Finance

Main Content

Freshman finance majors study together at the Z. Smith Reynolds Library.

Finance Degree

Bachelor of Science

Program Type:

Major

Career Path:

Business and Finance

Program Site:

Finance Program

College or School:

School of Business

Why study Finance?

Just as a savvy advisor prepares clients for ups and downs in the market, the Finance major equips graduates to take on a perpetually evolving professional landscape. A balanced curriculum of financial economics, applied statistics and accounting leads to career opportunities across business sectors and across the globe.

Over the past 10 years (2016-25), Finance has been the second most popular major at Wake Forest, accounting for one of every 10 graduates in this time.
Graduates hold major leadership positions throughout the financial sector and in at least 14 countries around the world.

The Finance degree is offered as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.).

What classes would I take?

Our model and curriculum educate the whole person and often help students discover interests they had never previously discovered. Students generally take 100-200 level courses during their first year of college, while registering for higher level courses as upperclassmen.

Sample courses that you may take as a Finance student include:

100-200 level^*

Introductory Financial Accounting
Organizational Behavior
Principles of Marketing
Financial Markets and Institutions
Financial Data Analytics

300+ level^*

Blockchain and Cryptoassets
Fixed Income and Financial Engineering
Real Estate Finance
Taxes and Their Role in Business and Personal Decisions

View All Major Requirements

* Courses listed above are offered during the current academic year. Course availability and offerings can change at any time. Refer to the Academic Bulletin to view all major requirements.

What kind of experience will I gain?

Students gain the skills and knowledge to value cash flows and assets, analyze the financial performance of firms, determine strategies to enhance the value of the firm, analyze portfolios, value financial securities, and understand domestic and international capital markets.

Students in this program will develop the following skills:

Communication (oral and written)
Analytical skills
Data analysis
Technical skills
Financial modeling

Accuracy
Interpersonal skills
Decision-making
Critical thinking
Quantitative and qualitative skills

Visit the Office of Personal and Career Development

Are there extracurricular activities?

Joining a club or organization is a great way to get involved and do more with your major. Our Finance students participate in the following programs:

Finance Club
Campus Grounds
Case Competition Club
Dow Jones Club
Hydrating Humanitate

What kind of job can I get?

Careers that often interest Finance majors, and fields our graduates work in, include:

Budget Analyst
CFO
Credit Analyst
Economist
Finance Director
Finance Manager
Payroll Clerk
Payroll Manager
Procurement Analyst
Purchasing Manager
Risk Analyst
Treasurer

Graduates are working in investment banking; as traders on Wall Street; as accountants; attorneys; and even an NFL quarterback.

Related Programs

Accountancy

The Accountancy major at Wake Forest provides a foundation in the concepts, principles and practices of accountancy and business that students need for success in a variety of careers.

Accountancy

Economics

Economics students learn about the nuts and bolts of economic theory and the usefulness of economic theory in managing their personal affairs and dealing with social and political problems.

Economics