Person writing in a notebook.

Financial Management

Learn to analyze and ensure the financial health of individuals and organizations

Finance plays a pivotal role in business decisions across all functions. A strong foundation in finance is highly valued by employers and provides excellent career options and flexibility upon graduation. St. Thomas finance courses and the degree program prepare students for careers in all areas of finance. Students gain in-depth knowledge and develop important analytical skills in the areas of corporate finance, investments and portfolio management, financial institutions and banking, and global finance. The finance degree program requires students to acquire training in the interrelated areas of accounting, economics and information technology as well.

Finance graduates find career opportunities in the interrelated areas of corporate finance, accounting, investments, security analysis, asset management, financial planning, commercial and investment banking, private equity and venture capital, real estate, insurance and risk management. Typical job titles of finance graduates include financial analyst, security analyst, equity analyst, research analyst, budget analyst, financial advisor, financial planner, financial consultant, loan officer, account specialist, treasury assistant, portfolio assistant and financial manager, among others.

Program Overview

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degree Awarded
  • Tutoring
  • Internships
  • Course Requirements

    All undergraduate business students are required to take liberal arts core curriculum courses, foundational and major-specific business courses, and allied courses from outside the College of Business in key areas such as economics, math, and statistics.

    Financial Management Major Courses

    St. Thomas also offers a minor in finance, which enables non-finance majors to develop their knowledge and skills in finance and thereby increase their employment and career prospects.

    Four-Year Plan

    Year 1

    ACCT 100 Principles of Accounting I
    BUSN 100 Business for the Common Good
    ENTR 100 Entrepreneurship & Innovation
    Begin allied courses in economics, math, and statistics

    Year 2

    ACCT 200 Principles of Accounting II
    BETH 300 Ethical Principles in Business
    BLAW 300 Law for Business Leaders I
    BUSN 200 Business Learning Through Service
    CISC 200 Intro to Computer Technology and Business Application
    FINC 310 Core Financial Management
    MGMT 200 Working Skillfully in Organizations
    MKTG 200 Introduction to Marketing
    OPMT 200 Operations and Supply Chain Management

    STUDY ABROAD: Your second or third years are ideal for semester-long or short-term (January) international programs.

    Years 3 & 4

    As a junior and senior, you’ll take upper-level specialized courses specific to your chosen major, as well as business electives.

    In addition to your major courses, you’ll also take interdisciplinary liberal arts courses in theSt. Thomas Core Curriculumthroughout your four years.

    Degree Awarded

    Students who complete the required coursework receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Financial Management.

    Tutoring

    Your professor is always available to help you with your coursework. If you need extra help with your core courses in accounting, finance, or operations, free tutors are also available. Whether you’re stuck on an assignment or want help preparing for an exam, our tutors are always glad to work with you. You can schedule a 30-minute one-on-one appointment, or drop in during open hours.

    Internships

    St. Thomas maintains a large network of alumni and local business connections, which leads to real-world learning opportunities, internships and—oftentimes—employment after graduation. When you’re ready for an internship, the Career Development Center can help you find a position that supports your professional goals.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    All undergraduate business students are required to take liberal arts core curriculum courses, foundational and major-specific business courses, and allied courses from outside the College of Business in key areas such as economics, math, and statistics.

    Financial Management Major Courses

    St. Thomas also offers a minor in finance, which enables non-finance majors to develop their knowledge and skills in finance and thereby increase their employment and career prospects.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    Year 1

    ACCT 100 Principles of Accounting I
    BUSN 100 Business for the Common Good
    ENTR 100 Entrepreneurship & Innovation
    Begin allied courses in economics, math, and statistics

    Year 2

    ACCT 200 Principles of Accounting II
    BETH 300 Ethical Principles in Business
    BLAW 300 Law for Business Leaders I
    BUSN 200 Business Learning Through Service
    CISC 200 Intro to Computer Technology and Business Application
    FINC 310 Core Financial Management
    MGMT 200 Working Skillfully in Organizations
    MKTG 200 Introduction to Marketing
    OPMT 200 Operations and Supply Chain Management

    STUDY ABROAD: Your second or third years are ideal for semester-long or short-term (January) international programs.

    Years 3 & 4

    As a junior and senior, you’ll take upper-level specialized courses specific to your chosen major, as well as business electives.

    In addition to your major courses, you’ll also take interdisciplinary liberal arts courses in theSt. Thomas Core Curriculumthroughout your four years.

    Degree Awarded

    Degree Awarded

    Students who complete the required coursework receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Financial Management.

    Tutoring

    Tutoring

    Your professor is always available to help you with your coursework. If you need extra help with your core courses in accounting, finance, or operations, free tutors are also available. Whether you’re stuck on an assignment or want help preparing for an exam, our tutors are always glad to work with you. You can schedule a 30-minute one-on-one appointment, or drop in during open hours.

    Internships

    Internships

    St. Thomas maintains a large network of alumni and local business connections, which leads to real-world learning opportunities, internships and—oftentimes—employment after graduation. When you’re ready for an internship, the Career Development Center can help you find a position that supports your professional goals.

    Learn, See, Do: Hands-on Learning Opportunities

    Students studying financial management select upper-level elective coursework relevant to their interests. The finance department offers a variety of courses that provide experiential learning opportunities within the field.

    Two students in the Aristotle Fund work with a mentor on a laptop in a classroom.

    Aristotle Fund

    The Aristotle Fund is both a real-world, student-managed investment fund and a unique learning vehicle for University of St. Thomas students. Every year, a new group of students from the Opus College of Business manages a multi-million dollar portfolio of equity securities, incorporating new stocks and divesting others. The fund is overseen by an independent Board of Advisors, composed of qualified investment professionals who also act as mentors to the student managers.

    The Shanghai skyline at dusk.

    Emerging Financial Markets in China

    Emerging Financial Markets in China is a study-abroad elective course that includes both on-campus and on-site lectures, experiential learning and cultural engagement activities. The course covers Chinese economic, monetary and financial system and policies, the role of Chinese manufacturing and trade in the Chinese and global economy and financial markets, and issues and challenges facing the economy and financial markets in China.

    The Manhattan skyline at night.

    Finance on Wall Street

    Students develop their financial skillset through case study analysis and presentation in this off-campus course that provides an overview of the financial services industry. Senior professionals working on Wall Street act as hosts for business site visits. Corporate partners and site visits for this course have included Piper Jaffray, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo Securities, The Capital Group, Abbott Downing, The Wells Fargo Investment Institute, Stone Arch Capital and the New York Stock Exchange.

    Person typing at a laptop.

    Career Opportunities

    Typical jobs in financial management include:

    • Credit Analyst
    • Market Analyst
    • Portfolio Manager
    • Financial Advisor
    • Commodity Trader
    • Systems Analyst
    • Consultant
    • Loan Officer
    • Controller
    • Treasury Assistant
    • Account Specialist

    Scholarships

    GHR Fellows Program

    GHR Fellows receive:
    • Full tuition and fees for four years (and may, pending demonstrated financial need, receive grant funds that cover room and board at St. Thomas)
    • A fully funded J-Term study abroad experience
    • Professional coaching and mentorship
    • Networking opportunities with Fortune 500 business executives and community leaders

    Scholarships

    Fauth Business Scholarships

    The Opus College of Business awards this competitive scholarship to incoming students who intend to major in Business. Each year, up to four $10,000/year scholarships are awarded.

    Quick Facts

    90%

    90% of financial management graduates surveyed report having at least one internship

    $50-55k

    $50-55k is the most frequently reported starting salary range

    94%

    94% of graduates surveyed secured employment within 4 months of graduation

    Learning Through Service: Business 200

    We believe that businesses need to be socially responsible in the communities where they operate. All undergraduate business majors and minors are required to complete BUSN 200, a zero-credit, tuition-free course that includes 40 hours of community service and a series of reflective seminars. This service learning helps you grow into a highly principled global business professional, and an effective and ethical leader who’s prepared to make positive contributions in both your profession and community.

    St. Thomas Career Services

    The experts in the Career Development Center can help you find internships, develop job hunting skills, and put you in touch with business leads—both alumni and St. Thomas connections in the broader Twin Cities business scene. We can help you:

    • Clarify your strengths and how they relate to majors and career fields
    • Map out a career plan
    • Create your résumé and prepare for interviews
    • Look for internships and jobs

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.