Finance
| Degree: | Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) |
| Major: | Finance |
| Specializations: | Financial Management Financial Planning |
| Minor: | Finance |
| Certificates: | Finance Security Analyst |
| Department: | Accounting and Finance Building 76, Room 201 850-474-2717 http://uwf.edu/account |
| College: | Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business |
| CIP Code: | 52.0801 |
| Semester Hours Required For Degree: 120 | |
The B.S.B.A. in Finance is an included program in the University's accreditation by AACSB International.
The B.S.B.A. in Finance offers two different specializations to prepare students for the competitive field of finance: Financial Management and Financial Planning. The Financial Management specialization prepares students for professional careers in banking and other financial, health care, and corporate settings. The program provides the foundation to pursue the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. The Financial Planning specialization leads to careers in financial planning, and it covers curriculum needed for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.
Program Requirements
In addition to the university’s general requirements, students seeking the B.S.B.A. in Finance must meet the requirements listed below. A minimum course grade of “C” is required in all Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business prerequisites and courses.
Students should consult with their academic advisors for courses which may satisfy both the General Education requirements and common prerequisites.
Financial Management Specialization
General Education
ADDENDUM - 06/12/2025
In addition to the General Education requirements, students must satisfy all additional State of Florida requirements, including the College-Level Communication and Computation, Civic Literacy, and Foreign Language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the State University Requirements and Degree Requirements sections of this catalog.
General Education Curriculum:
Finance majors should take the following courses to satisfy components of the General Education curriculum courses:
| Communication | 3 | |
| Public Speaking | ||
| Mathematics | 6 | |
| Elements of Statistics | ||
| Calculus with Business Applications | ||
| Social Sciences | 3 | |
| Principles of Economics Macro | ||
Civic Literacy Requirement
The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy by passing an assessment or taking AMH 2020 United States Since 1877 or POS 2041 American Politics.
The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. In 2024, the Board of Governors made an additional revision, recognizing two new courses meeting the Civic Literacy requirement, AMH 2010 United States to 1877 and AMS 2010 Civil Discourse and the American Political Order. As a result, there are four cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions that are subject to varying requirements.
As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.
| Students Included in Cohort | Civic Literacy Competency Requirement |
| Cohort 1: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS before fall 2018 | None |
| Cohort 2: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in Academic Year 2018 through Academic Year 2020 | Complete a course or Assessment. |
| Cohort 3: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in Academic Year 2021 through Academic Year 2023 | Course and Assessment. |
| Cohort 4: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2024 and thereafter | Course and Assessment. |
Additionally, for Cohorts 3 and 4, approved accelerated mechanisms may meet the course and/or assessment requirement, and students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE) in high school are exempt from the postsecondary exam requirement.
There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan.
Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website, SUS regulation BOG 8.006, and Florida Statute s.1007.25(4,a-b).
Mathematics Pathway
Students are advised to complete the following courses to fulfill the mathematics pathway that aligns with the mathematics skills needed for success in their program and their career goals. Students should refer to their academic advisor for questions about the math pathway for their program. For information about this requirement, refer to the catalog page for Mathematics Pathways. These courses may also fulfill requirements for General Education and Common Prerequisites.
| Algebra through Calculus | ||
| MAC 1105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| or MAC 1105C | College Algebra with Lab | |
| MAC 2233 | Calculus with Business Applications | 3 |
| or STA 2023 | Elements of Statistics | |
| Students will be placed on a starting point based on their mathematics placement. | ||
Common Prerequisites
State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
| ACG 2021 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 3 |
| ACG 2071 | Principles of Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| CGS 2570 | Personal Computer Applications | 3 |
| ECO 2013 | Principles of Economics Macro * | 3 |
| ECO 2023 | Principles of Economics Micro | 3 |
| MAC 2233 | Calculus with Business Applications * | 3 |
| STA 2023 | Elements of Statistics * | 3 |
| Total Hours | 21 | |
- *
Indicates common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy General Education requirements.
Lower Division Electives
| Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 semester hours (sh) in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement. | 3-12 | |
| Total Hours | 3-12 | |
Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business BSBA Core
All students pursuing a BSBA major in the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business must complete each of the following BSBA core courses with a grade of "C" (2.0) or better.
| BUL 3130 | Legal and Ethical Environment of Business | 3 |
| FIN 3403 | Managerial Finance | 3 |
| GEB 3213 | Business Communication | 3 |
| GEB 4361 | International Business | 3 |
| ISM 3011 | e-Business Systems Fundamentals | 3 |
| ISM 3116 | Introduction to Business Analytics | 3 |
| MAN 3025 | Management Fundamentals | 3 |
| MAN 3504 | Operations Management | 3 |
| MAN 4720 | Strategic Management | 3 |
| MAR 3023 | Marketing Fundamentals | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy
The Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business at the University of West Florida is accredited by AACSB International, the highest level of accreditation available to a college or school of business. As such, the College believes that it is in the student's best interest to take all junior/senior level BSBA Core, Major, and Major-related courses at UWF. These courses are typically taught by academically or professionally qualified faculty members as defined in the College's policy on faculty qualifications.
Undergraduate transfer credit for degree programs in the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business is awarded consistent with specifications in the UWF Catalog and the requirements of Florida's Common Numbering System.
Normally, the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business will not accept transfer credits as equivalent to UWF 3000/4000 level business-related courses from institutions not accredited by AACSB International.
Students should seek guidance from their Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business academic advisors on these matters.
Financial Management Specialization Requirements
| FIN 3244 | Financial Markets and Institutions + | 3 |
| FIN 4461 | Financial Statement Analysis + | 3 |
| FIN 4414 | Financial Theory and Practice + | 3 |
| FIN 4424 | Problems in Corporate Finance + | 3 |
| FIN 4504 | Investments + | 3 |
| FIN 4514 | Security Analysis and Portfolio Management + | 3 |
| 3000/4000 level advisor-approved ACG/ECO/FIN/RMI/TAX electives + | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 24 | |
Major Related
| 3000/4000 level advisor-approved College of Business or CGS/COP/COT/STA electives + | 6 | |
- +
Courses included in the major GPA.
Financial Planning Specialization
General Education
ADDENDUM - 06/12/2025
In addition to the General Education requirements, students must satisfy all additional State of Florida requirements, including the College-Level Communication and Computation, Civic Literacy, and Foreign Language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the State University Requirements and Degree Requirements sections of this catalog.
General Education Curriculum:
Financial Planning majors should take the following courses to satisfy components of the General Education curriculum:
| Communication | ||
| SPC 2608 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Mathematics | ||
| STA 2023 | Elements of Statistics | 3 |
| MAC 2233 | Calculus with Business Applications | 3 |
| Social Sciences | ||
| ECO 2013 | Principles of Economics Macro | 3 |
Civic Literacy Requirement
The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy by passing an assessment or taking AMH 2020 United States Since 1877 or POS 2041 American Politics.
The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. In 2024, the Board of Governors made an additional revision, recognizing two new courses meeting the Civic Literacy requirement, AMH 2010 United States to 1877 and AMS 2010 Civil Discourse and the American Political Order. As a result, there are four cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions that are subject to varying requirements.
As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.
| Students Included in Cohort | Civic Literacy Competency Requirement |
| Cohort 1: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS before fall 2018 | None |
| Cohort 2: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in Academic Year 2018 through Academic Year 2020 | Complete a course or Assessment. |
| Cohort 3: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in Academic Year 2021 through Academic Year 2023 | Course and Assessment. |
| Cohort 4: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2024 and thereafter | Course and Assessment. |
Additionally, for Cohorts 3 and 4, approved accelerated mechanisms may meet the course and/or assessment requirement, and students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE) in high school are exempt from the postsecondary exam requirement.
There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan.
Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website, SUS regulation BOG 8.006, and Florida Statute s.1007.25(4,a-b).
Mathematics Pathway
Students are advised to complete the following courses to fulfill the mathematics pathway that aligns with the mathematics skills needed for success in their program and their career goals. Students should refer to their academic advisor for questions about the math pathway for their program. For information about this requirement, refer to the catalog page for Mathematics Pathways. These courses may also fulfill requirements for General Education and Common Prerequisites.
| Algebra through Calculus | ||
| MAC 1105 | College Algebra | 3-4 |
| or MAC 1105C | College Algebra with Lab | |
| MAC 2233 | Calculus with Business Applications | 3 |
| or STA 2023 | Elements of Statistics | |
| Students will be placed on starting point based on their mathematics placement. | ||
Common Prerequisites
State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
| ACG 2021 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 3 |
| ACG 2071 | Principles of Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| CGS 2570 | Personal Computer Applications | 3 |
| ECO 2013 | Principles of Economics Macro * | 3 |
| ECO 2023 | Principles of Economics Micro | 3 |
| MAC 2233 | Calculus with Business Applications * | 3 |
| STA 2023 | Elements of Statistics * | 3 |
| Total Hours | 21 | |
- *
Indicates common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy General Education requirements.
Lower Division Electives
| Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 semester hours (sh) in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement. | 3-12 | |
| Total Hours | 3-12 | |
Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business BSBA Core
All students pursuing a BSBA major in the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business must complete each of the following BSBA core courses with a grade of "C" (2.0) or better.
| BUL 3130 | Legal and Ethical Environment of Business | 3 |
| FIN 3403 | Managerial Finance | 3 |
| GEB 3213 | Business Communication | 3 |
| GEB 4361 | International Business | 3 |
| ISM 3011 | e-Business Systems Fundamentals | 3 |
| ISM 3116 | Introduction to Business Analytics | 3 |
| MAN 3025 | Management Fundamentals | 3 |
| MAN 3504 | Operations Management | 3 |
| MAN 4720 | Strategic Management | 3 |
| MAR 3023 | Marketing Fundamentals | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy
The Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business at the University of West Florida is accredited by AACSB International, the highest level of accreditation available to a college or school of business. As such, the College believes that it is in the student's best interest to take all junior/senior level BSBA Core, Major, and Major-related courses at UWF. These courses are typically taught by academically or professionally qualified faculty members as defined in the College's policy on faculty qualifications.
Undergraduate transfer credit for degree programs in the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business is awarded consistent with specifications in the UWF Catalog and the requirements of Florida's Common Numbering System.
Normally, the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business will not accept transfer credits as equivalent to UWF 3000/4000 level business-related courses from institutions not accredited by AACSB International.
Students should seek guidance from their Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business academic advisors on these matters.
Financial Planning Specialization
| FIN 3124 | Financial Planning + | 3 |
| FIN 4133 | Retirement Planning + | 3 |
| FIN 4128 | Capstone in Financial Planning + | 3 |
| FIN 4132 | Estate Planning + | 3 |
| FIN 4504 | Investments + | 3 |
| FIN 4514 | Security Analysis and Portfolio Management + | 3 |
| RMI 3119 | Insurance Planning + | 3 |
| TAX 4001 | Taxation of Individuals + | 3 |
| 3000/4000 level advisor-approved ACG/ECO/FIN/TAX/RMI electives + | 3 | |
| 3000/4000 level advisor-approved College of Business or CGS/COP/COT/STA electives + | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
- +
Courses included in the major GPA.
Finance Minor
A minor in Finance requires completion of 18-24 hours including at least 12 hours of upper-division courses at UWF. Finance majors may not earn this minor. Students should complete MAC 1105 College Algebra, STA 2023 Elements of Statistics, and any computer literacy courses before enrolling in the required courses. A minimum grade of "C" is required in all Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business prerequisites and courses.
| ACG 2021 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 3 |
| ACG 2071 | Principles of Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| or ACG 3082 | Accounting for Non-Majors | |
| ECO 2013 | Principles of Economics Macro | 3 |
| ECO 2023 | Principles of Economics Micro | 3 |
| or ECO 3003 | Principles of Economic Theory and Public Policy | |
| FIN 3244 | Financial Markets and Institutions | 3 |
| FIN 3403 | Managerial Finance | 3 |
| 3000/4000 level Finance (FIN) courses | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 24 | |
Finance Certificate
The Finance Certificate provides students with a general background in finance covering corporate finance, financial institutions, and investments. The certificate requires completion of the following courses with a grade of "C" or higher in each. At least 9 hours must be taken at UWF.
| Take this course first: | ||
| FIN 3403 | Managerial Finance * | 3 |
| Then, take three of these courses: | 9 | |
| Financial Markets and Institutions | ||
| Financial Statement Analysis | ||
| Financial Theory and Practice | ||
| Investments | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
- *
FIN 3403 has prerequisites which must be met.
Security Analyst Certificate
Students who earn the Security Analyst Certificate will be actual fiduciaries of two separate Argo funds and must, accordingly, meet a high standard of participation and engagement. During this process, students will learn how to make real money with real money. The certificate requires completion of the following courses with a grade of "C" or higher in each. Both FIN 4560 and FIN 4561 must be taken at UWF.
| Take this class first: | ||
| FIN 3403 | Managerial Finance * | 3 |
| Then, take these two classes: | ||
| FIN 4560 | Equity Fund Management | 3 |
| FIN 4561 | Bond Fund Management | 3 |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
- *
FIN 3403 has prerequisites which must be met.