University of Hartford

What you'll study

This programme builds a foundation in business and quantitative skills, then progresses to specialised finance subjects and applied experience. You will study financial accounting, managerial finance, micro- and macroeconomics, and statistics in the early years, before moving on to courses that focus on investments, corporate finance, financial markets, risk management and financial planning.

• Core business and quantitative courses: financial accounting, managerial accounting, business law, microeconomics, macroeconomics, business statistics and quantitative methods.
• Foundational finance: principles of finance, corporate finance, financial institutions and markets, and money and banking.
• Specialist and applied modules: investment analysis and portfolio management, securities and trading, risk management and insurance, retirement planning and estate planning, and personal financial planning.
• Technical and professional skills: financial modelling and Excel for finance, valuation techniques, fixed income and derivatives, and use of industry tools such as Bloomberg and financial databases.
• Experiential learning: internships with local financial institutions, practicum or capstone projects, case studies, and opportunities for consulting projects with businesses.
• Electives and cross-disciplinary options: real estate finance, entrepreneurial finance, international finance, ethics in finance, and elective courses from accounting, economics or information systems.

The programme typically culminates with a senior capstone or practicum where students integrate classroom learning into a research project, client engagement or internship placement. Students are encouraged to prepare for professional designations (for example CFA or CFP) through elective choices and supported exam-preparation resources.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally admitted with a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical requirements include a strong secondary-school academic record with evidence of competence in mathematics (algebra and precalculus or equivalent). Admissions may consider standardised test scores where submitted; the University of Hartford uses a holistic review including transcripts, recommendation letters and a personal statement.

• Academic preparation: successful completion of college-preparatory coursework including mathematics and English; courses in economics, accounting or business are advantageous but not mandatory.
• Supporting materials: high school transcript, personal statement or essay, and at least one recommendation letter are commonly required. Portfolios are not required for this programme.
• International applicants: equivalent secondary-school qualification, proof of English language proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL) if English is not the applicant's first language, and submission of certified transcripts.
• Transfer applicants: transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis; applicants should provide college transcripts and syllabi for review. Relevant community-college coursework in business, accounting or statistics can support admission and degree progress.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a wide range of roles across the financial services sector and corporate enterprises. Common entry-level positions include financial analyst, investment analyst, credit analyst, financial planner or advisor, risk analyst, and roles in commercial banking, insurance and real estate finance.

• Financial services: wealth and asset management, retail and commercial banking, insurance underwriting and product development.
• Corporate roles: corporate finance, treasury, budgeting and financial planning & analysis (FP&A).
• Markets and investments: brokerage, securities trading support, portfolio management and research roles.
• Advisory and consulting: financial consulting, tax and estate planning support, and advisory roles at accounting and consulting firms.
• Further study and credentials: many graduates pursue professional certifications such as CFA, CFP or MBA study to specialise or to advance into senior roles.

Why study at University of Hartford

The University of Hartford's business programmes benefit from a focus on experiential learning and close ties to the regional financial services industry centred in Hartford and greater Connecticut. The Barney School of Business is professionally focused and supports students with career services, internship placement assistance and opportunities to work with local firms.

Students gain hands-on experience through access to industry-standard tools, practicum courses and internship networks. Class sizes tend to be smaller than at large state institutions, allowing for direct faculty mentorship and close faculty engagement on applied projects. The campus also offers opportunities for interdisciplinary study, study-abroad options and preparatory support for professional certification exams, helping graduates transition into the financial profession or further academic study.