Rochester Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The programme provides a blend of core business knowledge and specialised finance coursework. You will study foundational subjects such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, microeconomics and macroeconomics, business statistics and quantitative methods. Finance-specific modules typically include corporate finance, investments, fixed income securities, derivatives, risk management, financial statement analysis and financial markets.

Special topics and applied learning components emphasise practical skills: valuation and modelling, portfolio management, financial planning and wealth management, and ethics in finance. Coursework integrates use of industry tools such as Bloomberg terminals, financial databases and spreadsheet modelling. The curriculum also includes a capstone or practicum project that requires students to solve real-world problems for businesses or to manage a simulated or student-run investment portfolio.

RIT’s approach combines classroom study with hands-on experiences: cooperative education (co‑op) placements or internships, experiential labs, case studies and opportunities for cross-disciplinary projects with technology and analytics programmes. Elective options, minors and concentrations allow you to tailor your studies toward corporate finance, investment analysis, financial planning, risk and insurance, or fintech and data analytics.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma. Typical preparation includes strong performance in mathematics, preferably through pre-calculus or calculus, and good grades in courses such as economics and English. Admissions generally consider academic transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation; standardised test requirements vary by intake and may be optional.

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or prior education in English, and provide official academic records with certified translations when required. RIT values demonstrated interest in business and quantitative aptitude; prior experience in accounting, computer skills and extracurricular leadership can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles across finance and financial services. Common career destinations include financial analyst, investment analyst, treasury associate, corporate finance specialist, commercial banking officer, wealth or financial planner, risk analyst, and roles in insurance and fintech. The programme also provides a solid foundation for professional credentials such as the CFA, CFP or FRM and for graduate study in business or finance.

RIT’s co‑op programme, career services and employer partnerships help students secure internships and graduate roles. Alumni work in a variety of settings including multinational corporations, regional banks, investment firms, advisory boutiques, insurance companies and technology companies focused on financial services.

Why study at Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology’s Saunders College of Business offers an applied finance education with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and industry relevance. The school is known for its cooperative education programme that integrates paid work terms with academic study, giving students significant real-world experience before graduation.

Students benefit from dedicated resources such as finance labs, access to market data platforms, student-managed investment funds and close ties to employers across the finance sector. The college promotes interdisciplinary collaboration with RIT’s strengths in technology, computing and analytics, supporting careers in fintech and data-driven finance. Faculty typically combine academic expertise with industry experience, and career and professional development services focus on recruitment, interview preparation and credential guidance.

Overall, RIT is a strong choice for students seeking a practical, career-oriented finance degree with multiple pathways to industry positions, licencing and further study.