B.S. in Finance

The Finance major at Otterbein University equips students with the knowledge, skills, and tools to navigate the dynamic world of financial management, investment analysis, and corporate strategy. Whether you aspire to become a financial analyst, wealth manager, corporate treasurer, or entrepreneur, this program provides a robust foundation in the principles of finance while fostering analytical thinking and practical decision-making skills.

Our curriculum integrates theoretical frameworks with real-world applications, enabling students to develop a deep understanding of financial markets, investment strategies, risk management, and corporate finance. From mastering the fundamentals of portfolio management to exploring the complexities of global financial systems, the program prepares graduates to excel in diverse professional roles. Additionally, the curriculum includes a solid core of foundational courses in accounting, economics, management, and marketing, ensuring a well-rounded business education. Students also have access to a variety of elective courses, allowing them to tailor their degree to align with specific interests and career goals. This flexibility ensures that graduates are well-prepared for various career paths in the financial sector.

Otterbein places a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Students have opportunities to engage in internships and collaborative projects, applying classroom knowledge to practical settings. The university’s commitment to small class sizes ensures personalized attention from faculty members who bring both academic expertise and industry experience. This mentorship fosters intellectual and professional growth, preparing students to thrive in competitive financial roles.

Moreover, the student-led Wealth Management Club welcomes students of all backgrounds and majors, providing an inclusive space for hands-on learning and collaboration. Through the club, students can further enhance their practical knowledge, gain industry insights, and build valuable networks.

Graduates of the Finance program at Otterbein University are well-equipped to pursue careers as financial analysts, loan officers, securities analysts, credit managers, stockbrokers, bank examiners, and personal financial advisors. Otterbein’s close connections with industry leaders and alumni offer invaluable resources for internships and full-time positions at leading financial institutions.

We invite you to explore the exciting possibilities of the Finance major at Otterbein University and discover how this program can help you achieve your career aspirations. Together, let’s shape the future of finance.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

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Otterbein provided me with a wide range of tools to help me be successful after graduation. Having accessible, responsive professors who made me feel heard helped me build confidence in voicing my questions in the workplace. Additionally, with the school allowing me to pursue my degree alongside athletics, time management became a necessity for me and is a lifelong skill that carries into both my personal and professional life. Being able to double major and double minor allowed me to be exposed to multiple career paths which helped me choose one that I find fulfilling every day.

Clay Wichman ’18

Finance and Sustainability Studies, double major
Lead Data Analyst – Internal Audit & Loss Prevention at Sherwin Williams

Want a business career working in the Sport, Recreation, and Leisure industry?

At Otterbein, you’ll learn from a unique curriculum, gain real-world experience in “sport” through numerous practicums and internship opportunities all four years, be able to network with professionals in the field, and be supported by faculty who are passionate about seeing you succeed! At the end of your college career, you’ll be strongly positioned to be a leader in a “sports” industry area such as: marketing, public relations, sales, stadium/arena management, retail, law, media, broadcasting, event management, finance, athletic administration, and many more.

Check out our Sport Management major for more information >

Student Learning Outcomes University Learning Goals (KMERI*)
Goal 1: Develop a thorough understanding of corporate finance theory and its applications
Utilize time value of money principles and concept of risk and return to value securities (FIN 3400, FIN 4200, FIN 4700) Knowledgeable, Multi-literate
Utilize security valuation techniques to determine cost of capital (FIN 3400, FIN 4200, FIN 4700) Knowledgeable, Engaged
Utilize cost of capital to make appropriate capital budgeting decisions (FIN 3400, FIN 4200, FIN 4700) Knowledgeable, Engaged
Apply the residual dividend model to determine appropriate corporate dividend level (FIN 3400, FIN 4200, FIN 4700) Knowledgeable, Engaged
>Apply capital structure principles to determine financially prudent debt/equity financing levels (FIN 4200, FIN 4700) Knowledgeable, Engaged
Apply working capital principles to determine appropriate current asset and current liability levels (FIN 3400, FIN 4700) Knowledgeable, Engaged
Goal 2: Develop a thorough understanding of investment theory and its applications
Utilize knowledge of market structure and security trading techniques to make stock, bond, and mutual fund investments (FIN 4600) Knowledgeable, Multi-literate
Utilize knowledge of market structure and security trading techniques to make derivative investments (FIN 4600) Knowledgeable, Multi-literate
Apply efficient markets hypothesis in order to make financially prudent investment choices (FIN 4600) Knowledgeable, Multi-literate
Apply duration concepts when making bond investments (FIN 4600) Knowledgeable, Multi-literate
Goal 3: Develop a thorough understanding of at least one other area of Finance: International Finance (FIN 4210), Options and Futures (FIN 4610), and/or Money and Banking (ECON 3800)
Students will learn the concepts and techniques of an additional branch of Finance in order to make prudent financial decisions. Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Responsible
Goal 4: Develop a deep knowledge of the statistical techniques utilized in Finance
Determine the relationship between variables utilizing appropriate regression models (ECON 4500) Knowledgeable, Inquisitive
Develop and test hypotheses using appropriate statistical techniques (ECON 4500) Responsible, Inquisitive

*NOTE: KMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands for KnowledgeableMulti-literateEngagedResponsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.