Undergraduate
What is Finance?
Finance is the study and practice of making decisions involving money. From personal wealth management to strategic business investments, finance is studied to help allocate resources over time and under conditions of uncertainty.
Finance professionals, whether self-employed or working on a team, are trusted to protect their clients’ best interests, which is why a solid understanding of financial principles and concepts is crucial to success.
Finance
Career Opportunities
All sectors of the economy—from banks and large public corporations to small private companies and individuals—require finance expertise. A bachelor’s degree in finance from the Haslam College of Business prepares students for a broad range of careers. Our program will provide the technical framework needed for success in the field while also developing critical analytical, research, and presentation skills valued across the industry.
Haslam graduates have successfully gone on to pursue career paths in corporate finance, investment banking, commercial or consumer banking, private wealth management, consulting and advisory services, real estate, insurance and risk management, private equity or venture capital, financial technology (fintech), and education. Some common entry-level jobs include financial analysts, investment analysts, credit analysts, wealth advisors, management consultants, and risk analysts.
92%
Graduates employed or pursuing higher education
$60,000
Median finance graduate salary
Haslam Undergraduate Outcomes Report, 2022–2023.
Job Examples
Corporate Finance Analyst
Financial analysts often work as part of a corporate financial planning and analysis team (FP&A). They evaluate company financial data needed for decision-making and support key activities such as annual budgeting, monthly forecasting, and strategic investment modeling.
Starting Salary: $65,000–75,000
Investment Banking Analyst
Analysts and associates in investment banking typically support mergers, acquisitions, and capital-raising transactions by conducting various financial modeling (valuation), performing due diligence, and preparing presentations.
Starting Salary: $100,000–120,000
Private Wealth Advisor
Wealth advisors work to build strong relationships with individuals by crafting personalized investment plans tailored to meet their unique financial goals while minimizing risk.
Starting Salary: $60,000–70,000
Commercial Banking Analyst
Commercial credit analysts work with varying business borrowers to establish banking relationships and understand their creditworthiness. They regularly analyze financial data, monitor market trends, and recommend lending structures to meet customer needs.
Starting Salary: $65,000–75,000
Majoring in Finance
Finance majors at the University of Tennessee have flexibility in customizing their studies through a broad array of electives, student organizations, experiential learning, and collaterals best suited to a particular career path. Students gain an understanding of the principles of financial management, including investment and portfolio management, financial markets and institutions, and corporate finance concepts aimed at maximizing shareholder value in public and private sectors.
Required Courses
Major Requirements
- Finance Major, BS in Business Administration – Business Analytics Concentration
- Finance Major, BS in Business Administration – Collateral Option
- Finance Major, BS in Business Administration – Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program
- Finance Major, BS in Business Administration – International Business Concentration
Finance Student Spotlight
Shina Adeleke
As a finance major with a collateral in business analytics, Adeleke appreciates the networking and professional development opportunities at Haslam College of Business.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Haslam College of Business awards more than $5 million annually in scholarships to students. Awards include college and departmental scholarships. Each year, students should apply to be considered for college and departmental scholarships through the university’s Continuing Undergraduate Student Scholarship application.
Scholarship criteria is varied and may be based on a student’s need, academic merit, engagement in student organizations and research, and overall profile.