Build Finance, Investment and Portfolio Management Skills
Build the analytical and decision-making skills to evaluate investments, understand financial markets and support business or personal financial decisions. The Bachelor of Science in Finance at Johnson & Wales University’s Providence Campus combines business foundations with focused study in investments, corporate finance, financial modeling, portfolio management and global markets.
Apply what you learn through financial-modeling projects, internships, professional events and the Wildcat Investment & Finance Initiative, where students participate in managing and reporting on an investment portfolio under university oversight. Students also use FactSet market intelligence and can complete current platform certificates that demonstrate familiarity with the tool.
Finance at a Glance
Sample subjects: Investments, financial markets, financial modeling and valuation, corporate finance, international finance and business analytics
Applied learning: Six credits through an approved internship or eligible study abroad, plus project-based finance experiences
One course with the Arts & Sciences elective attribute (EASC)
Free Electives
15 credits selected from 1000-4999 numbered offerings within the university
15
Total Credits
120.0
Why Study Finance at JWU?
JWU’s Finance B.S. degree will prepare you for careers as a certified financial planner (CFP), financial advisor (FINRA license), certified financial analyst (CFA) and more by providing you with a solid foundation in capital budgeting, investment and portfolio management, financial markets and personal finance.
In this program, you’ll:
Develop critical thinking skills to address changing global financial issues as well as develop the means to communicate effectively with diverse audiences through a variety of professional methods.
Apply your free elective credit to options such as an internship, minor or study abroad program.
Learn to use decision-support tools to solve problems and facilitate organizational processes, while understanding how to identify and analyze ethical issues in financial decisions in order to recommend ethical solutions.
Finance Student Experience and Career Preparation
Our program will immerse you in finance, from inviting you to join our Finance & Accounting Academy (FAA) student organization to maximizing networking and event participation opportunities off-campus. Coursework containing project-based learning experiences will provide you with valuable skills for your future.
Manage a Student Investment Portfolio
Through the Wildcat Investment & Finance Initiative, students can apply investment research, portfolio analysis and reporting concepts to a portfolio supported by JWU’s endowment. Explain the process from research and recommendation through faculty or university review, monitoring and performance communication.
Use FactSet and Build Financial Models
Work with market and company data through FactSet while practicing spreadsheet analysis, modeling, valuation and evidence-based financial recommendations. Current FactSet certificates can help students document platform knowledge on a resume; they are separate from professional designations such as CFP or CFA.
Apply Real-World Finance Skills
Melody Baez ’28 is portfolio manager of the Wildcat Investment & Finance Initiative. She traveled to New York with nine other club members for the GAME Forum, the largest student-run finance conference in the world, where the group met with a wealth management firm and heard from leaders at Merrill Wealth Management and J.P. Morgan.
The Finance & Strategy Lab pairs a live stock ticker showing real-time equity and trade data with moveable lecterns and whiteboards for case work, strategy sessions and team presentations.
Graduate study or professional credential pathways
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.
I had the amazing opportunity to represent the Wildcat Investment & Finance Initiative at the Quinnipiac GAME Forum in NYC. We heard insights from some of the brightest minds in the industry. It was a blast to enter the competition, showcase our hard work and connect with so many great people!”
What do you learn in JWU’s Finance bachelor’s program?
Students study investments, financial markets, financial modeling and valuation, corporate finance, international finance, accounting, analytics and business strategy while developing ethical decision-making and communication skills.
How long does it take to earn the Finance B.S.?
The Providence Finance B.S. is designed as a four-year, 120-credit program. Completion time may vary based on transfer credits, placement, course load and academic planning.
Do Finance students manage real investments?
Through the Wildcat Investment & Finance Initiative, students participate in analyzing, managing and reporting on an investment portfolio supported by JWU’s endowment under university oversight. Roles and participation may vary.
Do students use FactSet?
Yes. Finance students receive FactSet access and complete four FactSet platform certificates.
Does the Finance B.S. make me a CFP professional or CFA charterholder?
No. The degree can provide relevant academic preparation, but CFP certification and the CFA charter have separate education, examination, experience, ethics or membership requirements established by their governing organizations.
Does a Finance degree provide an FINRA license?
No. Securities registration depends on the professional role and may require association with a member firm, qualification exams and state requirements. Students should review the current FINRA and employer requirements for the role they want.
Is JWU’s Finance degree available online?
JWU also offers a separate online Finance degree. Students can compare curriculum, format and availability by reviewing the Online Finance Degree.
