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Bachelor of Science in Finance | Undergraduate Degree Program

Bachelor of Science in Finance

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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

Finance is offered at the following locations.

  • Ottawa, KS (Residential Campus)
  • Kansas City (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 Courses

For curriculum and course descriptions please Download a Finance program overview.

Click Here for Full Course Catalog 

Foundation Courses

ACC 20364 | Accounting for Business Operations (4 Credits)
Introduces operating activities of business. Emphasis on using income statements to plan and evaluate the operations of a for-profit entity.

ECO 20163 | Macroeconomics (3 Credits)
Focuses on inflationary consequences of monetary and fiscal policies designed to eliminate poverty and unemployment, significance of money and government deficits on attainment of goals of high employment and economic growth in a non-inflationary environment and role of the dollar in international trade.

ECO 20263 | Microeconomics (3 Credits)
Study of the role of prices in allocating and developing scarce resources to meet the needs and demands of consumers, the impact of the profit motive on business size and efficiency, the economic power of large-scale business firms, the interplay of private and public choice through price controls, business regulation and taxation.

ITS 25008 | Microsoft Excel (3 Credits)
The course aims to cultivate proficient users who can effectively navigate Excel's various features, such as handling cells and files, formatting worksheets, managing workbooks, and leveraging formulas and functions. Additionally, students will learn page setup and printing techniques, enhancing their document preparation skills. The course also emphasizes mastering Excel's visual elements, including creating and managing charts and other graphical objects. 

Choice Between MAT 20044, OAD 30763 and OAD 31564. 

MAT 20044 | Introduction to Statistics (4 Credits)
Offers the student an intuitive introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics covered include data organization, averages and variation, elementary probability theory, binomial and normal probability distributions, Central Limit Theorem, estimation, hypothesis testing, linear regression and correlation.  Prerequisite: Score of 16 on non-math track initial placement or MAT 10443 Intermediate Algebra. 

OAD 30763 | Business Statistics (4 Credits) 
Focuses on basic methods of research design and analysis of data including descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include mean, median, mode, frequency distribution, range, standard deviation, probabilities of sampling selection, Z-score, T-value, regression and correlation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance and Chi-square analysis.

OAD 31564 | Quantitative Methods in Business (3 Credits)
Introduces use of quantitative methods in business emphasizing quantitative analysis techniques using Microsoft Excel. Includes spreadsheet preparation of financial and operational schedules and application of financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting, economic and investment opportunity analysis, data analytics, programming and mathematical functions relating to supply and demand decision-making. 

OAD 31664 | Business Ethics (3 Credits)
Introduces development of personal and group norms required for work places. Topics include moral reasoning in business, employee rights and responsibilities of corporations.

Required Major Courses

ACC 20464 | Financing and Investing Activities (4 Credits)
Extension of ACC 20364 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 interpreatation and use of the balance sheet and statement of cash flows. Prerequisite: ACC 20364 Accounting for Business Operations. 

FIN 30000 | Foundations of Finance (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: ACC 20364  Accounting for Business Operations.  

ECO 30363 | Money and Banking (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: ECO 20163 Macroeconomics.

OAD 31565 | Quantitative Analysis for Managerial Decision-Making (4 Credits)
Emphasis on the managerial application and implications of quantitative analysis techniques. From the management of resources to financial forecasting, financing and investment, the course incorporates the use of quantitative analysis techniques using software applications including Microsoft Excel and Tableau to assist in practical business decision-making and managing organizational goals and strategies. Students employ quantitative analysis to an integrated case study. Prerequisites: ACC 20364 Accounting for Business Operations. 

FIN 41000 | Investment Theory (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: FIN 30000 Foundations of Finance.  

FIN 41006 | Behavioral Finance (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: FIN 30000 Foundations of Finance.  

FIN 41003 | Real Estate Finance (3 Credits) 
The course provides an overview of the legal foundations of real estate and market determinants of value, including how government influences affect value. The course focuses on the theories and quantitative methodologies utilized to assess the value of real estate, various financing instruments, and long-term value creation related to real estate markets. Prerequisites: FIN 30000 Foundations in Finance. 

FIN 42000 | Financial Risk Management (3 Credits) 
This course introduces the theory and application of forwards, futures, options, and other financial derivatives, and currency markets. Students gain an understanding of the role of these financial tools in enhancing business performance and market efficiency. Prerequisite: FIN 30000 Foundations of Finance.  

FIN 43000 | Crypto Assets: Digital Currencies and Assets (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. Prerequisite: FIN 30000 Foundations of Finance. 

FIN 49000 | Seminar in Applied Finance (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. 

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:

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

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