Bachelor of Science B.S. in Finance
Georgian Court University’s ACBSP-accredited B.S. in Finance prepares students for success in today’s dynamic financial landscape. Our program combines rigorous quantitative training with ethical decision-making, focusing on financial management, global market dynamics, and investment strategies.
This comprehensive program is the foundation of the 21st century’s financial services industry. Students gain a strong grounding in financial management, financial markets and institutions, investment analysis, and global economics within a corporate context.
You’ll also strengthen your quantitative and technical skills while shaping the future of business with precision and purpose—all within GCU’s supportive, Mercy-focused community.
Why Choose GCU’s B.S. in Finance?
ACBSP-Accredited Excellence
Our program meets the highest global standards set by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), ensuring alignment with industry needs and employer expectations.
Tech + Strategy
Develop technical proficiency through hands-on financial simulations that mirror real-world scenarios, and build confidence using portfolio optimization techniques to make smart, strategic decisions that balance risk and reward.
Global Focus
Analyze international markets, explore global trade policies, and understand economic trends to see how financial decisions are shaped around the world.
Personalized Learning
Take advantage of small class sizes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, and get personalized support from professors who bring real-world finance experience into the classroom.
Industry-Relevant Curriculum
Develop skills in:
- Financial Management: Optimize profitability, compliance, and transparency.
- Global Markets: Analyze interactions between institutions, instruments, and policies.
- Investment Analysis: Evaluate risk-return relationships and portfolio strategies.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: Interpret and present financial data effectively.
B.S. in Finance Career Opportunities
In the 21st century, there has been a major relocation of financial services firms from New York to New Jersey (particularly Jersey City), which is only one hour from GCU’s campus—creating more local opportunities for our graduates.
Financial Analyst
- Median Salary: $95,080 (U.S. average)
- Top Industries: Banking, tech, consulting
- NJ Impact: Salaries in NJ average $104,200 (12% above national median).
- Median Salary: $131,710
- Key Fact: Top 10% earn over $208,000 (often in NYC/NJ metro roles)
- Median Salary: $112,430
- Certification Boost: CFA/FRM holders earn 8–15% more
- Median Salary: $125,080
- Growth Field: Portfolio managers in NJ/NYC earn $150,000+
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), Payscale
Academic Excellence
-
Admission & Next Steps
Open to first-year students, transfers, and finance major/minors. -
93% Faculty with Terminal Degrees
Learn from leading experts in their fields. -
Minor in Finance
Strengthen your résumé in just 18 credits.
Student Success & Support
-
99% of Freshmen Receive Aid
Nearly every student gets financial support to thrive. -
$39K+ Average Aid Award
Generous scholarships and grants make education attainable. -
Prime Location
Access opportunities in Jersey City, just one hour from campus.
Shape Your Future in Finance
Need to learn more?
B.S. in Finance FAQs
What is ACBSP accreditation?
ACBSP accreditation ensures our program meets global standards for business education, emphasizing practical skills employers value.
Are internships required?
Internships are encouraged to provide practical experience in diverse financial settings.
What financial aid is available?
99% of GCU students receive scholarships, grants, or loans.
How does GCU support job placement?
Our Career Services team offers resume workshops, interview prep, and alumni networking opportunities.
Is prior finance experience required?
No! We teach foundational skills while challenging advanced learners.
How does GCU stand out from other NJ finance programs?
Our ACBSP accreditation, Mercy focus on ethics, and small classes ensure you’re career-ready—not just textbook-ready.
Can I work while studying?
Yes! Many students intern or work part-time, thanks to flexible schedules and hybrid course options.

B.S. in Finance Program Highlights
Build Skills Employers Demand
- Financial Analysis: Interpret statements, assess risk-return relationships, and model fiscal scenarios.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Use quantitative tools to forecast trends and optimize business outcomes.
- Ethical Leadership: Apply GCU’s Mercy values to corporate transparency, compliance, and social responsibility.
Real-World Preparation
- Classroom to Career: Work on real-world projects and case studies that help you apply what you’re learning to actual business challenges.
- Certification-Ready: Prepare for professional certifications such as the SIE and CFP.
- Minor Options: Pair finance with marketing, data analytics, or management for a competitive edge.

B.S. in Finance
Curriculum Focus
Blend Theory, Technology & Ethics
Core courses include:
- Financial Markets & Institutions
- Investment Analysis & Portfolio Management
- Global Finance and Economic Strategies
- Corporate Finance & Risk Management
Hands-On Learning:
- Simulate trading scenarios with standard software
- Engage in business case studies
- Present strategic solutions in class settings
B.S. in Finance Program Information
Courses
To earn this degree, students must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and the major requirements below.
Major Sequence
To earn a Bachelor of Science in Finance, students must successfully complete 120 credits which includes the business core, which is 45 credits in accounting, business, and economics coursework, plus additional courses in finance as follows:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Business Core Courses | ||
AC171 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 3.0 |
AC172 | Principles of Managerial Accounting | 3.0 |
EC181 | Principles of Macroeconomics 1 | 3.0 |
EC182 | Principles of Microeconomics 1 | 3.0 |
BU121 | Quantitative Business Concepts 1,2 | 3.0 |
BU211 | Business Law | 3.0 |
BU213 | Mgmt Theory & Org. Behavior | 3.0 |
BU221 | Business Statistics & Probability | 3.0 |
IS224 | Introduction to Business Analytics | 3.0 |
FIN235 | Introduction to Finance | 3.0 |
MK241 | Principles of Marketing | 3.0 |
BU242 | Managerial Communications | 3.0 |
or CM251 | Intercultural Communication | |
or CM252 | Organizational Communication | |
IS320 | Management Information Systems | 3.0 |
BU350 | Internship & Career Preparation | 1.0 |
BU351 | Internship 3 | 2.0 |
BU491 | Business Strategies & Policy | 3.0 |
Required Finance Courses | ||
EC481 | Comparative Economic Systems | 3.0 |
FIN335 | Financial Management I | 3.0 |
FIN339 | Introduction to Financial Technology | 3.0 |
FIN382 | International Finance & Economics | 3.0 |
FIN434 | Investment Analysis | 3.0 |
FIN482 | Financial Market & Institutions | 3.0 |
Total Credits | 63.0 |
- 1
Course may also satisfy a General Education requirement.
- 2
BU121 Quantitative Business Concepts may be waived if the student has achieved a B or better in MA109 College Algebra, MA110 Precalculus, or MA115 Calculus I.
- 3
A Finance student is required to identify and search for internship opportunities in Finance.
For more information on program requirements, consult the Undergraduate Catalog.
Minor in Finance
Complement your primary focus of study with a minor in finance from GCU, and explore accounting, investing, and economics.
Minor Sequence
Up to two three-credit courses (six credits total) may double-count for a student’s major, other minor, or general education requirements and the finance minor.
The Minor in Finance requires 18 credits from:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Requirements | ||
Select one of the following: | 3.0-6.0 | |
AC276 | Survey of Accounting | |
AC171 & AC172 | Principles of Financial Accounting and Principles of Managerial Accounting | |
Select one of the following: | 3.0-6.0 | |
EC180 | Contemporary Economics | |
EC181 & EC182 | Principles of Macroeconomics and Principles of Microeconomics | |
FIN335 | Financial Management I | 3.0 |
FIN434 | Investment Analysis | 3.0 |
FIN482 | Financial Market & Institutions | 3.0 |
Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
AC471 | Individual Federal Taxation | |
BU319 | Business & Professional Ethics | |
FIN336 | Financial Management II | |
FIN382 | International Finance & Economics | |
EC383 | Labor Economics | |
EC481 | Comparative Economic Systems | |
Total Credits | 18.0-24.0 |
For more information on program requirements, consult the Undergraduate Catalog.
Finance Course Rotation
COURSE ID# | TITLE | FALL | SPRING |
---|---|---|---|
FINANCE MAJOR | |||
FIN235 | Introduction to Finance | X | X |
FIN335 | Financial Management I | X | |
FIN336 | Financial Management II | X | |
FIN339 | Intro to Financial Technology | X | |
FIN382 | International Fin & Econ | X | |
FIN434 | Investment Analysis | X | |
FIN482 | Financial Market & Institutions | X | |
EC181 | Princ of Macroeconomics | X | X |
EC182 | Princ of Microeconomics | X | X |
EC481 | Comparative Economic Systems | X |
Department of Business Administration Faculty

Meera R. Behera, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Finance
School of Business & Digital Media
Farley Center (312)
mbehera@georgian.edu
(732) 987-2162

Jeongwon Choi, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator, Sport Management
School of Business & Digital Media
Farley Center (315)
jchoi@georgian.edu

Jennifer J. Edmonds, Ph.D.
Dean
School of Business & Digital Media
Farley Center
jedmonds@georgian.edu
732-987-2662

Cathleen M. McQuillen, D.P.S.
Associate Professor
School of Business & Digital Media
Farley Center FC311
cmcquillen@georgian.edu
732-987-2623

Monahan, Dr. Joseph
Professor
School of Business & Digital Media
Farley Center (314)
jmonahan@georgian.edu
732-987-2668

Amitabh Mungale, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
School of Business & Digital Media
Farley Center (304)
amungale@georgian.edu
732-987-2725

Michael Pawlish, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
School of Business & Digital Media
Farley Center (304)
mpawlish@georgian.edu
732-987-2737

Neal Steed, J.D.
Assistant Professor
School of Business & Digital Media
Farley Center (308)
nsteed@georgian.edu

Janice Warner, Ph.D.
Provost
Jeffries Hall 106
jwarner@georgian.edu
732-987-2314
Internships
- Before you begin your internship, schedule an appointment at georgian.as.me/?calendarID=2795200 to meet with Theodora Sergiou, Internship and Student Development Coordinator for the School of Business and Digital Media (SBDM).
- Complete the Internship Registration and Contract using CareerLink.
- Go to georgian.edu/careerlink.
- Select “I am a Student.” If this is your first time signing in, enter your GCU password and select “Activate” account to complete your profile and create a Careerlink password. If you have already set up a CareerLink profile, sign in using your GCU username and the CareerLink password you created for this account (not your GCU password).
- Once logged on, select “Experiential Learning” from the action menu.
- Complete the SBDM Approval Form online. Once approved, you will receive e-mail confirmation.
- Students register for the internship course by first requesting permission from Professor Sergiou in Self-Service, and then going back into Self-Service and completing registration.
- Business majors will register for BU351.
- Digital communication majors will register for CM405.
- Graphic Design and Multimedia majors will register for GD429.
- During the internship, you should maintain a weekly journal of hours worked, tasks performed, and personal reflections. Regularly review your progress with the internship coordinator and employer.
- Toward the end of your internship and at least two weeks before the end of the semester, go back into CareerLink to submit the Internship Evaluation Form online.
- At the conclusion of the semester, you will prepare a PowerPoint presentation on your internship experience containing:
- an overview of the enterprise;
- a job description;
- an explanation of how you achieved your learning objectives; and
- and a self-reflection on the impact of the internship on your career choice, goals, and plans.
Have questions? Contact us
Georgian Court University
900 Lakewood Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
Campus Map
Contact Information
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Phone: 732-987-2700
E-mail: admissions@georgian.edu
Office Hours
- Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday: *By appointment only
- Sunday: Closed
*Check tour schedule for specific dates/times.