B.S. in Financial Services

The University offers a bachelor of science (B.S.) in financial services that prepares students for a variety of career roles in financial services and for examinations leading to professional certifications. Coursework includes a required core of business courses—plus a financial services core that provides an overview of financial services with specific coursework in the areas of financial institutions (banking), investments, and insurance with a focus on ethical decision making. Sources of return and risk in domestic and international financial markets and institutions are studied. Students also select a track in one of the four areas associated with financial services: Accounting Banking Insurance Investments In addition, students complete the University's Foundational Studies Program, which provides the knowledge students need in critical thinking, leadership, and interpersonal and communication skills. Financial services students are encouraged to complete internships to gain practical experience in financial services markets and institutions. Our students annually win national competitions for the opportunity to work in prestigious internship positions. Depending on the employers participating each year, internships may be offered in the following areas: public accounting, banking, credit card operations, employee benefits administration, financial management, financial planning and consulting, human resources, information technology, internal audit, insurance sales and marketing, insurance operations, risk management, and securities brokerage. Student may join the Financial Management Association, the Financial Planning Association, and the Investment Club. These organizations provide opportunities to interact with the business community through field trips, guest professional speakers, and social activities. Included among these activities are annual visits to financial markets in Chicago, Illinois. Careers Opportunities for challenging and rewarding careers in financial services are exceptional. Few industry groups can offer the diversity of career opportunities that are available to ISU graduates with knowledge and ability in accounting, banking, finance, insurance, risk management, and securities. Students with a major in financial services are exposed to educational opportunities that help prepare them for examinations leading to professional certifications and designations such as Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Associate in Surplus Lines Insurance (ASLI), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU).