Marywood University

What you'll study

This programme combines core finance theory with applied tools used by practitioners. Typical modules cover corporate finance and capital budgeting, investments and portfolio management, financial statement analysis, risk management and derivatives, and quantitative methods for finance. Students learn financial modelling and valuation techniques, applied econometrics for finance, and regulatory and ethical issues in financial services. The curriculum often includes a practicum, capstone project or internship option that requires students to apply classroom learning to a real-world financial problem or client engagement.

• Corporate Finance and Valuation – capital structure, cost of capital, project appraisal and firm valuation methods.
• Investments and Portfolio Theory – asset allocation, security analysis, portfolio construction and performance evaluation.
• Financial Statement Analysis – interpreting accounting reports for decision-making and forecasting.
• Risk Management and Derivatives – identifying, measuring and hedging financial risks using derivatives and other instruments.
• Quantitative Methods and Financial Modelling – time series, regression techniques, spreadsheet and database-based modelling.
• Ethics, Regulation and Compliance – regulatory frameworks, fiduciary responsibilities and professional standards.
• Capstone/Practicum – an applied project or internship that integrates technical skills with professional practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an accredited bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Degrees in finance, accounting, economics, business or other quantitative fields are typically well aligned to the programme, but applicants from other backgrounds with demonstrable quantitative aptitude may also be considered. Admissions commonly require a current CV or résumé, academic transcripts and a personal statement outlining professional goals and motivation for the programme. Applicants may be asked to supply letters of recommendation. Where relevant, some programmes offer waivers of standardised test requirements (such as the GMAT or GRE) for candidates with substantial professional experience or strong academic records.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue roles across the financial services sector and corporate finance functions. Common entry and mid-level positions include financial analyst, investment analyst, portfolio analyst, risk analyst, treasury analyst and corporate finance associate. Over time, graduates move into roles such as finance manager, investment manager, wealth adviser, compliance officer or chief financial officer in smaller organisations. The programme also supports those aiming for professional certifications and licences used in the industry, and provides a foundation for doctoral study or specialised finance certificates.

Why study at Marywood University

Marywood offers a personalised learning environment with small class sizes and direct access to faculty who combine academic expertise with professional experience. The university emphasises applied learning—students benefit from project-based coursework, connections with regional employers and support from the school’s career services to identify internships and job opportunities. The programme is delivered with attention to ethical decision-making and community values, which is useful for finance professionals working in regulated or client-facing roles. For students seeking a supportive campus environment with practical training in finance, Marywood provides a focused pathway from study to professional practice.