University of Delaware

What you'll study

This programme blends a foundation in business fundamentals with specialised finance and financial planning subjects. You will take core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, financial accounting, managerial accounting, business statistics and principles of management alongside a structured finance sequence.

• Core finance modules such as corporate finance, investments, financial markets, and financial institutions and markets.
• Financial management services and personal financial planning topics including retirement planning, taxation of individuals, estate planning, insurance and risk management, and client-based financial planning.
• Analytical and quantitative courses such as business statistics, econometrics or applied quantitative methods and spreadsheet-based financial modelling.
• Electives and advanced options that may cover fixed income, derivatives, portfolio management, real estate finance, behavioural finance and corporate valuation.
• Experiential components such as internships, practicum courses, a capstone project or participation in student-managed investment activities that emphasise applied skills and employer-ready experience.

The programme emphasises ethical conduct, regulatory environment and communication skills required for working with individual and institutional clients. Many students tailor their studies with complementary subjects in accounting, information systems, or economics.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Delaware and the Lerner College of Business and Economics is competitive. Applicants are expected to present a strong secondary-school record with evidence of quantitative ability. Typical preparations include high-school mathematics (algebra and ideally precalculus or calculus) and courses in English and social sciences.

• Standard application materials: secondary-school transcripts, a personal statement, and school references where required by the admissions process.
• International applicants must demonstrate academic credentials equivalent to U.S. secondary education and meet English language proficiency requirements.
• Some students enter directly into the business college; others may apply to transfer into the finance major after completing prerequisite business foundation courses and meeting departmental grade requirements.
• Prior college-level coursework in maths, economics or introductory business can strengthen an application or accelerate progress through the curriculum.

Career prospects

Graduates typically enter roles across retail and institutional finance, corporate settings and the financial services sector. The degree prepares you for employment and professional certification pathways.

• Financial planner or personal financial advisor – providing retirement, investment and tax-aware planning for individual clients.
• Wealth management and private client services in banks, brokerages and independent advisory firms.
• Investment analyst, portfolio analyst or buy-side/sell-side analyst roles focused on equities, fixed income or alternative investments.
• Corporate finance positions in areas such as financial analysis, treasury, budgeting and valuation.
• Commercial banking, insurance underwriting, risk management and financial operations roles.
• Paths to professional credentials (for example, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and other industry certifications) and to postgraduate study including specialised masters or MBA programmes.

Why study at University of Delaware

The University of Delaware’s Lerner College of Business and Economics combines a strong academic curriculum with practical, career-focused opportunities. Students benefit from small-class interaction within the major, access to faculty with industry experience and a range of experiential learning options.

• Established links with regional financial firms and a broad alumni network help students secure internships and employment in nearby financial centres.
• Opportunities for hands-on learning include internships, student-managed investment activities and applied capstone projects that build technical and advisory skills.
• Dedicated career services for business students provide recruiting events, interview preparation and employer connections specifically in finance and financial services.
• Flexibility to combine the finance major with minors or electives in areas such as data analytics, computer information systems or economics to broaden career options.