FINANCE

Industry recognized. Nationally known.

UW-Whitewater’s finance programs have been accepted into the highly selective CFA Institute University Recognition Program. This status is only granted to institutions whose degree programs incorporate at least 70% of the CFA Program Common Body of Knowledge — proof that we prepare students for the rigors of the CFA exam and to ultimately obtain the Chartered Financial Analyst ® designation.

Expedited Exam: Get CFP-Ready

With 100% of the required competencies covered, our financial planning majors qualify for expedited testing to earn their Certified Financial Planner designation. In addition, interested students can enroll in specialized courses to prep them for the Securities Industry Essentials exam and the Credit Essentials Certificate exam.

Banking

Banks are a lifeline for economic prosperity in communities across the country, helping individuals and businesses achieve their goals through financial services. From personal banking to lending and credit analysis, UW-Whitewater’s banking major will prepare you to work at and even manage a bank successfully.

This emphasis officially begins in spring of 2025, but enrolled students can start taking courses now!

Financial planning

As a financial planning major at UW-Whitewater, you’ll gain marketable skills through a range of academic and professional development offerings.

If your goal is to help families plan for their future, we want you to hit the ground running in your finance career. Personal financial advisors and financial managers are two roles expected to grow much faster than the average occupation through 2033, and both of these positions can be personally — and financially — rewarding.

Fintech

From software to mobile apps, fintech — short for financial technology — is revolutionizing the way customers pay for products and services. Companies and organizations are seeking knowledgeable professionals to hone and employ these technologies.

At UW-Whitewater, you can blend your passion for finance and technology innovation by pursuing a fintech career. Our fintech major emphasis at UW-Whitewater officially begins in fall of 2025, but enrolled students can start taking courses now!

Insurance

Working in the insurance industry is attractive for many reasons, including job stability, earning potential and a sense of purpose as you help customers find peace of mind.

If you’ve been searching for a school with an insurance major in Wisconsin, you’ll be happy to know UW-Whitewater’s nationally recognized finance program offers a concentration designed with this exciting field in mind. Gain a foundation in corporate finance, investment and capital markets. With your insurance major emphasis you will develop specialized knowledge and practical skills that will prepare you for work in the risk management industry.

Investment

Smart investing can transform people’s lives and the communities in which they live.

As a finance — investment major at UW-Whitewater, you’ll learn the in’s and out’s of the stock market, how to create and manage investment portfolios, and help organizations make sound financial decisions. You can pursue Bloomberg, Factset and Wall Street Prep certifications and first-hand portfolio management. Whether you desire a job as a stock broker, investment analyst or a financial services sales agent, our experiential program will prepare you to succeed in the industry.

Real estate

The commercial real estate market is growing in areas across the Midwest and in cities around the nation. With an understanding of real estate (investments, development, law and taxes), you can enter this exciting and evolving field with confidence.

If you’ve been asking “what degree do you need for a real estate career?” or wondering if there are colleges with real estate majors in Wisconsin, UW-Whitewater might have your answer.

While a college degree for real estate agent positions isn’t required, a BBA in finance with a concentration in real estate will prepare you for numerous real estate careers, from investments and lending to brokering and managing, as well as development.

Applied Investments Program

This is an opportunity not typically available to undergraduate students at other universities. Our Applied Investment Program students use the best analytical tools and Wall Street Research to gain direct, practical experience managing a $1,000,000+ portfolio. This is real money, a real portfolio, and real experience.

Finance trading room

Hone trading and security analysis skills using our Bloomberg terminals.

Project-based capstone course

Show you’ve mastered your investment knowledge through an in-class project where you’ll serve as a financial advisor.

Finance Day

Housed in UW-Whitewater’s corporate-like education setting — Hyland Hall — Finance Day is an annual event where students network with industry professionals and learn about working in finance.

Internships

Gain practical financial planning experience in a professional setting. Our faculty maintain strong connections with businesses and organizations across the region and can connect you with internship opportunities.

Study abroad and travel study

Expand your global awareness by spending a semester abroad or on a short-term, faculty-led trip.