Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Finance and Economics

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Degree Level

Bachelor's

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Business

Program

BS in Finance and Economics

Current Education Level

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Citizenship Status

U.S. Citizen

Military Affiliation

No military affiliation

Country

United States

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Overview

Explore Foundational Business Practices With a Focus on Economics

A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance and Economics degree from Grand Canyon University provides you with an advanced business skill set 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.

Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics

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: 7 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 Degree in Finance and Economics From GCU

In this Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics program, you will Work to understand how the finance and economics fields relate to one another in the business industry. 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.

Finance: 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.

Economics: 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.

Careers

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

31,900

Estimated increase of jobs in the field from 2021 to 2031¹

FAQ

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.

Courses

Course List

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major64 credits

Open Elective Credits16-22 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.

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.

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.

MAT-251

4 Total Credits

BUS-352

4 Total Credits

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-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.

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.

FIN-350

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.

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.

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-450

4 Total Credits

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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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.

Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Finance and Economics

Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Finance and Economics

Explore Foundational Business Practices With a Focus on Economics

Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics

Earn Your Degree in Finance and Economics From GCU

What You Will Study in the Finance and Economics Degree Program

Career Opportunities With a Finance and Economics Degree

31,900

Degree in Finance and Economics FAQs

Course List

Start Your Journey Today

Course List

Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics