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Finance is defined as both the "art and science of managing money." Finance is the processes by which money is transferred among businesses, individuals and governments. An understanding of finance not only prepares students for a variety of interesting and rewarding careers, but also equips them to make better decisions as investors throughout their lives. Virtually every business decision has financial implications and determining whether a particular decision will likely create value or destroy it is the underlying principle of the finance discipline.

A Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance at Colorado Mesa University provides students with a foundation in the fundamental areas of business, and combines this with advanced knowledge of finance, risk management, securities management and investment theory.

Additionally, Colorado Mesa offers clubs and organizations, internships and other professional development opportunities to enable students to develop the professional, academic and social skills that are essential to compete successfully in today's financial job market. Clubs such a Phi Beta Lambda aid students in acquiring skills that will set them apart from the average graduate. Members participate in a variety of activities that enable them to develop their own skill set and networks while contributing to the improvement of the community in which they live, their school and their chapter.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CMU'S FINANCE PROGRAM

• Bank Officer
• Bond Trader
• Business Forecaster
• Business Manager
• Cash Manager
• Chamber of Commerce Analyst
• Chief Financial Officer
• Commodities Trader
• Commodity/Industry Analyst
• Compensation/Benefits Administrator
• Cost Analyst
• Entrepreneur
• Estate Planner
• Financial Officer
• Financial Planner
• Government Administrator
• Industrial Broker
• Industrial/Institutional Buyer
• Insurance Agent
• International Trade Specialist
• Investment Counselor
• Loan Officer
• Management Consultant
• Market Research Analyst
• Mortgage Banker
• Pension Fund Manager
• Portfolio Manager
• Retail Bank Manager
• Securities Trader
• Stockbroker
• Underwriter

Note: Some of the occupations listed above may require additional education, experience, or training beyond a bachelor’s degree. To research these occupations use the Career Research Resources links below.

• Review business and financial information to advise customers on possible trends in markets
• Analyze risks as related to the financial impact on individuals or organizations
• Give presentations on financial services to stakeholders or clients
• Prepare forms or agreements to complete sales of financial products or investments
• Evaluate costs and revenue of agreements to see if they will continue to be profitable
• Interpret data on price, yield, stability, future investment-risk trends, consumer trends, economic influences, and other factors affecting investment
• Inform investment decisions by analyzing financial information to forecast business, industry, or economic conditions
• Develop, coordinate, and or implement financial policies, procedures, and practices
• Plan budgets and evaluate cost data
• Prepare operational and risk reports

• Banks
• Businesses
• Brokerage Firms
• Educational institutions
• Financial Institutions
• Government agencies
• Investment Firms
• Insurance companies
• Law Firms
• Trade and labor organizations

Skills Needed by Finance majors:

• Analyze and interpret data
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Numerical computation
• Leadership
• Sound decision-making
• Oral & written communication
• Organizing activities
• Computer literacy
• Flexibility
• Coordinating activities
• Directing activities and staff
• Team player
• Cross-cultural skills
• Interpersonal skills

Other Finance resources