Finance Major

Study finance at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to understand money, investments and how the market impacts the economy. Gain skills in risk assessment, problem-solving, money management and data analyzation as you learn how to improve the financial health of businesses, organizations and individuals. Job opportunities beyond banking include strategic financial decision-making, stock analysis, risk management and financial planning. Choose one of four finance tracks: banking and risk management, financial planning, investments or general finance.
  • College

  • Hours Required

    120 credit hours
  • Minors Available

    Finance

  • Areas of Focus

    Banking and Risk Management, Financial Planning, General Finance, Investments

The Nebraska Difference

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CFA® Institute University Affiliated Program and CFP® Board Registered Program

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Explore wealth management through the Investors With Purpose Program

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Utilize a Trading Room with 12 Bloomberg terminals, the same tech used on Wall Street.

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Unique Empowered Professional Program offers hands-on career development

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Program Features

CFA Institute University Affiliation Program

The investments option in the finance major is part of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program. To achieve this recognition, the program must cover 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge and emphasize the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. The program positions students to pursue the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. 

CFP Board Registered Program

The financial planning option in the finance major is a CFP Board–registered program. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to take the CFP® exam and earn one of the most widely recognized designations for financial planners and advisors.

Gain Experience Through Hands-On Learning

Roll up your sleeves and learn finance by doing the work of financial professionals, with support from classmates and faculty. Learn through case studies, simulations, in-class activities and managing real portfolios.

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Notable Courses

To earn your bachelor’s degree in finance through the College of Business, you will take 120 credit hours of courses, equating to four or five courses per semester, on average.
Principles of Individual and Corporate Risk Management (FINA 338)

Learn how to identify and manage risk on the individual and corporate level. Gain experience with personal insurance policies and corporate risk management methods.

Finance (FINA 361A)

Boost Wall Street career prep with a course on finance, theory, modeling and Excel. Essential for sophomores seeking Wall Street internships, with math, stats, accounting, economics and GPA prerequisites.

Real Estate Principles and Practice (FINA 382)

Explore the real estate market, including ownership, interests, sales, leases, property valuation and appraising.

Security Analysis and Warren Buffett Business Valuation Techniques (FINA 463)

Learn the criteria used by famous investor and alum Warren Buffett for evaluation of potential acquisitions and investments.

Investors With Purpose (FINA 464)

Explore financial markets and wealth management with business leaders' insights. Real-life discussions on asset and wealth management topics, like venture capital and real estate. Exclusive to Investors With Purpose Program participants.

Portfolio Practicum I and II (FINA 468 and 469)

Gain practical experience in financial asset management by managing the college’s multimillion-dollar Cornhusker Fund. Learn how to select individual securities and develop a portfolio strategy.

Huskers Do Big Things

From day one, you’ll have access to a career coach and potential employers in Hawks Hall. Your career development will include hands-on experiences such as résumé reviews, networking and practice interviews with employers.

This major is a STEM-designated program that supports international students in obtaining a two-year OPT extension, allowing additional time to gain work experience in the U.S.

Internships

  • Internships financial management scholar intern, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
  • Corporate sponsorship intern, Minnesota Twins
  • Analyst intern, Goldman Sachs
  • Investment banking summer analyst, Stifel
  • Commercial banking intern, Wells Fargo

Careers

  • Finance management trainee, BNSF Railway
  • Sales and trading analyst, Citigroup
  • Investment Analyst, Mutual of Omaha
  • Business manager, Kiewit
  • Assistant national bank examiner, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Graduate Schools

  • Master of Science in Finance, Cass Business School
  • Master of Science in Accounting, Notre Dame University
  • Master of Science in Actuarial Science, University of Connecticut
  • Master of Science in Finance, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • PhD in Finance, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Outside the Classroom

Get the most out of your collegiate experience by taking advantage of opportunities to get involved. Challenge yourself and make meaningful connections along the way.

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Academics & Experiential Learning

  • Create and manage a virtual stock portfolio in the Investment Principles class using the StockTrak Global Portfolio Simulation.
  • Manage a $3 million dollar portfolio by taking a year-long course to oversee the Cornhusker Fund.
  • Gain experience in making key management decisions for a financial institution by using the ProBanker Simulation in the Bank Management class.
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Career Preparedness

  • Investigate financial trends to make educated decisions about budgets, operations and investments.
  • Develop strong Excel skills useful in any career.
  • Learn financial analysis techniques to compare investment alternatives and create a sound investment portfolio.
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Community

  • Connect with other students by joining the Big Red Investment Club or Wall Street Scholars of Nebraska.
  • Join the Center for Entrepreneurship's Husker Venture Fund and invest in early-stage Nebraska startups.
  • Apply to become a financial well-being coach in the Big Red Resilience and Well-Being program to help students with their personal finances and money management.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Finance major or navigating the application process, contact us.

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Contact Name
Kendra Ritchie
Contact Title
Associate Director of Recruitment
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