Department of Finance

Welcome

Welcome to the Department of Finance at Western Kentucky University.

What is Finance? 

Finance is the function of managing money.  Individuals, corporations, governments, and not-for-profit organizations regularly face financial decisions.  There is an enduring need for the skills financial managers have to offer.

Why major in Finance at Western?

The highly qualified, nationally ranked Finance faculty works closely with students in small classes allowing students to learn by doing.  Students are actively engaged in learning with hands-on opportunities and state-of-the-art technology.  Students are exposed to practical, applied skills highly desired in business.  There are a number of scholarships available to finance majors at Western.

Western Kentucky University provides two options in the study of finance:  Financial Planning or Corporate Financial Management.

Why minor in Finance?

Individuals may choose to complement their chosen field with the flexibility of a Finance minor.  Money management and related topics are universally applicable.

 A Certificate in Financial Planning qualifies students to take the Certified Financial Planner exam and provides them with the  opportunity to enter a career in one of the fastest growing, financially rewarding professions.

What kind of student should pursue a degree in Finance?

Successful candidates for a degree in Finance are highly motivated individuals who enjoy working with others.  Students should possess excellent math skills and enjoy problem solving. 

Would you like a career in one of the fastest growing professions?

Finance offers some of the fastest growing careers.  Money magazine ranks Financial Advisor as the third best job in America (April 2006).  This field in finance is expected to grow more than 25% over the next ten years with an average pay over $100,000 per year.  Three of the top ten highest paying careers are in finance as listed in the same issue of Money magazine.

Want to go places and do things outside the classroom?

The finance department strives to offer experiences that enhance learning outside the classroom.  Students interact with professionals in the field and network with other students through these experiences.  Ongoing activities include:

•  Financial Management Association Student chapter (FMA)
•  Campus-wide investment game with over 300 participants
•  Field trips to banks, financial planning and corporate offices
•  Regular student interaction with local business executives
•  Leadership in Financial Literacy series of workshops and speakers
•  Annual attendance at the RISE conference in Dayton, OH
•  Chicago trips to tour the Federal Reserve and a trading floor
•  Internships

Financial Planning (a CFP® Board registered program):

Completion of course work in the financial planning program fulfills the educational requirement for taking the Certified Financial Planner exam. Financial advisors provide a valuable service helping individuals set and achieve financial goals.  Financial Planners enjoy high pay, comparatively low stress and workplace autonomy.

Corporate Financial Management:

Classes in the Corporate Financial Management option focus on decisions within corporations and financial institutions. The goal of the financial manager is to add value to the organization while maintaining a manageable level of risk.

Would you like a career in one of the fastest growing professions?

Finance offers some of the fastest growing careers.  Money magazine ranks Financial Advisor as the third best job in America (April 2006).  This field in finance is expected to grow more than 25% over the next ten years with an average pay over $100,000 per year.  Three of the top ten highest paying careers are in finance as listed in the same issue of Money magazine.

TVA Investment Challenge

The WKU Finance Department—along with 23 other schools in the TVA distribution region—competes in TVA's Investment Challenge Program.  This is a unique, hands-on, real world, portfolio management experience where students design and implement investment strategies.  All decisions related to this 20-30 stock portfolio are made by the students under the guidance of a faculty member.  WKU has won numerous awards in this competition—including placing 2nd in the competition in 1999 and 2009!   

Some career possibilities include:

• Bank Examiner
• Commercial Loan Officer              
• Financial Advisor 
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Planner                
• Financial Services Sales Agent      
• Investment Banker 
• Insurance Broker
• Mortgage Banker 
• Real Estate Broker 
• Stockbroker
• Strategic Planner
• Trust Officer