Seattle University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme, offered through Seattle University's Albers School of Business and Economics, combines core business education with specialised finance and financial planning coursework. You will take foundation courses in accounting, economics, statistics and business law before moving to finance-specific modules. Typical modules include:

• Corporate Finance: capital budgeting, capital structure, corporate valuation and working capital management.
• Investments and Portfolio Management: asset allocation, securities analysis, portfolio theory and performance measurement.
• Financial Markets and Institutions: structure and regulation of financial markets, banking and payment systems.
• Financial Planning and Wealth Management: personal financial planning, retirement and estate planning, tax considerations and client communication.
• Risk Management and Derivatives: identification and management of financial risk, options, futures and hedging strategies.
• Quantitative Methods and Financial Modelling: applied statistics, Excel modelling, database tools and introductory programming for finance.
• Ethics and Professional Standards: ethical decision-making in finance and fiduciary responsibilities emphasised through case studies.
• Capstone/Applied Projects: practicum, investment fund participation or consulting projects with community and corporate partners.

Students can typically choose electives to focus on areas such as fintech, real estate finance, or international finance, and are encouraged to complete internships and industry certifications (for example, CFA exam preparation or Certified Financial Planner coursework) to enhance employability.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a high-school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record in quantitative subjects such as mathematics. Seattle University reviews applications holistically; required materials generally include official secondary transcripts, a personal statement or essay, and one or more letters of recommendation.

Standardised test scores (SAT or ACT) may be optional depending on admissions policies at the time of application. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests (for example TOEFL or IELTS) or approved alternative evidence. Transfer students should provide college transcripts and any relevant course descriptions. Competitive applicants typically show evidence of strong analytical skills and engagement in extracurricular activities or work experience related to business or finance.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers across financial services, corporate sectors and advisory roles. Common entry-level positions include:

• Financial analyst roles in corporate finance, investment firms or consulting
• Wealth management and private client advisory positions
• Commercial or investment banking analyst roles
• Risk analyst or treasury support roles at banks and corporations
• Financial planning and insurance advisory positions
• Positions in fintech companies, financial operations and data analytics

Many graduates also continue to graduate study (for example an MBA or specialised master’s in finance) or pursue professional certifications such as the CFA or CFP to advance to senior analytical, portfolio management or leadership roles.

Why study at Seattle University

Seattle University offers this programme within the Albers School of Business and Economics, which emphasises ethical leadership and experiential learning in a Jesuit educational context. The programme benefits from Seattle’s dynamic economy and proximity to major financial institutions, technology firms and startup hubs, providing strong internship and employer networking opportunities.

Students have access to practical resources such as trading lab technology and faculty with industry experience, and are supported by career services that focus on internships, employer engagement and career preparation. Small class sizes and opportunities for applied projects or student-managed funds help bridge theory and practice, preparing graduates for professional roles in a rapidly evolving financial sector.