University of Kansas

What you'll study

This programme builds a foundation in business fundamentals and deepens into finance topics and applied financial management. You will study core business subjects such as accounting, microeconomics and macroeconomics, quantitative methods and business law, then progress to finance-specific modules that cover corporate finance, investments, financial institutions, and international finance.

• Core finance modules: corporate finance, financial statement analysis, investments, financial markets and institutions, and international finance.
• Financial management services and personal finance: topics in financial planning, insurance, retirement and estate planning, taxation fundamentals, and consumer financial counselling.
• Analytical and technical skills: courses in business statistics, financial modelling, spreadsheet and database skills, and risk management techniques.
• Practical and integrative experiences: internship/Co-op opportunities, case studies, and a capstone or senior seminar focusing on real-world financial problems and ethical considerations.
• Electives and special topics: students can choose electives in areas such as derivatives, fixed income, behavioral finance, fintech applications, or entrepreneurial finance to tailor their studies.

Program delivery emphasises applied learning: expect group projects, simulations, use of financial databases and software, and opportunities for industry engagement through guest lectures and career-focused events.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification and demonstrate strong preparation in quantitative subjects. Typical admissions criteria include a competitive overall academic record and evidence of proficiency in mathematics; relevant coursework such as algebra, precalculus or calculus, and introductory economics is advantageous.

• Successful applicants usually present a strong academic transcript with particular strength in mathematics and analytical subjects.
• Where standardised tests are part of the process, universities consider results alongside the academic record; policies on tests may vary, so check current admissions guidance.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by meeting the university’s accepted qualifications or test scores.
• Relevant extracurricular experience—such as participation in finance, economics or business clubs, part-time work, or volunteering—can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles across the finance sector. Common entry-level positions include financial analyst, credit analyst, commercial banking officer, investment operations associate, client services in wealth management, and insurance underwriting or sales.

• Corporate finance: roles in budgeting, treasury, corporate planning and financial control.
• Investment and asset management: portfolio analyst, research associate, or client-facing advisory roles.
• Financial planning and wealth management: personal financial advisor, paraplanner or practice administrator in private wealth firms.
• Banking and financial services: retail and commercial banking, lending, compliance and operations functions.
• Risk, insurance and fintech: opportunities in risk management, insurance product management, and technology-driven finance roles.

Many graduates pursue professional qualifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or other industry certificates, and others continue to postgraduate study including specialised master’s programmes or MBA pathways.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas School of Business provides a comprehensive undergraduate business education with access to faculty who combine academic research and industry experience. The programme emphasises experiential learning, connecting classroom theory to practice through internships, case competitions and applied projects.

• Students benefit from career and internship support services that help secure placements across regional and national firms.
• The faculty offer mentoring and research-led teaching, with opportunities to work on applied projects and engage with visiting industry professionals.
• As a university located within reach of major regional commercial centres, students have access to internship and networking opportunities with banks, investment firms, insurance companies and corporate finance departments.
• Student organisations and finance-related clubs provide peer learning, investment simulation and networking that complement formal coursework.

Together these elements prepare graduates to enter the finance workforce with practical skills, professional awareness and a pathway to further qualifications or advanced study.