ASU Finance Degree Requirements

A Bachelor of Science in Finance from Arizona State University provides a comprehensive foundation in financial theory and practice, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in the financial industry. The degree requires the completion of 120 credit hours, broken down into several components:

General Studies Requirements (35 Credit Hours)

These requirements ensure a well-rounded education and include courses in areas such as:

• Literacy and Critical Inquiry (L): Courses that develop critical thinking, reading, and writing skills.
• Mathematical Studies (MA): Typically met by courses like Calculus and Business Statistics required for the major.
• Humanities, Arts and Design (HU): Courses exploring artistic, cultural, and philosophical perspectives.
• Social-Behavioral Sciences (SB): Courses examining human behavior and social structures.
• Natural Sciences (SQ or SG): Courses in the physical and life sciences.
• Global Awareness (G) and Cultural Diversity in the U.S. (C): Courses that promote understanding of diverse cultures and global issues. (Some courses may satisfy multiple general studies requirements.)

Business Core (30 Credit Hours)

The business core provides a foundational understanding of essential business principles:

• ACC 231 – Uses of Accounting Information I
• ACC 232 – Uses of Accounting Information II
• ECN 211 – Macroeconomic Principles
• ECN 212 – Microeconomic Principles
• CIS 105 – Computer Applications and Information Systems
• QBA 230 – Statistics for Business
• MGT 300 – Organization and Management Leadership
• MKT 300 – Marketing and Business Performance
• SCM 300 – Introduction to Supply Chain Management
• FIN 300 – Fundamentals of Finance

Finance Major Courses (30 Credit Hours)

These specialized courses focus on the core principles and applications of finance:

• FIN 301 – Financial Institutions and Markets
• FIN 302 – Investments
• FIN 411 – Corporate Finance
• FIN 421 – Portfolio Management
• FIN 451 – Derivatives Markets and Securities
• Upper-division Finance Electives (15 Credit Hours): Students choose from a variety of upper-division finance courses to specialize in areas of interest, such as financial modeling, real estate finance, international finance, and more.

Additional Upper-Division Business Courses (9 Credit Hours)

Students are required to complete nine credit hours of upper-division (300-400 level) courses offered by the W.P. Carey School of Business outside of the FIN prefix. These courses provide further breadth in business knowledge.

Electives (16 Credit Hours)

Elective courses allow students to explore other academic areas of interest or further develop their skills. These credits can be used to pursue a minor, certificate, or simply take courses that broaden their knowledge base.

Important Considerations

• GPA Requirements: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required.
• Grade Requirements: A grade of “C” or higher is required in all business core and finance major courses.
• Prerequisites: Many courses have prerequisites that must be met before enrollment.
• Academic Advisor: Regularly consult with an academic advisor to ensure you are on track to meet all degree requirements and explore potential career paths.

Specific course requirements and options may change, so it’s crucial to consult the official ASU academic catalog and your academic advisor for the most up-to-date information.