Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Finance and Economics
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance and Economics degree from Grand Canyon University (GCU) provides you with an advanced business skillset and knowledge in areas of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, preparing you to become a responsible contributor in the finance and economics areas of the global economy.
This finance and economics degree helps you prepare for entry-level careers in business, finance and economics by covering materials in finance, investments, banking, economics and international trade. Through your studies as a financial economics degree major, you will also study how markets can impact investing and businesses.
Earn Your Degree in Finance and Economics From GCU
A Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics means you will study two major fields within business. In this program, you will work to understand how the finance and economics fields relate to one another in the business industry.
The finance field is generally concerned with money management. This can include everything from investing to lending in both personal and business contexts. Finance also encompasses the oversight, creation and study of banking, credit and the asset and liability management that makes up financial systems.
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The economics discipline mainly focuses on how goods and services are made, distributed and consumed. Economic studies cover how people, businesses, governments and nations allocate and use resources such as time, land, money and tools.
You will study the relationship between finance and economics in this bachelor’s program. The financial state of individuals, businesses, communities and even countries can impact decision-making. Therefore, understanding economic conditions can greatly benefit those trying to make sound financial decisions.
What You Will Study in the Finance and Economics Degree Program
At GCU, earning a degree in finance and economics provides you with a well-rounded business education that focuses on two interrelated fields. As a graduate, you will gain knowledge in important topic areas such as:
- Finance
- Economics — micro, macro and international
- Statistics
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Investments
- Portfolio management
- Group behavior in organizations
- Relationships between monetary environments and financial planning
- Financial evaluation
- Legal and ethical business principles
Career Opportunities with a Finance and Economics Degree
As a BS in Finance and Economics graduate, you may gravitate toward jobs in either finance or economics. You may also find work that capitalizes on your skill set in bridging the gap between finance and economics. Organizations looking for people with a finance and economics background include financial services, insurance companies, mortgage companies, banks, international corporations, nonprofits and colleges.
Here are some of the career options you may have after earning your degree in finance and economics.
- Budget analyst
- Financial and investment analyst
- Personal financial advisor
- Loan officer
- Risk management analyst
- General and operations manager
- Financial manager
Degree in Finance and Economics FAQs
If earning a business degree that combines two major business fields seems appealing, a program that combines finance and economics may be a good fit for you. Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics degree at GCU.
A financial economics degree gives you the base of knowledge you need to pursue a career you find rewarding. Job opportunities in this field are expected to grow faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, which estimates job growth for financial analysts to increase by about 9% from 2021 to 2031, accounting for an estimated increase of 31,900 jobs in the field.1
A degree in finance and economics from GCU instills you with critical knowledge and modern business practices. In this program, you will learn important concepts in finance, statistics and marketing. You will also gain competence in managing portfolios and evaluating finances and become well-versed in legal and ethical business principles. This finance and economics degree provides you with the skillsets needed from a business professional.
Many entry level jobs in finance and economics, such as a financial analyst position, require a related bachelor’s degree.2 Different sectors include financial advising, investment and commercial banking. This degree in finance and economics includes careers such as financial manager, budget or credit analyst, loan officer or even a postsecondary business teacher, this degree in finance and economics can help you get there.
Finance and economics often influence each other and are interconnected. Finance is derived from economics and often covers more specific, precise topics. Economics considers the bigger picture, looking at overall economic function. With this in mind, there are parts of the curriculum that may relate to both, such as courses involving financial markets, investments and banking.
Yes. Becoming a finance and economics major at GCU means that you have the option to earn your degree through an online format, providing you with the opportunity to earn your degree in a way that fits your lifestyle.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Financial Analysts, retrieved on Feb. 7, 2023.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Financial Analysts. Retrieved Feb. 7, 2023.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course provides the foundation of core knowledge within the field of information technology. Topics include technology-centric organizations, the type and role of fundamental information technology systems, data management to include privacy and security, e-business and m-business, hardware, software, and computer networks.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the accounting cycle and the construction of financial statements. Students explore the fundamental principles and practices of financial accounting as outlined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); the steps in the accounting cycle from journalizing transactions through the preparation of financial statements; and the use and interpretation of the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144 or MAT-154.
Course Description
This course introduces models and practices used by contemporary marketers in fast-paced, dynamic, domestic and global markets, including the marketing concept and processes for developing, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of marketing plans. Building from a foundational understanding of consumer behavior and marketing research, students examine the development and implementation of marketing mix strategies and tactics with an emphasis of how marketing integrates within all aspects of business.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the use of managerial accounting data in the decision-making process. Topics include the use of cost-volume-profit (CVP) analysis and relevant costs in decision making, using budgets and the balanced scorecard to evaluate performance, methods for setting prices of products and services, and analyzing capital investment opportunities. Prerequisite: ACC-250.
Course Description
This course develops the concepts of calculus through a wide variety of applications. Topics include limits, continuity, derivatives, antiderivatives, and integration. Prerequisite: MAT-154.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the practical application of descriptive and inferential statistics in business. Topics include probability, probability distributions, the central limit theorem, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144, or MAT-154.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course is a comprehensive study of the legal and ethical issues of concern to business, including those areas of the U.S. legal system that are most relevant to business, such as the law of torts, strict liability, intellectual property, and contract law. It explores the role of ethics and values in business decision making and approaches these subjects from the perspective of the stakeholders as opposed to an economic interpretation of the firm and its responsibilities.
Course Description
This course focuses on the fundamental ideas of microeconomics. Students examine the market forces of supply and demand under different market structures in order to understand how economic agents make decisions about both consumption and production. The structure, conduct, and performance of markets are evaluated through analysis of consumer, producer, and societal welfare. Students explore the topic of factor markets in which the incomes of most workers and owners of capital and property are determined. Prerequisites: ACC-240 or ACC-250 and BUS-352.
Course Description
This course focuses on the national economy by examining macroeconomic data measuring national income, the cost of living, production and growth, and unemployment. Students examine the basic functions of the monetary system and analyze the macro economy in terms of long-run economic productivity and growth and in terms short-run fluctuations. The influence and effect of macroeconomic policy is studied within the context of current events. Prerequisite: ECN-361.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to managerial finance and the financial markets, analysis of financial statements, time value of money, interest rates, asset valuation, assessment of risk, cost of capital, and capital budgeting. Prerequisites: ECN-220, ECN-351, or ECN-361; and ACC-240 or ACC-250.
Course Description
This course studies stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and other investment vehicles, and their application in investing. The securities market and trading procedures are discussed. The course introduces portfolio theory that is applicable to both professional portfolio management and individual investment decisions. The application of portfolio theory to corporate investments and diversification is also introduced. Prerequisite: FIN-350.
Course Description
This course provides a study of interrelationships between the international monetary environment and financial planning for corporations with overseas operations. The topics covered include the international monetary system, the foreign exchange market, managing exchange exposure, political risk management, import/export financing, and international performance evaluation. Prerequisites: FIN-350 and either ECN-362 or ECN-351.
Course Description
Drawing upon real-world management situations, this course is a study of individual and group behavior in organizations through detailed coverage of the functions of management, individual differences/diversity, leadership, motivation, decision making, organizational design, and organizational change and development. Emphasis is placed on how an understanding of organizational behavior leads to effective management practice.
Course Description
This course is an advanced study of the finance function within the modern corporation. Topics covered include financial analysis and planning, the valuation of financial assets, capital budgeting, capital structure, and working capital management. Prerequisites: ACC-240 or ACC-260 or ACC-350; and FIN-350.
Course Description
This course is an overview of the modern monetary system as the informal infrastructure for a dynamic and decentralized global economy. Students examine this system by looking at a variety of markets where deal making activities take place between central banks, traditional banks, and "near banks" that act as dealmakers in both capital and money markets by supplying liquidity to the system. Innovative central bank policies and activities intended to stabilize the system are discussed. Prerequisites: ECN-362 and FIN-350.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course serves as the capstone experience in business and management that includes the gradual development of a comprehensive and integrative business plan. This course is designed to assist students in their development as managers, servant leaders, and successful strategic thinkers. Management, marketing, accounting, finance, economics, global perspectives, law, and political issues are covered during this course. Prerequisites: MGT-420 or MGT-422HN; FIN-210 or FIN-350; and MKT-245 or MKT-315.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.