Finance
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A degree in finance requires 124 credit hours and leads to a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. No minor or second major is required. A common body of knowledge is required of all students majoring in the College of Business and Industry at Mississippi State University. Students may supplement the required courses with a number of business and non-business elective courses. By carefully selecting these elective courses, students may develop a program of study that fits with their interests and career preparation needs. In order to maximize the benefits of their program, students are strongly encouraged to work closely with their assigned advisor in developing their program of study.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The career opportunities for finance majors are varied and challenging. The program of study prepares graduates for decision-making positions in both the public and private sectors. Many graduates accept positions within the banking industry, including commercial banks and federal and state bank regulating agencies. The majority of these opportunities require indepth knowledge of finance and a solid foundation in analytical and communications skills. Additionally, banking and finance majors receive "hands-on" experience with modern computer hardware and software. Graduates have also found career opportunities as financial analysts and consultants with major corporations and private enterprises throughout the United States. Below are just a few of the careers from which students of finance may choose:
- Financial Manager
- Commercial Bank Officer
- Financial Planner
- Management Consultant
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Manager
- Bank Examiner
- Employee Benefits Manager
- Credit Analyst
- Pension Fund Manager
The opportunities for finance majors are excellent and the prospects look very good for the next several years. A finance graduate, with the proper preparation, has only to choose what career path to follow.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Students may choose from three Areas of Concentration: 1) Banking, 2) Financial Services, and 3) Corporate Finance. All Banking and Finance majors must complete an Internship or Finance Career Seminar course which provides field experience prior to graduation. For specific course requirements, please refer to the current Curriculum Guide.
CURRICULUM GUIDES
GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN FINANCE
The Department of Finance and Economics offers graduate degrees at both the masters and doctoral levels. While the department is an active particpant in the College of Business Master of Business Administration (MBA) program (complete information about the MBA is found on the Graduate Studies in Business website), students desiring a more specialized advanced degree may choose the Ph.D. in Business Administration with a major in finance. For a look at where our recent doctoral graduates are working, visit this page.
