Finance
Major, Minor
Overview of our finance degree
You probably relate: We rarely have as much money as we'd like to meet all our needs. Companies are no different. Our finance students learn how to help corporations or organizations meet their financial goals. As part of our program, you'll use popular software and simulate real-world scenarios — ideal preparation to become an analyst, trader or finance executive.
AT A GLANCE
Why our finance degree?
No business —no matter how innovative— can succeed without money. Finance experts help businesses manage their money, make more and meet ongoing objectives. The subject is so critical that more CEOs have a background in finance degree than in any other discipline.
Our finance degree prepares you for careers in corporate finance, investment banking, asset management or commercial banking. Classes cover topics such as accounting, capital markets and financial instruments.
By graduation, you'll understand the principles of investing and portfolio management. You'll also be equipped to:
- Calculate the value of cash flows and financial assets.
- Understand the role of financial institutions.
- Analyze corporate financial statements.
- Explain capital budgeting.
- Assess the riskiness of capital structure decisions and how to return funds to investors.
- Understand the valuation and trading practices for derivatives.
- Learn how multinational companies manage investment and financing on a global scale.
Interested in a finance minor?
You can also minor in finance. You'll learn basic topics such as accounting and economics and then choose electives to gain more focus such as personal financial planning, investing and real estate.
What will you learn while earning a finance degree at CMU?
CMU finance students will:
- Gain access to 12 Bloomberg terminals: Our finance degree students utilize 12 Bloomberg terminals, the gold standard for financial data.
- Manage portfolios: You will oversee more than $4 million in assets across three portfolios.
- Excel at the Bloomberg Aptitude Test: Our students demonstrate strong performance in the Bloomberg Aptitude Test, assessing analytical reasoning and knowledge of investment banking and global markets.
- Have networking opportunities: You can engage with alumni and employers and actively participate in intercollegiate investment competitions.
- Access scholarships and intensive training: You will be able to access scholarships, internships and intensive training through the Michigan Finance Scholars program.
- Explore a residential college option: Freshmen can apply to live and learn in the Business Residential College program.
- Apply for special scholarships: Our students are eligible for a scholarship available to those who are family members of insurance agents of Citizens Insurance Co. or its affiliates, with additional scholarships for finance majors with junior standing.
What jobs can you get with a finance degree?
Finance majors at CMU are prepared for careers in finance, investments, banking and management.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Accountant or Auditor | $90,780 |
| Budget Analyst | $90,880 |
| Financial Risk Specialist | $118,950 |
| Financial Manager | $174,820 |
| Financial Examiner | $98,120 |
Master finance with the Michigan Finance Scholars program
Join our Michigan Finance Scholars program to explore corporate finance, investment banking, asset management and commercial banking. Engage in practical workshops, solve real-world case studies and compete in events that prepare you for internships and a successful career in finance.
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