Finance


Learn how to guide organizations in making financial decisions and monitor, analyze and manage market trends with a degree in finance.

Program information

Finance serves the decision makers outside of an organization like banks, government agencies, stockholders, customers and suppliers. A finance degree from KU will prepare you to work in a variety of fields, including corporate finance, investment banking, commercial banking, asset management, real estate and personal financial planning.

The major is also part of the CFA® Institute University Affiliation Program, meaning curriculum reflects the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge.* Business Jayhawks can be confident they are receiving an education closely tied to the practice of investment management and are well positioned to take CFA Program exams.

*The CFA Institute is the administrator of the CFA Program and the grantor of the CFA designation. CFA® is a registered trademark owned by CFA Institute.


Recent graduate data

$68K
Median starting salary of 2022-23 finance graduates
89%
Percentage of 2022-23 finance graduates employed six months after graduation

Course information

Required courses

  • ACCT 321 or ACCT 410: Intermediate ACCT Finance
  • FIN 410: Investment Theory
  • FIN 413: Financial Markets and Intermediaries
  • FIN 415: Corporate Finance
  • +3 Advanced Business Electives

Advanced business electives (400 or higher)

  • FIN 400: Special Topics in Finance
  • FIN 408: Principles of Insurance & Risk Management
  • FIN 418: Finance Modeling and Risk Analysis
  • FIN 420: International Finance
  • FIN 422: Financial Modeling
  • FIN 424: Operational Risk Management
  • FIN 425: Futures and Options
  • FIN 428: Real Estate Investment
  • FIN 435: Commercial Banking
  • FIN 445: Fixed Income
  • FIN 448: Business Valuation
  • FIN 450: Applied Portfolio Management
  • FIN 454: Portfolio Strategy
  • FIN 462: Mergers and Acquisitions
  • FIN 468: Corporate Financial Policy

A finance degree from KU will prepare you to work in a variety of fields, including corporate finance, investment banking, commercial banking, asset management, real estate and personal financial planning, by developing strong analytical, accounting and communication skills.

No matter what career field you choose, it is important to gain experience through summer internships and part-time jobs. You can participate in a job shadowing experience or a company visit — both will allow you to take a look at finance careers.

Typical positions include:

  • Bank Examiner
  • Banking Analyst
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Controller/Finance Director
  • Finance Manager
  • Financial Adviser
  • Financial Analyst
  • Financial Planner
  • Fund Accountants
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Manager
  • Portfolio/Fund Manager
  • Property Manager
  • Stockbroker
  • Trust Officer

Course information

Required courses

  • ACCT 321 or ACCT 410: Intermediate ACCT Finance
  • FIN 410: Investment Theory
  • FIN 413: Financial Markets and Intermediaries
  • FIN 415: Corporate Finance
  • +3 Advanced Business Electives

Advanced business electives (400 or higher)

  • FIN 400: Special Topics in Finance
  • FIN 408: Principles of Insurance & Risk Management
  • FIN 418: Finance Modeling and Risk Analysis
  • FIN 420: International Finance
  • FIN 422: Financial Modeling
  • FIN 424: Operational Risk Management
  • FIN 425: Futures and Options
  • FIN 428: Real Estate Investment
  • FIN 435: Commercial Banking
  • FIN 445: Fixed Income
  • FIN 448: Business Valuation
  • FIN 450: Applied Portfolio Management
  • FIN 454: Portfolio Strategy
  • FIN 462: Mergers and Acquisitions
  • FIN 468: Corporate Financial Policy

A finance degree from KU will prepare you to work in a variety of fields, including corporate finance, investment banking, commercial banking, asset management, real estate and personal financial planning, by developing strong analytical, accounting and communication skills.

No matter what career field you choose, it is important to gain experience through summer internships and part-time jobs. You can participate in a job shadowing experience or a company visit — both will allow you to take a look at finance careers.

Typical positions include:

  • Bank Examiner
  • Banking Analyst
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Controller/Finance Director
  • Finance Manager
  • Financial Adviser
  • Financial Analyst
  • Financial Planner
  • Fund Accountants
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Manager
  • Portfolio/Fund Manager
  • Property Manager
  • Stockbroker
  • Trust Officer