St. John's University

What you'll study

The programme builds a foundation in business disciplines before moving into specialised finance and financial services topics. Early coursework covers financial and managerial accounting, micro- and macroeconomics, business law, statistics and quantitative methods for business. Major-specific modules typically include corporate finance, investments and portfolio management, financial markets and institutions, risk management, derivatives, financial statement analysis, commercial banking, and personal financial planning.

Students also take classes in ethics and professional responsibility, information systems for finance, and elective options that can include international finance, real estate finance, fintech topics, and applied econometrics. The curriculum emphasises experiential learning: case studies, group projects, use of market data platforms and trading simulation tools, and a capstone or practicum that integrates finance theory with real-world decision making. Internship placements and opportunities to work with student-managed investment groups are common parts of the degree.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school leaving qualification. Admissions typically look for evidence of strong quantitative ability — for example, a substantial mathematics background — and solid academic performance in high-school coursework. Typical application materials include official transcripts, a personal statement, and academic references; international applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency where required.

Transfer applicants are usually asked to submit college transcripts and descriptions of completed courses for transfer-credit evaluation. Some applicants may be invited to provide additional information about extracurricular activities, relevant work experience or to attend an interview. Specific minimum grades and test requirements vary by applicant type and must be confirmed with the university admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles across financial services and corporate organisations. Common entry-level positions include financial analyst, investment analyst, commercial or retail banking associate, wealth management or financial planning advisor, credit analyst, and risk-management analyst. With experience, alumni may move into portfolio management, corporate treasury, investment banking, financial consulting, or senior roles in corporate finance.

The degree is also a suitable foundation for professional qualifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams or Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification, and for graduate study including MBA and specialised finance masters programmes. Proximity to New York City and strong alumni and employer connections help students access internships and placements across capital markets, asset management, banking and fintech sectors.

Why study at St. John's University

St. John’s Tobin College of Business offers a programme that combines classroom theory with practical, career-oriented experiences and access to New York’s financial industry. Students benefit from career services focused on internship and employer recruitment, access to financial data platforms and simulation tools, and student organisations that provide networking and professional development.

The university’s global links, including international study opportunities, and its campus locations in the New York metropolitan area support industry engagement and experiential learning. Faculty bring a mix of academic expertise and practitioner experience, and the college’s emphasis on ethical and professional standards prepares graduates for the compliance and fiduciary expectations of modern finance roles.