Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance

Prepare for an exciting career in the growing world of finance with a BBA in Finance.

The Marian University Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance program is designed for those who want a career helping individuals or businesses and non-profits with investing, financial planning, and managing assets to grow their enterprises.

Students pursuing a bachelor’s in finance will explore and develop the essential knowledge to work in a wide array of finance occupations. In addition to a liberal arts core, finance students will study foundational courses in several areas of business and more specialized finance courses in financial management, investments, technology, and financial institutions. Graduates leave able to apply that learning directly into various positions in finance such as commercial banking, financial planning, insurance, and real estate.

The BBA in Finance program develops leaders who are prepared to provide a positive impact for businesses across the nation. Our courses integrate real business challenges into the classroom, and we offer students internships and cooperative work experience to develop expertise and enhance their resumes.

Learn to effectively navigate the dynamic global business environment

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Build a Solid Resume with Classroom Knowledge, Internship Experience, and Networking

Job Outlook for Financial Managers

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Finance professionals can expect high job growth through 2020, much faster that the average for all occupations.

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The median wage for Financial Managers with a bachelor’s degree and at least five years’ experience.

Aspire to these positions:

  • Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
  • Finance Manager
  • Financial Wealth Manager
  • Manager of Financial Reports
  • Finance and Insurance Manager
  • Financial Sales Manager

Opportunities in industries such as:

  • Banks
  • Investment firms
  • Insurance companies
  • Real estate
  • Government
  • Retail
  • Automotive
  • Healthcare

Explore a Finance Degree

A business degree from Marian University opens the door for a career with any company, in any industry.  Choose a specialty in sport and recreation management, business administration, marketing, marketing and public relations, accounting, healthcare administration, management information systems, or finance. Professors bring topics to life through their real world experience in running companies and managing staff. Courses teach you about businesses not only from a local/regional perspective but also from an interconnected global perspective. Discuss current events and how to survive and thrive in different economic conditions. Whatever your major, participate in an internship where you spend between 150 and 300 hours at a business either in the U.S. or abroad.

As a business student, you will take general education courses alongside students from all Marian bachelor programs.  Then you will take a core of business courses and courses specific to your concentration.  If you are not sure what business major is for you, reach out to our Center for Academic Support and Excellence (CASE).  They have tools to help you choose a business degree based on your interests and abilities.

“Being a finance major at Marian University was instrumental in providing me the necessary tools to build a strong foundation for my career. I was able to learn and develop key skills that are crucial to my career and I was provided a vast range of knowledge that has set me up for success. The skills I developed in the program led to me landing a summer internship with BMO Financial Group in just my junior year, which led to me finding employment right after graduation. Overall, it was a great learning experience.”

Michael Gudmandson – Credit Analyst, BMO Financial Group, 2017 Marian graduate

“Earning a BS in Finance from Marian University helped me tremendously in preparing for my career. The classes in economics, financial risk management, managerial finance, business ethics, and investments gave me a strong foundation that translated well when I was hired at Michels Corporation, and it’s truly been a great career to get into.”

Justin Cooke – Assistant Project Manager, Michels Corporation, 2017 Marian graduate

Curriculum

Marian’s finance program aims to develop leaders who are prepared to provide a positive impact for businesses across the nation. As a student in the program, you’ll explore and develop essential knowledge and skills in all aspects of business—including accounting, economics, finance, law, management, marketing and personnel.
*Finance majors must also complete ECO 201 which may satisfy an elective General Education Social Science requirement.

General Education Courses

As a bachelor’s level student, you are required to take about 30 credits of general education courses as part of the 120 credits required for a bachelor’s degree.  Gen eds are required regardless of your major.

All students take 10.5 to 17 credits in these areas:

  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Argumentative and Research Writing
  • Introduction to Christian Theology
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Introduction to Ethical Reasoning
  • First Year Studies

Core Courses

Finance majors will take courses covering topics such as:

  • Money and Banking
  • Principles of Advertising
  • Statistical Techniques
  • Income Tax
  • Global Finance

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will possess an integrated knowledge of business functions & systems.
  • Students will Possess effective written communications skills.
  • Students will Possess effective oral communications skills.
  • Students will be able to effectively apply critical thinking skills to business problems.
  • Students will possess an integrated knowledge of finance functions & systems (Knowledge Acquisition).
  • Students will apply the principles of valuation to assess investment alternatives (Critical Thinking; Quantitative Problem Solving).
  • Students will understand how financial institutions work.

Mission

The goal of the undergraduate program in finance at Marian University is to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully pursue a career as a finance professional.

Professional Conduct (Standard for Students)

Faculty and Staff in the School of Business expect the highest standards of honest, ethical professional conduct from each of our students. Primary components of professional behavior expected include:

  • Respect for others
  • Full engagement
  • Responsibility and integrity, and commitment to quality

As a finance major, you will have the opportunity to experience the challenge of working with community businesses through class projects and internships. Career opportunities are available in financial institutions, government, businesses, and economic development agencies. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting an increase in the need for business professionals with bachelor’s degrees, graduates of the finance program gain practical experience and increased job opportunities.

FINANCE

Assessment

Outcome: Knowledge Acquisition – Business

Measure: Peregrine CPC Comp Exam

Results

Marian Baseline Target = 50%-ile (51.9% correct)

Comparison (IACBE schools) = 50%-ile (51.9% correct)

Marian Stretch Goal = 80%-ile (62.5% correct)

Marian Average achieved = 78%-ile (59.9% correct)

Marian Highest Achieved = 98%-ile (79% correct)

Conclusions

On average, Marian students performed higher than the IACBE comparison average.

Almost half of Marian students performed in the top 20 percent nationally (45%).

In general, students have good knowledge of business concepts as measured by the CPC-Comp.

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Outcome: Integrated Knowledge of Business

Measure: CAPSIM Business Simulation

Results

Standard: Balanced Scorecard – Standard = at/above National average (50th %-ile)

Stretch Goal: Balanced Scorecard – Standard = at/above 80th %-ile

Marian Achieved = All teams above average except 1. (Range: 16th to 96th %-ile)

Marian Stretch Goal Achieved: 44% of teams at or above 80%

Conclusions

94% of Marian teams achieved results at or above the national average compared with others teams.

44% of Marian teams achieved the stretch goal performing at or above the 80th percentile.

In general, students do well in the simulation, demonstrating integrated knowledge of business.

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Internships

Recent graduates have held internships in places such as:

  • Allied Beacon Partners-Racine
  • Bank of Oakfield
  • Helmer Electric
  • Investors Group (Calgary, AB)
  • Lindgren, Lester & Co
  • Manowske Welding Corporation
  • State Bank of Reeseville
  • Suncor Energy (Calgary, AB)

Job Placements

  • Baker Tilly
  • Virchow Krause
  • Grande Cheese
  • Grant Thornton
  • Feucht Financial Group
  • Mercury Marine
  • Met Life
  • Michels Corporation
  • National Exchange Bank and Trust
  • Northwestern Mutual Life
  • Oshkosh Defense
  • Robert W. Baird and Associates
  • U.S. Bank

At Marian University, you’ll be inspired by our focus on personalized support and quality practical experiences. You’ll find faculty who are experts in the business field, bringing with them decades of experience and a passion to serve others. As a finance graduate, you’ll have the skills, knowledge and insight to be successful in the 21st century business world.

Criteria for Undergraduate Business Students

A student who meets Marian University admission standards and who declares a business major must comply with the following standards at each class level:

Freshman Criteria (for students with at least 30 credits completed)

Students should have completed the following with a minimum grade of C:

  • ENG 101 or ENG 105

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00

Sophomore Criteria (for students with at least 60 credits completed)

Students should have completed the following with a minimum grade of C:

  • ENG 151 or ENG 106
  • MAT 111 or MAT 130 or MAT 132
  • BUA 210
  • Science Lab(s)

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00

Junior and Senior Criteria (for students with at least 80 credits completed)

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00

Failure to Meet Criteria

Any business student failing to meet these criteria is placed on probation. During the first semester of probation, students may continue taking business courses. If the student has failed to meet the criteria after one semester on probation, that student may only retake deficient classes and general education requirements.

Graduation Requirements

A business student is not allowed to graduate with a D+ or lower grade in any business course. If such a grade is recorded, the course must be retaken and a grade of C- or above must be achieved. All business students are required to take a comprehensive exit examination during the semester prior to graduation. Students pursuing more than one major in the business program must complete at least 15 credits of unique courses to count in each major. Students pursuing a minor must complete at least 9 credits of courses unique to the minor.

Internship Experience

The internship provides practical work experience related to the student’s career objective. All internships involve planned and supervised on-the-job training with interaction among the student, a faculty advisor, and a supervisor from the site of the internship. The student may complete the internship on a part- or full-time basis. Before the student begins their internship, they must consult with the internship coordinator in their respective discipline to review requirements and expectations.

Prior to the start of the internship, the site must be approved and a learning contract and supervisor agreement must be completed. Students are eligible to register for a 0-3 credit internship upon achieving junior status. Specific internship requirements such as number of hours, paperwork, and other assignments may differ depending on major. Students must consult with the program director and internship coordinator for these details and cannot register for the internship until authorized by the internship coordinator. Business students are required to complete a minimum of one internship experience regardless of the number of declared majors.