Bachelor of Science in Finance

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Illinois State University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Finance at Illinois State University prepares students to analyse financial markets, manage corporate finances and evaluate investment opportunities. The program develops skills in financial decision-making, investment management, financial institutions and personal financial planning, making it suitable for students interested in banking, corporate finance, investments and financial services.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students build a foundation in business, economics, mathematics and financial literacy through Enterprise (BUS 100), Principles of Microeconomics (ECO 101) and Applied Calculus (MAT 121). They also develop digital skills through Using Microcomputer Productivity Tools (IT 150) or Electronic Spreadsheet Usage (BIS 167), supporting future work with financial data and business calculations.

Second Year: Students strengthen their understanding of business and financial information through Financial Accounting (ACC 131), Managerial Accounting (ACC 132) and Finance Fundamentals and Career Choices (FIL 190). Legal, Ethical and Social Environment of Business (FIL 185) introduces the regulatory and ethical considerations that influence financial decisions.

Third Year: Students move into specialised finance coursework through Financial Markets (FIL 241), Intermediate Business Finance (FIL 341) and Investments (FIL 242). These subjects develop their understanding of domestic and international markets, capital management, investment evaluation, financial planning and portfolio-related decisions.

Fourth Year: Students advance their expertise through Advanced Financial Theory and Problems (FIL 349), which explores financial theory, case-based applications, modelling and simulation. Alongside major electives and Organizational Strategy (MGT 385), students strengthen their ability to evaluate complex financial decisions and apply analytical thinking to business challenges.

Focus Areas

Corporate financial management, financial markets, investments, financial institutions, personal financial planning, capital management, portfolio analysis, financial modelling, risk assessment and business decision-making.

Learning Outcomes

Analyse financial markets and investment opportunities, evaluate corporate financing decisions, apply financial models, interpret economic and financial information, assess risk and return, understand financial institutions, develop quantitative problem-solving skills and communicate financial recommendations effectively.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program provides academic preparation for finance-related careers. The official program catalog does not specify a separate professional accreditation for the Finance major. Students interested in professional designations such as the CFA or CFP can explore the relevant eligibility and examination requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Illinois State University's Finance major emphasises connecting financial theory with practical applications. The university's Institute for Financial Planning and Analysis connects students with financial professionals through internships, mentoring and job-shadowing opportunities. A finance-specific employability ranking or graduate employment rate is not stated in the published program information.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Illinois State University connects finance coursework with professional experience through internships, mentoring, job shadowing and student-led finance activities. These opportunities allow students to apply classroom concepts to financial analysis, investment research and business decision-making while strengthening their communication, analytical and professional skills. Key opportunities include:

Finance Internship Program: Complete a finance-related internship involving at least 135 hours of work experience over 15 weeks. Eligible students may earn three academic credit hours, subject to approval and program requirements. Internships provide practical exposure, opportunities to explore career interests, professional references and experience to strengthen a résumé.
Institute for Financial Planning and Analysis: Connect with financial professionals through internships, mentoring and job shadowing. These experiences help students understand financial planning practices, client needs and the responsibilities of professionals working in the financial services industry.
Students in Finance Organization: Participate in educational activities, field trips and presentations by industry speakers. These activities help students explore finance career pathways, build professional connections and learn about current practices in the financial sector.
Financial Markets (FIL 241): Examine the structure, participants and functions of major domestic and international financial markets, building an understanding of how financial institutions and markets operate.
Investments (FIL 242): Explore investment instruments, concepts and analytical techniques used to evaluate financial opportunities and understand investment decisions.
Advanced Financial Theory and Problems (FIL 349): Apply financial theories to cases and practical problems, including financial modelling and simulation, to strengthen analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Career Services: Access career exploration, résumé and cover-letter assistance, interview preparation, salary-negotiation guidance and job-search support. The Hire-A-Redbird platform helps students identify employment and internship opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Finance prepares students for careers in corporate finance, banking, investment management, personal financial planning and financial services. Through financial theory, quantitative reasoning and opportunities for professional experience, students can develop the skills needed to analyse financial information and support sound business decisions. Potential career paths include financial analyst, credit analyst, investment analyst and financial planner.

Career Development Services: Illinois State's Career Services offers career exploration, job-search guidance, resume support, interview preparation and access to employment opportunities through Hire-A-Redbird.
Industry Connections: The Institute for Financial Planning and Analysis supports connections with financial professionals through mentoring, internships and job shadowing, helping students understand workplace expectations.
Internships and Professional Experience: The Finance Internship Program provides structured work experience and academic credit for eligible students. These experiences can help students build professional references and strengthen their resumes.
Employment Statistics and Salaries: A verified employment rate or average salary specifically for Finance graduates is not stated in the official program information.
Professional Development: Graduates can investigate designations such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP), depending on their career interests and eligibility.
Graduation Outcomes: The university identifies potential careers in financial analysis, investment management, banking, commercial lending, credit analysis, portfolio management, risk management and personal financial planning. Some roles may require further qualifications, examinations or relevant experience.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a master's degree in finance, financial planning, economics or business analytics. Those interested in investment management may consider postgraduate study in investment analysis or quantitative finance, while students seeking careers in personal financial planning can explore relevant professional qualifications. Further study in economics or finance can also provide a pathway towards research-oriented roles or doctoral study.