Finance

Jump to the major map

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2021-2022

School of Business

Program description

The major in finance prepares students for graduate-level study of finance and for careers in corporate finance, the securities industry, banking, financial planning, and insurance/risk management.

Career opportunities

Careers include corporate finance, investments and commercial banking with a concentration in finance. Our program, recognized by the CFA Institute, applies an international focus to the study of financial markets. You’ll learn how to analyze and communicate findings on complex financial issues and how to take creative approaches to problems in the finance industry. Some of our Alumni employers include Bank of Virginia, JP Morgan Chase, Dominion Energy, Genworth Financial and Deloitte.

Change of major requirements

Students are eligible for admission into the advanced business program with a major in the School of Business upon meeting the minimum cumulative GPA requirement and successful completion of the Business Foundation coursework, as outlined here: http://bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/business/undergraduate-information/shared-curriculum/

Bachelor-level job titles

Budget Analyst
Equity Research Analyst
Finance Analyst
Financial Examiner
Financial Manager: Branch or Department
Fixed Income Analyst
Fraud Examiner/Investigator
Loan Officer
Personal Financial Advisor
Sales Agent
Securities and Commodities Traders

Graduate and professional level job titles

Chief Financial Officer
Hedge Fund Manager
Management Consultant
Venture Capitalist

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Finance

Finance, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's

Plan of study in Bulletin

Finance

Finance, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's

Requirements

Highest level of math required

MATH 200 or SCMA 212 or BUSN 212
SCMA 302

Science required

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

2.5 to declare finance/2.0 to graduate

Transfer Maps

View Transfer Maps for this major

Contact information

Department name:

Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate

Building/room location:

Snead Hall, Room B4163

Phone:

(804) 828-1620

Email:

usib@vcu.edu

https://business.vcu.edu/academics/finance-insurance-and-real-estate/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.
Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner.
Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
Take Math Placement; register for math classes each semester through SCMA 302.
Earn at least a 2.5 semester GPA and 15 credits a semester to declare your major at the end of year 2 & graduate in 4 years.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
Consider applying to the Honors College.
Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community.
Attend two or three School of Business events.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa.
Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate.
Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.
Explore funding for international opportunities.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
Create a draft resume, submit it to VMock for initial feedback, and meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to discuss it.
Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.
Take Winning Presentations to develop needed public speaking and communication skills.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities.
Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
Be prepared for a challenging year of ACCT, ECON and math classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
Make sure to take INFO 165.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
Join related Student organizations such as FMA or Gamma Iota Sigma.
Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership & Civic Engagement Center.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
Investigate spending a summer abroad with the International Consulting Program or participate in a Study Abroad opportunity.
Consider learning a language; open doors to international organizations & future study.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
Attend Black & Gold Academy, Career & Internship Fairs, and career events throughout the year.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Participate in Explore Informational Interviews and Connect Mentoring Program through Office of Student Engagement.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
Be aware of the 4 course sequence: FIRE 311, 312, 321, and 461. Seek academic support early, do not get below a C.
Conduct independent undergraduate research.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Design a community-engaged research project.
Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
Research social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility.
Become a tutor in the Campus Learning Center.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
Experience VCU’s richness of diversity by attending VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.
Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
Update your ePortfolio.
Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Seek advice from your faculty about internship sites.
Participate in the Student Managed Investment Portfolio program.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Update your business resume to include new experiences you have gained and skills you have developed. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
Talk to advisors, faculty, and Business Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
Apply for CFA Exam Scholarship.
Join the Richmond Chapter of RMA.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
Take FIRE 321, and 441 in the Fall and FIRE 417, 451, 461 in the Spring.
Complete the BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam.
Take MGMT 434 in your final semester. Be aware of the multiple prereqs!

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector, B Corps, or SCRs.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
Read the VCU Common Book, and participate in community-related events.
Complete at least one internship during your senior year at an employer where you would like to work.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at Business Career Services.
Pursue Bloomberg Certification.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services.
Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
Update your business resume to include new experiences, skills, and high level academic projects. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
Prepare for and take the CFA Exam.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2021-2022

Finance

School of Business

Concentration(s):

No concentration

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY	DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives. Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center. Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills. Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help. Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner. Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals. Take Math Placement; register for math classes each semester through SCMA 302. Earn at least a 2.5 semester GPA and 15 credits a semester to declare your major at the end of year 2 & graduate in 4 years.	Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations. Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community. Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks. If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council. Consider applying to the Honors College. Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community. Attend two or three School of Business events.	Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU. Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa. Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate. Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101. Explore funding for international opportunities.	Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities. Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake. Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader. Create a draft resume, submit it to VMock for initial feedback, and meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to discuss it. Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year. Take Winning Presentations to develop needed public speaking and communication skills.	Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study. Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page. Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities. Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future. Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor. Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.
Experience	Year 2	Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience. Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes. Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center. Be prepared for a challenging year of ACCT, ECON and math classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead. Make sure to take INFO 165.	Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty. Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit. Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities. Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere. If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association. Join related Student organizations such as FMA or Gamma Iota Sigma. Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership & Civic Engagement Center.	Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization. Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses. Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty. Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship. Investigate spending a summer abroad with the International Consulting Program or participate in a Study Abroad opportunity. Consider learning a language; open doors to international organizations & future study.	Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field. Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work. Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job. Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio. Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events. Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value. Attend Black & Gold Academy, Career & Internship Fairs, and career events throughout the year.	Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest. Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation. Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans. Participate in Explore Informational Interviews and Connect Mentoring Program through Office of Student Engagement.
Experience	Year 3	See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning. Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. Be aware of the 4 course sequence: FIRE 311, 312, 321, and 461. Seek academic support early, do not get below a C. Conduct independent undergraduate research.	Design a community-engaged research project. Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship. Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU. Research social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility. Become a tutor in the Campus Learning Center.	Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning. Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer. Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals. Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume. Experience VCU’s richness of diversity by attending VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival. Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.	Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor. Update your ePortfolio. Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Seek advice from your faculty about internship sites. Participate in the Student Managed Investment Portfolio program.	Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship. Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. Update your business resume to include new experiences you have gained and skills you have developed. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update. Talk to advisors, faculty, and Business Career Services about graduate school versus a job. Apply for CFA Exam Scholarship. Join the Richmond Chapter of RMA.
Excel	Year 4	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met. Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree. Take FIRE 321, and 441 in the Fall and FIRE 417, 451, 461 in the Spring. Complete the BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam. Take MGMT 434 in your final semester. Be aware of the multiple prereqs!	Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization. Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps. Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships. Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector, B Corps, or SCRs.	Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners. Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field. Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations. Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation. Read the VCU Common Book, and participate in community-related events. Complete at least one internship during your senior year at an employer where you would like to work.	Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers. Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity. Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools. Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at Business Career Services. Pursue Bloomberg Certification.	Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities. Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation. Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services. Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter. Update your business resume to include new experiences, skills, and high level academic projects. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update. Prepare for and take the CFA Exam.