Finance
Manage money, investments, and risk for companies or weakth
What You'll Study
Finance is the study of money management. You learn how to evaluate assets, manage risk, and make investment decisions. It is the language of value in the business world.
- Corporate Finance
- Investment Analysis
- Financial Accounting
- Derivatives & Risk
- International Finance
- Portfolio Management
- Behavioral Finance
- Financial Modeling
Example Classes
How to Know If You'll Like It
You'll probably enjoy this if...
- ✓You are competitive and ambitious
- ✓You like following the stock market
- ✓You are good with numbers and quick mental math
- ✓You perform well under high pressure
- ✓You are interested in how global events affect money
- ✓You want high earning potential
You might not enjoy this if...
- ✕You dislike stress or long hours (Investment banks work 80+ hrs)
- ✕You dislike sales (many finance roles are sales)
- ✕You check out when math gets involved
- ✕You prefer a low-stakes environment
Self-Check Quiz
Answer these questions honestly to see if this major might be a good fit for you.
Do you follow the stock market or crypto?
Career Outcomes
Featured In-Demand Careers
Investment Banker
Advise corporations on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising while executing complex financial transactions.
Financial Analyst
Analyze financial data, prepare reports, and provide insights to guide business and investment decisions.
Actuary
Use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to measure, manage, and mitigate financial risk and uncertainty.
Fintech Specialist
Combine finance and technology to create new banking, investment, and payment solutions.
Product Manager
Lead product development from conception to launch, bridging business strategy with user needs and technical capabilities.
Other Common Career Paths
- •Investment Banker
- •Financial Planner
- •Risk Manager
- •Corporate Treasurer
Industries
Try It First
Test if you like this field before committing to a major:
Open a paper trading account (Investopedia Simulator) and trade $100k virtual money.
Read "Rich Dad Poor Dad" or "The Intelligent Investor".
Build a spreadsheet to track detailed expenses for your family for a month.
Related Majors
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there is Corporate Finance (internal money management) which is calmer.
To sell stocks or give advice, yes (Series 7, CFA, CFP).
Algebra and Stats. Not as hard as Engineering math.
High finance (Wall St) is very stressful. Corporate finance is normal.
Banks, Insurance, Corporate HQ of any company.
Ready to Explore This Major?
Get personalized guidance on whether Finance is right for you and how to build a competitive profile.