University of Utah

Program Description

Finance deals with the concepts of time, money, risk, how they are interrelated, and how money is budgeted and spent. Finance students learn how to assign value to projects, companies and securities. They also study how individuals and businesses can efficiently allocate financial resources, invest, and raise capital. With these skills, Finance majors can determine wise investment strategies, value stock options, and help companies and individuals manage their money. A critical component of a finance students’ education is meaningful, real-world opportunities, balanced by worthwhile classroom experiences. The U’s Finance curriculum covers topics such as business statistics, business calculus, corporate finance, insurance, investments, and real estate. A global perspectives course allows students to apply an international context to the business skills and perspectives they are learning.

In addition to the traditional major, students may pursue an emphasis in Advanced Financial Analysis, an honors-level program that provides students with a deeper foundation in finance and accounting, supplemented by additional technical competence in financial modeling and coding as applied to finance problems. Courses will focus on developing technical skills and applying those skills to solve problems in realistic settings.

The Student Experience

In addition to academic pursuits, Finance majors may participate in a variety of experiential learning opportunities. The Student Investment Fund (which allows students to practice managing stock portfolios), the Finance Club (a club for students interested in pursuing careers in finance), University Venture Fund, and Week on Wall Street (a trip to Wall Street for a group of selected Finance majors) are just a few of the clubs, organizations, and events you can enjoy. If you want a more individualized networking experience, apply to SMART Start, a mentoring program for business students: if selected, you will be mentored by a David Eccles School of Business alumni through group and one-on-one activities.

You may also be interested in participating in the Business Scholars program, an honors-level introduction to the business disciplines. Business Scholars have the unique opportunity to travel regionally and internationally to meet and interact with business leaders from the companies that they study. Business Scholars can take Honors and Business Scholars specific courses, ensuring smaller class sizes and a more personalized experience.

Career Opportunities

With a degree in Finance, you can pursue work in a number of fields. Enter the world of corporate finance as a treasurer, analyst, or controller, or join the ranks of investment or commercial bankers. Careers as a broker, portfolio manager, financial planner, real estate appraiser, consultant, tax examiner, or insurance broker are also possible. If you want to continue your studies at the graduate level, consider programs and careers in finance, business administration, or data analytics.