Santa Clara University

What you'll study

This programme, offered through the Leavey School of Business, combines core business fundamentals with specialised finance and financial services training. You will take foundational courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, financial accounting, managerial accounting and business statistics before moving into major-specific subjects.

• Core finance modules: corporate finance, investments, financial institutions and markets, and portfolio management.
• Quantitative and analytical skills: business statistics, financial modelling, econometrics or data analytics applied to finance.
• Financial services and professional practice: wealth and asset management, financial planning, retirement and estate planning, and insurance concepts.
• Advanced and elective topics: valuation, derivatives and risk management, fixed income, fintech and financial innovation, ethics in finance, and real estate finance.
• Experiential learning: a capstone project or practicum, internship opportunities with Silicon Valley firms and financial institutions, and case-based classes that emphasise applied problem-solving.

The programme typically follows a four-year undergraduate structure with progressive levels of study. Students may also combine finance study with minors or concentrations in areas such as accounting, data science, economics, management or entrepreneurship. Opportunities exist for study abroad, industry projects and participation in student investment funds and finance clubs.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed secondary education with strong preparation in mathematics and coursework that demonstrates analytical ability. Typical backgrounds include algebra, precalculus, calculus and economics. Admission to Santa Clara University is selective and evaluates academic record, letters of recommendation, personal statements and extracurricular engagement.

• Academic preparation: high school diploma (or equivalent) with competitive grades in quantitative subjects.
• Supporting materials: official transcripts, a personal statement or application essay, and at least one academic recommendation are commonly requested. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English proficiency requirements.
• Transfer applicants: may need to submit college transcripts and meet course-equivalency expectations for business foundation courses.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a wide range of roles across financial services, corporate finance and the broader business community. Common entry-level job titles include financial analyst, investment analyst, credit analyst, wealth management advisor, financial planner, and roles within corporate treasury or financial operations.

• Investment and asset management: analyst roles at asset managers, mutual funds, pension funds and family offices.
• Corporate finance: positions in financial planning & analysis (FP&A), corporate development, treasury and investor relations.
• Financial services and advisory: retail and private banking, wealth management, financial advisory and insurance.
• Fintech and analytics: roles that combine finance with data analytics, risk technology and product development in technology-driven financial firms.
• Further study and certification: many graduates pursue professional qualifications such as the CFA, CFP or an MBA to advance into senior investment, advisory or management roles.

Why study at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business situates students in the heart of Silicon Valley, providing exceptional access to internships, technology-driven financial firms and a broad professional network. The curriculum emphasises ethical leadership and social responsibility alongside technical finance skills, reflecting the university's Jesuit mission.

• Industry connections: proximity to major tech companies, banks and asset managers creates strong internship and recruitment pathways.
• Experiential opportunities: student-run investment funds, practicum projects with real clients, and strong career services support help bridge classroom learning and workplace experience.
• Interdisciplinary environment: easy collaboration with departments such as engineering, computer science and economics supports study in fintech, data analytics and entrepreneurship.
• Alumni network: an active alumni community in the Bay Area and beyond offers mentorship and networking that can accelerate early career development.