Finance
BS, Minor

Master capital. Manage risk. Drive strategy.

Finance drives the decisions that shape companies, markets, and economies. The finance major at the Charlton College of Business prepares you to analyze markets, manage risk, and allocate capital in a global financial system increasingly powered by data, technology, and real-time information.

You’ll develop expertise in corporate finance, investments, financial modeling, fintech, quantitative analysis, and data analytics while learning how financial professionals evaluate opportunities and manage uncertainty.

Graduates are prepared for careers in corporate finance, investment banking, asset management, financial planning, and fintech—and for pursuing professional credentials such as the CFA, CFP, and FINRA licenses that signal expertise in today’s financial industry.

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Student success

Finance major median starting salary

NACE Data Collection of Class of 2025 Undergraduate Alumni

Students in FIN 301 use Bloomberg Terminals in the Charlton Technology Center

Student spotlight

Charlton Investment Fund wins UMass System competition

Student-managed portfolio oversees more than $300,000 in real assets, posting a 20.44% return in 2025, outperforming the S&P 500 and peers across all UMass campuses.

Internship placements

Commonwealth Financial Network
Textron
ScottTrade
Ameriprise
Merrill Lynch
Insurance Roundtable (The Washington Center)

Career placements

EMC
Amica
Unilever
Fidelity
State Street Bank
Wells Fargo
Putnam Investments

Charlton’s finance curriculum blends financial theory with applied quantitative analysis. You’ll build expertise in corporate finance, investments, financial markets, risk management, and financial modeling while developing strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.

For the BS in finance, you’ll complete 120 total credit hours, including University Studies, business foundation courses, and upper-level finance coursework.

A minor in finance provides foundational knowledge in financial decision-making, investment management, and financial institutions. You’ll strengthen your analytical skills and deepen your understanding of how global financial markets operate.

Foundation courses in all business minors

ECO 231: Principles of Microeconomics
ACT 211: Principles of Accounting I
MKT 311: Principles of Marketing
MGT 201: Organizational Behavior

4+1 Accelerated bachelor’s to master’s option

Qualified students in this program may be eligible to pursue an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s pathway at UMass Dartmouth. This option allows you to begin graduate coursework while completing your undergraduate degree and transition directly into a master's program. Learn how the accelerated program works.

3+3 with UMass Law: a fast track to a law degree

Enrollment in the 3+3 joint degree program with UMass Law offers an accelerated pathway to an undergraduate and law degree, enabling qualifying students to substitute the first year of law school for the final year of their undergraduate program, thereby earning both a bachelor’s degree from UMass Dartmouth and a Juris Doctor from UMass Law in six rather than seven years.

4th

Highest-Ranked Public Undergraduate Business Programs in Massachusetts - U.S. News & World Report

AACSB-accredited business school
Ranked among the top public undergraduate business programs in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report)
Access to Charlton’s Student Managed Investment Fund and eight Bloomberg Terminals
Dedicated academic and career advising
Strong internship network across financial services and corporate sectors

Many finance majors pursue advanced credentials through Charlton’s accelerated 4+1 MBA or MS in finance programs, positioning themselves for certification requirements and leadership roles.

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about the Finance BS program? Below are answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.

The finance curriculum provides strong preparation in investment analysis, financial planning, risk management, and financial markets — foundational knowledge for certifications such as the CFP®, CFA®, and FINRA Series exams. Students interested in licensure or certification are encouraged to work with faculty advisors to align coursework and career planning with professional requirements.

As global markets expand and financial technologies evolve, demand for finance professionals with quantitative and data-driven expertise continues to grow. Finance majors are prepared for roles across corporate finance, investment banking, asset management, financial services, government, and fintech organizations, including:

budget analyst
financial analyst
financial manager
financial planner
mortgage officer
portfolio & mutual fund manager

Finance focuses on investment strategy, capital allocation, markets, and risk management. Accounting centers on financial reporting, auditing, and regulatory compliance. Because the fields are closely connected, many students pair a major and minor in finance and accounting to strengthen their analytical foundation and expand career opportunities.

You’ll learn from faculty with industry and research expertise who bring real-world financial insight into the classroom. Coursework integrates economics, accounting, statistics, and data analytics to prepare you for complex financial decision-making in corporate finance, investment management, and fintech environments.

Internships with corporations, financial institutions, and investment firms help you translate analytical skills into professional impact.

Yes. Many students continue into Charlton’s accelerated 4+1 MBA or MS in finance programs. Students may also pursue a 3+3 pathway with the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s School of Law, positioning themselves for careers in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and financial governance.