Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance

The Foundation of Every Business

The finance industry includes everything from banking and asset management to insurance, venture capital and private equity. This integral part of our economy empowers businesses to look ahead to the next stage and hire the workers necessary for reaching these goals.

The University of Texas at Tyler’s internationally accredited Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in finance program prepares you for professional opportunities as an investment portfolio manager, financial risk manager, banking officer, corporate treasurer or financial planner, among other roles in the field. Corporations, nonprofit organizations and government agencies at all levels seek out finance professionals to manage their assets, properly allocate funds and influence growth strategies.

Why Major in Finance at UT Tyler?

Finance majors develop skills in managing money and investments. Learn how to interpret financial data, recommend and oversee investments and follow financial markets. Through this expertise, prepare to create financial plans that improve future outcomes for your clients or company, formulate a corporation's budget or structure retirement plans.

Become familiar with the institutions, theories and practices involved in financial management, including for corporate finance, banking, governing organizations, markets and investments.

Here’s what’s special about UT Tyler:

• Globally Recognized: Our program is affiliated with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program, the most recognized investment management certification in the world. Our program prepares students for Level 1 of the three-part CFA exam and extends select scholarships to students.
• Expert Faculty: Our professors are skilled, dedicated educators who bring real-world business backgrounds to the classroom and have received the Distinguished Research Award and the ANBAR Citation of Excellence Highest Quality Rating.
• Real-World Experience: Through internships with local businesses, start to uplift your community through financial know-how while practicing what you’ve learned. Opportunities result in course credit and often lead to full-time jobs upon graduation.
• A Strong Student Community: Get involved from your first day on campus with the Soules College of Business’s ten student organizations and four honor societies.
• Networking Opportunities: Network with finance students and professionals as part of our Chapter of Financial Management Association and FMA Honor Society, a national association for finance professionals. Additionally, build connections through Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society for AACSB-accredited business schools.
• Exceptional Facilities: At almost 140,000 square feet, the home of the Soules College of Business holds numerous lab rooms, including a financial analytics laboratory, study areas, 12 classrooms and an auditorium.
• AACSB Accredited: The Soules College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the highest standard in business and management education. Only 25% of business schools nationwide and 5% of business schools worldwide receive this distinction.

Curriculum

All finance students start with a common business core designed to impart general knowledge of the business field. Students take a set number of hours in accounting, economics, business calculus, computer applications, statistics and speech.

Learn how to accurately analyze financial statements to assess liquidity, asset utilization, debt management, profitability and rewards of ownership. Understand how to evaluate investment options and make astute financial decisions for individuals and businesses. From here, develop a specialization in energy risk management and investment management.

Core Requirements

All finance majors take the following core courses:

• Investments
• Management of Financial Institutions
• Security Analysis and Portfolio Management
• Managerial Finance
• Financial Risk Management
• Business Forecasting

Finance Major Requirements

What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance?

Of business graduates, those who study finance receive among the highest average starting salaries. Your degree prepares you to begin a number of careers in business and government, from Wall Street banks and insurance companies to financial planning firms. What you learn here further equips you to earn Certified Financial Planner™ certification or take the level 1 exam to become a Chartered Financial Analyst®.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 7% growth across business and financial occupations through 2031. The median entry-level finance position paid $58,890 a year in 2023, according to Glassdoor. 

Our alumni hold key positions at local institutions, including Austin Bank, Bridge Wealth Management, Brookshire Grocery Co., Texas Bank and Trust, Feliciano Financial Group, Regions Bank and Southside Bank.

As you think about your future, majoring in finance lays the foundation for pursuing an MBA or law school or earning a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, although additional accounting coursework at the undergraduate or graduate level may be needed.

How to Apply

General Admission Requirements

The University of Texas at Tyler offers a streamlined admissions process for all undergraduate students. Have questions or concerns? Our admissions team can guide you through all requirements and answer any questions you may have. Reflecting our reputation as one of the most affordable colleges in the state, our financial aid team helps you explore all scholarships, grants and other forms of assistance.

For admissions decisions in general:

• UT Tyler automatically accepts students from the Top 25% of graduating classes in Texas.
• Students from the 2nd to 4th quartiles must have a 2.75 or higher GPA.

Ready to apply? Review all undergraduate requirements to get started.

Start Your Application

Transferring Credits

UT Tyler has established partnerships with community colleges across Texas, allowing for a seamless transfer of your credits. Our relationships let you stick with your degree plan and graduate on time, right on your schedule.

Learn More About Transfer Pathways

Admissions Requirements for Transfer Students

Key Dates

July 1

ApplyTexas application opens for incoming first-year students.

October 1

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens for the upcoming academic year.

December 1

Application deadline to be eligible for scholarships.

May 1

Deadline for Valedictorian, Salutatorian and Transfer Presidential Scholarships.

August 1

Deadline for Patriot Promise Scholarship.