Finance

The finance B.S.Bus. is a 120-credit program that blends financial theory, analytical decision-making and experiential learning. Students develop expertise in financial management, investments, financial institutions and risk management while gaining hands-on experience applying financial concepts to real-world challenges. Through coursework, industry engagement and applied learning experiences, students build the technical and professional skills needed for careers across the financial services industry.

Explore program courses in the University Catalog   

Financial foundations

All finance students complete advanced coursework in financial management, financial institutions and organizational decision-making through courses like Intermediate Financial Management, Financial Institutions, Problems in Financial Management and Financial Management and Sustainability. These courses provide the foundation for understanding how organizations raise capital, evaluate investments, manage financial resources and create long-term value.

Investments and portfolio management

You’ll develop expertise in investment analysis, security valuation and portfolio construction through advanced finance electives such as Security Analysis and Portfolio Management. Coursework examines how investments are evaluated, how portfolios are managed and how financial professionals make informed decisions in dynamic market environments.

Risk management and financial markets

As a finance student, you explore financial markets and risk management through coursework that may include Derivatives and Risk Management, Introduction to Market Trading, Market Trading Strategies and Money and Banking. You’ll learn how financial institutions operate and how organizations identify, evaluate and manage financial risk.

PGA golf management option

The PGA golf management option combines finance coursework with professional preparation through the PGA golf management program. Students in this option develop expertise in finance, business operations and leadership while completing PGA requirements and gaining industry experience through internships and applied learning opportunities. Graduates are prepared for careers in golf operations, facility management, business development and leadership positions throughout the golf industry.

Financial analysis and decision-making

You’ll develop skills in:

• Financial analysis
• Investment research
• Portfolio management
• Financial modeling
• Security valuation
• Risk assessment
• Strategic decision-making
• Market analysis

Experiential learning and professional development

Experiential learning is a hallmark of the finance program. You’ll have opportunities to apply classroom knowledge through participation in the Barker Trading and Capital Management Program, Davis Student Investment Group, internships, industry projects and national competitions. These experiences allow you to develop professional skills while gaining hands-on exposure to investments, financial analysis, portfolio management and financial decision-making.

Students interested in advanced experiential learning may pursue the trading and capital management certificate through the Barker Trading and Capital Management Program or the investment management and analysis certificate through involvement with the Davis Student Investment Group. These opportunities complement classroom learning and provide additional preparation for careers in finance and investment management.

Faculty areas of expertise include:  

• Financial markets and trading  
• Investment analysis  
• Corporate finance  
• Capital markets  
• Commodity markets  
• Financial institutions  
• Pension plans and retirement investments  
• Private equity  
• Innovation and technology  
• Behavioral and ethical finance 

Davis Student Investment Group

Develop as an investor, leader and professional through investment education, market analysis, alumni engagement, networking opportunities, leadership experiences and scholarship support. Gain practical experience evaluating investments, discussing market trends and developing the analytical and communication skills valued across the financial services industry.

Barker Trading and Capital Management Program

Apply classroom learning to real-world financial markets through the Barker Trading and Capital Management Program. Gain hands-on experience in portfolio management, security valuation, financial modeling, risk management and trading while developing the technical and professional skills needed for careers in finance and investment management.

Barker Trading Club

Connect with students who share an interest in investing, financial markets and trading. The Barker Trading Club creates opportunities for students of all experience levels to learn about market analysis, trading strategies and financial decision-making through meetings, guest speakers, competitions and professional development activities.

National competitions and industry engagement

Finance students regularly participate in valuation, investment research, commodities trading and hedge fund competitions while engaging with finance professionals, alumni and employers. These experiences help you strengthen analytical, presentation and problem-solving skills while building valuable professional networks.

Internships and industry projects

Gain real-world experience through internships, industry-sponsored projects and applied learning opportunities with organizations ranging from regional businesses to national financial institutions. These experiences allow you to apply classroom knowledge, develop professional skills and build valuable connections while preparing for careers in finance, banking, investments and related fields. 

While paying for college can feel overwhelming, University of Idaho is committed to affordability and clarity about tuition and financial aid. Here are a few key resources to help you understand the cost of your degree and explore available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid.
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Use U of I’s Cost Calculator to estimate tuition and other expenses associated with earning your degree.
• Discover scholarship opportunities: When you apply to University of Idaho, you’re automatically considered for scholarships. Additional awards are available based on your previous experience, background and anticipated program of study.

If you have any questions about financial aid, scholarships or cost, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors can help you make informed financial decisions and navigate each part of the process. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance. 

Idaho LAUNCH

This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.

Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.

Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.

Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.

Finance focuses on how individuals, businesses and organizations manage money, evaluate investments and make financial decisions. Students learn how financial markets operate, how organizations create value and how financial strategies support long-term success.

Students develop skills in financial analysis, investment research, portfolio management, financial modeling, security valuation, risk assessment, problem-solving and strategic decision-making. 

Graduates pursue careers in corporate finance, financial analysis, investment management, banking, wealth management, risk management, consulting, entrepreneurship, sales and leadership positions across a variety of industries and organizations. 

Students benefit from a combination of rigorous coursework and experiential learning opportunities through the Barker Trading and Capital Management Program, Davis Student Investment Group, internships, industry projects and national competitions. These hands-on experiences allow students to apply financial concepts while building professional skills and industry connections. 

Yes. Finance provides a strong foundation in investments, portfolio management, security valuation and financial markets. Students interested in investing can further develop their skills through coursework as well as opportunities such as the Barker Trading and Capital Management Program and Davis Student Investment Group. 

No. Finance graduates work across nearly every industry, helping organizations make informed financial and strategic decisions. Many pursue careers in corporate finance, banking, consulting, wealth management, technology, agribusiness, entrepreneurship and leadership roles. And while a Finance degree can open doors to Wall Street, we also have Vandals working in investment banking, equity research, asset management and other financial centers around the country and world. Finance is about understanding how organizations create value wherever business happens. 

Yes. Students gain hands-on experience through opportunities such as the Barker Trading and Capital Management Program, Davis Student Investment Group, internships, industry projects and national competitions. 

The Barker Trading and Capital Management Program provides experiential learning opportunities in portfolio management, investment analysis, trading, risk management and financial modeling. Students apply classroom concepts to real-world financial markets while developing technical and professional skills. Participants help oversee a student-run portfolio valued at more than $1.1 million, gaining hands-on experience in investment decision-making and financial analysis. 

The Davis Student Investment Group helps students develop investment knowledge, leadership skills and professional networks through investment education, market analysis, alumni engagement, leadership opportunities and scholarship support.

Finance students can gain practical experience through the Barker Trading and Capital Management Program, Davis Student Investment Group, internships, industry-sponsored projects and national finance competitions. 

Yes. Finance students regularly participate in valuation, investment research, commodities trading and other business and finance competitions that strengthen analytical, presentation and professional skills. 

Yes. Finance students develop analytical, communication and decision-making skills that prepare them for leadership roles across a wide range of industries and organizations. Through experiential learning opportunities, team projects and professional engagement, students build the skills needed to lead teams, manage resources and support strategic decision-making. 

Students should be comfortable working with numbers and data, but finance is about much more than mathematics. Success in finance also requires critical thinking, communication, problem-solving and the ability to analyze information and make informed decisions. 

Yes. Students may pursue additional credentials such as the trading and capital management certificate and the investment management and analysis certificate to enhance their academic and professional experiences.