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Finance

Earn your finance bachelor’s degree at Manchester University and build the skills to lead in global markets. With expert faculty, internships, and hands-on projects, you’ll gain real-world experience in corporate finance, investment strategy, and business analytics, preparing you for success in high-demand financial careers.

business students in conference room

Launch Your Career with a Finance Bachelor’s Degree or Minor at Manchester University

At Manchester University, our finance bachelor’s degree program equips students with the foundational business knowledge and hands-on experience needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced financial world. Whether you’re interested in corporate finance, investment management, or financial advising, you’ll gain essential analytical and problem-solving skills while studying under expert faculty. Our curriculum covers topics like equity analysis, risk management, and financial planning—all reinforced through internships and real-world simulations. Students also have the option to pursue a minor in a complementary business field, allowing them to broaden their career prospects. With demand for finance professionals projected to grow steadily and average salaries approaching six figures, a finance bachelor’s degree from Manchester prepares you to succeed in global markets, graduate programs, or high-impact leadership roles.

Program Information:

Major | BA

  • 52 Credit Hours

MBA 3+1 Program

  • 120 Undergrad Credit Hours
  • 30 Grad Credit Hours

Location

  • North Manchester

Why Choose MU for Finance?

Business Students with folder inside talking

What You Can Do With Your Finance Bachelor’s Degree

Financial Analyst

Interpret financial data to guide business investments and strategies.

Financial Advisor

Help clients plan budgets, investments, and long-term financial goals.

Budget Analyst

Track organizational spending and prepare strategic financial reports.

Credit Analyst or Investment Banker

Evaluate creditworthiness or structure deals for growing businesses.

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Average Starting Salary for Finance Bachelor’s Degree Holders

Finance professionals are in high demand, with strong job growth and competitive salaries. Financial analysts* earn an average annual salary of $101,910 and can expect 9% job growth over the next decade. Financial advisors* earn around $102,140 annually, with a projected growth of 17%. Budget analysts* earn approximately $87,930. Whether advising clients, analyzing investments, or managing budgets, graduates with a finance bachelor’s degree enter a field filled with advancement opportunities and long-term career potential.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

female students at commencement outside

How the Finance Program Supports Your Growth

Consider Earning Your MBA

Manchester’s integrated MBA Accountancy Track allows finance majors to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just four years. Through this 3+1 program, students take both undergraduate and graduate-level courses simultaneously, streamlining their education while saving time and money. The program includes a required internship and advanced coursework in areas like data analytics, business information systems, and accounting research. This accelerated pathway enhances career readiness and sets graduates apart in competitive job markets.

Internships That Build Experience

All finance majors complete an internship as part of the curriculum. These real-world experiences provide critical exposure to the financial industry, helping students apply classroom concepts in professional settings. Internships also build networking opportunities and frequently lead to full-time positions after graduation. Past students have interned at banks, accounting firms, and corporate finance departments across Indiana and the Midwest.

Student Groups and Networking Opportunities

Finance students can join business-related student organizations that provide leadership training, networking events, guest speakers, and career development workshops. These groups create a sense of community while offering support and professional connections. Through student-led initiatives and alumni engagement, finance majors build confidence, enhance soft skills, and gain insight into various finance career paths.

The College of Business Club (CBC) is designed to provide members with opportunities to develop leadership experiences; to provide exposure to business professions through presentations from guest speakers, both inside and outside the classroom; to provide a social organization for students to develop relationships with their peers as well as with prospective business partners and employers; and to relate what is learned in the classroom to the business world. Students are eligible to join CBC immediately upon entering Manchester University, and the Club provides numerous opportunities for students to get involved.  A number of committees exist within the Club that provide interested students with many leadership opportunities.

Capstone Projects with Community Impact

In the finance program’s capstone course, students work in teams to launch and operate a business during the semester. Profits from these ventures are donated to local nonprofits. To date, Manchester business students have contributed over $138,000 and more than 11,000 service hours to community organizations—developing financial management, teamwork, and ethical leadership skills along the way.

Explore Coursework and Curriculum

Finance majors at Manchester University complete 54 credit hours of major-specific coursework in addition to general education requirements. The curriculum covers critical areas such as corporate finance, equity analysis, and risk management, equipping students with the analytical and decision-making skills needed in today’s financial landscape. Courses are taught by experienced faculty with real-world backgrounds in investment, banking, and consulting. Students can view the full list of required classes to better understand how Manchester prepares graduates for a competitive finance career.

Meet the Faculty

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FAQs About Manchester University’s Finance Degree

What degree options are available in the Finance program at Manchester University?

Manchester University offers a comprehensive finance bachelor’s degree that equips students for success in the dynamic world of financial institutions, corporate finance, and financial planning. The primary offering is the Bachelor of Arts in Finance, which includes 54 credit hours of finance courses in addition to general education. This finance degree program builds a foundation in financial theory, analysis, and ethical decision-making.

For ambitious students, the university also offers an accelerated 3+1 MBA pathway, allowing learners to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business Administration in just four years. This program integrates coursework in investment management, strategic leadership, and business analytics—ideal for students interested in expanding their finance skills and gaining a competitive edge.

Minors are available in business management, accounting, or economics, broadening exposure to financial markets, capital budgeting, and business finance. The university welcomes transfer credits, and students can explore opportunities within the online program for added flexibility. With a mix of hands-on experience, industry-aligned learning, and career coaching, this finance bachelor program sets students up for real-world success across various sectors of the financial services industry.

What will I learn in the Finance degree program?

The finance degree curriculum at Manchester University delivers a rich blend of foundational business education and specialized finance coursework. As a finance major, you’ll study key areas such as corporate finance, financial analysis, risk management, and portfolio management. Core topics include business law, economics, and financial accounting, while more advanced courses explore international finance, capital budgeting, and investment strategies.

Students learn to interpret financial statements, analyze market trends, and evaluate business opportunities. Through this structured approach, learners gain not just theoretical knowledge but the practical skills necessary to solve complex business problems and make informed financial decisions.

The program also supports preparation for professional certifications like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Students complete major courses that mirror national business standards and help build real-world readiness.

From understanding financial concepts to mastering tools for portfolio analysis and financial data, this finance degree program is ideal for aspiring financial professionals. Whether you’re planning to enter investment banking, government financial management, or personal finance, you’ll graduate with the ability to thrive in a complex business environment.

Do the Finance courses offer real-world experience opportunities?

Absolutely. Manchester’s finance program strongly emphasizes real-world learning. Every finance major is required to complete at least one internship with organizations like financial institutions, accounting firms, or corporations. These experiences offer exposure to financial analysis, client relations, and software used in the financial services industry. In addition to internships, the program features a finance capstone course. Here, students create and run a business, applying financial strategic planning, budgeting, and ethical decision-making to real operations. Proceeds are donated to nonprofits—over $138,000 and 10,000+ hours of service to date—demonstrating both business impact and social responsibility.

Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience with financial statements, capital budgeting, and portfolio management. These activities develop finance skills in planning, forecasting, and evaluating real-time scenarios. Courses simulate the tasks of a financial manager or business strategist, ensuring that students are job-ready. Combined with faculty mentorship and optional participation in student-run investment clubs, the program delivers unmatched preparation. Whether you’re aiming for a role in financial planning, wealth management, or financial risk assessment, this program offers the applied experience needed to launch a strong finance career.

Can I pursue an MBA through Manchester’s Finance program?

Yes. Manchester’s unique 3+1 finance degree program allows students to complete both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA in just four years. This accelerated track blends undergraduate finance coursework with graduate studies in financial management, accounting, data analytics, and operations management. As part of the business administration curriculum, students gain advanced knowledge in financial strategic planning, business strategy, and investment management. The program’s accounting focus also supports career paths in corporate finance, auditing, and even qualification for the CPA exam, depending on course selections.
The MBA track incorporates internships, real-world simulations, and access to course materials that mirror executive-level work in the financial services industry. Students tackle case studies and develop insights into managerial accounting, international finance, and financial economics. For finance students seeking leadership roles, this program offers early entry into high-demand finance positions with increased earning potential. The dual degree provides an edge in competitive fields like investment banking, financial consulting, and business analytics, ensuring graduates can confidently navigate the evolving world of finance.

What career paths can I pursue with a finance degree?

Graduating with a finance bachelor’s degree from Manchester University opens the door to a wide variety of career opportunities in both public and private sectors. Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as financial analyst, financial advisor, credit analyst, investment banker, risk manager, and budget analyst. Financial analysts assess investments and create forecasts using financial data. Manchester alumni have succeeded in roles at J.P. Morgan, the Indiana State Board of Accounts, and Merchants Bank of Indiana. Others pursue further education in business school or graduate programs in public policy and business administration.

The program’s emphasis on financial analysis, financial statements, financial markets, and money management means graduates are qualified for diverse opportunities in government financial management, corporate settings, and even online finance degree roles. Whether you’re entering the finance field or climbing the ranks of the financial services industry, Manchester equips you with the tools to succeed.

What makes Manchester’s Finance faculty unique?

Manchester University’s finance program is led by expert faculty with backgrounds in corporate finance, consulting, investment banking, and business finance. These professionals bring years of experience into the classroom, blending academic theory with real-world application. What makes them stand out is their focus on personalized mentorship. Faculty work closely with students to prepare them for finance careers through hands-on learning, professional certifications, and career strategy sessions. They assist with everything from mock interviews to fine-tuning résumés for roles in finance positions such as financial analysts, consultants, or financial managers.

Faculty integrate case-based learning and tools like portfolio analysis software and financial modeling into finance courses. This helps students build in-demand practical skills while staying current with industry trends. Instructors also help students prepare for exams like the CFA and CFP, enhancing long-term career opportunities. Their dedication creates a high-touch learning environment that’s rare in a business school setting, giving Manchester’s finance bachelor students a clear advantage.

How much financial aid is available for finance students at Manchester University?

Manchester University is committed to affordability for every finance major. Over 95% of students receive some form of aid, including federal financial aid, institutional scholarships, and work-study. This support helps students graduate with less debt and more freedom to pursue high-impact finance careers. Students pursuing a finance bachelor’s degree should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal loans, grants, and need-based aid. Manchester also awards merit-based scholarships based on academics, leadership, and extracurricular activities. Veterans, adult learners, and those with transfer credits may qualify for specialized financial aid packages.

The university provides flexible payment plans, budgeting support, and guidance for managing the cost of tuition, housing, and course materials. Financial aid counselors assist students in identifying the best options, including available financial aid options for online learners considering an online bachelor’s degree in finance. This commitment to accessibility ensures that every student, whether starting fresh out of high school or returning to education, can afford a world-class education and confidently pursue a career in the finance field.

Finance Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate that they possess the core business knowledge generally expected of all business students and the depth of knowledge generally expected of students in their particular major or minor areas of study.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fundamental business principles, including accounting, finance, marketing, and management.
  • Students will apply specialized knowledge in their major or minor areas of study to practical and real-world scenarios.

2. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Students will gain hands-on experience, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings and develop practical skills that are essential for their career.
  • Students will demonstrate their ability to apply business concepts to real-world situations, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

3. Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically and to communicate effectively.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically by identifying, analyzing, and resolving unstructured business problems, and by making evidence-based decisions.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

    Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process

    Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.

    Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.