Bachelor of Arts in Finance

In today's economy, individuals and businesses rely on a range of financial services and strategic plans detailing current and future money managing and planning needs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sees financial advising jobs growing by 30 percent until 2024, with the annual median salary averaging $89,160. By enrolling as a finance major, you will prepare for an in-demand career that could lead you to a position at a bank, credit union, insurance company, brokerage firm, law firm, or credit counseling agency. This major is designed to teach students business basics and the language of business through core courses, while also honing in on specific topics such as tax accounting, estate planning, investing, and financial planning. As a capstone project, students create a comprehensive financial plan, including education and retirement forecasting, portfolio construction, and budget analysis.

Many Finance students belong to Laker Assent Management, which is a student-run club that invests $250,000 in Mercyhurst endowment funds. The investments are broken down into researched funds earmarked for long-term investment themes. Funds are also allocated to a stock market game in which students form groups and compete buying investments of their choosing. The club also has investment learning units where topics of company valuation, economic trends, and cryptocurrencies are explained.

Mercyhurst University's Finance major is a CFP Board Registered program that satisfies the education coursework requirement, enabling graduates to sit for the CFP Exam.