Florida State University

What you'll study

This programme combines foundational business education with focused finance coursework. Early years cover core topics such as microeconomics and macroeconomics, financial and managerial accounting, business statistics, quantitative methods and introductory finance. Upper-level study emphasises corporate finance, investments, financial markets and institutions, risk management, and financial modelling.

• Core business foundations: accounting, economics, business law, statistics and information systems.
• Finance fundamentals: principles of finance, time value of money, corporate finance and valuation.
• Financial markets & investments: securities analysis, portfolio management, fixed income and derivatives basics.
• Financial management services & planning: personal financial planning, retirement and estate planning, consumer lending and insurance.
• Quantitative and technical skills: spreadsheet modelling, financial statement analysis, econometrics and introductory programming or data analytics applied to finance.
• Experiential learning: internship options, practicum projects, case studies and participation in student investment clubs or competitions.

The degree typically requires completion of general education requirements alongside business school prerequisites, progressive upper-division finance courses and a selection of electives or a concentration track. Many students complement coursework with internships, certification study (for example, preparation for industry exams) and involvement in finance-related student organisations.

Entry requirements

Admission to the university and to the College of Business follow standard undergraduate procedures. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic preparation in core subjects.

• Academic background: successful completion of secondary education with solid grades; recommended preparation includes mathematics (algebra, precalculus or calculus), English and introductory economics.
• Transcripts: official secondary-school transcripts are required; transfer applicants should provide college transcripts showing performance in foundational business and quantitative courses.
• English proficiency: international applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency through an accepted English-language test or equivalent evidence.
• Additional materials: personal statements, letters of recommendation and a résumé can strengthen an application; some applicants may also show evidence of relevant extracurricular activities, work experience or internships.

Specific admission criteria, including minimum GPA expectations and policies on standardized tests, are set by the university and the College of Business. Prospective students should consult official admissions guidance for current requirements and the process for declaring a finance major.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme enter a broad range of roles across finance and financial services. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for technical and client-facing positions.

• Financial analyst roles in corporate finance, investment research and treasury functions.
• Positions in commercial banking, credit analysis and lending operations.
• Careers in wealth management, financial planning and private client services.
• Opportunities in asset management, portfolio administration and investment operations.
• Roles in risk management, compliance, and financial consulting.
• Employment in fintech, corporate development or business analytics where quantitative and modelling skills are valued.

Graduates commonly pursue professional certifications and licences, such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams or financial planning credentials, to enhance career progression. The programme’s emphasis on internships and practical projects helps students build employer connections and workplace-ready skills.

Why study at Florida State University

Florida State University’s College of Business offers a comprehensive business education with access to faculty who teach and research in finance and related disciplines. The university provides a mix of rigorous classroom instruction and practical opportunities that help bridge theory and practice.

• Experiential opportunities: internships with regional and national employers, practicum projects and student-managed investment groups.
• Career support: dedicated career services for business students, recruiting events, alumni networks and employer connections that assist with internships and graduate placements.
• Student community: active finance and entrepreneurship clubs, professional fraternities and case competition teams that support skill development and networking.
• Location advantages: while based in the state capital with access to public-sector employers, students also benefit from connections to financial centres and employers across the country.

Students who choose Florida State University for finance studies gain a balanced programme of technical finance training, practical experience and access to institutional resources that support career development in the financial services sector.