Finance

A degree in Finance gives you the power to shape the future of business—whether it’s helping a company grow, guiding individuals to financial freedom, or managing investments that drive global impact. With a strong foundation in financial analysis, strategy, and decision-making, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of careers in corporate finance, investment management, fintech, and beyond. As the world becomes more interconnected and data-driven, finance professionals who can think critically, solve complex problems, and make ethical decisions are in high demand.

Why Study Finance at the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business?

Finance majors will learn to master data while creating value, driving innovation, and making informed decisions in a constantly evolving financial world. With courses in corporate finance and investments, you’ll gain practical skills that lead to high-impact careers. Benefit from small classes, expert faculty, and real-world experiences like managing investments and analyzing financial markets. 

Discover Duquesne’s Distinctive Educational Experience

Finance majors gain access to real-world tools, investment experience, and industry connections that set them apart. From managing live portfolios through the Student Managed Investment Funds to mastering Bloomberg® Terminals in the Investment Strategy Institute, you’ll develop the skills top employers seek. At Duquesne, you will have access to:

  • Investment Strategy Institute (ISI): Receive direct access to 24+ Bloomberg® Terminals, Wharton Research Data Services, and other leading financial databases. The ISI is your hub for mastering the tools used on Wall Street—live market data, deep-dive research, and other high-powered analytics, all in one space designed to launch your finance career.
  • Student Managed Investment Funds (SMIF): Step into the role of a portfolio manager through Duquesne’s SMIF Program. Make data-driven investment decisions, sharpen your analytical skills, and build a strong resume for careers in finance, investment, and wealth management.
  • Asset Management Group @ Duquesne (DAMG): Join a vibrant community of future finance leaders. DAMG connects you with guest speakers, alumni, and recruiters—while helping you prep for internships, job interviews, and life in the fast-paced finance world. Additional professional and personal development opportunities are available to students who join the Financial Management Association. 

 

Program Information

Students have the opportunity to analyze business opportunities to identify those that create value and to learn to structure portfolios of stocks, bonds, and other financial assets.

Program Type

Major, Minor

Degree

Bachelor's

School

Palumbo-Donahue School of Business

Duration

8 Semesters

Required Credit Hours

Minimum of 120

Modality

In-Person

Hear From Our Alumni

Reuben Nepo

Joining the SMIF program at Duquesne's incredible Business School was the most impactful decision I made during my time as a student. It gave me the unique opportunity to actively manage a portfolio of $1.7mm in collaboration with like-minded students."

Reuben Nepo, B'24 Sales and Trading Analyst, J.P. Morgan

Student Managed Investment Funds

Hit the ground running in your career in investments or wealth management by gaining early expertise in researching and defending investment decisions through the Student Managed Investment Funds. SMIF is comprised of the following three initiatives.

Duquesne Values Fund (DVF): The DVF is a long-only fund that invests primarily in large-cap stocks selected on the basis of fundamental analysis and Spiritan values. The benchmark for the DVF is the iShares KLD 400 Social ETF (Symbol: DSI). Fund value is approximately $1.7 million. 

Duquesne Balanced Fund (DBF): The DBF is an asset allocation fund that invests in ETFs for exposure across stocks, bonds and cash. The benchmark for DBF is a 70/30 allocation to stocks and bonds accomplished with the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (Symbol: IVV) and the iShares Core Aggregate Bond ETF (Symbol: AGG). Fund value is approximately $207,000.

Duquesne Microcap Fund (DMF): The DMF is a long-only fund that invests primarily in micro-cap stocks selected on the basis of quantitative factors. The benchmark for the DMF is the iShares Microcap ETF (Symbol: IWC). Fund value is approximately $150,000.
Close-up photo of a Bloomberg Terminal interface.

Learn More About SMIF

Reach out to John Niedenberger at niedenbergerj@duq.edu.

Explore SMIF Program

Career Opportunities

Invest in Your Future

Finance majors have a wide range of rewarding career options in areas like corporate finance and investments. Whether you’re interested in advising businesses on how to grow and allocate resources or managing investment portfolios, our program equips you with the technical skills and real-world experience needed to succeed. 

Finance Majors Employment

Recent Duquesne Finance graduates have found positions in a variety of major corporations, including: 

  • BNY
  • Community Bank
  • Deloitte
  • Eaton Vance
  • EY
  • Federated Hermes
  • Fort Pitt Capital Group
  • F.N.B. Corporation
  • HBKS Wealth Advisors
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Key Bank
  • Merrill Lynch
  • PIMCO
  • PNC
  • PWC
  • Raymond James
  • UPMC Health System
  • US Steel
  • Waldron Private Wealth
  • Wilshire

Finance as a Second Major or Minor

Combining Finance as a double major or minor with another business major gives students a competitive advantage in the job market. Strong pairings include Financial Planning, Economics, Real Estate, and Accounting.

Expected Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of:

  • Financial examiners is projected to grow 21 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
  • Financial analysts is projected to grow 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Curriculum

View the Course Descriptions

To complete a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, students must complete a minimum of 120 credits. All Finance majors are required to take:

  • Bridges Requirements: 19 credits of University-wide courses taken by all students
  • Business Core Required Courses: 51 credits plus 3 additional credits of required courses taken by business students
  • Requires Courses: 18 credits
  • Electives: 6 credits
  • Open Electives: 23 credits
  • Graduation Requirements: Students must earn a minimum overall 2.0 GPA

Students are encouraged to meet with their Student Success Coach for more information.
ACCT 311—Intermediate Financial Accounting I (3 credits)

One (1) of the following:
ACCT 312—Intermediate Financial Accounting II (3 credits)
ACCT 315—Financial Planning and Cost Management (3 credits)
FINC 480—Intro to Python for Data Analytics (3 credits)

FINC 333—Financial Management (3 credits)
FINC 334—Investments (3 credits)
FINC 433W—Financial Markets and Institutions (3 credits)
FINC 450W—Cases in Finance (3 credits)


FINC 324—Fixed Income Securities (3 credits)
FINC 336—Security Analysis (3 credits)
FINC 338—Derivatives (3 credits)
FINC 340—Real Estate Finance (3 credits)
FINC 400—Managing Investments II (3 credits)
FINC 432—Credit Management (3 credits)
FINC 437—International Financial Management (3 credits)
ECON 481W—Econometrics (3 credits)
  • FINC 313
  • FINC 333
  • FINC 334
  • Two (2) other Finance courses at 300 level or higher
By earning your Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), you will achieve five key Learning Outcomes: Business Functional Knowledge, Analytical & Critical Business Thinking, Cultural Intelligence, Ethical & Moral Compass, and Influence & Collaboration.