What is a Finance Degree?
A finance degree can provide students with a strong foundation in how money moves through businesses and markets.
At Palm Beach Atlantic University, students focus on areas such as financial planning, corporate finance, investment analysis, risk management, and economics – all while developing the tools to make sound, data-focused decisions. Real-world experiences like case studies and internships help students connect theory to practice. This helps students to prepare for roles in investment, nonprofit finance, or corporate leadership. When students graduate, they’re ready to lead with both skill and conviction.
Career Opportunities With a Finance Degree
Because finance is such a widely useful skill, finance graduates could find themselves in any of the following career paths. Most include managing money for businesses.
Some of the jobs that a Finance graduate may have are:
- Financial Analyst: Analyze investment opportunities, develop financial models, and support decision-making in businesses.
Average salary: $95,000/year - Certified Financial Planner (CFP): Help individuals manage wealth, retirement, and insurance decisions with personalized planning.
Average salary: $95,000/year - Investment Banker: Advise businesses on mergers, acquisitions, and capital-raising efforts. High-pressure but high-reward role.
Average salary: $133,000/year+ (can vary widely) - Corporate Finance Manager: Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and strategy for a business’s financial health.
Average salary: $130,000/year - Risk Analyst: Evaluate financial risks and help firms develop strategies to minimize exposure.
Average salary: $90,000/year - Budget Analyst: Work with organizations to create, manage, and optimize budgets.
Average salary: $85,000/year - Nonprofit Finance Director: Manage resources for faith-based or mission-driven organizations, ensuring financial sustainability and ethical stewardship.
Average salary: $90,000/year (varies by size/location)
Finance Degree Industry Applications
Finance skills can translate across multiple sectors. You’ll most likely be able to use this degree in any field of your choosing.
Here are just a few industries where finance graduates could find themselves.
- Banking & Financial Services: Traditional finance roles in retail, commercial, and investment banking.
- Corporate & Strategic Finance: Internal finance teams in businesses of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 500s.
- Nonprofit & Faith-Based Organizations: Resource management, budgeting, and long-term sustainability for mission-driven institutions.
- Government & Public Policy: Budget analysts, auditors, or policy advisors for local and federal agencies.
- Real Estate & Property Management: Finance professionals in acquisitions, development, and valuation.
- Healthcare Finance: Financial planning and analysis for hospitals, clinics, and health systems.
- Technology & FinTech: Roles in financial product development, risk modeling, and digital payments.
Skills Gained from Studying Finance
Skills that you can add to your CV once you’ve completed this program:
Hard Skills
- Financial modeling & forecasting
- Data analysis & interpretation
- Budgeting and cash flow management
- Understanding of financial regulations & compliance
- Proficiency in Excel, QuickBooks, and finance software
- Investment and portfolio analysis
Soft Skills
- Ethical decision-making
- Strategic thinking
- Attention to detail
- Communication of complex ideas
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability in dynamic markets
- Team collaboration under pressure
Start Your Business Career with PBA’s Specialised Finance Programs
At Palm Beach Atlantic University, we offer degrees in finance to help prepare students for the world of business.
Students who Major in finance may also minor in the following:
Why It Matters
A finance degree from Palm Beach Atlantic help prepare students for the market and for their mission. You’ll use the skills you’ve learned for managing capital, advising others, and taking care of resources. Our graduates lead with character and clarity in every financial decision they make – so what are you waiting for?
