Finance
Meet the rising need for financial experts.
In today’s economy, individuals and businesses rely on a range of financial services and strategic plans detailing current and future money managing and planning needs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sees financial advising jobs growing by 30 percent until 2024, with the annual median salary averaging $89,160. By enrolling as a finance major, you will prepare for an in-demand career that could lead you to a position at a bank, credit union, insurance company, brokerage firm, law firm, or credit counseling agency. This major is designed to teach students business basics and the language of business through core courses, while also honing in on specific topics such as tax accounting, estate planning, investing, and financial planning. As a capstone project, students create a comprehensive financial plan, including education and retirement forecasting, portfolio construction, and budget analysis.
Many Finance students belong to Laker Assent Management, which is a student-run club that invests $250,000 in Mercyhurst endowment funds. The investments are broken down into researched funds earmarked for long-term investment themes. Funds are also allocated to a stock market game in which students form groups and compete buying investments of their choosing. The club also has investment learning units where topics of company valuation, economic trends, and cryptocurrencies are explained.
Mercyhurst University's Finance major is a CFP Board Registered program that satisfies the education coursework requirement, enabling graduates to sit for the CFP Exam.
- ACCT 101: Principles of Accounting I/Financial
- ACCT 102: Principles of Accounting II/Managerial
- BADM 310: Business Law I
- ECON 105: Macroeconomics
- ECON 106: Microeconomics
- FIN 280: Financial Management
- MGMT 120: Principles of Management
- MKTG 162: Principles of Integrated Marketing
The minor in business administration is open to non-business majors only. This minor includes eight courses (24 credits) designed to prepare students with general knowledge of the world of business, along with the communication skills and decision-making tools needed to succeed in business.
No minor course may be taken on a pass-fail basis, and students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the required business courses to meet minor program requirements.
Minor Requirements
Business Core Curriculum
The defining element of a Mercyhurst business degree is a series of core courses that all business majors take, which provide a curriculum designed to foster well-rounded business leaders through hands-on learning in a variety of disciplines. Business students will build a foundation in six different areas of study, which prepares our graduates to be adaptable, collaborative leaders who are ready for today’s market. Adding a double major or a minor in another area can only add marketability for any chosen industry!
State Authorization
This program may fulfill a portion of the requirements, leading to licensure within this field. Please visit the State Authorization webpage to review the requirements for licensure by state or program.
Mark Simpson, MBA, CPA/PFS, CFP
Program Director, Finance
Office: Preston 303
Meet the Faculty
Business
Kimberly Zacherl, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Program Director, Human Resources Management, Assistant Professor