Online Bachelor’s in Finance Curriculum

Financial services are provided by a broad range of money-managing businesses in the financial sector. These businesses include banks, credit unions, insurance companies, credit card companies, financial accounting firms, consumer finance companies, stock brokers, and investment fund managers.

A job in financial services is at the heart of money management, presenting dynamic and challenging career opportunities. The financial industry offers a variety of career paths for graduates in finance. Potential job offerings include financial planner, financial advisor, claims analyst, claims adjuster, investment banking analyst, and financial project specialist. By enrolling in an undergraduate finance degree program, students will be exposed to a curriculum that can set them on the right path towards pursuing a career in financial services.

Maryville University Online BS in Finance Curriculum

Students interested in delving into the world of finance should consider exploring Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Science in Finance program.

The 128-credit curriculum includes general education courses (39 credits), business core courses (36 credits), finance major courses and electives (30 credits), and general electives (23 credits).

Learn more about Maryville’s finance curriculum here:

Business Core

  • This course covers commonly used software installed on PCs and laptops, web-based technologies, and applications (apps) used on digital devices. Information literacy and database concepts are also covered in this course.

  • In today’s business world, effective communication, whether it is delivered face-to-face or in a written format, is essential. This course increases the ability of students to express themselves effectively through various forms of communications channels. The course is designed to enhance the quality of student’s communication skills.

  • This course focuses on how business events affect financial statements by acquiring a working knowledge of basic accounting theory and concepts. Topics include the role of accounting in decision making; the recording procedures that accountants use to organize information for financial statement preparation; and analytical tools and accounting principles to aid in reading and interpreting financial statements.

  • This course provides an exploration of accounting concepts used by managers and leaders within organizations. Emphasis is placed on the impact of financial information in planning, decision making, and control. This course will address cost classifications, product and service costing methods and systems, profit planning, measuring performance, and the impact on all stakeholders.

  • This course develops business data analysis skills and statistical techniques using spreadsheets. Topics include data collection storage and analysis using descriptive statistics, tables and charts; probability and data distributions, statistical tests, correlation, regression, forecasting, and quality control analysis.

  • Business Law I provides students with essential legal knowledge and critical analytical skills to understand how legal frameworks impact decision-making in the corporate world. The course covers key topics such as distinguishing between civil and criminal liability, evaluating the enforceability of contracts, and navigating employment law. Through practical case studies, students will learn to address legal challenges and apply legal principles effectively in business settings. The course covers key topics such as distinguishing between civil and criminal liability, evaluating the enforceability of contracts, navigating employment law, and legal business entities.

  • This course introduces students to management through real-world applications and practical insights. Learn how to navigate the complexities of decision-making, motivate teams, and lead organizational change. Focusing on modern business challenges, this course equips students with the tools and understanding necessary for effective leadership and team dynamics in today’s evolving workplace.

  • An introduction to the concepts of marketing and their application to those engaged in marketing consumer and industrial goods and services; pricing, product planning, distribution and promotion.

  • Students examine basic financial management of business firms: a) procurement, b) allocation and c) control of funds; corporate financial behavior; financial instruments and markets; and the analysis and interpretation of investment and profit performance.

  • This course examines business operations as they relate to both product and service type components. The course provides techniques of production and operation, as well as techniques for service type organizations.

  • This course focuses on the tools and concepts of strategic management as applied within the business context. Students will develop both the understanding and analytical skills necessary for strategic analysis, formulation and implementation. The course will also involve integration of concepts from prior business core courses.

Finance Core

  • This course studies the basic analytical tools needed for personal financial planning and decision making. Topics covered will include the monitoring and management of personal finances, protection of financial resources, financial investment and growth, long-term financial planning, and the ethical considerations within our financial system.

  • This course examines the functions and practices of the major types of financial institutions in our economy. Students will understand the basic operations of – and issues surrounding – commercial banks, thrifts, insurance companies, mutual funds, pension funds, finance companies, venture capital firms, investment banks, and brokerage firms. Students will also learn the basic functions of the Federal Reserve System.

  • This is an advanced course in financial management of corporations. Topics include valuation techniques, risk and capital budgeting, capital markets, investment banking, long term debt and lease financing, common and preferred stock financing, dividend policy and retained earnings and international financial management. Emphasis will be put on current events in finance and the relationship between finance and the economy.

  • The Financial Data Analytics course equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to harness the power of financial data for strategic decision-making. In today’s data-driven world, financial professionals must possess the ability to analyze vast amounts of information to uncover meaningful insights. Students will explore techniques and tools to extract, transform, and analyze financial data sets. Using ratio analysis, visualizations, and financial modeling, students will develop the expertise to make informed decisions, optimize performance, and mitigate risks.

  • Students are introduced to financial investment alternatives, security markets, analytical techniques and portfolio management theories.

  • A study of the practical management of portfolios containing varied financial assets, the course examines the issues in, and the procedures for, portfolio management. The emphasis is on personal portfolio management by individual investors. The course assumes a basic knowledge of securities and personal financial planning.

  • FIN 491 is an advanced course in the comprehensive study of applied financial management, finance, general business skill, and the financial decision-making processes for the firm. The course is designed to provide an in-depth study of financial concepts using case studies and examine financial theory within a decision-making context.

Finance Electives

  • This course prepares students for licensing in the securities industry. The course exposes students to topics in the securities industry, including governmental regulation, necessary documentation, the role of a broker/dealer, the role of a registered representative, opening client accounts, equity securities, debt securities, options, funds, annuities, and suitability requirements.

  • Financial Technology or ‘FinTech’ is growing rapidly and transforming the Financial Services and Accounting industries. This course is an opportunity to not only learn about these technologies but also to understand what is driving these changes and to consider what the future might hold for careers in these industries. Among other technologies, students will learn about Blockchain, Cryptoassets, and Artificial Intelligence.

  • This course involves the study of financial planning and the process involved in helping clients determine and meet their financial objectives. Investment strategies and wealth management will be considered along with retirement planning and the transfer of an individual’s estate after death.

  • This course studies the economic principles involved in international trade and finance. It is designed to provide the student with the conceptual tools needed to analyze such international economic issues as import tariffs and quotas, import liberalization, loss of jobs to foreign countries, free-trade agreements, and exchange-rate fluctuations. The general topics to be covered in this course include the pure theory of trade, the theory of trade policy (such as trade restrictions and economic integration), international economic institutions, foreign-exchange markets and exchange rates, and the international monetary system.

  • This course will cover timely advanced topics within finance. Potential topics will be industry specific and relevant to the current financial market.

  • This course provides students with a structured academic framework for their internship experience. It connects theories with real-world practices, enabling students to apply and expand their academic knowledge. As a hands-on experience, this course allows for valuable insights into the daily operations and challenges of a professional environment in their field of study. Students will participate in reflection discussions and self-assessments and complete a cumulative project or presentation.
    Note: A maximum of 3 credit hours of internship credit can count towards the major or minor requirements/electives. Students may take additional hours (up to 18 total) of internship credit, however, remaining credits will be applied to general electives.

  • An understanding of the psychological processes, individual differences, and environmental influences that shape consumers’ purchasing decisions is fundamental to the development of marketing strategy and tactics. This course covers the knowledge, concepts and applications of consumer behavior modeling for the purposes of developing effective communication, positioning, pricing, product development, social media, and location decisions needed for an effective marketing strategy in a competitive environment.

To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry trends. Undergraduate programs and certificates are designed to be taken at a part-time pace. Please speak to your advisor for more details.

Ready for your next step?

Get Admission Requirements

Skills, Concepts, or Opportunities Gained With a Bachelor’s in Finance

Typical finance courses for this degree equip students with knowledge and skills in the following areas of financial services:

  • Marketing expertise. While financial services companies have honed their service offerings, they have traditionally been lacking in marketing expertise. This aspect of financial services covers the strategies and resources that these companies can use to market their services effectively.
  • Front-line service for financial transactions. This part of the curriculum focuses on the modern trend for financial services companies to move compliance functions and responsibility for risk management to the front line. Risk management strategy is presented at the start of a transaction to introduce controls and prevention of fraud at the first line of defense.
  • Experiential learning. This is a way of learning through first-hand experience. This part of the curriculum is designed to give students the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills, and values in financial services by gaining real experience outside of an academic setting.

Common Courses for a BS in Finance

Finance courses usually cover the following:

Business Communications. Effective communication, whether oral or written, is essential in today’s business world. This course is designed to enhance the quality of one’s communication skills. Students are given the opportunity to develop their ability to express themselves effectively through various communication channels.

Financial Accounting. A financial accounting course enables students to acquire a working knowledge of basic accounting theory and concepts, and gain an understanding of how business events affect financial statements. Course topics include the role of financial accounting in decision-making and the recording procedures that accountants use to organize information for financial statement preparation. Students may also learn to use analytical tools and accounting principles to assist them in the reading and interpretation of financial statements.

Principles of Finance. In this course, students have the opportunity to examine basic financial management of business enterprises. Course topics include procurement, allocation, control of funds, corporate financial behavior, financial instruments, and markets, as well as the analysis and interpretation of investment and profit performance.

Principles of Management. This course examines the basic theories and concepts of management. Topics include the evolution of management, ethics, decision-making, organizational structure, motivation, communication, group dynamics and team building, planning, job design, leadership, and organizational change.

Financial Institutions. A foundation course that examines the functions, practices, and challenges of the major types of financial institutions in our economy, including Federal Reserve Bank, commercial banks, thrifts, insurance companies, pension funds, venture capital firms, and brokerage firms.

Be Brave

Bring us your ambition and we’ll guide you along a personalized path to a quality education that’s designed to change your life.