The finance major will prepare you for a career in one of the most dynamic sectors of the world’s economy. Global financial markets challenge analysts and strategists, and extended market hours increase the demand for trained investment analysts.
Finance professionals interpret the flood of information and implement trading and financial strategies. To prepare for work in this field, you must acquire a grounding in theory balanced with experience in hands-on market trading.
The Department of Finance has a philosophy of learning by doing, which it supports through strategic partnerships with industry, financial information technology, and access to real-time financial data, software, and real-world projects and cases.
Finance is one of seven Undergraduate Business Degrees offered by the Tippie College of Business, which is known for the strength of its academic departments and the community built by its students, faculty, and staff. U.S.News & World Report ranks Iowa's undergraduate business program in the top 25 public universities nationwide.
Iowa business students focus on a core academic discipline but are able to supplement their degree with interdisciplinary certificates, minors, or a second degree in another college. Academic pursuits are complemented by an array of leadership opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs.
Students may be admitted to the Tippie College of Business either through Direct Admission or Standard Admission.
Direct Admission is for first-year students with a 3.60 high school grade-point average and an ACT composite score of 26 or higher. Applicants who meet the high school course requirements and either the GPA or test score requirement will be carefully considered for Direct Admission.
Standard Admission is for current UI pre-business students that meet the established admission criteria, typically after their first year.
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Iowa graduates have a 96 percent job/grad school placement rate within six months of graduation. Our Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
A degree in finance will prepare you for careers in areas such as corporate treasury operations, mergers and acquisitions, investment banking, sales and security trading, commercial banking and financial services, credit analysis, mortgage lending, financial planning, public administration, and venture capital..
In addition to more than 500 Student Organizations, Iowa students choose from more than 100 Study Abroad Programs and multiple Undergraduate Research Opportunities.
The Hawkinson Institute is a selective program that guides students in the development of the analytical abilities, market knowledge, technical tools, and soft skills that will enable them to excel in the highly competitive field of investment banking and in related financial services. The institute includes a two-course seminar, investment management speakers, and individualized professional development.
The University of Iowa provides a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students through the Iowa Scholarship Portal. Scholarships are available to first-year, transfer, and currently enrolled students.
For additional details on scholarships for your program of study, check directly with the department or college. Over 300 scholarships are available to business students, some designed specifically for first-year students.
The Office of Admissions and Office of Student Financial Aid are great resources for students seeking scholarships.
The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in finance provides a balance of theory, applications, and financial information technology that facilitates students' transition from classroom to workplace.
Through fundamental finance principles and state-of-the-art financial market information technologies, students develop analytical abilities to interpret financial market data, implement the latest trading and investment strategies, and make effective managerial decisions in national as well as international settings.
In addition to completing the Tippie College of Business General Education Requirements in courses such as rhetoric, literature, historical perspectives, and the natural sciences, all BBA students take business-related core courses in statistics, communication, law, management, and marketing.
Once admitted to the finance program, the curriculum includes course work in financial accounting and reporting, financial information technology, investment management, and corporate finance. Electives include courses in risk management and insurance, investment banking, real estate, wealth management, fixed income securities, futures and options, and applied equity valuation.
See Finance in the UI General Catalog to learn more about required course work and graduating with honors.
Tippie RISE
All Tippie College of Business students are required to successfully complete at least one Tippie RISE experience in the form of research, internship, study abroad, or experiential learning.