Ohio University

What you'll study

The Finance and Financial Management Services degree combines core finance theory with applied coursework in financial planning, investment analysis and risk management. The curriculum emphasises quantitative skills, ethical practice and communication, preparing students to analyse financial statements, value assets and build client-focused financial plans.

Structure

Students complete a mix of business core courses and specialised finance modules alongside general education requirements. Typical progression moves from introductory courses in accounting, microeconomics and statistics to intermediate finance, corporate finance and electives in areas such as investments, derivatives and financial institutions.

Typical modules and subjects

• Principles of Finance — time value of money, discounting, basic valuation.
• Corporate Finance — capital budgeting, capital structure and corporate financial policy.
• Investment Analysis — portfolio theory, asset pricing models and security analysis.
• Financial Management Services / Financial Planning — personal financial planning, retirement and estate planning, tax considerations.
• Financial Markets and Institutions — structure and regulation of financial intermediaries and markets.
• Risk Management and Derivatives — hedging, options, futures and risk-transfer strategies.
• Business Analytics and Quantitative Methods — statistics, forecasting and spreadsheet modelling for finance.
• Professional Ethics and Regulation — ethical standards, compliance and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Capstone or Applied Project — integrative project, case studies or applied research that synthesises technical and professional skills.

Many students also take electives in entrepreneurship, international finance, or information systems and participate in extracurricular activities such as investment clubs, case competitions and on-campus employer events.

Entry requirements

Admissions to the programme typically require a high school diploma or equivalent with a competitive academic record. Successful applicants usually present strong performance in mathematics (algebra and precalculus or calculus) and coursework in economics, if available. Admissions criteria place value on overall GPA, the strength of secondary-school preparation and demonstrated interest in business or finance.

International applicants should demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or approved institutional pathways. Transfer applicants from community colleges or other universities are considered based on completed coursework and academic standing; prerequisite courses in introductory accounting, economics or college-level mathematics may be required for direct entry into upper-level finance courses.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of finance-related careers. Common entry-level roles include financial analyst, investment analyst, commercial or retail banking associate, financial planner or client-advisory associate. With experience, alumni progress to specialised roles in portfolio management, corporate treasury, risk management, mergers and acquisitions or wealth management.

The degree also provides solid preparation for professional qualifications and postgraduate study. Many graduates pursue certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations, or continue to MBA and other master’s programmes to advance into leadership, consulting or specialised finance careers.

Why study at Ohio University

Ohio University's Finance and Financial Management Services programme is housed within a business college that emphasises applied learning, professional development and employer engagement. Students benefit from experiential opportunities—such as internships, practicum projects and student investment activities—that connect classroom theory to real-world finance.

The Athens campus offers a close-knit learning environment with access to academic support, career services and an active alumni network. Strong ties with regional and national employers provide recruiting opportunities across banking, corporate finance and advisory firms, while faculty with industry and research experience support student mentorship and career preparation.