Marymount University

What you'll study

The Finance and Financial Management Services degree blends foundational business courses with specialised finance and financial planning subjects. You will study financial accounting and managerial accounting, corporate finance, investments, financial markets and institutions, and quantitative methods for finance. Practical modules typically include financial modelling and analysis, portfolio management, risk management, derivative instruments, and personal financial planning.

The curriculum emphasises applied learning: expect coursework in Excel and other industry tools, case studies, and a capstone or practicum project that integrates finance theory with real-world client or market problems. Electives and seminars may cover topics such as international finance, banking operations, taxation for financial planning, insurance and retirement planning, and ethics and regulation in financial services.

Many students also complete an internship or cooperative placement arranged through the School of Business to gain workplace experience in investment firms, commercial banks, financial planning practices, or corporate finance departments.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions considerations include secondary-school grades, performance in quantitative subjects (mathematics, statistics or economics), and the overall academic record. Marymount also considers supporting documents such as a personal statement and references.

Mathematical competence is important; applicants who have taken university-preparatory mathematics or finance-related courses are well prepared. Transfer applicants should supply college transcripts and details of completed coursework for credit evaluation. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or prior study in English where required.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles across finance and financial services. Common entry-level positions include financial analyst, investment analyst, credit analyst, commercial banking associate, junior portfolio analyst, and financial planning paraplanner. Those with an interest in personal finance may move into roles as financial planners, client advisors or insurance specialists.

With experience or further qualifications, graduates progress to positions such as financial manager, portfolio manager, risk manager, wealth manager, corporate treasurer or compliance officer. The degree also provides a foundation for professional certifications (for example, CFA, CFP) and for postgraduate study in finance, business administration or law.

Why study at Marymount University

Marymount's School of Business emphasises personalised instruction and experiential learning in a small-class environment. Students benefit from faculty who combine academic expertise with professional experience in finance and financial services. The university’s location near Washington, D.C. provides access to internships, employers and professional networks across government, non-profit and private financial sectors.

The programme integrates practical tools and technology used in the industry, and career services support students with internship placement, resume development and employer connections. For students seeking a balance of rigorous finance training and career-focused preparation, Marymount offers a pathway tailored to entry into the financial services sector or further professional qualification.