B.A. in Creative Industries and Entrepreneurship
York College of Pennsylvania offers over 70 baccalaureate majors across professional pr...
B.S. in Finance
York, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Finance at York College of Pennsylvania offers a dynamic program designed to equip students with the essential skills for managing financial decisions for individuals and businesses. Beyond foundational knowledge in mathematics and accounting, the curriculum emphasizes developing crucial skills such as business acumen, relationship-building, financial analysis, and proficiency in financial technology (FinTech). This program is geared towards preparing graduates for key roles in the financial industry, including corporate finance, commercial and investment banking, financial planning, financial analysis, and risk management, fostering a comprehensive understanding of financial markets and institutions.
ACBSP-Accredited: The Graham School of Business at York College of Pennsylvania, which houses the B.S. in Finance program, holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This accreditation is a strong indicator of the program's commitment to excellence in business education, with a focus on teaching quality, measurable student learning outcomes, and a continuous improvement model. ACBSP ensures that the finance education provided at YCP meets rigorous global standards, preparing graduates with relevant and in-demand skills for the financial sector.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.S. in Finance is designed to provide both a strong theoretical foundation and practical application. Students delve into core subjects such as Financial Analysis, Corporate Finance, Investment Management, Risk Management, Financial Markets, and Financial Institutions. The program also integrates essential business components including Accounting, Managerial Economics, and Data-Driven Decision Making. A distinguishing feature is the hands-on experience offered through facilities like the on-campus NASDAQ Trading Lab, where students can get certified in software like Bloomberg and Morningstar. Additionally, students can participate in the Student Managed Fund, making real investments with a significant portfolio, further enhancing their practical skills and portfolio management experience.
Research Focus: The "research focus" within the Finance program at York College is highly applied, concentrating on developing students' ability to analyze financial information, evaluate investments, and understand corporate financial policies to maximize entity value. While not centered on abstract theoretical research, students engage in practical inquiry to understand risk-return trade-offs in investments, analyze market forecasting techniques, and evaluate the impact of global markets. The program's emphasis on using technology for data analysis and financial decision-making, coupled with real-world projects in the NASDAQ Trading Lab and Student Managed Fund, allows students to conduct practical "research" by evaluating real financial data and scenarios.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a significant strength of the Finance program at York College. The program provides students with a head start through real-world projects and access to professional facilities like the on-campus NASDAQ Trading Lab. Students gain familiarity with industry technology and have opportunities to become certified in essential software. Senior Finance majors are encouraged to pursue professional designations like Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), enhancing their career prospects. The college leverages a vast network of experienced faculty, alumni, and industry leaders to provide networking opportunities, career-focused internships, and community projects, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for entry-level positions in corporate finance, commercial and investment banking, financial planning, financial analysis, and risk management.
Global Perspective: The B.S. in Finance program at York College of Pennsylvania inherently incorporates a global perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of financial markets worldwide. The curriculum includes courses such as "International Finance" (IBS 405), which expose students to global financial instruments, markets, and institutions. The program aims to prepare students to evaluate the importance of global markets and engage in research that considers international financial policies. This global awareness is crucial for finance professionals, as financial decisions often have cross-border implications, and understanding diverse economic environments is essential for effective investment and risk management in today's globalized economy.
Location
York, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 26920
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
York College of Pennsylvania offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students in achieving their academic goals while easing financial burdens. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and other special talents among international applicants.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to York College are considered for merit-based scholarships automatically during the admissions process. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. High-achieving students can receive significant tuition discounts, which help make studying in the U.S. more affordable.
International Student Scholarships: York College provides dedicated scholarships for international students, which may include renewable awards throughout the duration of their degree program. These scholarships acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and contributions international students bring to the campus community.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments at York College offer scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional performance or promise in their chosen field of study. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities by contacting their academic departments directly.
York College of Pennsylvania's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Finance offers a robust and practical curriculum designed to prepare students for impactful careers in the dynamic financial sector.
Financial Analyst: Evaluates financial data, market trends, and economic conditions to provide insights and recommendations for investment decisions, corporate strategy, or project feasibility for companies or individual clients.
Financial Advisor/Planner: Assists individuals and families with their financial goals, including investment planning, retirement planning, insurance needs, tax strategies, and wealth management, often requiring specific certifications.
Investment Banker: Advises corporations and governments on complex financial transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, debt issuance, and initial public offerings (IPOs), playing a critical role in capital raising and strategic financial advisory.
Credit Analyst: Assesses the creditworthiness of individuals or businesses seeking loans or credit, analyzing financial statements, payment histories, and market conditions to determine risk and recommend lending decisions.
Portfolio Manager: Manages investment portfolios for individuals, institutions, or mutual funds, making decisions on asset allocation, security selection, and risk management to achieve specific financial objectives.
Corporate Finance Analyst: Works within a company's finance department, focusing on capital budgeting, financial forecasting, working capital management, and investment decisions to optimize the company's financial performance and value.
Risk Management Specialist: Identifies, assesses, and mitigates financial risks faced by companies, developing strategies and policies to ensure compliance with regulations and protect against potential losses from market fluctuations, credit defaults, or operational failures.
Loan Officer: Helps individuals and businesses apply for and secure various types of loans (e.g., mortgages, personal loans, business loans), guiding them through the application process and assessing eligibility.
Treasury Analyst: Manages a company's liquidity, cash flow, and financial risk, overseeing banking relationships, short-term investments, and foreign exchange transactions to ensure efficient financial operations.
Financial Examiner: Works for government agencies or regulatory bodies to ensure financial institutions (banks, credit unions) comply with laws and regulations, investigating financial practices and identifying potential fraud or misconduct.
