Finance
Finance is a fast-paced world with numerous avenues through which to build a dynamic and rewarding career. Financial managers work in financial markets, financial institutions, and within corporations and organizations. As a Finance major, you’ll study financial markets and apply what you learn on the simulated trading floor of the Frances and Norman Cohen Trading Room and Financial Center. In the Portfolio Management course, your team will manage a real $100,000 investment fund. With the use of elective courses, you can pursue a dual major in Accounting or International Business. Outstanding junior and senior Finance majors are candidates for the prestigious Cohen Scholarship.
Why Choose Finance?
The study of Finance is the art and science of wealth management. Almost every firm, government agency, and corporation has financial managers who prepare financial reports, direct investment activities, and implement cash management strategies. These valued individuals are the caretakers of cash and assets that are an organization's lifeblood. Others assist individuals with personal financial planning and taxes. You can become one of these experts in this important field as a graduate of the Finance major at Western New England University.
What Will You Study?
The curriculum of this AACSB International accredited University incorporates accounting and economic principles and teaches you both the classical and current theories of financial analysis. Your coursework will explore investments, financial institutions, corporate finance, economics, accounting, international finance, and business law, as well as analytics and information management. You will be taught in traditional classrooms and in the Cohen Trading Room, working with real-time stock tickers and data boards. You can accelerate your studies through participation in five-year bachelor/master’s programs leading to the MS in Accounting, MBA, or MS in Organizational Leadership.
Career Opportunities
Our students are prepared to enter the finance profession as analysts, financial planners, or fund administrators in a variety of areas, including brokerage firms, insurance, personal financial planning, and corporate finance. You will find graduates of the Finance program at Mass Mutual, Cigna, Aetna, Sikorsky Aircraft, Wayfair, Northwestern Mutual, Citizens Bank,and Pioneer Valley Credit Union, among others. Internships are frequently a stepping stone to jobs after graduation.
Clubs & Organizations
Finance students may have interests in: Alpha Lambda Delta (First-year honor society), Alpha Kappa Psi (Professional business fraternity), Beta Alpha Psi (Accounting and Finance Society), and Financial Management Association. Many of our students also participate in varsity and intramural sports, special interest groups, and student government.
Faculty
Our faculty earned degrees from some of the most prestigious institutions in the country, and one has previously worked on Wall Street. Their professional experience and dedication to your education will result in a mentoring relationship that may last beyond your time at the University. Our faculty have professional expertise in corporate governance, executive compensation, auditing, corporate responsibility, actuarial models, and insurance.
AACSB International
The best business schools in the world are accredited by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Western New England University is the only private institution in western Massachusetts accredited by AACSB International and among fewer than 5% of business schools in the world to hold this accreditation.
Unique Learning Opportunities
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Internships and Field Work
As a member of the Finance Association, you will have the opportunity to participate in numerous networking events with business professionals to build relationships and learn about career opportunities. In your junior or senior year, you will participate in an internship at companies such as Acosta; Berkshire Bank; Innovest Financial Services, LLC; Country Bank; Westfield Savings Bank; MassMutual Financial Group; Belcan Corporation; Baystate Health; Harold Grinspoon Foundation; The Traveler's Companies, Inc.; American Red Cross; VOYA Financial; Northwestern Mutual; Bank of Western Massachusetts; BankNorth; Merrill Lynch; USB|Paine Webber; and many others.
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The SAP Certification Advantage
SAP, the Enterprise software, is part of our core business education of how today's businesses are run. SAP is used by companies such as SunPower for talent management, the San Francisco 49ers to enhance fan experience, and Proctor & Gamble for real-time analytics. Students receive SAP certification, which expands career options.
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Study Abroad: View Business From a Global Perspective
Today’s competitive workforce needs business professionals who think from a global perspective. The College of Business will help you to become a student of world economies and cultures while making valuable contributions in your explorations. Whether you participate in a faculty-led summer seminar course or spend a semester at an international university, the experience will broaden your horizons and help you compete in the global landscape.
Study Abroad
