Finance, B.S. Business Administration

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.

Additionally, student-run business clubs like the Finance and Investment Society or the Social Entrepreneurship Society 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.

Stories That Inspire

Kevin Christensen: Planning for a Life You Value
What Degree Should I Get to Work in Finance?

Fermanian School of Business in Action

Student & Alumni Testimonials

"FSB Does Things the Right Way"
"Guided Growth"

Images from the Fermanian School of Business

Kevin Christensen: Planning for a Life You Value PLNU alum, Kevin Christensen, discusses how intentional spending and saving can align with your life’s values. Discover
What Degree Should I Get to Work in Finance? Besides finance, degrees in business administration, economics, and accounting set you up to work in finance. Discover
Doing Business Differently: Andrew Sutton’s Relationship-focused Leadership Andrew Sutton shares how lessons learned at PLNU shaped his career path, leading him to innovative brands like Tipsy Elves and Dr. Squatch. Discover
Alumnus of Point Loma (APL) Award Winner: Jenny Harris Jenny Harris (87) knows that by 2050, there will be an estimated 9 billion mouths to feed around the world. That’s why her work excites her. As the owner and CEO of American Hydroponics, or AmHydro, she is part of an industry that helps feed people cleanly and efficiently. Hydroponics is a process of growing Discover
Austin Donovan on Pursuing a Career with Intentionality Austin Donovan graduated in 2016 with bachelor’s degrees in finance and accounting. Though initially interested in engineering, a senior-year economics course sparked his passion for finance, aligning with his strengths in math and leading him toward a fulfilling career. Discover
PLNU Alums Kickstart Sugar-Free Desserts Business to Help Diabetics Two PLNU alums teamed up to create a sugar-free dessert business that allows those with diabetes to eat food they enjoy safely. Discover
Austin Kino: Wayfinder The welcome home celebration for the voyaging canoe Hokulea was three years in the making. It took 245 crew members working in rotating groups of 14 or so to complete Hokulea’s historic circumnavigation of the globe, and PLNU alumnus Austin Kino (10) was one of them. Discover
Entrepreneurship: How to Go From Idea to Success Explore the steps entrepreneurs can take to move an idea from conception to completion. PLNU offers classes and graduate programs to help entrepreneurs succeed. Discover
What Degree Should I Get to Work in Nonprofits? There are many undergraduate degrees that prepare you for a career in the nonprofit sector, many of which can be tailored to your specific cause interests. Discover
Charter Pilot Andy Littlefield Provides Exceptional Flight Training with Provectus Aviation Andy Littlefield helps others reach the sky. And with no fixed flight schedule, Littlefield has grown to expect the unexpected. Discover
Leading Through Story: How Great Business Leaders Use Narrative to Inspire and Lead Others If you feel a deep calling to lead others, you’ve surely asked yourself this question: what is it that separates great leaders from everyone else? Discover
What are the Most In-Demand Jobs of the Future? Discover the most in-demand careers shaping tomorrow’s workplace. Learn what industries and jobs will experience the most growth in the future. Discover
12 Ways To Identify and Capitalize on Leadership Moments It is advantageous to identify and cultivate leadership capabilities within yourself. Here are 12 qualities and practices that can help you become a better leader. Discover
FSB Does Things the Right Way
"Point Loma doesn’t just teach you how to run a financial spreadsheet; they teach you how to engage deeply with other professionals. The Fermanian School of Business also takes pride in our core principle of doing things the right way and using our experience to produce a quality product."
Andy Littlefield Finance B.S.
Guided Growth
"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 Finance B.S.
Mentorship Matters
"Along with what I learned through my coursework, being able to closely communicate with my professors proved to be critical in shaping my career path. I know I wouldn’t be where I am at today without their help and guidance!"
Griffin Aseltine Mathematics B.S. and Finance Minor
Lead With Excellence and Humility
"At PLNU, I learned how to lead with both excellence and humility and to see work as a calling to leverage my God-given strengths, not just a job. PLNU shaped me in more ways than I realized during my time on campus. "
Andrew Sutton Business Administration and Finance B.A.

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

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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.

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:

Market Research Analysts & Marketing Specialists

These professionals study consumer behavior, market conditions, and business trends to help companies decide what products to sell, to whom, and at what price. They gather and analyze data and present insights to guide marketing and product strategy.

  • Median Pay: $76,950/year
  • Number of Jobs: 941,700
  • Job Outlook (2024‑34): +7% (Much faster than average)
  • Employment Change: +65,200 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Financial Analysts & Investment Specialists

Financial Analysts evaluate financial data, investment trends, and business performance to guide investment decisions for individuals and organizations. They may work in banks, investment firms, insurance sectors, or any business that makes large scale financial decisions.

  • Median Pay: $101,910/year
  • Number of Jobs: 429,000
  • Job Outlook (2024‑34): +6% (Faster than average)
  • Employment Change: +25,100 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Credit Analysts

Credit Analysts assess credit data and financial statements to evaluate the ability of individuals or organizations to meet credit obligations. They often work in banks, credit rating agencies, and financial institutions.

  • Median Pay: $78,390/year
  • Number of Jobs: 114,450
  • Job Outlook (2024‑34): +7% (Faster than average)
  • Employment Change: +7,900 jobs
View Full BLS Profile