Finance

Finance majors at Carroll can tailor their degree to match their goals. Students deepen their expertise by choosing one of three specializations, or they can pursue an accelerated pathway that includes a Carroll MBA in just four years in total. The program also offers a variety of minors that pair well with finance and strengthen preparation for careers across business and beyond.

If some of your best skills include understanding numbers, working in a team, solving problems creatively and communicating well, a career as a financial professional may be the right fit for you. Our faculty members have extensive knowledge and make every effort to ensure you graduate with the skills needed to succeed in your field of interest.

In Carroll University’s finance major, you’ll learn how to review and work with financial data as you put together plans and discuss topics with your peers. You’ll also spend time in classes examining case-based, real-world financial problems that impact organizations. After you analyze and present these projects to your peers, you’ll practice communication techniques for asking and answering complex questions. Other required courses allow you to explore areas of business such as marketing, management and accounting. Your working knowledge of these areas, in addition to your financial skills, will give you a competitive career advantage.

Our students engage in required internships that provide them with real-world experiences as they prepare for future careers. You’ll have the option to find an internship that best suits your career goals and schedule. By taking anywhere from one to twelve internship credits while you attend Carroll, you’ll develop the skills employers are looking for while you build your professional network. This major is enhanced with a minor in areas like accounting, actuarial science, psychology or communication.

Our curriculum is designed to prepare students for leading professional credentials, including the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) certification and the CPA pathway for those combining finance with accounting.

Finance is one of the most in-demand career fields in the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial manager positions are projected to grow 17% through 2033, which is nearly three times the average for all occupations. Median annual earnings are $156,100. Financial analysts and personal financial advisors earn median salaries near $99,000, with advisor roles projected to grow 13%. Carroll graduates go on to careers as financial analysts, investment advisors, corporate controllers, portfolio managers, bank officers, financial planners, treasury managers and chief financial officers (CFOs).

Carroll's Waukesha campus places students within easy reach of a thriving financial-services hub. The greater Milwaukee metro area is home to Northwestern Mutual, Baird, Associated Bank, Fiserv, Johnson Controls, and dozens of community banks and credit unions, many of which are already Carroll internship partners.

Hands-on experience is built into the program. Carroll finance students’ complete internships ranging from one to twelve credits at local, regional and national firms. Recent placements include:

A Carroll finance degree opens doors nationwide. Our graduates work at Fortune 500 companies, regional banks, investment firms, insurance companies and government agencies. Explore the industries, employers and career paths our alumni have followed. See where yours may take you.