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Finance (BSBA)

Hands-On Investment and Portfolio Management

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Finance at the University of Dayton's AACSB-accredited School of Business Administration teaches you how investments work, how companies manage money and how financial markets drive the global economy. At UD, you'll combine classroom learning with hands-on experiential opportunities that build real-world skills in investing, financial analysis and strategic decision-making; preparing you for careers in banking, corporate finance, investment management and beyond.

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Fast Facts

No. 1 Student-Run

investment portfolio in the country

CFA Institute

University Affiliation Program member

AACSB

accredited program
About the Finance (BSBA) Program

Why study finance at UD?

Finance at the University of Dayton combines strong academics with hands-on experience that prepares students for careers in investing, banking, corporate finance and beyond. Students don’t just learn finance — they practice it through real-world opportunities, industry technology and mentorship.

Build a Strong Foundation

As a finance student at UD, you'll study in a CFA-affiliated program aligned with industry standards and ethics, and prepare for careers in investment banking, financial analysis, wealth management, real estate and more. Customize your degree with electives in banking, real estate, FinTech and derivatives.

Gain Real-World Experience

Manage part of the University's endowment through the nationally recognized Davis Center for Portfolio Management and evaluate sustainable investments through the Hanley Center for ESG Investing. You can also strengthen financial modeling and valuation skills through the Dayton Investment Banking Academy.

Learn With Industry Technology

Access the same financial tools used by professionals, including Bloomberg, FactSet and Morningstar, and gain hands-on experience with Bloomberg terminals and real market data.

Build Connections and Career Experience

Complete internships and co-ops in Dayton and major financial hubs like New York City, and use financial skills to support nonprofits and small businesses through Flyer Consulting.

AACSB Dual-Accredited

The University of Dayton School of Business Administration is dual-accredited by AACSB International — the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business — with additional specialized accreditation for our accounting program. Fewer than 2% of business schools worldwide hold this prestigious dual-accreditation of accounting and business.

Want to Learn More?

Read the finance program FAQ for information on careers, student involvement, skills gained and more.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about business analytics at UD.

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How do I apply to the finance program?

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

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Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Finance (BSBA) Degree Requirements and Information
Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance degree requires a total of at least 120 credit hours. This degree also includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

About the Degree

To prepare for your career in finance, you'll study investment analysis, corporate finance and portfolio management.

Read our FAQ to learn more about this program.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Bachelor’s Plus Master’s Program
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.

Semester 1
  • BIZ 101 – Launching Your Business Career: Foundations for Student Success
    1
  • BIZ 201 – Business Cases and Communications
    3
  • ECO 203 – Principles of Microeconomics
    3
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • MTH 129 – Calculus for Business
    3
  • CAP Arts Study
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 2
  • BIZ 103 – Develop Your Vocation and Career Flight Plan
    1
  • ECO 204 – Principles of Macroeconomics
    3
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • MGT 101 – Entrepreneurial, Innovative and Creative Mindsets
    3
  • MGT 201 – Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
    3
  • CAP Natural Science and Lab
    4
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 3
  • ACC 201 – Accounting Information for Business Decisions I
    3
  • BAN 210 – Statistics for Business Analytics I
    3
  • BIZ 202 – Career Flight Takeoff
    1
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • MKT 301 – Principles of Marketing
    3
  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 4
  • ACC 202 – Accounting Information for Business Decisions II
    3
  • BAN 211 – Statistics for Business Analytics 2
    3
  • FIN 301 – Introduction to Financial Management
    3
  • OPS 301 – Survey of Operations and Supply Management
    3
  • Open Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 5
  • FIN 360 – Investments I
    3
  • FIN 300-400 Elective
    3
  • MGT 301 – Organizational Behavior
    3
  • CAP Faith Traditions
    3
  • Open Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 6
  • FIN 300-400 Elective
    3
  • BIZ 301 – Successfully Navigating Your Career Flight Plan
    1
  • MIS 301 – Information Systems in Organizations
    3
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies
    3
  • Open Elective
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 7
  • FIN 401 or 460 – 401: Finance Capstone: Advanced Financial Analysis; 460: Investments II
    6
  • FIN 400 Elective
    3
  • MGT 490 – Strategic Management
    3
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies
    3
  • Open Elective
    1
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 8
  • Complete the remaining course: FIN 401 or FIN 460
    3
  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies
    3
  • Open Elective
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 12

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Bachelor’s Plus Master’s Program
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Transfer and Exam Credits

Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our School of Business Administration, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

$64,202 average

starting salary for finance majors

99% success rate

after graduation for the School of Business Administration

Your Academic Path: The UD Finance Experience

Double Major

Choose a second or even third major! You can personalize your academic path to support your goals and interests. You may choose more than one business major or even a business major with a complementary non-business major, as long as you meet the specific requirements to enter the major.

Explore Double Majors

BWISE

To really excel as a business professional, you'll need to gain additional business wisdom outside the classroom. That's where BWISE (Business Wisdom through Intercultural, Service and Experiential Education) comes in.

Explore BWISE

Bachelor's Plus Master's Program

With UD's Bachelor's Plus Master's (BPM) program, you can earn your bachelor's degree and a master's degree at an accelerated pace — often completing your master's degree within just one year of earning your bachelor's degree.

Explore the BPM Program

Academic and Career Advising

Want to pursue a double major or a minor? To use your business skills for humanitarian purposes? To gain real-world experience through an internship or cooperative education? Your holistic advisor will help you develop — and complete — your plan.

Explore the Mittelstaedt Center
Walk. Run. Fly. Soar.

Success is a Journey

At the University of Dayton, you'll have a supportive community dedicated to fueling your success. Through guaranteed, real-world experience, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to be workforce ready.

Student Support
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Outcomes
Finance (BSBA) Frequently Asked Questions

What careers can students pursue with a finance degree?

A finance degree prepares students for careers focused on managing money, investments and business strategy. Many graduates pursue roles in:

  • corporate finance
  • banking and financial services
  • investments and wealth management
  • insurance and risk management
  • real estate finance
  • financial analytics and data

What internships and real-world experiences will finance students have before graduation?

Our students intern around the country, including Fortune 500 firms, top 20 banks, and top 20 investment firms. Students can also manage real money in the Flyer Fund through the Davis Center or the Sustainability Fund through the Hanley Center.

Do finance students learn investing, portfolio management and financial analysis with real market data?

Yes! Almost every class relies on live market data and students can take advantage of standard industry tools like Bloomberg, Factset and Morningstar.

What kinds of companies hire finance students, and how strong are job placement rates?

Our top three areas of placement are corporate finance, investments and banking. We have a 99% success rate for our students' first placement.

Will students have opportunities to network with alumni, employers and industry professionals?

Yes, the department hosts a financial professional speaker series that gives students a chance to network with industry professionals (not just UD alums). We also regularly host speakers and meet-and-greets for alumni and employers.

How does the program prepare students for careers in investment banking, corporate finance, real estate, wealth management or consulting?

As a CFA-affiliated program, we align our curriculum with this industry-standard accreditation. Beyond that, we offer specialized curricular or co-curricular activities for all those areas.

What tools, software and financial technologies will students learn to use?

In addition to Excel, students will gain familiarity with industry-standard data services like Bloomberg, FactSet and Morningstar. We also offer elective coursework in FinTech for students seeking exposure to emerging technology.

How does the finance curriculum prepare students for any certifications?

The primary way is by aligning our curriculum with the CFA Level I exam. Elective coursework in financial advising also incorporates coursework from the FINRA certifications.

How is AI being incorporated into the Finance curriculum?

AI is integrated throughout the finance curriculum, especially in FinTech courses. and hands-on class projects. Students explore how AI and emerging technologies are shaping financial analysis, investing and decision-making.

What are ways students in finance get involved?

The department has two centers. The Davis Center for Portfolio Management has over $80 million managed by students and students can apply to participate as early as their first year. The Hanley Center for ESG Investing also manages a real portfolio focused on environmentally sustainable companies.

Outside the centers, students can participate in the Fed Challenge, Stock Pitch Competitions, the Dayton Investment Banking Academy, Flyers In Real Estate, Flyer Consulting and more.