The Department of finance offers academic programs leading to the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a concentration in finance and an integrated 156 credit Master of Business Administration program (BSBA with concentration in finance and an MBA).
As the science and art of managing money, finance represents a system of skills and knowledge that is highly regarded in the business world. Finance is at the heart of why business exists and continues to operate. Owners provide the funds to start a business enterprise with the expectation of earning a reasonable return on their investment. A business firm will cease operations if it fails to offer its owners the expectation of returns sufficient to justify their investment. Analyzing the performance of a business enterprise and evaluating alternatives that might altar that performance requires financial skills. These skills are required not only in the private sector, but must be applied in the public sector to better enhance the results of government spending and even in the non-profit sector, remember not for profit does not mean “for loss”.
Finance graduates have the ability to choose among all sectors of our economy. Jobs exist in Corporate/Business finance, within the banking industry, within the investments arena, and also in insurance, government, and consulting. In addition many of our students go on to achieve professional designations such as (CFP) Certified Financial Planner, or (CFA) Certified Financial Analyst.
Finance students have in the past enjoyed both internship experiences and employment opportunities with many regional and national firms such as; American eagle Outfitters, Rue 21, 911th Airlift Wing, C.B. Anderson, E.F. Powell, Heferon-Tillotsen, Merrill Lynch, UPMC Health system, UPS, Wells Fargo Financial, American Express, Federated Investors, PNC Bank, Mellon Bank, and Black Box to name a few.
The department sponsors the Student Chapter of the Financial Management Association (FMA). The organization provides students with opportunities to learn from outside speakers, field trips, and community service.