Finance plays a central and critical role in the functioning of the economy. All enterprises (for-profit, nonprofit, and government) need to finance their strategic undertakings as well as their ongoing operations. Individuals, likewise, need to plan for important future events (e.g., financing their children's education, weddings, and retirement). The study of finance provides students with the knowledge and tools necessary to work and thrive in today’s dynamic global financial environment.

Students of finance typically follow career paths in financial management (such as working in the finance department of a corporation or government unit or working in a consulting firm), investments (such as brokerage, portfolio management, or security analysis), or financial services (such as working in a bank or an insurance company).

The curriculum of the Finance Department is uniquely designed to meet the needs of students wishing to pursue any of these career paths by offering three different track options within the finance major: the Managerial Finance (MGF) track, the Investment and Financial Analysis (IFA) track, and the Risk Management (RM) track. Students selecting the IFA track commit to preparing for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) professional designation exam at the end of their senior year..

Understanding the importance of linking theory and practice, the department recommends that students consider joining Gamma Iota Sigma (the Risk Management and Insurance Club) and/or the Investment Club (in which students manage an actual investment fund). In addition, we advise that, during their University years, students strongly consider undertaking an internship or co-op.