Charlton College of Business

Finance BS

Turn opportunity into strategy. Build the financial expertise to launch a career in investment banking, corporate finance, wealth management, fintech, and beyond with a BS in Finance built for today’s global markets.

Degree: Bachelor of Science; Accelerated degree options
Modality: On-campus

Duration: 4 years
Total Credits: 120
Accredited: AACSB

Median starting salary:: $72,500 Median starting salary. View career outcomes.

Jeevan Araveti pictured in front of a Bloomberg Terminal in the Charlton Technology Center

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Master capital. Navigate risk. Drive strategy.

Finance drives 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 business analytics while learning how financial professionals evaluate opportunities, make strategic decisions, and manage uncertainty in complex environments.

Graduates are prepared to compete 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 and leadership in today’s financial industry.

Launch your career

Median starting salary

Source: NACE AY 2025 Data Collection of Undergraduate Alumni

Finance is the #1 in-demand bachelor's degree

Source: NACE Winter 2026 Salary Survey

What can I do with a Finance BS degree?

A finance degree prepares you to analyze markets, manage investments, assess risk, and make strategic financial decisions across banking, corporate finance, investment management, insurance, and fintech. Graduates pursue careers in financial analysis, wealth management, investment banking, financial planning, portfolio management, and more.

Investment Banker
Financial Analyst
Portfolio Manager

Wealth Manager
Corporate Finance Analyst
Financial Advisor

Risk Analyst
FinTech Analyst
Investment Analyst

Top employers

Curriculum

Charlton’s finance curriculum blends financial theory with applied quantitative analysis.

You’ll complete 120 credit hours, including business foundations and advanced finance coursework designed to help you:

analyze financial markets and investment opportunities
evaluate risk and return
make strategic corporate finance decisions
build financial models and analyze complex data
apply financial technology and analytical tools

You won’t just study how markets work—you’ll learn how to use financial data to evaluate opportunities, manage risk, and make high-stakes financial decisions.

Academic catalog

Explore the official academic catalog for detailed curriculum requirements, course descriptions and program information.

View the full academic catalog (opens in a new tab)

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

Student Success

Charlton Investment Fund wins UMass System competition

Student-managed portfolio posts 20.44% return, outperforming the S&P 500 and peers across all UMass campuses

Accelerated degree options

Explore accelerated pathways that may help you complete your bachelor’s degree sooner, begin graduate coursework early, or pursue a streamlined path to a master’s, teaching, or law degree. Available options vary by program and eligibility.

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 more

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.

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Accolades

UMass Dartmouth is a nationally ranked R2 research university that combines the resources of a major university with a personalized educational experience. Ranked among the top 15 public research institutions with fewer than 10,000 students and in the top 17% nationally for return on investment, UMass Dartmouth is recognized for advancing research, social mobility, and career-ready education.

AACSB-Accredited Excellence at Charlton

The Charlton College of Business holds AACSB accreditation, a distinction earned by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. Nationally ranked undergraduate, graduate, and online programs combine rigorous academics with experiential learning, while strong employment and salary outcomes demonstrate the lasting value of a Charlton education.

Accreditations and distinctions

Charlton is proud to be one of less than 6% of business schools worldwide to earn AACSB accreditation, the gold standard for business schools.

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about the Finance BS program? Here you will find 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.