B.S. in Finance

Program Overview

The B.S. in Finance at Saint Mary's College is a four-year undergraduate program focused on developing a wide range of financial management and analytical skills. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world financial scenarios. Students learn about investment, financial analysis, risk management, and international finance. The program is committed to developing well-rounded financial professionals who can analyze, predict, and drive decision-making in various financial contexts, from corporate finance to wealth management.

STEM-designated: Yes, the B.S. in Finance program at Saint Mary's College of California is explicitly designated as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students on an F-1 visa. It makes them eligible for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, allowing an additional 24 months of post-completion work authorization in the U.S. beyond the initial 12 months. This means international graduates can gain up to three years of valuable practical experience in their field, significantly enhancing their career prospects in the U.S.

AACSB Accredited: Yes, the School of Economics and Business Administration (SEBA) at Saint Mary's College of California is accredited by AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). AACSB accreditation is a globally recognized hallmark of excellence in business education, representing the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. This accreditation ensures that the B.S. in Finance program adheres to rigorous standards of quality, relevance, and continuous improvement, providing graduates with a highly respected and globally recognized credential.

Curriculum: The B.S. in Finance curriculum at SMC is robust and combines a strong liberal arts foundation with specialized financial knowledge. Core business courses typically include Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Microeconomic Principles, Macroeconomic Principles, Operations Management, Financial Management, Marketing, Managing & Leading Organizations, Business Law, and Business Ethics and Social Responsibility. The specialized finance courses delve into topics such as Investments, International Financial Management, New Venture Financing, Intermediate Corporate Finance, Equity Valuation, and Financial Analytics. The program also emphasizes the use of cutting-edge technology and participation in activities like student-led investment groups and nationwide competitions.

Research Focus: The B.S. in Finance program at Saint Mary's College of California has an applied research focus, aiming to equip students with the analytical and valuation skills needed for real-world financial research. Students engage in experiential learning and group assignments that test their analytical, valuation, report writing, and presentation skills. Opportunities like the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Institute Research Challenge allow students to assume the role of a research analyst, conducting investment research and competing on a global stage. The curriculum encourages students to leverage financial data and analytical tools for valuation, price modeling, and other essential financial analysis. This practical, project-based approach provides valuable "research-like" experience directly applicable to the finance industry.

Industry Engagement: Saint Mary's College of California places a strong emphasis on industry engagement within its Finance program, benefiting significantly from its location in the Bay Area. The program is "deeply connected to the Bay Area," providing students with extensive exposure to various facets of the financial world. This includes project-based learning with cutting-edge technology, opportunities to participate in nationwide competitions, and involvement in student-led investment groups. Faculty members often have professional experience in the finance industry, offering valuable mentorship and networking connections. The SEBA Career Center also provides resources for job searching, resume building, and creating lasting industry connections, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the professional landscape.

Global Perspective: Saint Mary's College of California fosters a global perspective within its B.S. in Finance program by recognizing the interconnectedness of global financial markets and the importance of international finance. The AACSB accreditation emphasizes developing business leaders with "global and responsible perspectives," who consider diverse cultural and economic contexts. The curriculum includes courses like "International Financial Management," which directly addresses global financial systems and cross-border transactions. While specific study abroad components solely for the B.S. in Finance may not be extensively detailed, the broader ethos of the college and its business school, combined with opportunities for participation in global competitions like the CFA Institute Research Challenge, encourages students to understand financial issues on an international scale, preparing them to work in multinational corporations and navigate a globally integrated financial marketplace.