Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance Degree

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Degree Level

Bachelor's

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Business

Program

BS in Finance

Current Education Level

Make a selection

Citizenship Status

U.S. Citizen

Military Affiliation

No military affiliation

Country

United States

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Overview

Begin Your Career in the Finance Field With a BS in Finance

A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance degree from Grand Canyon University can help prepare you to work in the financial world. As a BS in Finance degree major, you will have the opportunity to be taught about industries including financial services, wealth management, corporate finance, insurance and real estate.

You will also learn how to analyze data and information related to money management. Integrate your understanding of financial markets on a global scale with decision-making for everyone, from individual clients to major corporations.

Consider enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in Finance degree program if you are interested in the exciting world of financial management. Career possibilities with a BS in Finance degree can help prepare you to work in a variety of industries or sector and with any size client-base. You may find yourself working for corporations, individuals or nonprofits.

Bachelor of Science in Finance

Offered By

Colangelo College of Business

Class Settings

Campus

Online

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Online: $485 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

Why GCU

Earn Your Finance Bachelor’s Degree Online

At GCU, you can earn your undergraduate financial degree on campus or in an online format. Online degrees at GCU come with various online learning resources and support to assist you while you complete your degree in a flexible, convenient format.

All Finance Emphases

Financial Planning

Coursework

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance Course Topics

You will be taught how to develop useful communication and critical thinking skills, information literacy and research skills, business and operations understanding, as well as legal and ethical practices.

Careers in both finance and accounting help businesses run successfully. The main difference between a bachelor’s in finance versus a bachelor’s in accounting is that finance majors study topics related to money management, such as investments, portfolio management, risks, banking and financial markets, while accounting majors focus on the reporting of finances, and study topics like accounting procedures, financial statement preparation, auditing and tax preparation.

Core Business Domains

Like all degrees earned from the Colangelo College of Business at GCU, the BS in Finance is based on core business domains. These domains help you become a well-rounded, ethical practitioner.

The undergraduate financial degree program core classes focus on:

Investment strategies

Modern monetary systems

Capital markets

Budget and accounting report analysis

Financial proposals

Credit reporting and money lending

Risks and mitigation strategies

Real estate proposals and financing options

Careers

Career Opportunities With an Undergraduate Finance Degree

GCU BS in Finance graduates often have opportunities to work in many different capacities. Companies looking for finance degree holders include corporations, financial and banking institutions, brokerage firms, investment companies, real estate and insurance organizations. Government may be another option for financial employment.

$99,580

Median annual wage of personal financial advisors as of May 2023^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Potential Jobs With a BS in Finance

Positions within companies can vary greatly for BS Finance degree graduates. Depending on personal interest, you might find work as a:

Financial analyst
Investment analyst
Loan officer
General and operations manager
Financial manager
Budget analyst

FAQ

BS in Finance Degree Program FAQs

If you’re considering earning your finance bachelor's degree online or on campus, read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about pursuing a career in the finance field.

Is a BS in Finance a good major?

You may find a bachelor’s degree in finance to be a good career path for those who excel in effective communication, have problem-solving skills and enjoy working with reports and numbers.

The BLS estimates job growth for personal financial advisors to increase by about 13% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 42,000 jobs in the field.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Is a BS in Finance worth it?

Is a Bachelor of Science in Finance a difficult degree?

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major76 credits

Open Elective Credits4-10 credits

Degree Requirements120 credits

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.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

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.

Competency

9-12 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

11-12 Total Credits

Course Description

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.

Competency

6-8 Total Credits

Course Description

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.

Core Courses

BIT-200

4 Total Credits

ACC-250

4 Total Credits

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, MAT-154, or higher subsequent math course.

ACC-260

4 Total Credits

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.

BUS-352

4 Total Credits

MAT-251

4 Total Credits

ECN-361

4 Total Credits

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.

BUS-340

4 Total Credits

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.

ECN-362

4 Total Credits

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.

MKT-315

4 Total Credits

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.

FIN-350

4 Total Credits

FIN-450

4 Total Credits

FIN-375

4 Total Credits

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.

MGT-420

4 Total Credits

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.

FIN-431

4 Total Credits

FIN-432

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this introduction to the real estate industry, students learn about the risks and rewards associated with investing in and financing both residential and commercial real estate. This course includes concepts and techniques relevant to a variety of careers related to real estate. This course also provides students with a better understanding of real estate for their own personal investment and financing decisions. Prerequisite: FIN-350.

FIN-451

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is an advanced study of investments and their application in investment portfolio management. The course develops and emphasizes 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 discussed. Prerequisites: MAT-251 and FIN-375.

ECN-450

4 Total Credits

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.

ECN-460

4 Total Credits

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.

BUS-485

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This writing-intensive course is built around a team-based simulation requiring a high level of peer interaction and collaboration and serves as the capstone experience in business and management, introducing students to functional, business, and corporate strategy from the perspective of a strategy analyst. Tools and techniques are applied to the student’s previous knowledge of accounting, finance, management, analytics, marketing, economics, entrepreneurship, and leadership acquired through their individual programs of study. Students integrate strategic analysis to demonstrate mastery of a wide variety of business domains. Prerequisites: MGT-420 or MGT-422HN; FIN-210 or FIN-350; and MKT-245 or MKT-315.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
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

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Start Your Journey Today

People who work in finance can make a big difference in the lives of individuals and the success of businesses. If making financial decisions is of interest to you, a degree in finance may be your next best step. Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Finance degree from GCU by filling out the form on this page.

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The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Personal Financial Advisors, as of May 2023, retrieved April 26, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as personal financial advisors nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.
COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Personal Financial Advisors, retrieved Nov. 1, 2023.