Finance

Major

Mission

The mission of the Department of Business Administration and Economics is to provide a quality, business learning experience to both undergraduate and graduate students that fosters the development of multidisciplinary business analysis and problem- solving skills thus allowing them to be successful in professional careers in business, government, and the non-profit sector. The department is further committed to offering quality, broad-based business-related education and expertise to business and industry.

The mission of the baccalaureate program in finance is to prepare students for finance and related careers by providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary for professional success. The curriculum is based on the real-world needs of business for quick and accurate analysis of data that fits with the company’s strategic plan for success.

Entry-level finance positions may lead to immediate leadership opportunities within an organization.

Students are offered opportunities for additional business learning in a variety of minors from accounting, economics, management, and many others.

The Thomas More University Bachelor of Science in Finance will guide and prepare you for advanced positions within the finance sector or finance-related business. With expertise in corporate finance, investments, and financial markets and institutions, you’ll be ready for careers in financial analysis, banking, insurance, risk management , portfolio management and financial services.

To earn the Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, students in the Robert W. Plaster College of Business must fulfill University Studies requirements, the College pre-major and major requirements, as well as completing the College core studies. This degree requires a minimum of 120 semester hours.

The finance major consists of a core set of courses that provides students with the fundamental skills and the strategic mindset required for all career paths in finance. Following successful completion of this core students can then choose an emphasis in either “Investments” or “Corporate Finance”. Experiential courses, co-op opportunities, mentoring and networking round out the study of finance at Thomas More University.

There is significant growth in this field with great opportunity for a successful career path for graduates, and you will be learning from professionals who have “been there and done that”. Our professors have significant experience in the corporate finance world and our class sizes are small – giving you the opportunity to work closely with our faculty for maximum opportunity to hone your skills. If you are serious about a career in finance you need to come to Thomas More.

Each full-time faculty member is either a Ph.D. or DBA with an emphasis in finance. Our adjunct faculty are chosen based on experience in the field and licensure as CFP, CFA, or CPA. Each faculty member brings a unique set of talents and perspectives to Thomas More providing a blend of academic and practical experience in the classroom.  Experience and accomplishments of current faculty members include:

  • Experience in marketing and advising individuals and businesses in financial planning for the basics in personal finance such as insurance planning, tax planning, and retirement and investment planning.
  • Working in the corporate world for large and small companies in assisting the essential of business operations such as project planning, cash management, and long-term strategy planning.

Graduates work in a variety of businesses of all sizes, both profit and non-profit. These companies include multi-national and domestic, private and public companies, and governmental agencies.

Occupational possibilities include:

  • working in the banking industry in both management and financial analysis roles
  • working in investment firms as personal financial analysts
  • assisting private equity firms in financial analysis of companies seeking funding
  • working in the insurance industry in back-room operations of financial analysis
  • assisting any industry or company needing someone to assist with the decision-making aspects of operating a business.

Many finance students participate in co-op programs where they are paid for their work while earning academic credit, which can also count toward fulfilling the 150 hour requirement for CPA preparation. Students generally work while going to school full time.

For more than 30 years, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) has allowed students to gain valuable tax experience by preparing tax returns for low-income families and the elderly.

Several business partners fund scholarships for and several endowed scholarships are available to Thomas More marketing students. Thomas More offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities to which students can apply. Delta Mu Delta, the Business Honorary Society, also has scholarship opportunities.

Traditional College of Business students majoring in Business Administration, Accountancy, Finance, or Management Information Systems can earn graduate credit for four MBA courses taken in their senior year of college. Completing the four graduate courses enables the students to earn their bachelor’s degree in four years and their Master of Business Administration degree in the fifth year.

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Percentage of Students in Co-op positions and Internships
2017-182018-192019-202020-212021-22
NA30%33%25%45%
Career Outcome Ratio
Percentage of students with employment or graduate school within 6 months post-graduation
2017-182018-192019-202020-212021-22
100%92%100%88%100%

Interested
in pursuing your finance degree?