Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

This programme blends foundation business courses with specialised finance and financial planning subjects. You will study core topics such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, microeconomics and macroeconomics, statistics for business and business law. Finance-focused modules typically cover corporate finance, investments, financial markets and institutions, fixed income, portfolio management and financial modelling using Excel.

The Financial Management Services strand emphasises personal financial planning and applied client work. Typical subjects include retirement planning, taxation for financial planners, estate planning, insurance and risk management, behavioural finance and ethics in financial advising. The curriculum often culminates in a capstone or practicum where students work on real-world client projects, simulations or internships with financial services firms.

Throughout the degree you will encounter experiential learning opportunities—case studies, group projects, presentations and internship placements—that develop technical skills (modelling, spreadsheet analysis, financial statement analysis) and professional competencies (client communication, ethical decision-making and regulatory awareness).

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a high school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record. Admissions typically look for solid achievement in mathematics (algebra and a course in calculus or precalculus recommended) and in courses that demonstrate analytical ability such as economics or statistics.

Typical application components include academic transcripts, a personal statement, and at least one letter of recommendation. Standardised test scores may be considered where submitted, but applicants should check Loyola's current testing policy. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements.

Some students enter with prior coursework in accounting or business; these can be helpful but are not always mandatory. Professional experience or demonstrated interest in finance through extracurricular activities, internships or finance clubs strengthens an application.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles across the financial services sector. Common entry-level positions include financial analyst, investment operations analyst, financial planner or advisor, wealth management associate, credit analyst and roles in commercial banking or corporate treasury. The Financial Management Services emphasis prepares students specifically for careers in personal financial planning and wealth management.

The degree also provides a pathway to professional qualifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams for investment-focused careers or the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation for financial planners. Many graduates pursue further study, including MBA programmes or specialised master's degrees in finance, accounting or financial planning.

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola's Quinlan School of Business offers an AACSB-accredited business education with small class sizes and a focus on ethics and social responsibility rooted in Jesuit learning. Studying in Chicago provides direct access to a major financial hub—facilitating internships, employer networking and guest speakers from investment firms, banks and financial advisory practices.

The university emphasises experiential learning and career support: students benefit from career services, mentoring, student-run investment and financial planning groups, and practicum partnerships with local firms. An active alumni network in the Chicago area helps with recruiting and professional introductions, assisting graduates as they begin careers in finance and financial management services.