Finance

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Finance (BSBA–FIN) degree program provides a broad overview of the functional areas of business with an emphasis in finance. Students take foundation courses in economics, mathematics, computing skills and accounting; core courses that relate to the basic functions of business, such as finance, management, marketing and operations management; and major courses that develop students’ financial decision-making skills.

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Finance (BSBA-FIN) degree program focuses on the acquisition and management of funds by businesses, financial markets, security analysis and valuation, management of financial institutions, interest rates, investments and securities, financial risk management, security trading, government policy and financial markets, financial forecasting, capital structure, venture capital and security issuance. The finance curriculum prepares students for careers in corporate financial management and the financial services industry. Finance graduates can also pursue graduate studies in business, law and public administration.

BSBA-FIN majors are encouraged to gain practical work experience through internships, student organizations and community service. In addition, the Heavener School of Business offers students a wide variety of academic and career and leadership programs, including study abroad, the Florida Leadership Academy, involvement in student organizations and research activities. Students should consult an academic advisor/career coach for specific information.

Requirements for the Major

BSBA-FIN majors must maintain a 2.0 core, major and UF GPA. Students must read the individual course descriptions in this catalog to determine the prerequisites for their required courses. In addition to the critical-tracking and general education courses outlined below, BSBA-FIN majors must take 120 credits, including:

• Core courses: BUL 4310, FIN 3403, GEB 3373, MAN 3025, MAN 4504, MAR 3023 and QMB 3250
• Major courses: FIN 4243, FIN 4414, FIN 4504 and four credits of elective(s) including 3000/4000-level ACG, ECO 3713, ECO 4213, FIN, and REE courses (except REE 3043)
• Restricted elective courses: 11-12 credits of any 3000/4000-level courses or 1000/4000-level foreign language courses. One electronic platform course
  (ENT 3003, GEB 3035, ISM 3004 or REE 3043) can be taken to fulfill the restricted elective requirement. Internship, independent study or assistantship credit will not count toward this requirement.
• Professional communication course: GEB 3213 Professional Writing in Business, GEB 3218 Professional Speaking in Business, SPC 2608 Introduction to Public Speaking, ENC 3312 Advanced Argumentative Writing or a similar course with prior approval (requires a minimum grade of C).
• Internship course: GEB 4941 Internship in Business Administration (one credit) in conjunction with an internship of at least 150 credits before the start of the senior year. The internship requirement can be waived for students who participate in a study abroad experience of at least six weeks. Students who waive the requirement via study abroad are strongly encouraged to complete at least one internship to improve their chances of obtaining full-time employment and/or admission to graduate programs or law school. Students should consult an academic advisor/career coach for more information.

Critical Tracking

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.

Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

To remain on track for the BSBA-FIN major, students must meet the critical-tracking criteria, including earning a minimum grade of B in ACG 2021 and ACG 2071 and a minimum grade of B in FIN 3403. The critical-tracking GPA is calculated based on all attempts of the critical-tracking courses or their equivalents. After a student receives a minimum grade of C in a critical-tracking course or its equivalent, no subsequent grade in that course or its equivalent will be used in the calculation of the critical-tracking GPA.

Semester 1

• Complete 2 critical-tracking courses from ACG 2021, ACG 2071, CGS 2531 or ISM 3013, ECO 2013, ECO 2023, MAC 2233, MAC 2234, STA 2023
• 2.5 GPA on all attempts of critical-tracking courses, excluding FIN 3403
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 2

• Complete 2 additional critical-tracking courses for a total of 3 critical-tracking courses
• 2.75 GPA on all attempts of critical-tracking courses, excluding FIN 3403
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 3

• Complete 2 additional critical-tracking courses (including ACG 2021) for a total of 5 critical-tracking courses
• Complete ACG 2021 with a minimum grade of B
  
• 3.0 GPA on all attempts of critical-tracking courses, excluding FIN 3403
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 4

• Complete 8 of the 9 critical-tracking courses, excluding FIN 3403
• Complete ACG 2071 with a minimum grade of B
  
• 3.0 GPA on all attempts of critical-tracking courses, excluding FIN 3403
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 5

• Complete FIN 3403 with a minimum grade of B
• Meet all semester 1-4 critical-tracking requirements
• 2.0 UF GPA required and maintained through semester 8

Model Semester Plan

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.

This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.

Related Finance Programs

• Combined Degree