Finance Major
Sound fiscal management is the foundation of success for businesses and financial institutions across every sector and in every corner of the world. Salve Regina University's multi-faceted bachelor's degree in finance provides students with knowledge of fundamental financial management and analytical tools. This technical skill set is complemented with a focus on developing the critical thinking and team-oriented skills necessary for today’s business leaders and within the context of Salve’s mercy mission.
I have an opportunity to integrate my many years of financial management experience with course content and share the combined results with students. The knowledge transfer is a way to fulfill a mission of sharing and helping students develop in both theory and practice as well as an awareness of the business and financial worlds in which they live and will practice professionally.
Samuel Sacco, senior lecturer
Gain Proficiency in the Business Environment
Our finance program will set you up with the skills and tools required to analyze an organization's finances and operations to ensure its long-term fiscal health. Students interested in working for themselves or in launching corporate careers in banking, financial services, insurance technology, real estate and other major industries will delve into the many core issues of capital management and gain proficiency in the language and tools of the business environment.
Our program enables students to pursue professional certifications such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Financial Risk Manager (FRM), Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) and Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA). Additional requirements may include further education, professional experience and exams. Students interested in sales of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, insurance and real estate will need to obtain the appropriate professional licenses for each specialty.
Available concentrations in corporate finance and wealth management allow students to tailor their bachelor's degree to their interests and career aspirations. And through our popular combined program, qualified undergraduates can earn their bachelor's degree in finance and a master’s degree in business administration or healthcare administration within five years.
What Sets Salve Apart
Data gathered by email surveys and public profile information show that of the finance majors who responded, 94% are employed and/or enrolled in graduate programs six months after graduating.
Accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Jean and David W. Wallace Department of Business and Economics prepares students for careers in today's highly competitive global business environment.
CFA Institute University Affiliation
Salve's finance program incorporates portions of the CFA body of knowledge, including ethics and standards of conduct, and offers opportunities for students to sit for the first level of the CFA exams. A global nonprofit organization, the CFA Institute provides finance education and promotes ethics, education and excellence in the investment services industry.
Seahawk Tank
Each semester, students enrolled in the Strategic Business Planning Capstone course work in teams to identify a potential business opportunity; develop mission and vision statements; conduct SWOT analyses; and accomplish market research. They develop strategic, marketing, human resource staffing, operations plans and financial projections to support the venture. Teams present their proposed business plan and compete for a spot in the annual Seahawk Tank - a pitch competition held each May in which the top ranked teams pitch their ideas to a panel of judges and compete for bragging rights and cash prizes.
Enhance Your Experience
Our study abroad opportunities include the popular summer experience in Oxford, England. Over the course of four weeks, undergraduate students fulfill course requirements or electives with classes like European Financial Markets and Currency. Graduate students may also apply to participate in the European Financial Markets course at the graduate level and enroll in a directed study toward the completion of the MBA or master’s degree in organizational transformation and leadership.
The Salve Compass
Working closely with the Newport Gulls to collect data on historical team performance, attendance and ticket revenue, Summer Compass students developed models and surveys for ongoing data collection to assist the collegiate baseball franchise in future seasons. This integrated experiential opportunity gave students a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the beloved local organization and allowed them to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
Alumni Making Waves
Andrew Siaba '19, '20 (MBA)
Manager, financial crimes digital asset surveillance, Fidelity Investments
“The finance program at Salve was vital in my development and I couldn’t ask for a better college experience. The classes and content allowed me to collaborate and communicate with peers, which is invaluable when it came to the workforce. I truly felt the targeted courses allowed me to develop my skills in all facets of the finance industry and prepare me for life after Salve. When joining Fidelity, I had the foundation I needed to hit the ground running. The program not only developed my technical skills, but the interpersonal skills I needed to lead a conversation and command a room. The program pushed me to be the best I could be, which has allowed me to take a management role in my young career. I frequently go back and speak with students as I want to give back any way I can as so much was done for me. I am very proud to have gone through this prestigious program.”
Hana Couture '22, '23 (MBA)
Client services associate, UBS
“The finance program at Salve was everything that I didn’t know I needed. Before attending Salve, I did not know how much I would enjoy smaller class sizes, how important personal relationships were with the professors, and how many friends I would make over the years. My favorite part was hearing stories from my professors about their experiences in the work force that related to what we were learning in the textbook. What I enjoy most about the work that I do is knowing I am making a difference in people’s lives. Although everyone deals with ‘finances’ in some capacity, not everyone knows what they should be aware of. It is fulfilling knowing that what I studied for four years is helping people.”
Garrett Szeremley ’24
Owner, PVElite Hockey
“The small class sizes and dedicated professors in Salve’s finance program played a huge role in my business success post-graduation. The personal relationships I built allowed me to ask real questions about my own situation, giving me the practical knowledge and confidence to grow. I will forever be thankful for my time at Salve Regina and for the mentorship I received as a Seahawk.”
Career Paths in Finance
Graduates with a degree in finance typically enter careers as financial managers and analysts. These professionals work in a variety of organizations, overseeing financial activities and planning for ongoing success.
Careers include:
- Financial consultant
- Financial analyst
- Program manager
- Management consultant
- Project coordinator
- Valuation analyst
- Data analyst
- Billing administrator
- Investment analyst
- Financial specialist
- Senior financial advisor
- Bank officer
- Senior internal auditor
- Institutional funds administration manager
- Regional investment consulting director
- Financial planning and analysis director
Internships
Finance majors are required to complete at least one internship related to their major before graduation. Students work closely with the Center for Advising, Career and Life Design and their faculty advisors to find internship experiences that enhance their academic work and support their career goals.
Finance majors have completed recent internships at a variety of organizations, including:
- Berkshire Hathaway
- Fidelity Investments
- Citizens Bank
- Kraft Sports Group
- NASDAQ
- FDIC
- U.S. Secret Service
- United Technologies
- Terex Corporation
- Blackrock
- Howland Capital
- Brown Brothers, Harriman
- UBS Hilton Group
- Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
- Wells Fargo
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC)
- Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
- New York Life Insurance Company
- TD Ameritrade
Degree Options
Bachelor of Science in finance
Business and economics core requirements provide students with a comprehensive foundation in key business disciplines, ensuring they develop essential knowledge and skills applicable across all sectors. Required for all Bachelor of Science majors within the department - including accounting, business administration, business economics, finance, global business and economics, healthcare administration and marketing - these courses cover critical areas such as financial and managerial accounting, macroeconomics, business management, communications, financial management, marketing, business ethics, business law, strategy, statistics and business analytics. By exploring this broad spectrum of subjects, students gain a well-rounded understanding of the business world, helping them discover their passions and career paths. This structure also offers the flexibility to change majors or add minors without losing progress, empowering students to tailor their education to their evolving interests and professional goals.
Bachelor of Science in finance, concentration in corporate finance
The concentration in corporate finance prepares students to lead and grow organizations by maximizing shareholder and stakeholder value. Students become familiar with accounting and finance concepts such as cost-volume-profitability analysis, strategic planning, process improvement and business operations performance, enabling them to increase organizational effectiveness. With this concentration, students are prepared for exciting career paths such as financial analyst, treasurer, business analyst or chief financial officer.
Bachelor of Science in finance, concentration in wealth management
The concentration in wealth management introduces the principles of managing financial assets for individuals, families and institutions. Wealth management requires the consideration of client objectives, risk tolerance and constraints within the context of investment policy development as well as a deep understanding of investment instruments, asset classes and portfolio theory. With this concentration, students actively engage in the planning process for various client types and create and monitor multi-asset class portfolios designed to fulfill their objectives.
Minor in finance
Open to students from all disciplines, the minor in finance is designed to promote financial literacy. In an increasingly complex financial environment, professionals from nearly any discipline require the comprehension of financial skills and concepts in both their professional careers and their personal lives.
Meet Our Finance Faculty
Our finance faculty bring extensive career experience to the classroom, along with a dedication to mentoring and collaboration within the context of Salve’s mercy mission.
