Finance, B.S. Business Administration

Program Overview

Nothing produces more satisfaction than solving a tough problem or giving advice and perspective into a topic. If you are naturally outgoing and inquisitive, or an innate problem-solver who loves to use your analytical skills, a career in finance could be a great fit for you.

Finance majors from PLNU are trained to embrace and apply their strength in logical reasoning to real-life situations and use discernment based on values and ethics to propose solutions. You'll take application-oriented courses that will introduce you to financial management, valuation, and investments, while at the same time build your communication skills as you present your analyses and conclusions. You will also gain an understanding of various topics, such as capital markets, mergers, corporate restructuring, financial planning, and forecasting, to enable you to make sound financial decisions.

"PLNU has a great environment full of professors with relevant professional experience and a passion for investing in the minds of students. PLNU provided a network of mentors willing to help and connect along my journey."

Sam Sadler, Class of 2015 
Assurance Associate, Ernst and Young

Additionally, student-run business clubs like the Finance and Investment Society or Microfinance Club offer you another opportunity to apply what you are learning to real-world circumstances. You will be able to connect with other passionate students in your field, establish relationships with business professionals in the finance industry, and possibly compete against other universities in the CFA Research Challenge. Overall, PLNU and the Fermanian School of Business offer you many ways to get involved and pursue your passion.

The oldest greek amphitheatre in the western hemisphere during sunset at PLNU in San Diego.

Student Profile

Austin Donovan

Austin Donovan graduated with degrees in finance and accounting in 2016. Upon taking an economics course, he discovered he had a passion for finance and numbers. He realized that this fit well with his natural aptitudes, and that combined they could point toward a fulfilling career.

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Course List

For information about the courses required for the Finance, B.S. Business Administration program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

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Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

PLNU's finance graduates are skilled problem solvers and communicators who excel in being excellent stewards of personal and corporate financial resources. PLNU cultivates these strengths in an environment centered around intellect and faith while also equipping you to become a purposeful and trustworthy leader in your workplace. Graduates enter a field with a wide range of rewarding career options and opportunities in corporate, public, and nonprofit organizations. Alumni have held various positions at companies like Qualcomm, Goldman Sachs, BD Medical Devices, TorreyCove Capital, and Intuit.

Majoring in finance can lead to the following careers:

  • Financial analyst
  • Investment manager
  • Financial consultant
  • Chief financial officer (CFO)
  • Personal financial advisor
  • Financial planner
  • Finance manager
  • Real estate investment advisor
  • Commercial banker

What can you do with a finance degree?

Point Loma finance alumni have gone on to a broad array of employment. The following companies are just some examples of employers that PLNU alumni work for: Deloitte LLP, Ernst & Young LLP, Stepstone Group LLC, Lavine, Lofgren, Morris & Engelberg LLP, and Viasat. Along with a wide array of companies, there’s a versatile set of titles that PLNU finance alumni hold, some of the most prominent being: tax accountants, management consultants and business analysts, financial and investment analysts, financial risk specialists, and financial specialists. 

The following are more examples of positions that PLNU finance alumni currently hold:

Financial Analysis and Investment Specialists

2020 Median annual salary $83,660

Financial analysis and investment specialists’ main job is to analyze financial data and create financial models for upper management to review. They are consistently checking and reporting their companies’ financial performance and work with others to find ways to improve financial statistics. Financial analysis and investment specialists work closely with accountants to ensure accurate financial reporting. 

What it takes to be a financial analysis and investment specialist: 

  • Quantitative skills
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Adept logic skills
  • Communication skills

Credit Analysts

2020 Median annual salary $83,660

A credit analyst's main job is to analyze their clients' investments or debts to determine the potential risk for the investor or lender. Credit analysts are typically employed by commercial and investment banks, credit card issuing institutions, credit rating agencies, and investment companies.

What it takes to be a credit analyst:

  • Quantitative and analytical skills
  • Diligence
  • Proficiency in financial software
  • Ability to work under pressure

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

2020 Median annual salary $65,810

Product and marketing specialists follow and interpret market conditions to capitalize on and inform clients and organizations of potential sales of a product or service. They’re experts at understanding which products people want, the buyers of those products, and what price those buyers are willing to pay. 

What it takes to be a market research analyst or marketing specialist: 

  • Computer skills
  • Math and analytical skills
  • Confidence
  • Multitasking capability
  • Interpersonal skills

Alumni listed the following skills as the top strengths they acquired as a finance student at PLNU: 

  • Accounting
  • Event planning
  • Financial analysis
  • Auditing
  • Financial statements
  • Investments

Using your finance degree beyond university: 

This degree will prepare you with the skills needed to succeed in the global business environment. A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialty in Finance also helps you form invaluable problem-solving, quantitative, and leadership skills that anyone you come across will welcome and appreciate. By studying finance at PLNU, you will gain communication and analytical skills that will prepare you for a bright future on whatever path you choose to take.  

Apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and answers to any questions you may have.

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