Financing Major | Undergraduate Degree Program

Online Bachelors in Finance

Are you considering a finance major? Earn your accelerated, online Bachelor of Science in Finance (BSF) degree from Ottawa University and develop the insights and skills you need to coordinate the financial aspects of organizations in every industry. From accounting to financial markets to budgeting, success in this industry requires an in-depth understanding of financial matters. Count on Ottawa University to learn the strategies and skills you need to be successful throughout your career.

Finance Curriculum

Ottawa’s accelerated, online finance major prepares students to plan, manage, and analyze the financial and monetary aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions, or other organizations. A degree in finance leaves our graduates with knowledge in principles of accounting, financial instruments, capital planning, funds acquisition, asset and debt management, budgeting, financial analysis, and investments and portfolio management. The curriculum for our financing major emphasizes areas such as economics, business operations, financing, and investment activities. Our students are prepared for real-world application through a Capstone seminar course that applies theory and technique to problems and cases in this field.

For curriculum and course descriptions, please download a program overview.

Why Get a Degree in Finance?

Finance majors develop analytical skills in order to dissect financial statements and appraise the financial standing of companies, municipalities, and other public and private entities. They can assess the quantitative and qualitative dimensions of business problems and evaluate the financial implications of corporate and individual actions.

To learn more about our online Bachelor's degree in Finance, contact us today!

Related Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Economics

Master in Business Administration

Master in Accounting

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Becoming a Financial Analyst

Pursuing a Career in the World of Finance

Lucrative Career Paths in Finance

Finance is offered at the following locations.

Ottawa, KS (Residential Campus)
Overland Park, Kansas
Brookfield, Wisconsin
Online

Education and Qualifications for the Finance Major

Careers in finance typically require a bachelor’s degree at a minimum. However, many individuals within the finance industry have qualification beyond a bachelor’s degree. While MBA’s are the most prevalent advanced degree, individuals also pursue other master’s degrees and even PhDs. In addition, careers in finance often require specific qualifications and licenses such as: (Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Financial Analyst (CFA), Series 7, and Series 63). Some licenses are required by law (Series 7 & 63), while others provide a specific designation. Both licenses and certifications require that an individual pass exams, which assess their knowledge. Many of our graduates continue their education with a Masters in Business Administration paired with a concentration in Finance.

Finance Careers

Job growth for individuals with a finance degree is above the national average, and there are a variety of businesses which will hire graduates. Finance graduates can explore many types of employment across many sectors of industry. Ottawa University's online finance degree prepares you for a variety of business and finance-related careers. Employment in business and financial operations occupations is projected to grow 8% through 2020 to 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, adding about 750,800 new jobs. The median annual wage for a financial analyst in May 2020 was $72,250, higher than the national average of 41,950.

Careers in Finance

accountant
budget analyst
loan officer
cost estimator
financial analyst
personal financial advisor
management analyst

Read more about the lucrative career paths in finance.

Finance Foundation Courses

Accounting for Business Operations | ACC 20364 | (4 credits)
Macroeconomics | ECO 20163 | (3 credits)
Microeconomics | ECO 20263 | (3 credits)
College Algebra | MAT 10643 | (3 credits) OR
Discrete Mathematics* | MAT 20043 | (3 credits) OR
Business Mathematics | MAT 20143 | ( 3 credits)
Business Statistics | OAD 30763| (4 credits) OR
Introduction to Statistics | MAT 20044 | (4 credits) OR
Quantitative Methods in Business | OAD 31564 | ( 3 credits)
Business Ethics | OAD 31664 | ( 3 credits)

* MAT 20043 is recommended to fulfill foundation requirement

Required Finance Major Courses

Financing and Investing Activities | ACC 20464 | (4 credits)
Extension of Accounting for Business Operations. Planning and evaluation of business operations and acquiring, disposing and financing assets of entity. Time value of money introduced. Emphasis on interpretation and use of the balance sheet and statement of cash flows. Prerequisite: Accounting for Business Operations.

Money and Banking | ECO 30363 (3 credits)
Studies role of money and banking in United States economic development and in international finances, significance of money, banking history and development, commercial banking operations and structure, central banking and monetary management, alternative international monetary systems, and monetary theory and policy. Prerequisite: Macroeconomics.

International Economics | ECO 40963 (3 credits)
Examines principle topics of international economics. Examines balance of payments, exchange rates, free trade, protectionism and economic development from the perspective of the business major. Develops appreciation of world economic environment as it impinges on choices and decisions made by managers of all- size firm.

Behavioral Finance | 41006 (3 credits)
Course expands upon investment theory and the theory of efficient markets through psychological biases of individuals and how these impact financial decision-making. Evidence and research-based course focuses on theory and empirical research as they relate to the behavior of asset pricing, corporate finance, and money management. Prerequisite:  Foundations of Finance.

Foundations of Finance | FIN 30000 | (3 credits)
Examines financing of an organization from the administrative viewpoint. Consideration of internal financial management as well as external financing and capital structures. Prerequisites: Accounting for Business Operations.

Investment Theory | FIN 41000 (3 credits)
Discussion of investment theory with a focus on the securities market related to the individual investor. Course focuses on trading, behavior of securities and pricing, the mechanics of trading, evaluation of securities, mutual funds, and evaluation of portfolio performance. Specific theories addressed include efficient market hypothesis, capital market theory, and stock valuation. Prerequisites: Foundations of Finance and International Economics.

Futures and Options| FIN 42000 (3 credits)
This course introduces the theory and application of forwards, futures, options, other financial derivatives, and currency markets. Students gain an understanding of the role of these financial tools in enhancing business performance and market efficiency. Alternate: FIN 41003

Crypto Assets: Digital Currencies and Assets | FIN 43000 | (3 credits)
The utilization of blockchain technology has ushered in new investment vehicles for millions of people worldwide. This course provides an introduction to and overview of the rapidly emerging cryptoasset market. Students will gain an understanding of cryptoassets as stores of value, portfolio management, risk analysis, and market efficiency.

Seminar in Applied Finance | FIN 49000 (4 credits)
Capstone course that guides student in the integration of functional content areas in the field of finance. Addresses financing issues and applies finance theories and techniques to problems and cases through a process of strategic decision-making. Prerequisite: Completion of all required core coursework or advisor permission.

For curriculum and course descriptions, please download a Finance program overview.

Full Degree Catalog

University Accreditation

Ottawa University, as a whole, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Specific degree programs within our institution have also been accredited by relevant bodies within the field:

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC)
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)

We are proudly recognized for our commitment to student excellence by the following designations:

Why Choose Ottawa
Almost all courses in Ottawa University’s programs are available online and accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. We make it easy for you to transfer credits in order to help keep tuition costs down. We also offer courses in accelerated 8-week terms in order to reduce your time to completion. These are just a few of the reasons why we are proud to be the best, fastest, and most affordable option locally in the Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Phoenix areas, as well as serving students nationally through our online degrees.