B.S.B.A. in Finance

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) with a concentration in Finance at Mississippi College provides students with a comprehensive understanding of financial principles, markets, and institutions. This program is designed to equip graduates with the analytical skills and knowledge necessary to make informed financial decisions in various settings, whether in corporate finance, investments, financial planning, or banking. The curriculum delves into key areas such as financial management, investment analysis, and the complexities of financial markets, preparing students for dynamic careers in a rapidly evolving global economy. The program emphasizes ethical considerations and responsible financial practices, aligning with the university's Christian values.

AACSB Accredited: Yes, Mississippi College's School of Business, which includes the B.S.B.A. in Finance program, holds the prestigious AACSB International accreditation. This recognition from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business is a global benchmark of excellence, achieved by less than 6% of the world's 16,000+ business programs. AACSB accreditation signifies that Mississippi College's business programs meet rigorous international standards for quality in areas such as strategic management, learner success, and impactful thought leadership. This elite status provides graduates with a significant competitive advantage in the job market, assuring employers of the high quality and relevance of their business education.

Curriculum: The B.S.B.A. in Finance curriculum at Mississippi College is comprehensive, combining a strong university core with a robust business core and specialized finance courses. The business core covers essential subjects such as Principles of Accounting, Business Law and Ethics, Marketing Principles, Management Information Systems, and Quantitative Business Modeling. The finance concentration dives into specific areas including Financial Management, Money and Capital Markets, Principles of Investments, Advanced Accounting and Financial Statements Analysis, and Mergers, Acquisitions and Restructuring. Students can further specialize through electives in areas like Emerging Technologies for Financial Managers, Entrepreneurial Finance, Real Estate Finance and Investments, and Investment & Portfolio Management. This well-rounded curriculum, complemented by supporting coursework in economics and calculus, ensures graduates develop strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of the financial environment.

Research Focus: While the B.S.B.A. in Finance is primarily a professional practice degree, the School of Business at Mississippi College fosters an analytical and inquiry-based approach to financial decision-making. Students are trained to analyze financial statements, assess market trends, and evaluate investment opportunities, which inherently involves a form of applied research. The curriculum includes courses that delve into financial statement analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management, requiring students to research and apply complex financial theories and models. The MC Investment Club, which manages an actual $100,000 fund, provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in real-world investment research and portfolio management. Faculty members, who possess extensive professional experience and advanced academic preparation, often integrate current industry practices, global financial trends, and ethical considerations into their teaching, encouraging students to critically evaluate financial information.

Industry Engagement: Mississippi College's Finance program demonstrates strong industry engagement, actively connecting students with the professional financial world. A key aspect is the ample opportunity for students to participate in financial internships with prominent financial institutions in the Jackson-Metro area, such as Trustmark National Bank, ERGON, and Raytheon. The university's Career Development office actively assists students in securing these internships, allowing them to gain invaluable hands-on experience and build professional networks. The MC Investment Club offers direct, practical experience in managing a real investment fund, providing a bridge between theoretical knowledge and industry practice. Furthermore, the School of Business partners with various local, national, and international businesses to provide informational interviews, career services, and networking events, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for entry into the financial industry.

Global Perspective: Mississippi College is dedicated to cultivating a global perspective within its School of Business, acknowledging the increasingly interconnected nature of global financial markets. The B.S.B.A. curriculum in Finance is designed to help students understand financial issues from a global viewpoint, integrating awareness of current international financial trends and cross-border transactions. Elective courses, such as "Foundations of European Business" or "International Business Finance" (if offered within the broader business or finance electives), further enhance this global understanding. The university's diverse international student population enriches classroom discussions, offering varied cultural and economic perspectives on financial challenges and opportunities. Additionally, Mississippi College offers study abroad programs in various countries, including Costa Rica, France, London, Austria, Seoul, and Spain. These opportunities allow finance students to immerse themselves in different global markets, observe international financial practices firsthand, and broaden their cultural horizons, preparing them to thrive in a globalized financial environment.