Overview
Finance majors learn about money management, investments, financial markets, and corporate financial decision-making. The field combines quantitative analysis with strategic thinking about risk and return.
Students study corporate finance, investments, financial institutions, and financial markets. The curriculum emphasizes mathematical modeling, data analysis, and understanding of economic principles.
Finance majors pursue careers in investment banking, financial planning, corporate finance, and financial analysis. The field offers high earning potential and opportunities in various industries.
Career Prospects
Top Universities for Finance
University of Pennsylvania
New York University
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Carnegie Mellon University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of California-Berkeley
Northwestern University
Indiana University-Bloomington
Ohio State University-Main Campus
University of Florida
Popular Courses
Admissions Requirements
- Strong mathematics and statistics skills
- Analytical thinking abilities
- Interest in financial markets
- Economics background helpful
- Quantitative reasoning skills
- Computer proficiency
- Communication skills
Essential Skills
Work Environments
- Investment banks
- Commercial banks
- Insurance companies
- Corporations
- Financial planning firms
- Government agencies
- Consulting firms
- Hedge funds
Related Majors
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a Finance major?
A Finance major opens doors to careers in financial analyst, investment banker, financial planner, and many other fields. The skills you develop in quantitative analysis, financial modeling, critical thinking are highly valued across industries.
What is the job outlook for Finance graduates?
The job growth for Finance related careers is projected at 15% (high), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level salaries typically start around $60,000, with potential to grow to $150,000 or more with experience.
What are the admission requirements for Finance programs?
Most Finance programs require strong mathematics and statistics skills and analytical thinking abilities. Additionally, many programs look for interest in financial markets and economics background helpful.
Which universities have the best Finance programs?
Top universities for Finance include University of Pennsylvania, New York University, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Carnegie Mellon University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, among others. These institutions are known for their strong faculty, research opportunities, and career placement rates.