University of Iowa

What you'll study

This bachelor‑level programme is offered through the Tippie College of Business and combines core business courses with specialised finance and financial planning modules. Students follow a sequence of foundation courses in accounting, economics, statistics and business law before advancing into finance topics.

• Core foundations: financial accounting, managerial accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics, business statistics and introductory finance.
• Corporate finance: capital budgeting, capital structure, corporate valuation, working capital management and financial statement analysis.
• Investments and markets: portfolio theory, securities analysis, fixed income, derivatives and market microstructure.
• Financial Management Services pathway: personal financial planning, retirement planning, tax considerations, insurance and risk management, estate planning and ethics in financial advice.
• Advanced and applied topics: financial modelling, international finance, behavioural finance, treasury management and risk management.
• Experiential learning: practicum courses, case competitions, the Tippie trading room, internships with firms in Des Moines, Chicago and other financial centres, and a major capstone or practicum project.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Strong performance in mathematics (algebra, pre‑calculus or calculus) and in quantitative subjects is expected. Typical academic preparation includes coursework in algebra, statistics and economics where available.

• Successful high school grades with an emphasis on quantitative subjects.
• Evidence of readiness for college‑level mathematics; completion of a placement or qualifying maths course may be required.
• For transfer applicants, a record of college coursework in introductory business or economics is advantageous.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and provide certified academic transcripts; specific tests or scores are set by the university and should be checked on the official admissions pages.
• Admissions decisions consider the whole application, so relevant extracurricular experience (finance club, internships, competitions) and personal statements can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of finance roles across private, public and nonprofit sectors. The Financial Management Services stream is particularly aimed at students seeking client‑facing careers in wealth management and personal financial planning.

• Financial analyst roles in corporate finance, investment firms or consulting.
• Wealth management, private banking and certified financial planner (CFP) pathways.
• Commercial or investment banking, capital markets and securities firms.
• Risk management, treasury and insurance roles.
• Corporate roles in budgeting, forecasting and investor relations.
• Further study options including specialised master’s degrees (finance, accounting, business analytics) or professional qualifications (CFA, CFP, FRM).

Why study at University of Iowa

Tippie College of Business offers a finance curriculum rooted in rigorous theory and applied practice. The college provides access to facilities and opportunities that support career readiness and employer engagement.

• Close industry links with employers in the Midwest and national financial centres help students secure internships and full‑time roles.
• Hands‑on learning through the Tippie trading room, practicum courses and case competitions builds practical skills employers value.
• Active student organisations and mentoring programmes connect students with alumni and professionals in finance and financial planning.
• Dedicated career services for business students, including interview preparation, networking events and on‑campus recruiting.
• Flexibility to combine finance study with minors or electives across campus—such as computer science, economics or entrepreneurship—to tailor skills for specific career goals.