Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

This programme combines foundation business courses with specialised finance and financial management subjects. Coursework emphasises financial decision-making, quantitative analysis, regulatory and ethical issues, and real-world application through case studies and internship opportunities.

• Core business fundamentals: introductory accounting, micro- and macroeconomics, business law, management and marketing.
• Finance core: corporate finance, financial markets and institutions, investments, portfolio management, and financial statement analysis.
• Quantitative and technical skills: business statistics, spreadsheet modelling, financial modelling, and introductory econometrics or quantitative methods for finance.
• Financial services and planning: personal financial planning, insurance and risk management, retirement planning, and compliance/regulatory environment for financial services.
• Electives and special topics: fixed income and derivatives, international finance, behavioural finance, real estate finance, or fintech and data analytics in finance.
• Experiential learning: internship placements, applied projects, investment club or student-managed funds, and a capstone or senior project integrating finance tools and strategy.

Structure

The degree typically includes a combination of university general-education requirements, a core business curriculum, specialised finance courses and electives. Students usually progress from foundational courses in the first year to advanced, applied finance classes in junior and senior years, culminating in a capstone experience or internship.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions considerations include academic transcripts with strength in mathematics and related subjects, a personal statement, and any supporting materials the university requests.

• Academic background: solid preparation in mathematics (algebra and precalculus) and coursework in economics or business is advantageous.
• GPA and testing: admission decisions are based on the overall academic record; standardised test submission policies may vary so check the university’s current guidance.
• International applicants: must present equivalent secondary credentials and demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted test or approved alternative if English is not the first language.
• Additional materials: some applicants provide a résumé, letters of recommendation or a brief statement of purpose describing interest in finance and career goals.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of finance-related roles in the private and public sectors. The programme prepares students for analytical and client-facing positions and offers a strong foundation for professional certification or graduate study.

• Financial analyst roles in corporations, banks or investment firms
• Investment and portfolio analyst positions at asset management firms
• Financial planning and wealth management advisers
• Commercial or retail banking, lending and credit analysis
• Risk management, compliance and financial operations
• Corporate treasury, budgeting and financial planning and analysis (FP&A)
• Careers in insurance, real estate finance or fintech firms
• Progression to graduate programmes (MBA, specialized master’s) or professional qualifications (e.g., CFA, CFP) for career advancement

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson offers small class sizes and personalised attention delivered by faculty with academic and industry experience, helping bridge theory and practice. Students benefit from the university’s proximity to major financial centres in New Jersey and New York, which supports internship placements and employer networking.

• Applied learning: emphasis on internships, student-managed investment activities and capstone projects that connect classroom learning to employer expectations.
• Career support: dedicated career services, employer events, and alumni networks that help students secure internships and graduate roles in the financial services sector.
• Flexible campus options: programmes available through FDU’s campus locations, with access to regional business communities and professional partnerships.
• Preparation for credentials: curriculum aligned with the knowledge areas needed for common finance certifications and for graduate-level study.