Unlock Financial Success with a Major in Finance
As a finance professional, you'll play a critical role in guiding and influencing business decisions. Your expertise in financial analysis, risk assessment, and strategic planning is key to helping shape important decisions that contribute to the success of organizations. Alternatively, with a business degree in finance, you could pursue a career as a financial planner. Your understanding of financial markets and investments will allow you to help clients navigate financial decisions and attain their own financial goals.
Graceland’s finance major is built on coursework in finance, economics, mathematics, and accounting that will provide you with strong quantitative, critical, and analytical thinking skills. Upon this foundational knowledge, you will be equipped with career-focused, field-specific finance content that features experiential and simulation-based learning grounded in a professional code of ethics.
In addition to the general education requirements, majors in Finance must complete a concentration of 36 semester hours in Accounting, Business, and Economics including:
Choose 1 of the following 4 courses:
Courses Required for General Education:
Strongly Recommended:
An introduction to the study of accounting dealing with the preparation and analysis of the balance sheet, income statement, and related accounting records. Prerequisites: One MATH course.
The selection and analysis of accounting information for internal use by management. Prerequisite: ACCT2310.
Principles of Sales is designed to expose students to the many functions of modern sales and sales management including topics such as the selling process, the buying process, creating value in buyer-seller relationships, prospecting, sales call planning, communicating the message, negotiating for win-win solutions, promoting trust, closing the sale, as well as how to motivate, compensate and train sales people.
Fundamentals of planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling business activity. Prerequisites: Junior standing.
Study of legal rules governing the usual business transactions and relations. Consideration of selected cases in areas such as contracts, agency, sales, negotiable instruments, private property, and bankruptcy. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above.
An introduction to the fundamental issues of modern finance facing firms, including investment and financing decisions, interactions with capital markets, financial analysis, and business forecasting. Topics are taught with a focus on a code of ethics and professional standards guided by industry best practices.
A study of principles and problems basic to a business firm’s decisions in planning for and managing financial resources for the purpose of maximizing the value of these resources. Prerequisites: ACCT2320, ECON1320, MATH1360 and junior standing.
An examination of the financial techniques utilized in global organizations and the international financial markets with which they interact. A focus is placed on how financial leaders can make ethically grounded decisions, while navigating the strategic and financial challenges facing global businesses today.
A study of the fundamental principles underlying the analysis of investments. Prerequisites: ACCT2320, BUAD3380, and ECON1320. +This course is only offered every other year.
An internship that allows students to work with professionals who are in career areas relating to the field of finance. The student will play an active role in identifying potential field sponsors. Repeatable to a maximum of 12 hours. (Graded on a Pass/ Fail basis.) Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent.
An exploration of new technologies that are disrupting the financial services industry, including artificial intelligence, deep learning, blockchain technology and open APIs. Includes an examination of fintech start-ups that are driving change in business models, products, applications and customer user interface.
A comprehensive capstone course for students majoring in Finance that integrates material from previous courses taken in the major and explores a wide range of finance-related topics, including the ethical issues affecting the current financial environment of business firms. Pre-requisites: BUAD3370, BUAD3380.
Analysis of the fundamental principles of the American economic system, centering on price, national income, international trade and finance, fiscal policy, monetary policy, money, and banking. Prerequisite: 1 year high school algebra; geometry recommended. ELO5 Social Science - World Citizenship, ELO5 Social Science - Innovation
Analysis of the fundamental principles of the American economic system, centering on price, production, market structures, and a survey of contemporary economic problems, e.g. sustainability. ELO5 Social Science - Sustainability
An introduction to economic data and statistical techniques commonly applied in business settings. Topics include understanding the basics of data interpretation, manipulation, and visualization. Students will learn how to carry out and interpret basic linear regression and other methods of statistical analysis in Excel.
An examination of the taxation policies and expenditure programs of the public sector. Related topics include public goods, income distribution, and public choice theory. Prerequisite: ECON1320. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace. Offered odd years Spring. +This course is only offered every other year.
A study of monetary institutions, monetary theory and policy implications, and the principles of our banking system. Prerequisite: ECON1320. +This course is only offered every other year.
Considers the business enterprise as an economic and social institution. Particular attention is given to the theory of the firm and the application of the theory in problem-solving. Prerequisites: MATH1360 and ECON3350. +This course is only offered every other year.
Solutions of polynomial, rational and radical equations, systems of equations, matrices, sequences, series, functions, exponentials.. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.
Data analysis and measures of central tendency, dispersion, and correlation. Introduction to probability. Estimation and hypothesis testing. Bivariate regression. ANOVA. Introduction to nonparametric techniques. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.
An introduction to the study of accounting dealing with the preparation and analysis of the balance sheet, income statement, and related accounting records. Prerequisites: One MATH course.
The selection and analysis of accounting information for internal use by management. Prerequisite: ACCT2310.
Principles of Sales is designed to expose students to the many functions of modern sales and sales management including topics such as the selling process, the buying process, creating value in buyer-seller relationships, prospecting, sales call planning, communicating the message, negotiating for win-win solutions, promoting trust, closing the sale, as well as how to motivate, compensate and train sales people.
Fundamentals of planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling business activity. Prerequisites: Junior standing.
Study of legal rules governing the usual business transactions and relations. Consideration of selected cases in areas such as contracts, agency, sales, negotiable instruments, private property, and bankruptcy. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above.
An introduction to the fundamental issues of modern finance facing firms, including investment and financing decisions, interactions with capital markets, financial analysis, and business forecasting. Topics are taught with a focus on a code of ethics and professional standards guided by industry best practices.
A study of principles and problems basic to a business firm’s decisions in planning for and managing financial resources for the purpose of maximizing the value of these resources. Prerequisites: ACCT2320, ECON1320, MATH1360 and junior standing.
An examination of the financial techniques utilized in global organizations and the international financial markets with which they interact. A focus is placed on how financial leaders can make ethically grounded decisions, while navigating the strategic and financial challenges facing global businesses today.
A study of the fundamental principles underlying the analysis of investments. Prerequisites: ACCT2320, BUAD3380, and ECON1320. +This course is only offered every other year.
An internship that allows students to work with professionals who are in career areas relating to the field of finance. The student will play an active role in identifying potential field sponsors. Repeatable to a maximum of 12 hours. (Graded on a Pass/ Fail basis.) Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent.
An exploration of new technologies that are disrupting the financial services industry, including artificial intelligence, deep learning, blockchain technology and open APIs. Includes an examination of fintech start-ups that are driving change in business models, products, applications and customer user interface.
A comprehensive capstone course for students majoring in Finance that integrates material from previous courses taken in the major and explores a wide range of finance-related topics, including the ethical issues affecting the current financial environment of business firms. Pre-requisites: BUAD3370, BUAD3380.
Analysis of the fundamental principles of the American economic system, centering on price, national income, international trade and finance, fiscal policy, monetary policy, money, and banking. Prerequisite: 1 year high school algebra; geometry recommended. ELO5 Social Science - World Citizenship, ELO5 Social Science - Innovation
Analysis of the fundamental principles of the American economic system, centering on price, production, market structures, and a survey of contemporary economic problems, e.g. sustainability. ELO5 Social Science - Sustainability
An introduction to economic data and statistical techniques commonly applied in business settings. Topics include understanding the basics of data interpretation, manipulation, and visualization. Students will learn how to carry out and interpret basic linear regression and other methods of statistical analysis in Excel.
An examination of the taxation policies and expenditure programs of the public sector. Related topics include public goods, income distribution, and public choice theory. Prerequisite: ECON1320. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace. Offered odd years Spring. +This course is only offered every other year.
A study of monetary institutions, monetary theory and policy implications, and the principles of our banking system. Prerequisite: ECON1320. +This course is only offered every other year.
Considers the business enterprise as an economic and social institution. Particular attention is given to the theory of the firm and the application of the theory in problem-solving. Prerequisites: MATH1360 and ECON3350. +This course is only offered every other year.
Solutions of polynomial, rational and radical equations, systems of equations, matrices, sequences, series, functions, exponentials.. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.
Data analysis and measures of central tendency, dispersion, and correlation. Introduction to probability. Estimation and hypothesis testing. Bivariate regression. ANOVA. Introduction to nonparametric techniques. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.
Minor in Finance (18 s.h.)
An introduction to the study of accounting dealing with the preparation and analysis of the balance sheet, income statement, and related accounting records. Prerequisites: One MATH course.
The selection and analysis of accounting information for internal use by management. Prerequisite: ACCT2310.
An overview of personal financial management, including investment, taxation, insurance and credit.
A study of principles and problems basic to a business firm’s decisions in planning for and managing financial resources for the purpose of maximizing the value of these resources. Prerequisites: ACCT2320, ECON1320, MATH1360 and junior standing.
A study of the fundamental principles underlying the analysis of investments. Prerequisites: ACCT2320, BUAD3380, and ECON1320. +This course is only offered every other year.
An examination of the taxation policies and expenditure programs of the public sector. Related topics include public goods, income distribution, and public choice theory. Prerequisite: ECON1320. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace. Offered odd years Spring. +This course is only offered every other year.
An introduction to the study of accounting dealing with the preparation and analysis of the balance sheet, income statement, and related accounting records. Prerequisites: One MATH course.
The selection and analysis of accounting information for internal use by management. Prerequisite: ACCT2310.
An overview of personal financial management, including investment, taxation, insurance and credit.
A study of principles and problems basic to a business firm’s decisions in planning for and managing financial resources for the purpose of maximizing the value of these resources. Prerequisites: ACCT2320, ECON1320, MATH1360 and junior standing.
A study of the fundamental principles underlying the analysis of investments. Prerequisites: ACCT2320, BUAD3380, and ECON1320. +This course is only offered every other year.
An examination of the taxation policies and expenditure programs of the public sector. Related topics include public goods, income distribution, and public choice theory. Prerequisite: ECON1320. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace. Offered odd years Spring. +This course is only offered every other year.
Minor in Economics (18 s.h.)
Analysis of the fundamental principles of the American economic system, centering on price, national income, international trade and finance, fiscal policy, monetary policy, money, and banking. Prerequisite: 1 year high school algebra; geometry recommended. ELO5 Social Science - World Citizenship, ELO5 Social Science - Innovation
Analysis of the fundamental principles of the American economic system, centering on price, production, market structures, and a survey of contemporary economic problems, e.g. sustainability. ELO5 Social Science - Sustainability
An introduction to economic data and statistical techniques commonly applied in business settings. Topics include understanding the basics of data interpretation, manipulation, and visualization. Students will learn how to carry out and interpret basic linear regression and other methods of statistical analysis in Excel.
An examination of the taxation policies and expenditure programs of the public sector. Related topics include public goods, income distribution, and public choice theory. Prerequisite: ECON1320. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace. Offered odd years Spring. +This course is only offered every other year.
An application of economic theory to the business of sports. Areas include labor economics, public finance, and the theory of the firm. Prerequisite: ECON1320 and either two MATH courses or MATH1360.
A study of monetary institutions, monetary theory and policy implications, and the principles of our banking system. Prerequisite: ECON1320. +This course is only offered every other year.
Analysis of the fundamental principles of the American economic system, centering on price, national income, international trade and finance, fiscal policy, monetary policy, money, and banking. Prerequisite: 1 year high school algebra; geometry recommended. ELO5 Social Science - World Citizenship, ELO5 Social Science - Innovation
Analysis of the fundamental principles of the American economic system, centering on price, production, market structures, and a survey of contemporary economic problems, e.g. sustainability. ELO5 Social Science - Sustainability
An introduction to economic data and statistical techniques commonly applied in business settings. Topics include understanding the basics of data interpretation, manipulation, and visualization. Students will learn how to carry out and interpret basic linear regression and other methods of statistical analysis in Excel.
An examination of the taxation policies and expenditure programs of the public sector. Related topics include public goods, income distribution, and public choice theory. Prerequisite: ECON1320. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace. Offered odd years Spring. +This course is only offered every other year.
An application of economic theory to the business of sports. Areas include labor economics, public finance, and the theory of the firm. Prerequisite: ECON1320 and either two MATH courses or MATH1360.
A study of monetary institutions, monetary theory and policy implications, and the principles of our banking system. Prerequisite: ECON1320. +This course is only offered every other year.
Students wishing to earn the Data Analytics for Economics certificate must complete the following 18 credit hours with Graceland University.
An introduction to the fundamentals of computer programming through extensive practice developing software in the Python language. Fundamental terminology and topics such as integrated development environments, variables, data types, control structures, functions, and objects will be covered. ELO4 Global Learning - Innovation
Introduction to the basic methods of analysis in Data Science and Data Analytics. This course introduces students to the basic statistical methods, coding applications, problem solving, and data integrity issues common to the field.
The course covers the basic aspects of a complete data analytics project. Students will use data sets obtained from community partners. Students will work in teams with each team producing a problem definition in conjunction with the client, conducting the proposed analysis directed at providing insight into the problem, and disseminating the results of the analysis in written and oral form.
An introduction to economic data and statistical techniques commonly applied in business settings. Topics include understanding the basics of data interpretation, manipulation, and visualization. Students will learn how to carry out and interpret basic linear regression and other methods of statistical analysis in Excel.
An application of economic theory to the business of sports. Areas include labor economics, public finance, and the theory of the firm. Prerequisite: ECON1320 and either two MATH courses or MATH1360.
Considers the business enterprise as an economic and social institution. Particular attention is given to the theory of the firm and the application of the theory in problem-solving. Prerequisites: MATH1360 and ECON3350. +This course is only offered every other year.
An introduction to the fundamentals of computer programming through extensive practice developing software in the Python language. Fundamental terminology and topics such as integrated development environments, variables, data types, control structures, functions, and objects will be covered. ELO4 Global Learning - Innovation
Introduction to the basic methods of analysis in Data Science and Data Analytics. This course introduces students to the basic statistical methods, coding applications, problem solving, and data integrity issues common to the field.
The course covers the basic aspects of a complete data analytics project. Students will use data sets obtained from community partners. Students will work in teams with each team producing a problem definition in conjunction with the client, conducting the proposed analysis directed at providing insight into the problem, and disseminating the results of the analysis in written and oral form.
An introduction to economic data and statistical techniques commonly applied in business settings. Topics include understanding the basics of data interpretation, manipulation, and visualization. Students will learn how to carry out and interpret basic linear regression and other methods of statistical analysis in Excel.
An application of economic theory to the business of sports. Areas include labor economics, public finance, and the theory of the firm. Prerequisite: ECON1320 and either two MATH courses or MATH1360.
Considers the business enterprise as an economic and social institution. Particular attention is given to the theory of the firm and the application of the theory in problem-solving. Prerequisites: MATH1360 and ECON3350. +This course is only offered every other year.
Graceland’s finance major is designed to complement other business-related majors, allowing for seamless double or even triple majors that deliver a greater degree of specialization and preparation for the most popular jobs in the modern business world. The finance major program’s curriculum is built on the founding principle of preparing students to be socially aware and ready to launch careers that will make the world a better place.
We’ll provide you with opportunities to hone your skills by participating in the Graceland University Investment Club. The collaborative environment at Graceland offers students close working relationships with their peers and professors, enhanced by a highly engaged alumni base offering access to and ability to build a strong professional network.
Graceland’s finance major is built on coursework in finance, economics, mathematics, and accounting that will provide you with strong quantitative, critical, and analytical thinking skills required to be successful in this industry. A Finance major from Graceland University can help to prepare you for these careers:
…and many other exciting fields.
99% of students on the Lamoni campus receive financial aid.
As you consider college, you want a simple, easy-to-understand formula designed to ensure that the one-of-a-kind Graceland Experience is within reach for your family. Undergraduate tuition includes our unique Transformational Leadership major, and we offer generous financial aid and scholarships to all of our students, making Graceland as affordable, if not moreso, than most public universities.
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