Finance

What can you expect from a finance degree from Western Michigan University? In this program, you will develop a broad understanding of financial decision making. Case studies, internships and study abroad opportunities will enable you to learn the skills necessary to become a leader in the financial industry.

Our finance major is recognized by the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute University Affiliation Program.

As a finance student you have the opportunity to apply to manage a portfolio of $2.5 million of real money in the Greenleaf Trust Trading Room, under the direction of an experienced money manager, in our Student Managed Investment Fund course. Bloomberg Certification is a required component of our program.

While at WMU, you will master the skills needed to:

• Assist the treasury manager with raising funds, cash management and acquiring and disposing of assets.
• Deliver trust services, financial products and advice to bank customers.
• Evaluate and compare the relative quality of various securities in a given industry.
• Evaluate and recommend approval of loan application for business and individuals.
• Interpret data affecting investment programs, such as price, yield, stability, future trends in investment risk and economic influences.
• Manage short-term credit needs and cash availability of a company.
• Prepare plans of action for investment based on financial analysis.

Graduates with finance degrees work in corporate finance, banking, investments, insurance, real estate and financial advising.

Ninety-one percent of finance graduates are employed or in graduate school within three months of graduation.

Career outcomes