Roger Williams University

What you'll study

This degree combines core business foundations with specialised finance and financial services coursework. Early semesters cover fundamentals such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, principles of economics, business statistics and spreadsheet-based financial modelling. Core finance modules typically include corporate finance, investments and portfolio management, banking and financial institutions, fixed income and derivatives, risk management and financial statement analysis.

Students also study subjects that support client-facing and regulatory aspects of the industry, including personal financial planning, retirement and estate planning, taxation for financial decisions, ethics and compliance, and business law. Many programmes include a capstone or practicum where students work on real-world projects—examples are student-managed investment portfolios, applied valuation projects, or consulting assignments for local businesses.

The course structure is designed for completion in four years and normally combines business school core requirements, finance major requirements and free electives. Typical learning methods include lectures, case studies, group projects, Excel- and database-based labs, and presentations. Opportunities for internships, study abroad and industry networking are integrated into the programme to support professional development.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma (or recognised equivalent) with a solid academic record. Admissions look for strength in quantitative subjects—algebra, precalculus or calculus—and in written communication. Typical supporting materials include a school transcript and a personal statement; references and a résumé are optional but can strengthen an application.

Transfer applicants should submit college transcripts for review; prior coursework in accounting, mathematics or economics may be accepted for advanced standing. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or institutional pathways if their prior education was not in English.

The programme also welcomes applicants with practical experience in finance or customer-facing roles. Some students pursue the degree part-time or combine it with minors in areas such as data analytics, entrepreneurship or international business.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme move into a broad range of finance and financial services roles. Common entry-level positions include financial analyst, investment analyst, credit analyst, commercial or retail banking officer, and client-service roles in wealth management and financial planning. With experience, alumni progress to roles such as portfolio manager, corporate finance manager, risk manager, financial controller or senior financial advisor.

The programme also provides a strong foundation for professional qualifications and further study. Many graduates prepare for industry credentials such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification, or postgraduate study in finance, business administration or law. The focus on applied skills, internships and employer engagement is intended to ease the transition from campus to employer.

Why study at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University emphasises experiential learning and small classes, which allow close faculty mentorship and hands-on projects relevant to finance employers. The university’s location in Rhode Island offers access to regional financial institutions, banks and advisory firms for internships and networking. Career services and business-centred activities support job placement, while alumni connections provide local and national industry contacts.

Students benefit from practical training in industry-standard tools and techniques, opportunities for internships and applied practicum work, and a curriculum that balances technical finance knowledge with ethical, regulatory and client-relations skills — all aimed at producing work-ready graduates for the finance and financial services sectors.