Boise State University

What you'll study

The programme builds from foundational business courses into focused finance and financial management services topics. Early years typically cover microeconomics and macroeconomics, financial and managerial accounting, business statistics, business law and introductory finance. Upper-division modules deepen technical and applied skills.

• Core finance topics: corporate finance, financial markets and institutions, investments, international finance and risk management.
• Financial management services specialism: personal financial planning, retirement and estate planning, insurance and risk transfer, consumer lending and small-business finance.
• Quantitative and analytical skills: financial modelling, business analytics, applied statistics and spreadsheet-based valuation and forecasting techniques.
• Professional and ethical preparation: financial regulation and compliance, ethics in finance, communication for finance professionals and client relationship management.
• Experiential learning: internships or practicum with regional financial firms, capstone projects or simulation-based courses that apply theory to real-world scenarios.

Students may also choose electives in accounting, economics, information systems or entrepreneurship to tailor the degree toward corporate finance, wealth management or financial technology roles.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised high-school diploma or equivalent. Admissions typically consider secondary school grades with emphasis on quantitative subjects such as mathematics, and may require completion of college preparatory coursework in math and English. Prospective students who have taken college-level courses or hold an associate degree may be eligible for transfer credit.

Boise State operates a holistic admissions process; standardised test submissions may be optional depending on institution policies. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to the university’s published requirements. Successful candidates benefit from coursework or experience in mathematics, economics or accounting and a demonstrated interest in finance-related activities.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of roles across financial services and corporate sectors. Typical entry-level and early-career positions include:

• Financial analyst (corporate or investment)
• Personal financial planner or advisor
• Commercial or retail banking associate
• Risk management or insurance analyst
• Wealth management or private client services
• Credit analyst or loan officer

The programme also prepares students to pursue professional certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation or other state licensure for advisors, depending on career path and additional requirements. Internship experience and active participation in finance clubs and competitions are important for launching careers.

Why study at Boise State University

Boise State’s College of Business and Economics emphasises applied learning and regional industry engagement, providing students with access to internship pipelines and employer networks in a growing metropolitan market. The college’s curriculum aligns business fundamentals with practical finance training and opportunities for hands-on projects and employer-led experiences.

Students benefit from faculty with applied and research experience in finance, campus career services focused on employer connections, and student organisations that support finance skills, networking and professional development. The university’s location offers proximity to a diverse set of financial services, banking and corporate headquarters in the region, supporting experiential learning and job placement opportunities for graduates.