready to get started?
Reach out to admissions.

  • Get your questions answered about the Finance Degree
  • Understand your financial aid and scholarship options
  • Map out a schedule that fits with your priorities

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