The Bachelor’s in Finance and Financial Management Services at Alfred State College is a practical undergraduate programme that combines core finance theory with hands-on training in financial planning, investments, banking and risk management. It suits students aiming for careers in corporate finance, financial advisory, banking, insurance or further professional qualifications and values experiential learning and internships.
This programme provides a balanced mix of foundational business studies, finance-specific courses and applied skills training. You will study core topics such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, corporate finance, investments, financial markets and institutions, and principles of risk management. Applied modules typically include financial statement analysis, portfolio management, financial modelling and forecasting, personal financial planning, taxation for individuals and businesses, and banking services.
Applicants normally require a high school diploma or equivalent with a strong record in numeracy. Typical preparation includes high-school mathematics (algebra and preferably precalculus), and any courses in economics, business or accounting are advantageous. Admissions review focuses on academic transcripts, a personal statement and any relevant extracurricular or work experience.
For mature applicants or those with college credit, prior post‑secondary coursework in quantitative subjects supports admission. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through accepted tests or institutional pathways if English is not their first language. Specific minimum GPA expectations and documentation requirements are provided by the college admissions office.
Graduates are prepared for a range of roles across financial services and corporate settings. Common entry-level and early-career positions include financial analyst, credit analyst, banking officer, personal financial adviser (or paraplanner), insurance underwriter, wealth-management associate and accounting support roles. With experience, alumni move into corporate finance, treasury, risk management, compliance, investment analysis and portfolio management.
The programme also provides a foundation for professional qualifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification, or industry licences required for roles in investment and advisory services. Many graduates combine immediate employment with part-time study toward these credentials or progress to postgraduate study in finance, accounting or business administration.
Alfred State emphasises applied, career-oriented education with relatively small class sizes and accessible faculty who have industry experience. The college supports experiential learning through internships, cooperative placements and applied projects with local and regional employers, helping students build practical skills and professional networks.
Students benefit from career services that assist with internship placement, resume development and employer engagement, and from facilities that support hands-on financial analysis and modelling. As part of the SUNY system, Alfred State provides pathways to further study across the state university network and a supportive campus community focused on preparing graduates for immediate entry into the workforce or continued professional development.
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