Money moves the world — and the people who understand it move with it. GCU's ACBSP-accredited B.S. in Finance equips you with the quantitative skills, real-world tools, and global perspective to build a career in financial management, investment, banking, or FinTech. Located 60 miles from New York City, you'll study finance with one of the world's greatest financial markets right in your backyard.
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Finance is no longer just spreadsheets and stock picks — it's algorithms, blockchain, digital banking, and robo-advising. GCU's Finance curriculum prepares you for both the fundamentals and the frontier, with dedicated coursework in Financial Technology (FinTech) alongside rigorous training in financial management, investment analysis, and financial markets. You'll graduate fluent in the tools that define modern finance.
The world's capital markets are connected — and so is your curriculum. GCU's Finance program includes dedicated coursework in International Finance & Economics and Comparative Economic Systems, giving you a genuinely global perspective on financial decision-making. Combine that with GCU's location between Philadelphia and New York City, and you're studying finance at the intersection of two of the biggest financial markets in the world.
The B.S. in Finance includes a required internship — and Finance students are specifically expected to identify and pursue opportunities in the finance industry. That means you're not just completing an internship; you're launching your career in the field. GCU's employer network and career services team help you connect with banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and corporate finance departments throughout the New Jersey–New York–Philadelphia corridor.
Finance majors with strong academic records can apply for Advanced Admission to GCU's MBA program as early as junior year — after completing 75 credits. You can begin taking MBA courses while still finishing your undergraduate degree, and no GMAT is required. It's one of the smartest, most affordable paths to a graduate business degree you'll find in New Jersey.
The B.S. in Finance is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) — a nationally recognized standard that validates the quality and rigor of our business curriculum.
Finance is one of the most versatile and in-demand business disciplines in the world — and GCU’s B.S. in Finance is built to prove it.
Built on the same 45-credit Business Core as all GCU business programs, the Finance major goes deeper into the analytical, quantitative, and strategic dimensions of financial management. You’ll study how organizations manage money, how markets are structured, how investments are evaluated, and how global economic forces shape financial decisions at every level — from a small business to a multinational corporation.
What makes GCU’s program stand apart is its forward-looking curriculum. While most finance programs cover the classics — financial management, investment analysis, and markets — GCU has added dedicated coursework in Financial Technology (FinTech), covering blockchain, digital banking, robo-advising, and P2P lending. You’ll also take International Finance & Economics and Comparative Economic Systems, ensuring you understand finance not just locally but globally.
The program’s quantitative emphasis is deliberate. You’ll develop technical skills in financial software and data analysis, learn to evaluate risk-return relationships, analyze financial statements, manage capital budgets, and model investment scenarios — the applied skills that finance employers specifically look for when they’re hiring.
And because GCU is located squarely between New York City and Philadelphia — two of the largest financial centers in the United States — the internship and career network available to you isn’t hypothetical. It’s right there.
The B.S. in Finance is accredited by ACBSP.
GCU’s B.S. in Finance is a great fit if you:
New Jersey is one of the highest-paying states in the country for financial professionals — and GCU’s location gives you access to major employer networks in both New York City and Philadelphia.
| Career | Entry Salary | Mid-Career Salary | Experienced Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Analysts | $60,000–$75,000 | $118,700 | $120,000–$160,000+ |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $55,000–$70,000 | $130,900 | $150,000–$200,000+ |
| Financial Managers | $75,000–$95,000 | $179,600 | $200,000+ |
Job Outlook
Finance-related careers are among the strongest in the country for long-term demand:
New Jersey’s financial services industry is among the largest in the country, with major employers concentrated along the NJ-NYC corridor.
To earn this degree, students must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and the major requirements below.
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 |
| CAR200 | Internship Prep & Career Development | 1.0 |
| 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 |
| 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 | |
Course may also satisfy a General Education requirement.
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.
A Finance student is required to identify and search for internship opportunities in Finance.
Here’s what you’ll need to apply to the B.S. in Finance at GCU.
First-Year Students
Recommended high school preparation: 4 units English, 2 units Math (strong math background recommended for Finance), 2 units Lab Science, 2 units History, 2 units Foreign Language, 4 elective units (Note: The Finance program has a quantitative emphasis — students with strong math backgrounds will have an advantage in courses like Business Statistics & Probability, Financial Management, and Investment Analysis.)
Transfer Students
Advanced Admission to the MBA (B.S./M.B.A. Pathway) Finance majors with strong GPAs may apply for Advanced Admission to GCU’s MBA program after completing 75 undergraduate credits. Requirements:
By the time you earn your B.S. in Finance from GCU, you’ll be able to:
These outcomes align with ACBSP accreditation standards and are designed to prepare you for careers in financial analysis, investment, banking, corporate finance, and FinTech — or for graduate study through GCU’s MBA program.
Q: What makes GCU’s Finance program different from a general business degree? A: Depth and focus. While the B.S. in Business Administration covers finance as one of many subjects, the B.S. in Finance goes deep — with six dedicated upper-level finance courses covering financial management, investment analysis, international finance, financial markets, and financial technology. You’ll graduate with the kind of specialized, quantitative finance skills that financial employers specifically look for when hiring.
Q: What is FinTech, and why is there a course dedicated to it? A: FinTech — financial technology — is the fastest-growing segment of the financial industry, covering everything from mobile payments and digital banking to blockchain, cryptocurrency, robo-advising, and AI driven investing. GCU’s FIN339 Introduction to Financial Technology gives you a practical understanding of these tools and their real-world applications, preparing you for careers at companies like PayPal, Stripe, Robinhood, or at traditional banks building their own digital capabilities.
Q: Do I need to be strong in math to succeed in Finance? A: A comfort with math and quantitative reasoning is definitely helpful — the Finance curriculum includes financial modeling, statistical analysis, and investment valuation work that draws on those skills. That said, the program is designed to build these skills progressively. You don’t need to come in as a mathematician, but students who enjoyed math in high school tend to thrive here. If you want extra support, GCU’s Math Lounge offers free tutoring.
Q: Is the Finance internship guaranteed, like in the Accounting program? A: The Finance program requires an internship as part of the degree — and Finance students are specifically expected to seek internship opportunities in the finance industry. While it is not described in the catalog as “guaranteed” the same way the Accounting internship is, GCU’s Career Services and faculty network actively help Finance students find placements at banks, investment firms, and corporate finance departments throughout the NJ-NYC-Philadelphia corridor.
Q: What’s the difference between Finance and Accounting? Which should I choose? A: Think of it this way — Accounting tells the story of what has happened financially in a business; Finance uses that story to make decisions about what should happen next. Accounting focuses on recording, reporting, auditing, and tax. Finance focuses on investment decisions, capital allocation, financial markets, and strategy. If you love precision and compliance, Accounting may be your fit. If you’re drawn to markets, strategy, and decision-making with numbers, Finance is likely the right path. Some students pursue both through a double major — check with an advisor to see if that makes sense for your goals.
Q: Can I study Finance and go into investment banking or Wall Street? A: Yes — that’s exactly what this program prepares you for. GCU’s proximity to New York City (60 miles) means you’re a commutable distance from one of the world’s largest financial markets. The investment analysis, financial management, financial markets, and FinTech coursework align directly with what entry-level financial analyst roles require. The internship requirement is your foot in the door.
Q: What about CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) certification? Does this program help with that? A: The CFA is one of the most respected credentials in investment management, and GCU’s Finance curriculum builds a strong foundation for it. Coursework in Investment Analysis, Financial Management, Financial Markets & Institutions, and International Finance directly aligns with CFA Level I exam content areas. Students interested in pursuing the CFA should discuss a preparation pathway with their academic advisor.
Q: Can I pair Finance with another major or minor? A: Absolutely. Finance pairs well with many other programs. Popular combinations include: Finance + Accounting (strong path toward corporate controller or CFO roles), Finance + Computer Information Systems or Cybersecurity (excellent for FinTech careers), Finance + Economics minor (strong for roles in financial analysis and economic consulting), and Finance + Business Administration double major. Note: double majors within the Business & Design Department require 30 unique credits for each major.
Q: How does the B.S./M.B.A. fast track work for Finance students? A: After completing 75 credits and maintaining a 3.5 GPA overall and in your major, you can apply for Advanced Admission to GCU’s MBA program. If accepted, you’ll start taking MBA courses while still finishing your B.S. — up to 4 MBA courses (12 credits) before you even graduate. No GMAT required. This can shave a significant amount of time and cost off your path to a graduate business degree.
Q: What is the GPA requirement to stay in the Finance program? A: A minimum 2.3 GPA overall and in the major is required to remain in the program beyond the sophomore year. A 2.5 GPA in all major courses is required to graduate.
Q: When should I apply? A: GCU accepts applications on a rolling basis, so there’s no hard cutoff. However, priority deadlines are November 1, January 1, and March 1 — applying by these dates gives you the best access to merit scholarships, housing, and financial aid packaging.
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