128 credits
required for program
- On Campus
- PSEO/Early College Online Classes
The Finance major equips students to become high-performing, purpose-driven leaders who influence the world of finance with wisdom, integrity, and servant leadership. Through rigorous academics, experiential learning, industry-recognized credentials, and a Christ-centered perspective, students develop the technical expertise and ethical foundation needed to thrive in an increasingly complex financial landscape.
Why study finance at Northwestern?
- Learn from faculty with extensive industry experience
- Develop both technical expertise and ethical leadership skills
- Gain hands-on experience through financial planning simulations, investment research, case competitions, and experiential learning opportunities
- Explore how faith, stewardship, and professional responsibility shape financial decision-making
- Prepare for industry-recognized credentials including CFP®, CFA®, and Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®)
- Build proficiency in emerging technologies, data analytics, and AI-enabled financial decision-making
Northwestern requires students to take internships for practical work experience. Northwestern students have interned at large companies including Wells Fargo, United Airlines, and United Health Group. Northwestern also offers a Student Investment Practicum for juniors and seniors.
Graduates will be equipped to analyze complex financial challenges; lead with integrity and ethical conviction; serve clients, organizations, and communities effectively; apply emerging technologies responsibly; and integrate faith and vocation in meaninful ways.
For students seeking a career in financial planning, the University of Northwestern – St. Paul now offers a pathway that is both academically strong and spiritually rooted. Students who complete the program will fulfill the educational requirements needed to sit for the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) exam immediately upon graduation. As part of their Capstone experience, students will complete the coursework necessary to sit for the Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) credential. With the chance to pursue the CFP® and CKA® designations, graduates are well prepared to build meaningful careers serving families and communities.
You have the option to add a graduate degree to your experience at Northwestern by enrolling in the Bachelors/Accelerated Master’s plan.
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Registered Program
median pay in 2024*
coursework requirements fulfilled
*According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Financial Analysts. Retreived May 2025.
What degree concentrations are offered in Finance?
Where character and competence shape the future of finance
The Corporate Finance concentration prepares students to become principled financial leaders who seek to use finance as a force for good. Through coursework in financial analysis, valuation, portfolio management, capital markets, financial modeling, and strategic decision-making, students develop the technical expertise needed to evaluate investments, allocate capital, and support organizational growth.
Emphasizing both technical excellence and character development, the program equips students to navigate complex financial challenges with wisdom, integrity, and professionalism. Graduates leave prepared to lead responsibly, steward resources effectively, and create lasting value for organizations, investors, employees, and communities.
What You’ll Learn
- Investment analysis and portfolio management
- Financial statement analysis and valuation
- Corporate financial strategy and capital allocation
- Financial modeling and decision-making
- Professional ethics and fiduciary responsibility
- Leadership principles grounded in stewardship and integrity
Preparing analytical leaders to solve complex challenges with insight and integrity
Modern finance increasingly relies on data, advanced analytics, and emerging technologies. The Financial Analytics concentration prepares students to translate complex information into meaningful business insights.
Students develop technical skills in financial modeling, forecasting, business intelligence, and quantitative analysis while learning how to leverage Generative AI and emerging technologies responsibly. The program emphasizes not only technical competency but also the ethical implications, governance considerations, and human judgment necessary for effective AI-enabled decision-making.
Graduates are prepared to help organizations navigate a future where finance, data, and technology are increasingly interconnected.
What You’ll Learn
- Financial forecasting and planning
- Data analytics and business intelligence
- Quantitative modeling and statistical analysis
- Financial technology and digital transformation
- Generative AI applications in finance
- AI ethics, governance, and responsible use frameworks
Preparing trusted advisors to serve families with wisdom and integrity
For students seeking careers in financial planning and wealth management, Northwestern offers a program that is both academically rigorous and deeply rooted in biblical stewardship.
As a CFP® Board Registered Program, students who complete the concentration fulfill the educational requirements necessary to sit for the CFP® certification examination immediately upon graduation. Students also complete coursework aligned with the Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) designation, preparing them to integrate faith-based wisdom with professional financial advice.
Beyond technical knowledge, students learn how to guide meaningful client conversations, understand behavioral influences on financial decision-making, and help individuals and families align their financial resources with their goals, values, and purpose.
What You’ll Learn
- Retirement, investment, tax, estate, and insurance planning
- Client communication and relationship-building skills
- Behavioral finance and financial psychology techniques
- Comprehensive financial planning process and fiduciary standards
- Biblical stewardship and values-based financial decision-making
- Professional financial planning software and industry-leading technology platforms
Careers in finance
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in finance.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Budget Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Credit Manager
- Data Analyst
- Equity Research Associate
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Coach
- Financial Planner
- FinTech Associate
- FP&A Analyst
- Insurance Agent
- Insurance Underwriter
- Investment Analyst
- Investment Portfolio Manager
- Investment Banking
- Loan Officer
- Management Consultant
- Market Research Analyst
- Retirement Planning Specialist
- Risk Analyst
- Treasury Analyst
What will I learn?
At Northwestern, finance is more than numbers. It is about preparing leaders who combine professional excellence with character, purpose, and stewardship.
FIN2221
Finance I
Introduction to financial concepts and issues within the context of the corporation. Topics include analysis of financial statements, budgeting, leverage and working capital management.
FIN2026
Money and Banking
A history of commercial banking, functions of the Federal Reserve System, creation of money, open market operations and fiscal and monetary controls.
FIN3225
Investments
This course equips students with the foundational theories, tools, and techniques of investment planning, preparing them for careers in financial advising, asset management, and portfolio analysis. Aligned with CFP® certification standards, the course covers investment objectives, asset classes, risk and return principles, portfolio construction, behavioral finance, and taxefficient investing. Students will gain practical experience in evaluating investment vehicles, interpreting economic and market data, and recommending strategies based on client goals and risk tolerance. Emphasis is placed on ethical investment practices and aligning portfolio strategies with long-term financial plans.
FIN4325
Financial Planning Fundamentals
This course introduces students to the foundational principles and professional practices of personal financial planning, preparing them for careers in financial advising, wealth management, and fiduciary support roles. Aligned with CFP® certification standards, the course explores the financial planning process, time value of money, cash flow and debt management, education and retirement planning basics, insurance and investment fundamentals, and ethical obligations. Emphasizing practical application and client-centric thinking, students will engage with case studies and planning tools to build competence in gathering and analyzing data, identifying goals, and developing initial planning recommendations.
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Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
