If you are intrigued by the financial markets and you also like to think about numbers, then a finance major is worth considering. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance can provide you with relevant skills and opportunities to help achieve your academic goals and expose you to numerous career possibilities. If you are having trouble deciding if a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics is right for you, here's some questions to consider.
What Will I Study?
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Financegives you the opportunity to study business, money, financial analysis, decision-making, accounting, the economy and internationalism of business and trade. Popular topics include financial evaluations, management of businesses and finance functions within modern corporations while considering legal and ethical issues in business. You will learn to use spreadsheets and other software used to process and present financial data. While a bachelor’s degree in finance will build upon your finance skills, you will also be taught leadership and communication skills.
What Traits Should I Possess?
When dealing with finances, it is extremely important to be detail-oriented, organized, analytical and a good communicator. It is also important to embrace an open, curious, entrepreneurial and innovative spirit while obtaining strong leadership skillsso that you may understand how business decisions affect financial goals and objectives. You will need strong mathematical and statistical skills in order to understand and analyze the financial data.
What Are My Job Prospects?
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Finance, you may explore a career in any enterprise where money is the medium of exchange. Typical examples include corporate finance, banking, insurance or investment management. However, all businesses, including nonprofit and government organizations require the use of money and an understanding of the economy. Here are some of the career options to consider:
- Financial planner
- Financial analyst
- Investor relations associate
- Budget analyst
- Load officer
- Accountant
- Credit managers
- Risk managers
You can also consider enhancing your knowledge by applying for a master’s degree in finance. Earning an MBA in Finance degree will prepare you to work in business management positions, often in investment banking and corporate finance. Alternatively, pursuing a master’s degree may offer students more of an opportunity to integrate mathematics, economics, accounting and associated disciplines with the theories and application of finance.
Key Benefits of Getting a Finance Degree
Finance is a high-stakes industry. Individuals and corporations will not trust their financial future to just anyone. That is why getting a finance degree is extremely valuable. Getting your finance degree allows you to:
- Master skills that prepare you for real-world job responsibilities
- Work for wide range of employers
- Set the stage for getting professional certifications
- Choose from a wide range of financially-rewarding careers
- Join a popular industry that expects a stable growth
How To Decide?
Finance is an exciting major with plenty of career opportunities. If you are interested in solving problems in creative ways or helping companies to plan how to grow their revenue or maintain profitability, a finance major is right for you. A Bachelor of Science in Finance will help you develop multiple skillsets with a great outlook for success after your graduation. To decide, you should understand what this degree offers and if it suits your interests.
If you are organized, detail-oriented and enthusiastic about helping businesses succeed, then a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Grand Canyon University could be the perfect fit for you! Learn more about our business degrees by visiting our website or clicking on the Request More Information button at the top of the page.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do notnecessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited wereaccurate as of the publish date.
FAQs
If you are interested in solving problems in creative ways or helping companies to plan how to grow their revenue or maintain profitability, a finance major is right for you. A Bachelor of Science in Finance will help you develop multiple skillsets with a great outlook for success after your graduation.
Is a Bachelor of Science in finance worth it? ›
Students who enjoy numbers, money management, and data analysis may be well-served by pursuing a degree in finance. An accredited finance degree program can help them qualify for one of these positions. Overall, a finance degree is worth it for many aspiring professionals.
How do I know if a finance major is right for me? ›
You should consider a career in finance if …
- You have stellar communication skills. Financial discussions can get complicated. ...
- You take initiative. ...
- You're inquisitive. ...
- You work hard. ...
- You have high emotional intelligence (EQ) ...
- You love to learn. ...
- You persist. ...
- You're a natural problem solver.
Still, a career in finance isn't for everyone. If talking about money bores you, for example, you might want to choose a different path. Similarly, if math was never your subject, it's not a dealbreaker, but it is a skill you'll need to practice regularly in this field.
What are the cons of finance major? ›
The median annual wage for business and financial occupations is $46,310 higher than the median annual wage for all occupations. Drawbacks of a career in finance can include high stress, long working hours, continuing education requirements, and, in some cases, limited job stability.
Is finance a tough major? ›
Finance is a somewhat difficult major. The difficulty with finance comes down to its concepts that students would not have experienced before in their lives, the financial lingo in the field, and the concentration of math in the subject.
Is finance hard if you're bad at math? ›
Believe it or not, mastery of advanced math skills is not necessary to have a career in finance. With today's technology, all math-related tasks can be done by computers and calculators. That said, there are some basic math skills that would certainly make you a better candidate in the finance industry.
What type of person should major in finance? ›
A natural tendency toward being analytical is common among finance majors. They can hone their analytical skills by practicing scenarios that represent situations that could occur during the course of their future careers. One of the key personality traits of finance majors is the innate ability to think logically.
What GPA do you need to major in finance? ›
Most finance programs require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0-3.0. Some schools also require minimum SAT or ACT scores.
Which finance job pays the most? ›
Top 5 Highest Paying Jobs in Finance
- Chief financial officer (CFO)
- Investment banking.
- Hedge fund manager.
- Private equity associate.
- Actuary.
One thing that's for sure is the high amount of math you will need to study. Finance is a mathematical discipline, so if you aren't as comfortable with math as with other ways of thinking, you may find it more challenging.
Is finance a stable career? ›
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that business and finance jobs will be in demand from 2022 to 2032, with 911,400 openings on average each year. Certain roles within finance, like financial examiner, are expected to grow over six times faster than the rate for all occupations nationwide.
Is finance harder than accounting? ›
While both finance and accounting can be difficult majors, accounting is considered more difficult because it requires more discipline and a lot of math. Accounting is more complex because it relies on precise sets of arithmetic principles.
Is it better to major in finance or accounting? ›
That said, the average starting salary is slightly higher for finance vs accounting degrees. In 2023, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)1 reported that the medium starting salary for finance majors was $61,456, while the medium starting salary for accounting majors was $53,444.
Is finance a good major for introverts? ›
Financial Manager Positions
These financial management positions include controllers, treasurers, credit managers, cash managers, risk managers and insurance managers. Since each of these positions requires strong analytical skills along with the ability to work independently, introverts tend to make ideal candidates.
What is the hardest job in finance? ›
The most (and least) stressful jobs in banking and finance
- Most stressful job in finance : Investment Banker (M&A or capital markets professional) ...
- Second most stressful job in finance : Trader. ...
- Third most stressful job in finance : Risk management & Compliance.
An MFin or MS in finance are strong options for students who prefer finance-specific courses or careers based on advanced mathematic principles. An MBA in finance provides students with more coursework on business and management principles for flexible careers within the business world.
Is finance a good paying degree? ›
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics (BLS), careers in finance pay a median salary of $76,850 — 66% higher than the median salary for all occupations in the nation ($46,310).
What is the highest paying job with a finance degree? ›
Top 5 Highest Paying Jobs in Finance
- Chief financial officer (CFO)
- Investment banking.
- Hedge fund manager.
- Private equity associate.
- Actuary.
Careers in Finance. Careers in finance are often a popular choice in that they can offer a high paying position shortly after completing your degree. The different opportunities for working within the finance field are vast, with a multitude of specialties to choose from.
