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Finance – Bachelor’s Degree Program (BS)

Study finance at the University of Montana

Earn your degree in finance at the University of Montana and prepare for exciting and lucrative careers in banking, financial planning, economics, and more.

As a finance major, you’ll develop a solid foundation in financial management, financial markets, and investments. You’ll also gain experience in effective decision-making, performing complex analyses, providing expert financial advice, and using the latest technology tools and data sources.

Our faculty members include experts in investments, dividends, mutual fund performance, and IPOs, who have been published in the Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Financial Management, and other leading journals. Our AACSB accredited bachelor’s in finance also provides unique opportunities to double major and expand your portfolio of knowledge and skills.

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80%

of students participate in at least one internship

12th

ranked nationally among finance schools with 16 or fewer faculty members

80%

of students are working or in grad school within three months of graduation

Other Accounting and Finance Degree Programs at UM

What can you do with a Finance Degree?

As a finance major, you’ll develop analytical skills you can apply to many different business occupations. Graduates of our finance program go on to successful careers in banking, investment banking, financial services, financial planning, corporate finance, economics, and international finance. Employers of our program alumni include US Bank, IBM, Wells Fargo, KPMG, Merrill Lynch, PNC, and Boeing.

Finance jobs

What jobs can you get with a finance degree? Here are just a few of your options:

  • Personal financial advisor
  • Financial manager
  • Commercial banker
  • Budget analyst
  • Investment banker
  • Accountant
  • Commercial real estate agent
  • Chief financial officer

Finance salaries

A degree in finance can open the door to a number of well-paying careers. We estimate that graduates of our finance bachelor’s degree program earn an average of $58,973 per year.

Here are the average salaries for several different finance jobs, according to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

  • Securities and financial services sales agents: $62,270
  • Budget analyst: $76,540
  • Personal financial advisor: $87,850
  • Financial manager: $129,890

Beyond the classroom: Experiential learning in the finance major

Take part in unique opportunities that allow you to apply your finance education in the business world. In our $50,000 portfolio course, you’ll analyze and discuss investment opportunities and implement your decisions. You can take part in the CFA Institute Research Challenge — an annual global competition that allows you to gain real-world experience as a research analyst. Other experiential learning opportunities include the CSBS Community Bank Case Study Competition, in which you can network with local banks, CSBS staff, and academics.

Finance internships

In the summer, many of our finance majors participate in internships with firms such as Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs. We also offer numerous internship opportunities with local businesses and financial firms in the fall and spring. Learn more about internship opportunities through UM’s College of Business.

Study abroad opportunities for finance majors

Take your finance studies overseas, gain international business experience and immerse yourself in a new culture. We offer study abroad programs to locations such as Italy, Australia, New Zealand, and Romania. Learn more about study abroad opportunities at the University of Montana.

Career development in the finance bachelor’s degree program

Networking and professional development opportunities are hallmarks of our business administration programs, leveraging both a robust alumni network and close relationships with local employers. This program is also designed with exceptional flexibility, offering unique opportunities to double major and expand your portfolio of knowledge and skills. Recent graduates of the bachelor’s in finance have double majored in accounting, economics, management information systems, and management and marketing.

The major in finance at UM is recognized as a CFA affiliated program by the CFA Institute’s University Affiliation Program. This means our curriculum is closely tied to the practice of investment management, helping you prepare for careers in investment research and portfolio management. With small classes, UM’s finance degree also offers close mentorship and one-on-one support to help you succeed in college and hit the ground running in your career.

Finance scholarships

Each year, the College of Business awards almost $500,000 to business administration students. Our CFA affiliation may also lead to scholarship opportunities for students interested in pursuing a CFA designation. Learn more about scholarship opportunities in the business administration program.

Finance degree requirements

The finance curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in financial management, financial markets and investments.

View all classes for the bachelor’s degree in finance.