Finance
Undergraduate Overview
Why Pursue a Career in Finance, Banking, or Financial Technology?
Choosing to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance opens up a world of opportunities for students, leading to exciting careers in finance, banking, and financial technology (fintech). These thriving industries not only offer high earning potential but also provide job stability and the chance to work at the forefront of economic innovation.
- Finance: Finance is central to many critical activities that drive our free market economy. A finance degree provides students with a strong foundation in corporate finance, investments, money and capital markets, and personal financial planning, along with a deep understanding of the financial and legal dimensions of business. This program is ideal for students who enjoy working with numbers, have an aptitude for technology, and possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Emphases in the finance major include financial planning, insurance, investment, real estate, and honors degree options. At UW-Whitewater, finance students can earn Bloomberg Certification and participate in the Applied Investment Program, giving them a hands-on edge in real-world financial scenarios. The program is also recognized by the CFA Institute, positioning students well to sit for CFA exams, while the financial planning emphasis provides a pathway for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation.
- Banking: As the banking industry evolves, students with a background in finance or financial technology are positioned to lead the way. With a BBA in Finance, students gain expertise in financial management, risk assessment, and economics—skills essential for careers in commercial banking, wealth management, and risk management. The degree not only ensures stability but also equips students to shape the future of banking by adapting to digital advancements.
- Financial Technology (Fintech): For students interested in the intersection of finance and technology, a bachelor’s degree in fintech offers an exciting opportunity to work at the cutting edge of financial innovation. Fintech is transforming industries through digital payments, blockchain, and cybersecurity. Students graduating with a fintech degree are prepared for high-demand roles in digital banking, data analytics, and fintech startups, making them key players in the financial industry’s digital revolution.
By pursuing a BBA in Finance, students can unlock a future filled with opportunities, positioning themselves in industries that are essential to the future of the global economy.
The UW-Whitewater Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance requires a minimum of 120 credits, including:
- General education requirements
- Business requirements
- Major requirements
- Electives (to bring the total to at least 120 credits)
Information on the requirements specific to the finance major, including emphases options, can be found in the Course Catalog. Major video guides and course planning sheets are also available in Four Year Planning Resources.
Individuals wishing to deepen their knowledge of finance with post-baccalaureate studies can complete an advanced degree in finance online through the Master of Science in Finance, or online or on campus through the Master of Business Administration with Finance emphasis.
Two finance minors are also available for non-business students. Requirements can be found in the Course Catalog, or in the College of Business and Economics listing of minors and certificates.
Job Outlook
National employment growth for financial analysts is expected to be 6 percent1 from 2018 to 2028 and 7 percent2 for personal financial advisors. Projected growth in Wisconsin from 2016 to 2026 is expected to be 15 percent3 for financial analysts is and 23 percent4 for personal financial advisors.
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in finance or related field for entry-level positions. Research indicates finance majors receive a 38 percent wage premium from a graduate degree, which is the largest wage premium of all business majors.5 UW-Whitewater offers a two-year, 100 percent online Master of Science in Finance program for individuals interested in enhancing their undergraduate degree with a specialized master's degree.
Financial Analyst
National Median Pay (2018)1
$85,660 per year
Number of Jobs in the United States (2018)1
329.500
Number of Jobs in Wisconsin (2016)3
4,650
Annual Projected Job Openings in Wisconsin3
490
Personal Financial Advisor
National Median Pay (2019)2
$87,850 per year
Number of Jobs in the United States (2018)2
271,700
Number of Jobs in Wisconsin (2016)4
5,370
Annual Projected Job Openings in Wisconsin4
560
UW-Whitewater Placement Information
Placement Rate6
97%
UW-Whitewater Salary Estimate (6 months or less after graduation)6
$44,918
Highlighted Employers7
Edward Jones, Epic, FIS, Johnson Controls, Kerry Ingredients, Northwestern Mutual, TDS Telecom, U.S. Bank
Common Titles7
Alternative Investments Associate, Financial Advisor, Mutual Fund Administrator, Securities Specialist, Staff Accountant
1 Bureau of Labor and Statistics - Occupational Handbook: Financial Analysts
2 Bureau of Labor and Statistics - Occupational Handbook: Personal Financial Advisors
3 CareerOneStop (U.S. Dept. of Labor) - Occupational Profiles: Financial Analysts
4 CareerOneStop (U.S. Dept. of Labor) - Occupation Profiles: Personal Financial Advisors
5 Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce Analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, 2015 (p. 60)
6 Based on survey responses for the 2019-20 UW-Whitewater graduating class
7 Based on survey responses for 2017 - 2019 UW-Whitewater graduates