Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
Hours: 120 On-Campus Online
About
Fort Hays State University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance, designed to provide students with a solid foundation in financial principles and practices. The program encompasses key areas, including personal financial planning, banking, corporate finance, and economics, providing both domestic and global perspectives.
Students gain comprehensive exposure to a variety of finance-related fields, developing the knowledge and skills needed for careers ranging from personal financial advising to corporate financial management. The program emphasizes practical learning through simulations, case studies, and hands-on experiences, including the management of real investment portfolios, preparing students to navigate the complexities of financial markets with confidence.
Why pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance at Fort Hays State University?
Pursuing a BBA in Finance offers numerous advantages. The program is recognized for its academic rigor and high-quality instruction, earning strong support from employers who actively seek FHSU graduates. With affordable tuition and comprehensive, practical training, the program equips students with the skills and knowledge that make them highly competitive and valued in the job market.
Additionally, this program is characterized by small class sizes and courses taught by academically qualified, full-time faculty. This environment promotes close student-faculty interaction, enriching the overall learning experience.
Who is this program for?
This program serves a diverse range of students, from recent graduates to career changers, and is designed to support both educational goals and professional ambitions. It is ideal for those who want to thrive in a dynamic learning environment, including:
- Aspiring financial analysts and planners
- Future corporate finance managers
- Individuals aiming for careers in banking and investment services
- Students interested in achieving financial certifications
- Professionals looking to advance their careers in financial services
Real-World Applications
This program aims to equip students with the practical skills and experience needed to excel in their professional careers. Through guest speakers, real-time simulations, and in-depth case studies, students engage directly with real-world challenges. Opportunities such as the Investment Analytics Lab and initiatives like Tiger Money Mentors further emphasize the program’s focus on hands-on learning.
Moreover, managing a real investment portfolio through the Tiger Investment Fund enables students to apply theoretical knowledge in practice. This experience deepens their understanding of financial markets and hones the critical decision-making skills essential for success in the finance industry.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University remains at the forefront of education by integrating the latest industry trends and technologies into the curriculum. On-campus students complete the Bloomberg Market Concepts program, earning Bloomberg certification. This valuable credential familiarizes them with tools widely used by finance professionals worldwide and provides a competitive edge.
In addition to technological proficiency, the program incorporates current academic research and real-time market analysis, ensuring students stay informed about the latest financial developments. This comprehensive approach enriches their learning experience and equips them to navigate the evolving finance landscape with confidence.
Hands-on Activities
Hands-on learning is a fundamental component of the BBA in Finance program. Students participate in various activities that transform academic theories into practical skills, including managing real funds through the Tiger Investment Fund.
The Robbins Banking Institute further enriches this experiential learning by offering specialized courses in commercial banking alongside a banking simulation program. These opportunities give students valuable insight into the complex decision-making processes within the banking sector and prepare them for key roles in the industry.
What You’ll Learn:
- Differentiate financial assets and markets
- Apply time value of money techniques
- Analyze capital budgeting decisions
- Evaluate risk and return relationships
- Develop investment opportunity analysis
How You’ll Learn:
- Interactive lectures
- Real-world case studies and applications
- Hands-on finance projects
- Elective courses for in-depth specialization
The core curriculum builds a strong foundation in essential business disciplines, including accounting, marketing, and management. Specialized courses emphasize investments, corporate finance, financial markets and institutions, and quantitative methods. This well-rounded education equips students to navigate the challenges and opportunities within the finance sector confidently.
FIN 311: Fundamentals in Investments
This course examines the fundamental concepts of investment analysis and management. Topics include the different types and characteristics of investment securities and markets, security and analysis and selection, valuation, risk and return, and portfolio theory.
FIN 405: Intermediate Finance
This course examines the decision-making and problem-solving processes of a corporate financial manager in financing. Topics include working capital, risk and return, valuation, capital budgeting with uncertainty, cost of capital, efficient markets, capital structure, options, and international financial management.
FIN 641: Financial Markets and Institutions
In this course, students will study the nature, scope, and role of financial institutions in the economy, including the supply of and demand for loanable funds, the money market, capital markets, the level and structure of interest rates, and monetary, fiscal, and debt management policies.
Discover the full Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Graduates have a wide range of career opportunities, reflecting the comprehensive nature of their education and training:
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts analyze financial data to support informed business decisions. They typically evaluate investment opportunities, conduct risk assessments, and prepare financial forecasts.
Financial Planner
Financial planners help individuals achieve their long-term financial goals by creating personalized strategies for savings, investments, and retirement planning. They guide clients in making informed decisions and adjusting plans as circumstances change, ensuring financial security.
Investment Banker
Investment bankers facilitate complex financial transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and public offerings. This career suits individuals who excel in high-pressure environments and possess strong negotiation and strategic planning skills.
Bank Manager
Bank managers oversee daily bank operations, including managing staff, coordinating services, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining regulatory compliance.
Corporate Finance Manager
Corporate finance managers oversee a corporation’s financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, and investment decisions, to ensure financial stability and support strategic growth.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers several programs that complement and enhance the education of finance students. For those seeking to expand their knowledge beyond the BBA in Finance, related programs aligned with their academic and career goals include:
- BBA in Accounting
- Master of Business Administration (Finance)
- Certificate in Banking
- Kansas Insurance Certificate
- Certificate in Economics
- Certificate in Accounting
- Minor in Accounting
Bloomberg certification gives on-campus finance students a competitive edge by demonstrating proficiency in using one of the industry's leading financial tools, which is crucial for careers in investments and market analysis.
The Tiger Investment Fund enables students to manage real money, providing practical experience in investment strategies and decision-making, which is essential for careers in asset management and financial advising.
Graduates have diverse opportunities in financial analysis, personal financial planning, corporate finance, banking, and investment services, reflecting the comprehensive training received during the program.
Students are encouraged to participate in internships that provide real-world experience and networking opportunities in various finance sectors.
This program distinguishes itself through small class sizes, which facilitate direct interaction with qualified faculty. Additionally, students gain practical experience by managing the Tiger Investment Fund and participating in bank simulation activities as part of their finance elective courses.
Information about the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting
The Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at FHSU equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively and ethically across both public and private sectors. The department offers highly sought-after degree programs in accounting, finance, and international business and economics—each designed to prepare students for versatile and in-demand career paths.
Students benefit from career-focused internship opportunities, personalized mentoring from expert faculty, and the flexibility of fully online degree options. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of the business world, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to navigate a competitive job market.
Additionally, the Robbins Banking Institute enhances professional development in the banking sector by offering a practical, real-time curriculum tailored for rewarding careers in finance and banking. With a strong emphasis on student success and growth, the department’s faculty provides dedicated support to help each student reach their full potential.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Accounting Club: This club provides accounting students with valuable opportunities to connect with peers, explore career paths, and prepare for professional success. The club helps members gain insight into the diverse opportunities within the accounting field and facilitates introductions to potential employers. Regular meetings often feature guest speakers, professionals with accounting degrees, who share real-world experiences and career advice.
- Student Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE): The ACFE organization brings together students from a variety of disciplines to promote awareness, detection, and prevention of fraud in the business world.
- Economics Club: The FHSU Economics Club is open to all students, regardless of major or prior knowledge of economics. Its mission is to promote interest in and understanding of economic concepts through engaging activities and discussions. A hallmark project of the club is the creation of the “Student Price Index,” a collaborative research initiative that explores FHSU students’ economic expectations. Each year, club members also have an opportunity to travel to a major U.S. city, enhancing their academic and professional development through real-world experiences.
- Finance Club: The FHSU Finance Club is dedicated to supporting the professional, educational, and social development of students with an interest in finance. The club fosters meaningful connections among students, faculty, and professionals in the business and finance sectors. Through guest speakers and educational trips across the U.S., members gain valuable insights into the finance industry and explore potential career opportunities.
- International Business Club: This club aims to enhance students’ understanding of global business practices and economic issues from a variety of cultural and international perspectives. Through discussions, activities, and international travel experiences, the club fosters professional, educational, and social development. Its ultimate goal is to cultivate globally minded citizen-leaders prepared to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.
The Tiger Money Mentors Program, housed within the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at FHSU, is led by a faculty expert in financial planning. This initiative offers free, confidential financial guidance provided by a team of trained, financially knowledgeable student mentors dedicated to helping their peers manage personal finances effectively.
Through one-on-one sessions, Tiger Money Mentors assist students with a wide range of financial topics, including:
- Organizing personal finances and managing expenses
- Creating and maintaining a realistic budget
- Developing plans to achieve both short- and long-term financial goals
- Understanding student loans and exploring repayment options
- Reviewing job offers and employee benefits
- Obtaining and reviewing credit reports
- And more!
- Certificate
- Minor
- Bachelor's
- MBA
- On-Campus
- Online
