B.S. in Business Administration, Finance

This Business Administration – Finance major at Colorado State University is designed to prepare undergraduate students to enter the finance profession with comprehensive knowledge and real world skills in their area of emphasis. The field of finance is constantly evolving. The program focuses on providing state-of-the-art tools, techniques, and computer applications.

Learning Outcomes

Students in the Business Administration – Finance major at Colorado State University will demonstrate the ability to:

• Display broad conceptual knowledge, analytical abilities, and problem solving skill sets in finance
• Analyze and interpret financial statements, and capital markets and economic data to inform business decisions
• Explain the role of business financing and investment decisions on firm value
• Understand the structure and function of financial markets, and the pricing of securities that trade in these markets
• Characterize the relationship between expected return and various sources of risks
• Identify and implement asset allocation and portfolio diversification strategies to improve investment outcomes
• Appreciate the role of the firm in the broader economy and society including an understanding of the many stakeholders of the firm in global markets

In addition to the core areas of asset valuation, investments, and global finance, the concentration allows students to select from three options for more in-depth study.

• The Corporate Finance option prepares students for positions in both financial and non-financial business enterprises in which they will need to make and defend strategic financial decisions in capital budgeting, planning, control, and policy.
• The Investment Analysis option focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of investment valuation, selection, and portfolio management, for both individual and institutional investors.
• The Real Estate Finance option prepares students for careers in commercial or residential real estate and related industries, while also providing strong foundations in financial analysis.

Potential Occupations

Finance students are prepared for a number of different careers in business. Internships and volunteer experiences enhance skills and marketability.

Examples of fields in which graduates can find finance-related occupations include: commercial, mortgage, and investment banking; corporate finance; investments; portfolio management; financial analysis; securities analysis; loan analysis; risk management and insurance; stock brokerage; government banking and securities regulation; government finance; teaching and research.