University of Tennessee

What you'll study

This programme builds a foundation in business and economics before moving into specialised finance and financial planning topics. You will study quantitative and analytical subjects alongside applied modules that focus on real-world client and firm decision-making.

• Core business foundations: introductory accounting, microeconomics and macroeconomics, business statistics and managerial communication.
• Essential finance: principles of corporate finance, financial markets and institutions, money and banking, and international finance.
• Financial management services / financial planning: personal financial planning, tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance and risk management.
• Investment and portfolio theory: investments, portfolio management, fixed income and equity analysis, and derivatives.
• Analytical and technical skills: financial modelling and spreadsheet-based analysis, valuation techniques, forecasting and data analysis for finance.
• Professional practice: ethics in finance, client relationship management, regulation and compliance, and preparation for industry certifications (for example Certified Financial Planner pathways where applicable).
• Capstone and experiential learning: integrative capstone projects, practicum experiences, internships, student-managed investment funds and participation in pitch or trading competitions.

Courses are delivered through lectures, case studies, group projects and experiential placements. Students typically combine major requirements with general education studies and may choose electives or minors in areas such as data analytics, accounting or economics.

Entry requirements

Admission is into the University of Tennessee undergraduate programme and applicants should meet the university's standard undergraduate entry expectations. Typical requirements include a completed secondary school qualification equivalent to a US high school diploma and a competitive academic record, with strong performance in mathematics. Applicants may need to present standardised test scores if required by the campus or chosen admission pathway.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through accepted qualifications or recognised tests unless exempt. Transfer students are evaluated on college-level coursework and cumulative GPA. The Haslam College of Business may have additional criteria for admission to the finance major or for progression into upper-level finance courses, such as minimum grades in prerequisite gateway courses.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of finance roles across private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Common career paths include:

• Financial analyst roles in corporate finance, treasury or investor relations.
• Investment and portfolio management positions at asset management firms, mutual funds or wealth management boutiques.
• Financial planner or adviser roles, working with individual clients or as part of advisory firms; graduates often pursue industry certifications to enhance professional standing.
• Commercial banking, credit analysis and lending roles at regional and national banks.
• Risk management, insurance and compliance roles within financial institutions and corporations.
• Opportunities in consulting, corporate strategy and financial technology (fintech) companies.

Practical internship experience, participation in student investment activities and utilisation of the college’s career services typically improve employability and help graduates transition to professional roles or further study, such as master's degrees or professional certification programmes.

Why study at University of Tennessee

The programme is offered through the Haslam College of Business, which emphasises experiential learning, career preparation and industry engagement. Students benefit from internship and co‑op opportunities facilitated by the university's employer network, as well as access to student investment funds, business competitions and professional development workshops.

Faculty combine academic research with business experience, and the college maintains connections with regional and national financial employers that support recruitment and mentorship. The campus environment and career services provide tailored guidance for students pursuing industry certifications and licensure where relevant to financial planning and advisory careers.

Overall, the University of Tennessee programme aims to prepare graduates with analytical, technical and client-facing skills needed for a range of finance careers while offering pathways to professional credentials and graduate study.