Finance Major
Finance is the study of how individuals and organizations raise, invest, and manage money. It is a major within Business & Management.
The Finance major is the study of how people and organizations handle money—how they raise it, invest it, and manage it over time. Students learn to analyze financial decisions by studying topics like how markets work, how to evaluate investment opportunities, how businesses plan and budget, and how risk and uncertainty affect money decisions. The major develops both analytical and practical skills: working with financial data, understanding economic principles that influence markets, reading and interpreting financial documents, and thinking through the trade-offs involved in different financial choices.
Students drawn to Finance typically have an interest in economics, problem-solving with numbers, or how organizations operate financially. The major usually begins with foundational courses in accounting, economics, and basic financial principles that build a shared vocabulary and conceptual framework. As students progress, coursework becomes more specialized, moving toward particular areas of financial practice and allowing them to deepen their knowledge in specific applications. Throughout the program, students learn by combining theory with practical analysis—working through real financial scenarios, learning standard industry tools, and examining actual market data and business decisions.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Finance program commonly includes topics such as:
- Corporate finance
- Investments
- Financial markets
- Risk management
- Financial modeling
- Econometrics
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Finance is commonly offered at these levels:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Finance background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Financial analyst
- Investment banker
- Financial planner
- Risk analyst
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
Find degree programs in Finance
Want to compare accredited schools that offer a Finance major? Tell us a little about what you're looking for and we'll help you find matching degree programs. It's free, and there's no obligation.
Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Finance major?
Finance is the study of how individuals and organizations raise, invest, and manage money. It is part of business & management, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Finance majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as corporate finance, investments, financial markets, risk management, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Finance major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as financial analyst, investment banker, financial planner. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Finance offered at?
It is commonly offered at the bachelor's, master's level, though availability varies by institution.