University of South Alabama

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme combines core business foundations with specialised finance and financial services coursework. You will study topics such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, microeconomics and macroeconomics, business statistics, and business law alongside finance-specific subjects.

• Corporate Finance: time value of money, capital budgeting, capital structure, working capital management and corporate valuation.
• Investments and Markets: securities and markets, portfolio theory, asset pricing models, fixed income and equity analysis.
• Financial Management Services: personal financial planning, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance, and wealth management techniques.
• Analysis and Modelling: financial statement analysis, financial modelling, forecasting and use of spreadsheet and database tools.
• Risk and Derivatives: basics of risk management, derivatives instruments and their use in hedging strategies.
• Regulation and Ethics: regulatory environment for financial services, professional ethics, and compliance considerations.
• Applied Experience: internships, practicum courses or capstone projects with regional firms or on-campus investment/financial planning labs.

The programme typically follows the Bachelor of Business Administration structure used by the Mitchell College of Business, with a combination of general education requirements, business core courses and finance major electives. Students can often choose electives in areas such as banking, real estate finance, international finance or financial technology.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admission to the University of South Alabama’s undergraduate programmes is based on a combination of academic record, coursework in mathematics and English, and other supporting materials.

• Recommended preparatory subjects: college-preparatory mathematics (algebra and preferably precalculus), English and economics.
• Standardised tests: the university has established policies on test-optional admissions; check the University of South Alabama admissions guidance for current practices.
• International students: must present equivalent academic credentials and meet English language proficiency requirements (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS) unless otherwise exempt.
• Non-academic materials: personal statements, letters of recommendation and evidence of extracurricular or work experience in business or finance can strengthen an application.

Transfer students are welcome; transfer credit evaluation follows university policy and business-school residency rules. Students should consult the Mitchell College of Business academic advising to confirm prerequisite and major progression requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Finance and Financial Management Services enter a wide range of roles across financial services and corporate sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Financial analyst roles in corporate finance or investment firms
• Commercial banking and lending officer positions
• Financial planner or wealth management adviser in private practice or brokerage firms
• Treasury, risk management or credit analysis roles within corporations
• Insurance underwriting, product development or claims management
• Positions with government agencies, regulatory bodies or public finance offices
• Further professional qualifications (for example, CFA or CFP) or graduate study such as an MBA

Students are encouraged to pursue internships and campus recruiting opportunities to build practical experience and professional networks. The programme’s applied components help prepare graduates for licensing and certification pathways relevant to client-facing financial services careers.

Why study at University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama’s Mitchell College of Business offers an AACSB-accredited business education with strong regional ties to Mobile and the Gulf Coast financial community. The college emphasises applied learning, small class sizes and access to faculty with practitioner experience.

• Location advantages: proximity to a diversified regional economy provides internship and employment opportunities with banks, investment firms, insurance companies and corporate finance departments.
• Practical learning: experiential labs, capstone projects and internship support link classroom theory to workplace practice.
• Student support and organisations: finance and investment clubs, career services and faculty advising help students explore specialisms and prepare for recruitment or professional exams.
• Professional preparation: curriculum alignment with industry standards and support for pursuing certifications such as CFA or CFP.

Students choosing this programme benefit from a balance of technical finance skills and client-focused training designed to support careers across the financial services sector and beyond.