Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Finance Degree (BAS)
While earning your finance degree online, you will develop a strong background for conceiving, creating, and managing effective real-world business challenges. This affordable program offered online or on-campus near St. Louis, MO provides flexible course schedules to help you advance in your career while managing the competing demands of your busy life.
If you are passionate about the management of money and want to build a rewarding career in the financial sector, then a bachelor’s degree in finance is the perfect foundation.
Lindenwood brings the best of the on-campus experience – affordable academic programs, unparalleled faculty support, and a community of diverse learners – into your home office via online learning. Our virtual learning platform provides an engaging and interactive environment where you can connect with professors and peers while maintaining the flexibility to balance your studies with other commitments. Flexible classes mean you can study when and where it’s best for you, whether that’s early morning, late evening, or weekends.
Your dedicated academic advisors, extensive library services, the career center, military student services, and other comprehensive support systems are never more than a click or a call away.
We understand the unique challenges faced by working professionals and are committed to providing the resources and guidance needed for your success.
We’ll make sure you have everything you need along the way, from technical support to academic resources, career guidance to networking opportunities.
Key Program Facts
St. Charles / St. Louis
Finance Degree Program
Flexible Schedule | HLC Accredited | Online or On-Campus
Program Details Curriculum
The Lindenwood University finance department offers a Bachelor of Science in finance, which includes subject-intensive coursework focused on quantitative and analytical skills, and a Bachelor of Arts in finance, which is generally a more expansive and diverse curriculum incorporating broader business concepts. When you enroll in the finance degree program, you will learn both the fundamental theories of finance as well as practical real-world skills needed to succeed in your chosen field of expertise. The finance curriculum encompasses essential topics such as corporate financing strategies, investment analysis and portfolio management, financial institutions and market dynamics, risk assessment and management, international finance, and numerous other engaging subjects designed to prepare you for a successful career in the financial sector.
Finance, BA Investments Emphasis
75-77 credit hours in major
PCB&E GE and PCB&E Core Coursework
51-53 credit hours of coursework from the following requirements:
- PCB&E General Education Requirements
- PCB&E Core Requirements
12 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- FIN 32010 – Corporate Finance I Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 32020 – Investments I Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 32050 – Financial Institutions and Markets Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 42080 – Seminar in Finance Credit Hour: 3
9 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- ACCT 41070 – Financial Statement Analysis Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 42020 – Investments II Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 42040 – Investment Applications Credit Hour: 3-6 (FIN 42040 – 3 credit hours required, may take 3 additional credit hours as an elective)
3 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- ACCT 31020 – Financial Accounting and Reporting I Credit Hour: 3
- ACCT 31050 – Income Tax Credit Hour: 3
- ACCT 41021 – Financial Accounting and Reporting II Credit Hour: 3
- ACCT 41055 – Income Tax-Corporate Credit Hour: 3
- ECON 33025 – Money and Banking Credit Hour: 3
- ENTR 37520 – Real Estate Principles Credit Hour: 3
- ENTR 47510 – Financing Business Ventures Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 32015 – International Finance Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 32030 – Personal Finance Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 32035 – Retirement Planning Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 32036 – Estate Planning Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 32040 – Risk and Insurance Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 39000-39999 – Special Topics in Finance Credit Hour: 1-3
- FIN 42010 – Corporate Finance II Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 42040 – Investment Applications Credit Hour: 3-6
- FIN 42095 – Internship Credit Hour: 1-9
- FIN 49000-49999 – Special Topics in Finance Credit Hour: 1-3
- MTH 32400 – Theory of Financial Mathematics I Credit Hour: 3
- MTH 32500 – Theory of Financial Mathematics II Credit Hour: 3
- MTH 32600 – Models for Financial Economics Credit Hour: 3
Students choosing to use FIN 42040 must take the course for an additional 3 credit hours to fulfill this elective requirement.
Students choosing to use FIN 42095 must take the course for at least 3 credit hours to fulfill this elective requirement.
Finance, BS Investments Emphasis
82-85 credit hours in major
PCB&E GE and PCB&E Core Coursework
55-58 credit hours of coursework from the following requirements:
- PCB&E Core Requirements
- PCB&E General Education Requirements
12 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- FIN 32010 – Corporate Finance I Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 32020 – Investments I Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 32050 – Financial Institutions and Markets Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 42080 – Seminar in Finance Credit Hour: 3
9 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- ACCT 41070 – Financial Statement Analysis Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 42020 – Investments II Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 42040 – Investment Applications Credit Hour: 3-6 (FIN 42040 – 3 credit hours required, may take 3 additional credit hours as an elective)
6 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- ACCT 31020 – Financial Accounting and Reporting I Credit Hour: 3
- ACCT 31050 – Income Tax Credit Hour: 3
- ACCT 41021 – Financial Accounting and Reporting II Credit Hour: 3
- ACCT 41055 – Income Tax-Corporate Credit Hour: 3
- ECON 33025 – Money and Banking Credit Hour: 3
- ENTR 37520 – Real Estate Principles Credit Hour: 3
- ENTR 47510 – Financing Business Ventures Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 32015 – International Finance Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 32030 – Personal Finance Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 32035 – Retirement Planning Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 32036 – Estate Planning Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 32040 – Risk and Insurance Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 39000-39999 – Special Topics in Finance Credit Hour: 1-3
- FIN 42010 – Corporate Finance II Credit Hour: 3
- FIN 42040 – Investment Applications Credit Hour: 3-6
- FIN 42095 – Internship Credit Hour: 1-9
- FIN 49000-49999 – Special Topics in Finance Credit Hour: 1-3
- MTH 32400 – Theory of Financial Mathematics I Credit Hour: 3
- MTH 32500 – Theory of Financial Mathematics II Credit Hour: 3
- MTH 32600 – Models for Financial Economics Credit Hour: 3
Students choosing to use FIN 42040 must take the course for an additional 3 credit hours to fulfill this elective requirement.
Students choosing to use FIN 42095 must take the course for at least 3 credit hours to fulfill this elective requirement.
Essential Skills & Insights
The skills you acquire as a finance student at Lindenwood University will serve you well in the business world.
These roles require strong analytical abilities, strategic thinking, and in-depth understanding of financial markets and instruments – all of which you’ll develop through our comprehensive curriculum.
Finance professionals guide individuals, corporations, government agencies, and other firms or organizations through financial struggles and uncertainty.
They play crucial roles in developing strategic financial plans, managing investments, analyzing market trends, and ensuring long-term financial stability.
They are also vital in their roles in short-term and long-term planning responsibilities, helping organizations navigate complex financial decisions and optimize their resources.
Experiential Learning, Real-World Impact
The program combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on learning experiences through case studies, internships, and collaboration with industry professionals.
Our faculty members bring years of industry experience and academic expertise to the virtual classroom, ensuring you receive practical insights alongside theoretical knowledge.
Careers in Finance Degree (BAS)
Finance graduates are often employed in corporate finance, investment banking, commercial banking, financial planning, risk management, and wealth management roles.
If you are passionate about the management of money and want to build a rewarding career in the financial sector, then a bachelor’s degree in finance is the perfect foundation.
A finance degree is essential for high-level careers such as a chief financial officer, investment banker, financial analyst, or portfolio manager.
A Path to Endless Career Opportunities
Lindenwood University offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or minor in finance, each designed to meet different career goals and interests
The Finance Program is a prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) University Affiliated Program, demonstrating our commitment to excellence in financial education.
Our comprehensive curriculum covers a significant (70%) portion of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK), preparing students for success in professional certification.
There are only 287 U.S. schools that have earned the distinction of CFA University Affiliated Programs, placing Lindenwood among an elite group of institutions.
CFA affiliated programs indicate a high-quality curriculum that meets rigorous standards and provide our students with exclusive access to CFA scholarships, giving them a competitive advantage in their academic journey.
As indicated on the CFA Institute site, an Affiliated University signals to their students and to employers that their curriculum is closely tied to the practice of investment management and is helpful to students preparing for the CFA® Program exams, one of the most respected and recognized investment management designations in the world.
Degree Paths
Earning a Finance Degree at Lindenwood University
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Finance.
A Bachelor of Arts in finance at Lindenwood University requires 75-77 credit hours of comprehensive coursework, combining business fundamentals with diverse electives to provide a well-rounded education.
The Bachelor of Science in finance demands 78-84 credit hours of intensive business-focused courses and specialized electives, along with the university’s general education core requirements.
The key distinction between these two degree paths lies in their academic focus – while the BA curriculum emphasizes breadth of knowledge across multiple disciplines, incorporating liberal arts elements, the BS program delivers a more concentrated, in-depth exploration of finance-specific concepts and analytical methodologies.
Finance Degree (BAS) Minor
Lindenwood University offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or minor in finance, each designed to meet different career goals and interests.
Emphasis Areas
For students interested in combining broad business knowledge with financial expertise, Lindenwood offers the option to pursue a BA or BS in business administration with an emphasis in finance.
This specialized track requires completing 12 of your 21-24 elective credit hours in finance-focused coursework, allowing you to develop a strong foundation in both general business principles and specialized financial knowledge.
Available Degree Options
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Finance.
Lindenwood University offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or minor in finance, each designed to meet different career goals and interests.
For students interested in combining broad business knowledge with financial expertise, Lindenwood offers the option to pursue a BA or BS in business administration with an emphasis in finance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Both the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in finance programs at Lindenwood University deliver comprehensive business education and prepare students for successful careers in the financial services sector.
The BA in Finance offers a more versatile curriculum that integrates interdisciplinary perspectives and broader liberal arts components, providing students with a well-rounded education that emphasizes critical thinking and communication skills.
In contrast, the BS in Finance program features an intensive, specialized curriculum with enhanced focus on advanced financial concepts, quantitative analysis, and technical proficiency in financial modeling and analytics.
Your choice between these programs should align with your career aspirations – choose the BA if you seek a broader educational foundation with diverse skill sets, or opt for the BS if you prefer to develop deeper expertise in finance-specific methodologies and analytical techniques.
Yes.
Lindenwood University’s finance degree program offers exceptional flexibility through both online and on-campus delivery options in St. Louis or St. Charles.
The program accommodates diverse student needs with full-time and part-time scheduling options, making it an ideal choice for working professionals, transfer students, or individuals juggling multiple responsibilities while pursuing their education.
Lindenwood’s Finance Program is a prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) University Affiliated Program. Our curriculum covers approximately 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge, preparing students for professional certification. Only 287 U.S. schools have earned this distinction. CFA affiliation indicates a high-quality curriculum meeting rigorous standards and provides students with exclusive access to CFA scholarships and competitive advantages in their academic and professional journey.
Finance graduates are often employed in corporate finance, investment banking, commercial banking, financial planning, risk management, and wealth management roles. A finance degree is essential for high-level careers such as chief financial officer, investment banker, financial analyst, or portfolio manager. Finance professionals guide individuals, corporations, and government agencies through financial decisions, developing strategic plans, managing investments, and analyzing market trends.
The Bachelor of Arts in Finance requires 75-77 credit hours of comprehensive coursework, combining business fundamentals with diverse electives. The Bachelor of Science in Finance requires 78-84 credit hours of intensive business-focused courses and specialized electives, along with general education core requirements. Both programs provide rigorous training in financial theory and practical real-world skills.