Financial Services (2024)

The financial services major is designed specifically to prepare students for careers in one of the segments of the financial services industry: securities, banking, insurance, real estate finance, and personal financial planning.

It is very common for single firms to own subsidiaries in each of these areas, so it is important for graduates entering these fields to be familiar with all aspects of these important financial sectors. Graduates can look forward to analytical, managerial, or sales careers in the financial services industry. Sales careers include insurance and securities sales. Analytical careers include loan and security analysis and personal financial planning. Managerial careers include management in each of the component industries.

Financial Services Curriculum

Complete with a grade of C (2.0) or better:

  • ACCTG 201: Financial Accounting
  • ACCTG 202: Managerial Accounting
  • ECON 101: Principles of Economics (Macro)
  • ECON 102: Principles of Economics (Micro)
  • FIN 240: Legal Environment of Business
  • MIS 180: Principles of Information Systems
  • RWS 290: Business Communications
  • MATH 120 or MATH 150: Calculus for Business Analysis
  • STAT 119 or ECON 201: Elementary Statistics for Business or Statistical Methods

You must have a 2.0 average or better in the courses listedbelow in order to graduate. Students must also complete 9 units of upper division General Education (Explorations) and a total of 120 units for the degree.You must have a 2.0 average or better in the courses listed below in order to graduate. Other requirements for the degree can be found in the SDSU Catalog and in your degree evaluation. Official requirements are based upon catalog copy and issued by the Office of the Registrar:https://registrar.sdsu.edu/.

  • BA 300: Ethical Decision Making in Business (1-unit)
  • BA 310: Foundations of Business in a Global
    Environment (1-unit)
  • BA 323: Fundamentals of Finance
  • BA 350: Management & Organizational Behavior
  • BA 360: Introduction to Operations & Supply Chain
    Prereq. STAT 119 or ECON 201; recommended: MATH 120;
  • BA 370: Marketing
  • ACCTG 503: Federal Tax of Individuals
    Prereq.ACCTG 201, ACCTG 202 or FIN 433: Theory of Real Property Value Prereq. FIN 331
  • FIN 327: Investments
    Prereq.BA 323
  • FIN 331: Real Estate Essentials
  • FIN 334: Principles of Risk Management and Insurance
  • FIN 335: Financial Modeling
    Prereq. BA 323
  • FIN 522: Individual Insurance Management
  • FIN 589: Personal Financial Planning
    Prereq. BA 323

Select 9-10 units from the following:

  • FIN 326: Financial Institutions Management
    Prereq. BA 323
  • FIN 336: Principles of Residential Property Management
  • FIN 421: Portfolio Management
    Prereq. FIN327
  • FIN 422:Property-Liability Insurance
    Prereq. FIN327
  • FIN 427: Derivatives and Financial Risk Management
    Prereq.BA 323
  • FIN 431: Real Estate Finance
    Prereq.FIN 331
  • FIN 435: Real Estate Investment Analysis
    Prereq.FIN 331
  • FIN 436: Residential Property Management and Issues
    Prereq.FIN 336
  • FIN 585: Estate Planning Issues and Practice
  • FIN 590: Personal Financial Planning Practicum
    Prereq.Credit or concurrent registration in FIN 589 or 657
  • ACCTG 326: Intermediate Financial Accounting
    Prereq.ACCTG 202
  • ECON 320: Intermediate Macroeconomics
    Prereq.ECON 101
    OR
    ECON 422: Business Cycles
    Prereq.ECON 101 & ECON 102
  • ECON 490: Money and Banking
    Prereq.ECON 101 & 102 and ACCTG 201
  • MKTG 377: Selling Strategy & Practice (4-units)
    Prereq.BA 370 with a C or higher

Current Students:Requirements may vary based upon catalog year. For year-specific information, please visit:

Requirements by Catalog Year

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SDSU Fowler College of Business

5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-8230

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Financial Services (2024)

FAQs

How to answer why financial services? ›

How to answer "Why financial services?"
  1. Research the company and role. ...
  2. Consider your main reasons for working in financial services. ...
  3. Highlight your most impressive skills. ...
  4. Consider your favorite aspects of the work environment. ...
  5. Highlight your important experiences. ...
  6. Be honest in your answer.
Mar 22, 2023

What attracts me to financial services? ›

Example answers

'Working in finance gives me a chance to learn from experienced professionals. Given this employer's experience and reputation, I know it might provide me with great growth opportunities, which I plan to use to support both the organisation's day-to-day operations and its long-term goals.

How do you succeed in financial services? ›

You need to consistently put in the work, ask questions and sharpen your skills over time. Any successful financial services professional will tell you that you will have setbacks. Prepare for them, and do everything possible to avoid them.

Why is it important to have financial services? ›

Financial services are crucial to the functioning of an economy. Without them, individuals with money to save might have trouble finding those who need to borrow, and vice versa. And without financial services, people would be so intent on saving to cover risk that they might not buy very many goods and services.

Why are you passionate about financial services? ›

It offers a fast-paced, continuously challenging career

The adrenalin of deals (whether you're the client or broker) and the buzz of the trading floor and the pace of change - for the better or worse - means it can provide a highly stimulating career.

How do you answer why are you seeking financial assistance? ›

Explain the difficulties you are having meeting your needs. Describe changes in your life that have affected your ability to pay for college. For example, changes in your family's income or unexpected expenses may have caused a financial deficit. Provide evidence that you can handle your finances responsibly.

What inspires you to pursue a career in financial services? ›

Sample Answer #1:

I find finance fascinating because it allows me to make informed decisions based on data analysis and strategic thinking. I'm excited about the dynamic nature of the industry and the opportunity to continuously learn and adapt to new market trends.

Why do people want to work in financial services? ›

It gives you the opportunity to deal with people around the world, and to make use of any language skills you have. You're likely to have opportunities to travel, and even to work abroad long term.

Why am I interested in finance? ›

By studying finance or a finance-related degree, you will have the freedom to choose from a variety of career paths, whether it's Retail Banking, Investment, Financial Services, Law, and more. You may even end up in the gaming industry. Imagine the success you could have using your mathematical skills at a casino!

Is financial services a good career choice? ›

BLS data indicates that personal financial advisors earned a median annual income of nearly $95,390 as of 2022, more than double the median annual salary for all occupations nationwide. Financial analysts—among the most common careers in finance—earned a median annual salary of $96,220.

What are the three keys to financial success? ›

Three keys to financial success are: Always spend less than you earn. Avoid splurging. Invest the rest.

What do you need to work in financial services? ›

Use these steps as guidance for starting a career in the financial industry:
  • Earn a bachelor's degree. ...
  • Pursue an internship. ...
  • Ask for referrals. ...
  • Take relevant courses. ...
  • Pair up with a mentor. ...
  • Attend career fairs. ...
  • Start in an entry-level position.
Apr 18, 2024

How can financial services help you? ›

Financial services can include depositing your check at a bank, obtaining a mortgage from a lender, investing your money with a mutual fund, having a bank underwrite your business for an IPO, purchasing insurance for your car, and similar transactions.

What are the pros and cons of financial services? ›

The pros and cons of a career in financial services
  • Financially rewarding. ...
  • Variety. ...
  • Exposure. ...
  • Social Scene. ...
  • Long hours. ...
  • Difficult characters. ...
  • Competition for jobs is high. ...
  • Few permanent opportunities.

Why is it important for everyone to have access to financial services? ›

Having a transaction account opens the door to other formal financial services, such as savings, payments, credit and insurance. Access and use of appropriate financial services can help people better manage risks, step out of poverty and build a better life.

Why do you want a job in financial services? ›

I'm interested in a career in finance because it offers a dynamic environment that combines analytical thinking with strategic problem-solving. Finance roles impact businesses fundamentally and globally, providing a platform for continuous learning and growth.

Why is working in the financial services industry appealing to you? ›

Transferable skills Roles within the finance industry will enable you to gain transferable skills – such as teamwork, project management, problem solving and oral/written communication – which are highly valued by employers and make you more marketable for your future career.

Why a career in the financial services industry? ›

The Benefits of Working in Finance

Finance degree jobs can provide relatively high pay, stability, opportunities for advancement and consistent demand projections. Careers in finance may also offer flexibility for employees by allowing them to work remotely or in hybrid environments.

What is your why as a financial advisor? ›

Mention your passion for helping people

Financial advisors have significant responsibility because they can directly influence their clients' financial future. The passion for interacting with people and helping them with their financial goals is an ideal attribute that many employers seek.

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