Finance
Bachelor's
PROGRAM SNAPSHOT
Raise funds, budget expenses, and spend capital. Develop strategies for people and businesses to achieve their financial goals.
The global economy is expanding. Investment levels are increasing. And security offerings are becoming more complex. Combined, these factors spur a high demand for people with financial expertise.
Finance professionals manage portfolios of stocks and bonds for people and businesses.
Finance professionals also consider the risks with certain investments or budgeting decisions, and they investigate the financial health of corporations across industries.
Blend your interests for math and technology with your drive for investments and financial success as a Finance major at Winona State.
This program is available through WSU’s Department of Finance. This program is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
As a Finance major, you’ll manage portfolios for real-world firms and break down complex financial information.
You’ll also:
- use Excel to solve business finance problems.
- track virtual investments in futures, options, swaps, and other derivative securities.
- network with industry experts who share what life as a financial professional is like during monthly talks, like Finance@Noon.
Your coursework will prepare you for careers in small or large corporations, banks, government agencies, and other financial institutions. You’ll also be ready for self-employment if you want to be your own boss.
Aside from major- or minor-specific requirements, you’ll need to complete additional requirements through the General Education Program (GEP) to earn your degree from Winona State University.
Learn More about the GEP
Inside the Classroom
Finance majors complete several projects to hone their skills before they graduate.
Through extensive ratio analyses, you’ll measure the financial health of large, complex banks. You’ll also help manage a stock portfolio worth $400,000.
Previous portfolio clients include Dave & Buster’s, Take-Two Interactive (creators of the Grand Theft Auto franchise), and iRobot (creators of Roomba® Robot Vacuum Cleaners).
Be one step closer to becoming a finance professional by earning industry-recognized credentials along with your degree.
The Finance curriculum prepares you to sit for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification exam through the CFA Institute.
You can also earn credit that counts toward your Finance degree by completing the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam through Financial Industry Regularly Authority (FINRA).
The College of Business Engagement Center is your hub for experiential learning.
This space comprises the Winona National Bank Financial Markets Lab, Strauss Center for Sales Excellence, Federated Insurance Role Play Room, and an event area dedicated to collaborating with guest business partners.
You’ll receive personalized student advising services and other support as you enroll in the Finance major to when you graduate.
There’s also a business-focused career services advisor who’s ready to match you with a local organization in need of new talent.
Beyond Campus
You’ll enjoy several affordable tours of key finance workplaces in Minneapolis, Chicago, and beyond.
These visits allow you to expand your network with your peers, Finance alumni, and successful finance professionals within the region.
Past educational visit sites include Churchill Industries, Economics Club of MN, Timberwolves ACC/FIN Panel, Minneapolis, Fed., and Minnesota Bankers Association.
Many Finance majors complete an internship before they graduate, although it isn’t required.
Internships often open doors for networking and future employment opportunities.
You could find yourself interning in firms like Edward Jones, Fastenal, IBM, Kohl’s, Kohler, Northwestern Mutual, Target, and U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission.
Apply what you learn in the classroom by traveling the world. At WSU, you can earn credit that applies to your degree while exploring the globe.
Learn about the business of health care in Paris, Poland’s economics, and the sustainability of international business in Scotland
Or stay within the U.S. and dive into the markets and influential financial institutions along Wall Street and Main Street in New York City.
Outside of class, you can research a finance problem through an Independent Study. Previous Finance majors have analyzed firms and created equity reports.
Finance majors can also compete in the annual CFA Institute Research Challenge.
Students from around the world compete for the best financial analysis of a corporation. Get advice from senior corporate executives and work with an investment industry mentor to fine-tune your strategy.
Complement your studies and meet other students who are passionate about finance through campus clubs and organizations.
Like the Financial Management Association, Math/Stat Club, Student Economics Association, and WSU Accounting Association.
Or join the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society, Delta Sigma Pi, and Pi Sigma Epsilon.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial examiner professions are predicted to grow 21% and financial manager positions are expected to grow 17% by 2031.
Personal financial advisor professions also anticipate a 15% growth within the next decade.
Bachelor's, Transfer Pathway
Bachelor's
Bachelor's, Transfer Pathway