Bachelor of Science in Finance
Department
Department of Marketing and Finance
College
College of Business
Overview of the program
The overall educational objective of the undergraduate program in finance is to provide students with the knowledge foundation and skills necessary to pursuing successful careers in industry or graduate studies in finance. This includes the following skills:
- Students will develop the theoretical and applications skills necessary to be competent financial analysts and decision-makers.
- Students will develop proficiency in verbal and written communication skills.
- Students will develop critical thinking skills.
- Students will develop technology skills necessary to the presentation and analysis of financial data.
- Students will acquire an awareness and appreciation of ethical issues inherent in finance.
- Students will develop an understanding of the international dimensions of finance and how to incorporate these into financial analysis.
- The program will attract and retain students primarily from Southeast Louisiana who have a high potential for success.
- Students will find career-oriented employment in business and government primarily in Southeast Louisiana.
Total semester hours required: 120-121
Strengths of the program
The Department of Marketing and Finance continues to make great strides in the development of its academic program and outreach activities, and the department's faculty continues to be campus leaders in classroom innovation, scholarship, and service to the University and community. Departmental strengths include:
- Faculty which have received awards, honors, recognition
Every full-time department faculty member presented a paper at a conference or published an article in a journal or proceedings.
- Research opportunities
The department faculty continues to forge closer ties with businesses and employs real-world projects to emphasize practical learning. Finance students picked stocks for the Hayward Gibbes Fund, which is valued at about $700,000. A stock challenge was organized and each participant invested $100,000 in a portfolio of stocks and cash. The top three winners each produced an annual return in excess of 40% and were recognized at the College's Honors Convocation.
- Special computer labs/equipment
A finance lab was established in Garrett 86, providing students with access to Bloomberg, Compustat, CRSP, Financial Trading Software, and Crystal Ball. Most of the finance classes meet in the lab and students are provided training using the latest technology.
- Accreditation
The Finance program in the College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).
Preparing for a job in the program
Students hoping to pursue a career in finance should:
- Develop good interpersonal skills.
- Develop communication skills.
- Seek co-op or internship.
- Obtain position in sales, bank teller, or cashier, etc.
- For best positions, consider pursuing MBA (Master of Business Administration).
Careers in the program
A major in finance prepares students for work in the following type organizations:
- Banks and other financial institutions
- Financial planning agencies
- Insurance companies
- Real estate brokers or agencies
- Government agencies
- Corporations and educational institutions
Recent employers for the Department include:
- Allstate
- First Guaranty Bank
- Coldwell Banker
- Revenue Recovery Group
- Bank One
- New York Life
- State Farm Insurance
- Diversified Financial Services
- Hibernia National Bank
- Aramark Corporation
- Champagne Beverage Company
- The Gagliano Group
- Target
- Inside Northside
- Marketing Concepts
- Classic Practice Resources
- The Powell Group
Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)
Economics and Finance (including Banking) $34,000 - $45,000
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
Financial Management Association
Related fields that might interest you
- Financial planning and management (CFP)
- Real estate broker
- Banking
- Corporate financial management
- Marketing securities broker
- Risk management and insurance
- Cash manager
- Banking analyst
- Business credit administrator
- Director of risk management
- Financial analyst
- Treasurer/vice president of Finance (CFO)
- President (CEO)
- Investments counselor
- Securities analyst (CFA)
- Investment banker
- OTC market maker
- Portfolio analyst
- Trust administrator
- Director/investor relations
- Pension/mutual fund administrator
- Loan officer
- Underwriter (CLU)
- Claims adjuster
- Claims examiner
- Actuary
- Appraiser
- Property manager
- Mortgage analyst
- Sales analyst
- Mortgage underwriter (CPCU)
- International trade specialist
- Credit counselor
- Bank representative
- Branch manager
- Cost manager
- Government official
- Trust analyst
Some of these occupations may require additional schooling at Graduate or Professional schools. For information on training and qualifications needed for the specific occupations you are considering, consult the Occupational Outlook Handbook or other career guidance resources. Also, take advantage of career planning services offered by the university.
How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program
Helpful qualities for finance majors include:
- An analytical mind
- An ability to quickly assess large amounts of information and data
- Leadership skills
- Self-confidence and motivation
- Sound business judgment
- Determination
- Good decision-making skills
- Good communication skills
- An ability to select the best course of action when facing many different factors
- Have the ability to work successfully with others
- Be a logical thinker who likes to solve problems
- Have good computer skills
Notable Alumni
Daniel Monistere - Vice President, Quality Nielsen Media Research, A.C. Nielsen Company
H.K. Hoddinott, III - Vice President, Merrill Lynch Corportation
Contact Information
Department of Marketing and Finance
College of Business
SLU 10844
Hammond, LA 70402
On Campus: Garrett Hall, Room 74
Telephone: 985-549-2277
Fax: 985-549-5010
E-mail: jfanthony@selu.edu
