Online Finance Degree

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Finance

In organizations large and small, private and public, for- or non-profit, financial acumen is a valued skill. Study business and finance skills with CTU’s Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a Finance concentration. Along with exploring business fundamentals by linking industry concepts with real-world examples, you can also work to develop proficiency in financial accounting, capital and money markets, investments, and risk assessment.

Financial manager jobs are projected to grow 15 percent from 2019-2029, but that growth will vary depending on the industry.¹ The BSBA-Finance degree could help you prepare to pursue a finance role .

180

Program Credits

5 Weeks

Course Length

Online Colorado Springs

Location

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Program Overview

Effective August 2023, this program is no longer available for future enrollments at the Aurora Campus.

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance (BSBA-FINC) is a 180-credit hour program that is offered online and at the Colorado Springs campus. It consists of 66 general education credits, 86 credit hours devoted to the business administration core, and 28 credit hours in the finance concentration.

This degree program focuses on developing proficiency in financial accounting, capital and money markets, investments, and risk assessment knowledge and is designed to provide a framework for understanding the intricate relationship of finance to various business decisions and opportunities. The concentration integrates real-world financial situations within the coursework.

This program does not lead to additional licensure or certification. As such, CTU has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.

The mission of the College of Business and Management is to offer professional market-driven business degrees that build business competencies transferrable to all industries. The College of Business and Management accomplishes this mission by offering curriculum that aligns to industry standards, remains relevant, and builds practical skills applicable to the competitive global business environment.

* CTU programs are ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Online Programs.

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Courses

Courses: General Education		Credits
COMS105 This course explores the importance of effective interpersonal communication. This course covers: how interpersonal communication impacts an individual, how to recognize the different methods of communication and establishing and maintaining personal and professional relationships through effective communication.	Interpersonal Communications	4.5
	or
COMS203 This course is designed to assist in sharpening students’ skills in oral communication with a focus on presenting in professional settings. Understanding basic communication concepts: brevity, precision and adherence to common delivery methods are hallmarks of clear, consistent and concise communication.	Speech Communications	4.5

ECON210 This course addresses the dynamics of how our economy works (or does not work). The course explores the basic institutions, terminology, and theory of the main economic activities of production, distribution, and consumption, especially as they apply to the operation of our national economy. Topics include savings and investment, national output, expenditure and income, real versus potential GDP, aggregate demand and supply, and fiscal and monetary policy. Students explore the impact of the economy on different economic sectors that affect different career paths.	Principles of Macroeconomics	4.5
ECON212 This course examines the tools of economics as they apply to the operation of a market economy. It covers supply and demand analysis, consumer behavior, and the economic nature of production—including costs and profits. The behavior of firms in competitive and monopolistic environments is studied, as well as income distribution and the effects of government intervention on the free market system. Students have the opportunity to develop a new perspective and deeper understanding of the impact of current events on everyday problems and situations.	Principles of Microeconomics	4.5
ENGL104 ENGL104 is the first course in a sequence of two composition classes designed to empower students to develop their voice, build confidence in writing, and develop both their writing and critical thinking skills. Students will have the opportunity to practice adapting their writing for different audiences, purposes, and platforms, and will be able to explore how the choices they make influence the meaning and success of their written communications. This course explores the use of the writing process to compose clear, organized writings that are appropriate for various audiences and purposes. This course introduces the importance of clear and persuasive writing in personal, professional, and academic contexts.	Introductory Written Communication	4.5
ENGL105 ENGL105 is the final course in the composition sequence and builds on the writing skills developed in ENGL104. In this course, students continue to practice writing for a variety of contexts, purposes, and audiences. Throughout the course, students incorporate research into their writing by using digital tools and resources to identify and cite credible sources following CTU APA guidelines.	Professional Written Communications	4.5

GOVT201 The decisions made by the government impact our lives every day. Learning about government empowers students to be active citizens who have a positive impact on their communities. This course provides the student with an overview of the framework and basic functions of the three branches of government, the role of political participation in American democracy, and the relationship between government and the rights of citizenship. Students will also explore the similarities and differences between national, state, and local governments.	American Government and Public Affairs	4.5
	or
HIST120 This course introduces students to the events, conflicts, key figures, and turning points in United States History from 1950 to the present. Emphasizing the relationship between history and peoples’ lived experiences, this course examines key events, social movements, and the changing roles of the United States in the world. Exploring how historians use evidence to better understand the past, this course will also examine how history is shaped by different contexts and perspectives. Throughout the course, connections will be made between issues and events of the past and those that we face today.	Intro to American History: 1950 to the Present	4.5

MATH102 Introduction to College Math familiarizes students with mathematical thinking and explores how a knowledge of mathematics can benefit them personally and professionally. The course is designed to give students the tools for making logical decisions and developing connections between mathematics and their fields of study and daily activities. Specifically, this course focuses on arithmetic operations, linear equations, and the use of rates, ratios, proportions, and percentages to describe relationships between given quantities.	Introduction to College Math	4.5
MATH106 This course is designed to provide students with a critical set of tools to help them develop solutions to problems. This course introduces students to fundamental concepts and skills needed to use mathematics in the professional world. Specifically, this course focuses on algebraic operations and methods with a broad emphasis on real-world applications.	Algebra for Business	4.5
MATH301 This course includes an elementary coverage of statistical techniques augmented at each step with the aid of technology for data processing and analysis in making inferences. Students study graphical presentation and statistical measures, followed by basic probability concepts leading to binomial and normal distributions. Hypothesis testing is applied to drawing inferences for one and two population parameters. A graphing calculator or equivalent technology is required.	Data Driven Statistics	4.5
MATH451 This course introduces methods to formulate various mathematical models of problems. Software and hand calculations are used to perform algorithms that can find optimal values which may assist managers in making decisions. Attention is paid to the sensitivity of the solution to changes in the model. The main purpose of the course is to guide decision-makers to find optimal ways to implement solutions to satisfy many constraints.	Data Driven Decision Making	4.5

PHIL101 This course is designed to provide students a basic understanding of moral and ethical theories and concepts. The activities and discussions encourage students to explore and solve ethical dilemmas by identifying and applying moral and ethical theories. Students will also be encouraged to explain their reasoning from cultural, professional, and personal standpoints. A variety of ethical issues and methodologies will be explored, as students evaluate moral dilemmas in an assortment of work and life scenarios.	Introduction to Ethics	4.5
	or
HUMN250 This course helps the student understand historical and global cultural perspectives, and how culture is shaped by events, ideas, values and experiences. Specifically, the course is designed to encourage students to develop an appreciation for difference and for the variations and similarities in cultures across the world’s regions and peoples. The course also presents a framework for identifying the key elements and expressions of culture and how political, intellectual and technological forces can shape them in the 21st century world. Students are encouraged to examine the connections between personal cultural expressions and the larger experience of Humanities shared by humans across the globe.	World Values and Cultures	4.5

SCI101 This course introduces students to the physical, life, and Earth sciences. Students have the opportunity to explore the principles of scientific critical thinking. Utilizing the Scientific Method, as well as other quantitative and qualitative approaches, students can draw meaningful conclusions about the real world.	Introduction to the Sciences	4.5
SCI103 This is a learning experience that complements the Introduction to the Sciences course. Since the course addresses how scientific thinking and the resultant technology has changed modern life, this lab will provide students with experiences in the scientific approaches of different sciences covered, such as: biology, chemistry, physics, geology and astronomy. This lab will be constructed specifically to extend the learning from each unit of the Introduction to the Sciences course, designed to provide experiences which deepen students’ familiarity with the scientific method and way of asking questions and solving problems.	Science and Technology- Laboratory Course	1.5
SCI201 This course analyzes the interrelationships between the natural environment and human activities. In this course, students are taught about the preservation and conservation of natural resources and the resilience of the natural environment with respect to the carrying capacity of the earth. Furthermore, students will explore topics related to environmental ethics and apply principles of sustainability to issues impacting natural resources and biodiversity. Finally, this course will teach a holistic approach in learning about environmental problems and rehabilitation through individual and group behavioral changes and environmental regulations.	Environmental Science and Sustainability	4.5
SCI203 This course is designed to be a hands-on learning experience that complements the Environmental Science and Sustainability Course. Labs include both problem-based activities and critical-thinking projects and are designed to help students develop an understanding of and appreciation for the complex issues that comprise the field of Environmental Science and Sustainability.	Environmental Science and Sustainability - Laboratory Course	1.5

UNIV104 UNIV104 is designed to provide students with a foundation for success in CTU’s undergraduate academic environment. This course introduces effective academic strategies and resources integrating them with career planning methods that can be leveraged to pursue future academic and professional goals.	Academic and Career Success	4.5
	or
HUMNELE	Humanities Elective	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	66

Courses: Core		Credits
ACCT201 This course introduces accounting concepts. Emphasis is on understanding, summarizing, , and interpreting financial information. Upon successful completion, students should be able to recognize and use financial statements, understand the role of financial information in decision‐making, and discuss ethical considerations specific to accounting.	Accounting I	4
ACCT202 This course covers accounting for balance sheet items for partnerships and corporate entities. In addition, students are exposed to accounting for the capital structure, inventory, long-term liabilities, payroll, investments and international operations of a firm.	Accounting II	4
BADM440 This course is designed to provide the basics of research needed to successfully complete the business capstone courses. It covers the full cycle of research starting with a qualitative examination of an organizational phenomenon and then addresses how to measure it via survey, experiments, or other designs. It concludes with issues of verification and implementation based on the outcome of the quantitative phase. It also includes the topics of scale development, reliability, validity, confirmatory factor analysis, and issues of survey development and implementation.	Research Design Methods and Applications	4
BUS115 This course introduces students to the fundamentals of business and provides a framework for future business courses. Students explore the basic principles and practices of contemporary business such as basic business types, the impacts of business on society, entrepreneurship, and business career paths.	Introduction to Business	4
BUS270 This course introduces the student to concepts of leadership and responsibilities to stakeholders. This course explores a variety of ethical issues in today’s business community. Additionally, this course examines work place code of conduct and issues relating to conflicts of interest. Lastly, this course integrates case study scenarios for student understanding and engagement.	Business Ethics and Leadership	4
FINC226 This course introduces the principles of corporate and personal finance by focusing on foundational topics in finance such as developing a personal budget, performing a horizontal and vertical analysis, understanding financial investment options, identifying sources of funding, and assessing risk exposure. By the completion of the course, students will be able to apply fundamental financial concepts to make informed personal and corporate finance decisions.	Introduction to Personal and Corporate Finance	4
HRMT215 This course examines the role and function of the Human Resource Department in the organization and provides an overview of human resource management activities covering the essential employment and managerial tasks required. Topics include, but are not limited to job analysis, performance management, staffing, career development, and diversity and labor relations.	Management of Human Resources	4
HRMT440 This course focuses on the theories, stages, practices, and implications of the organizational change process. Some topics discussed include preparing to manage change, articulating choices, envisioning the future, and implementing change programs. Students study organizational development models to apply the change process. The major objective of this course is to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to address the continuous changes in the organization.	Managing Organizational Change	4
IT254 This course introduces students to spreadsheet applications. There is an emphasis on the design, format, functions, and formulas of spreadsheet operations in solving real-world problems. Special attention is paid to data literacy skills, including using spreadsheets to read, interpret, organize, and present data.	Spreadsheet Applications	4
MGM255 This course introduces the student to business management structures. It covers how the structures can act as a competitive advantage. Emphasis is on how the organization's management structure and leadership styles can impact businesses and how an organization must adapt or respond to the changes.	Management Fundamentals	4
MGM335 In this course students examine individual and group behavior within the context of organizational design and culture. This course explores theoretical and practical knowledge for understanding topics such as motivation, leadership, managerial decision-making, group dynamics, diversity and conflict resolution.	Organizational Behavior Principles	4
MGM357 In this course students examine the international business environment and how it influences management. The course examines the transactional and translational issues and implications involved in the application of management practices and principles within the global business environment.	International Business Practices	4
MGM365 This course examines the nature of the legal system in which society functions, including business agreements, business entities, and government regulations. Using frameworks for ethical decision-making, students will explore the ethical issues that confront business organizations and individuals.	The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business	4
MGMT235 This course focuses on tools for understanding the principles underlying the legal environment of business. The course identifies the current legal rules and regulations affecting businesses and students will study new developments and trends that may greatly affect future transactions. This course also includes a component dealing with the legal aspects of intellectual property, especially as it relates to e‐business.	Business Law I	4
MGMT345 This course examines the principles and techniques of managing operations processes in manufacturing and service industries. Students will explore the interrelationships between operations concepts, such as forecasting, planning products, technologies, facilities, demand, inventory, productivity, quality, and reliability.	Operations Management	4
MGMT455 This course focuses on identifying external opportunities and determining the value-creating potential of a firm’s resources, capabilities, and core competencies to achieve a strategic competitive advantage.	Business Policies and Strategies	4
MGMT495 This course is the capstone course for business students and is designed to help students develop awareness of current and relevant business events using current business articles and case studies. Students will apply concepts they have learned throughout the business program to current events and relevant case studies.	Business Capstone	4
MKTG225 This course examines the basic concepts of marketing. Students explore various aspects of the analysis of the marketing process. This includes learning about creating, communicating, and delivering value to customers. Students examine the fundamentals of marketing, then progress to the application of those fundamentals within an organization and the contemporary market environment.	Introduction to Marketing	4
MPM210 This course is designed to provide an overview and introduction to the discipline of project management, coupled with an examination of the techniques that project managers use to complete their projects on schedule, within budgeted cost, and according to specified scope and quality. Using materials from the PMBOK^® Guide, students study the operational framework of project management relating to the four phases of the project lifecycle (starting the project, organizing and preparing, carrying out the work, and ending the project) and the five project management process groups (initiating processes, planning processes, executing processes, monitoring and controlling processes, and closing processes). This course provides the basis for the development of project management skills in subsequent project management courses.	Introduction to Project Management	6
SCM215 This course provides an overview of supply chain management as an integrated approach practiced within and across the private and public sectors. Emphasis is on the various modes of transportation and logistics support the movement of goods from raw material production to the end user.	Concepts in Logistics/Supply Chain Management	4
UNIV201 This course is designed to provide the knowledge and application of effective career management strategies for career development and transition; through student self-assessment and research into potential career fields. Students pursue the knowledge and skills to identify and communicate themselves as a brand.	Career Planning and Management	4
	Total Credit Hours:	86

Courses: Finance Concentration		Credits
ACC340 This course covers the concepts and standards underlying the preparation and analysis of external reports. Students will review the elements, structure, interrelationships of financial statements and the tools necessary to understand and interpret them.	Financial Accounting	4
ACCT430 This course introduces students to the history of international accounting standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the structure and standard setting process of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), the differences between financial statements prepared on the basis of United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), requirements of IFRS 1 First-time adoption of IFRS, how to evaluate financial statements prepared under IFRS, and potential issues facing US companies adopting IFRS.	Introduction to International Financial Reporting Standards	4
FINC310 In this course, students will focus on the capital structure of financial institutions and the flow of funds through our economic system. The course emphasizes concepts such as the creation of money, the impact of savings and the interrelation of interest rates and inflation. The financial system is examined to understand the roles played by consumers, businesses and government, particularly the Federal Reserve System.	Money and Capital Markets	4
FINC320 This course focuses on investments and investment strategies. Various investment vehicles such as stocks, bonds and commodities are examined. Students will explore the principles of security analysis and valuation.	Investments	4
FINC330 In this course, students will explore personal and corporate exposure to risk, as well as the tools used to manage risk. The management of organizations’ and individuals’ exposure to property damage and legal liability will be covered.	Risk Management	4
FINC410 The financial dimensions of business decisions are studied. Topics covered will include financial statement preparation and analysis, risk and return, the time value of money, the valuation of stocks and bonds, cost of capital calculations and capital budgeting.	Corporate Finance	4
FINC420 This course focuses on the workings of international financial markets, the risks of doing business in the international area, and the management of exchange risk exposure. Students will examine valuation and portfolio analysis of foreign investments.	International Finance	4
	Total Credit Hours:	28

Total Credit Hours: 180

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Learning Outcomes

BSBA Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate the application of fundamental business principles in diverse business situations.
Investigate the cultural differences that exist within the global workplace.
Compose organizational business decisions through data analytical problem solving.
Determine ethical principles used in business decision-making.
Interpret the impact of organizational change from a business perspective.

BSBA-FINC Concentration Learning Outcomes

Apply financial principles to practical business situations.

Faculty

Catherine McBride, DBA

Executive Program Director

Dr. Catherine McBride has been at CTU since January 2021, serving as an Executive Program Director for the College of Business and Management. Catherine has been in higher education for 22 years, with 18 years of online education experience across a variety of institutions in varying capacities but always serving non-traditional learners.

Dr. David Gliddon

Executive Program Director

Dr. Gliddon is an Executive Program Director in the College of Business and Management. In previous roles at CTU, he was a Program Chair and Lead Faculty. He has taught over 20 courses in the undergraduate, MBA, and doctoral programs. He has provided service to the university on a number of committees and special projects.

For more faculty profiles please visit our Leadership and Faculty page.
For more information visit the College of Business and Management.

Accreditations and Alignments

This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

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FAQs

What is a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Finance degree?

CTU’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Finance Degree Program is designed to provide knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant for pursuing potential opportunities in the workforce. This business degree program emphasizes students developing proficiency in financial accounting, capital and money markets, investments, and risk assessment knowledge. Students can understand the intricate relationship of finance to various business decisions and opportunities, and will be exposed to real-world financial situations within the coursework.

What will I study in this BSBA degree program?

As you work to complete your BSBA in Finance, you will be immersed in courses where you will study these topics and much more: the workings of international financial markets; analyzing financial statements; budgeting; and risk management.

When and where can I begin my classes?

Courses for the BSBA in Finance start online and on our Colorado Springs campus approximately every five weeks. Completion of the CTU admissions process will depend on how quickly you complete the steps in the CTU online application process. You may complete the application process over the phone with an advisor or you may go online. Once you’ve completed the online application, you may hear from an advisor within the following 24 hours to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program.

How many credits are required to graduate from the bachelor’s degree program?

The BSBA in Finance degree program consists of 180 credits. You may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. CTU Fast Track^™ exams offer the opportunity to earn college credit for what you already know—allowing you to complete a degree up to 30% faster.¹

¹ The ability to reduce time in school and/or reduce tuition towards the full cost of a degree program depends on the number of CTU Fast Track^™ exams successfully passed. Fast Track program credits are non-transferable. Not all programs are eligible for possible 30% reduction in time and money. Courses eligible are subject to change. Students should not rely on potential Fast Track savings or eligibility when making an enrollment decision.

Why should I pursue a BSBA degree at CTU?

As you study topics in business and finance that are always being evaluated and updated to reflect industry-relevant trends, you will experience a curriculum through classroom learning and hands-on experience that aligns to industry standards and helps you work to develop skills that are applicable to the competitive global business environment.

Is this Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance degree program accredited?

The BSBA in Finance degree program at CTU is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

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¹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Financial Managers, at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm (visited February 02, 2021).