Navigate the Markets with Precision and Vision

±«±··¡â€™s Bachelor of Science in Finance degree program will prepare you to lead in the fascinating world of financial management, wealth management, and investments.

Picture yourself using new technologies to solve complex financial challenges. You’ll gain the skills to create sustainable growth, and learn to apply those techniques with a sense of social responsibility — so you can do well by making a positive impact. From simulated stock trading to internships with sophisticated financial enterprises, you’ll have hands-on experiences that position you for your dream job in finance.

Two business students listen to a professor during a computer lab
Two U N E students review the "4 P's" on a whiteboard

Why 51°µÍø for your degree in Finance

Finance is central to our modern economy. 51°µÍø prepares you to innovate using the newest technologies combined with time-tested principles.

  • Financial simulation and live market data technology in the classroom
  • Gain skills on ±«±··¡â€™s Bloomberg Terminals — powerful tools for real-time data and analytics — and earn your Bloomberg Technology Certification
  • Take part in research challenges and global trading competitions
  • Stay current with technology trends like blockchain and AI
  • Fascinating internships with regional businesses
  • Develop pro forma financial plans for existing and new businesses
  • Study design thinking and entrepreneurial finance through unique courses
  • Learn to drive socially responsible, sustainable growth

The Center for Sales Excellence

±«±··¡â€™s Center for Sales Excellence develops top-tier sales talent with advanced training and industry engagement, equipping students for successful careers and fostering innovative contributions in the modern sales landscape. As a finance major, learning about sales is important because it provides critical insights into revenue streams and market dynamics, which are essential for financial analysis, forecasting, and strategic decision-making.

What will you study? Finance Degree Curriculum Overview

Professors with real-world experience in finance and investments have set your curriculum. The following are some of the fascinating courses offered within the Finance degree program:

  • Introduction to Data Analysis and Modeling
  • Financial Markets and Institutions
  • Investments
  • Fixed Income Securities
  • Entrepreneurial Finance
  • International Finance

Curriculum

Nor’easter Core RequirementsCredits
Total Credits40
COB Foundation CoursesCredits
BUEC 203 – Macroeconomics3 – Fulfills Power Knowledge & Justice - Social Science Core
BUEC 204 – Microeconomics3 – Fulfills Power Knowledge & Justice - Open Core
BUMG 120 – Innovation Through Technology3 – Fulfills Creativity and the Arts Core
MAT 120 – Statistics or MAT 150 – Statistics for Life Sciences or MAT 151 – Statistics for Environmental Sciences or MAT 190 – Calculus I*3–4 – Fulfills Quantitative Reasoning Core
Total Credits12–13
Other COB Foundation CoursesCredits
BUAC 201 – Financial Accounting3
BUFI 315 – Business Finance3
BUMG 200 – Management3
BUMG 325 – Legal Environment of Business3
BUMG 495A – Internship/Experiential3
BUMG 498 – Strategic Management3
BUMK 200 – Marketing3
Total Credits21
Finance Major Required CoursesCredits
BUAC 303 – Managerial Accounting3
BUFI 205 – Intro Data Analysis or DSC 225 – Computer Programming I3
BUFI 322 – Investments3
BUFI 323 – Fixed Income Securities3
BUFI 324 – Financial Markets and Institutions3
BUFI 350 – Entrepreneurial Finance3
BUFI 415 – Advanced Business Finance3
BUFI 422 – Seminar in Portfolio Management3
BUFI 425 – International Finance3
BUMG 101 – Introduction to Business/Excel3
BUMG 307 – Operations Management3
Total Credits33
Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits)Variable
Minimum Total Required Credits120

Please note: While some courses can fulfill both core and program requirements, the credits earned do not count twice towards the minimum total required credits for the degree.

*While each listed course is acceptable, MAT 190 – Calculus I is preferred.

For more information, see the Academic Catalog.

Career Paths for Finance Majors

Jobs in finance are projected to grow by 7.8% in the Northeast by 2027. This is an increase of over 100,000 open positions (Lightcast, 2023). With the knowledge you gain from your financial degree coursework, you will be well-prepared to leverage your knowledge of cutting-edge technology, problem solving, and sustainable practices for a lucrative career in finance.

Our graduates have access to careers in many fascinating fields, including:

  • Financial Analyst
  • Investment Analyst
  • Portfolio Manager
  • Financial Planner
  • Risk Manager
  • Credit Analyst

Start Your Career in College With the Women in Business Club

About the Finance Minor

Our minor in Finance offers you the ability to pair your primary degree path with a strong foundation in fundamental financial concepts. You will learn industry-relevant knowledge and skills from our nationally recognized faculty. Courses for the minor include:

  • Financial Accounting
  • Business Finance
  • Investments
  • Introduction to Data Analysis and Modeling

The Finance minor is available beginning in fall 2024 for those who started at 51°µÍø as first-year students in fall 2022 (Class of 2026) and later.

Finance Degree FAQ

What is a finance degree?

A finance degree equips you with a comprehensive understanding of financial systems, markets, instruments and concepts like risk management, asset valuation, capital markets, and financial analysis. This degree prepares graduates for careers in banking, investment management, corporate finance, and financial planning.

±«±··¡â€™s Bachelor of Science in Finance degree program will prepare you to lead in the fascinating, rewarding world of financial management, wealth management, and investments.

You’ll gain the foundational skills to create sustainable growth, and learn to apply those techniques with a sense of social responsibility — so you can do well by making a positive impact. From simulated stock trading on Bloomberg Terminals to internships with sophisticated financial enterprises, you’ll have hands-on experiences that position you for your dream job in finance.

What can you do with a finance degree?

With a finance degree, you can pursue diverse career paths including investment banking; advising companies on raising capital, mergers and acquisitions, and financial transactions; an corporate finance roles such as analyzing data, developing budgets, and optimizing organizational financial performance. It also opens doors to financial planning and wealth management and helping individuals and families manage investments, plan for retirement, and achieve long-term financial goals.

At 51°µÍø in Maine we prepare finance graduates to enter the workforce in this highly sought-after field.

Jobs in finance are projected to grow by 7.8% in the Northeast by 2027. This is an increase of more than 100,000 open positions (Lightcast, 2023). With the knowledge you gain from your financial degree coursework, you will be well-prepared to leverage your knowledge of cutting-edge technology, problem-solving, and sustainable practices for a lucrative career in finance.

51°µÍø in Maine’s Finance graduates will be able to enjoy many careers in fields such as:

  • Financial Analyst
  • Investment Analyst
  • Portfolio Manager
  • Financial Planner
  • Risk Manager
  • Credit Analyst

What degree do you need to be a financial advisor?

To become a financial advisor, a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field is highly recommended. These programs provide a solid foundation in financial principles, investment strategies, risk management, and complex financial concepts crucial for excelling in the profession and demonstrating expertise to clients.

What classes do finance majors take?

Finance majors develop a strong foundation in financial principles through core courses like financial accounting, corporate finance, investments, and financial markets. They also gain practical expertise in areas such as financial analysis, risk management, portfolio management, and financial modeling. Additionally, classes in economics, mathematics, statistics, and business management complement their finance coursework, providing a well-rounded understanding of factors influencing financial markets and decision-making.

At 51°µÍø, professors with real-world experience in finance and investments have set the curriculum. The following are some of the fascinating courses offered within the finance degree program:

  • Introducti