Why Study Finance

Choose finance and set yourself up for a meaningful and successful career

Studying finance prepares students to understand how money moves through businesses, markets and the global economy. From budgeting and investing to financial planning and risk management, finance professionals help individuals and organizations make informed financial decisions. 

So, what is a finance major? Students pursuing a finance degree typically begin with coursework in accounting, economics and business before advancing to topics like investments, corporate finance and financial analysis. These experiences help students develop the critical thinking and analytical skills needed for a wide range of career opportunities for finance majors. 

A finance degree can open the door to a wide range of personal and professional opportunities. Here are five of the biggest benefits of studying finance and how they can help prepare you for long-term success.  

5 Benefits of Studying Finance 

There are many reasons why finance is a good major, from strong career prospects to valuable real-world skills. Below are five key benefits of studying finance and how a finance degree can help prepare you for long-term success. 

1. Finance Offers Many Career Options.

If you’ve ever wondered what you can do with a degree in finance, the answer is a lot. Graduates can pursue roles in banking, investment management, corporate finance, financial planning and more. Finance roles include becoming an analyst directly after graduating or eventually becoming a chief financial officer like Belmont University alumni Ava Munyer and Jesse Weaver. These wide-ranging career opportunities for finance majors allow you to explore different industries and find a path that fits your goals and interests. 

2.  A Finance Degree is Very Marketable. 

Employers across industries value finance skills because every organization needs professionals who understand money management and financial decision-making. If you’re asking yourself, “why is finance a good major?”, marketability is a major reason. The skills you develop like data analysis, risk analysis and problem-solving are in high demand, making it easier to stand out in the job market. 

3. Studying Finance has a Great Return on Investment

A finance degree can lead to strong earning potential and long-term career growth. Financial analysts, investment banking analysts and financial advisors are some common career paths for finance graduates.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for financial analysts and financial advisors is about $100,000 per year, which is significantly higher than the national median for most jobs. You typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the profession, but rest assure that the investment is well worth it.  

Not only do many finance roles offer competitive salaries, but the knowledge you gain can also help you manage your own money more effectively. Understanding what do you study in finance, including investing, budgeting and financial planning, can benefit you both professionally and personally, making your education a valuable investment. 

4. Finance is Important

Finance influences nearly every aspect of business and everyday life. Organizations rely on finance professionals to evaluate opportunities, manage risk, allocate resources and plan for future growth.  

From helping families achieve financial goals to guiding major corporate decisions, finance professionals can make a meaningful impact. Studying finance gives you insight into how organizations operate and prepares you to contribute to important decisions in virtually any industry. 

5. Finance is Exciting

Finance is constantly evolving, which makes it an engaging and dynamic field to study. Market trends, economic changes and global events all impact financial decisions, creating a fast-paced environment that will make you excited for each new day. For students who enjoy problem-solving and staying informed, finance offers a stimulating and rewarding experience. 

What Do You Study in Finance? 

Finance students learn the core concepts, tools and strategies used to manage money effectively at the personal, corporate and global levels. As you explore the degree, you’ll build both technical knowledge and critical thinking skills that prepare you to analyze financial data and make informed decisions. 

Finance majors begin with a strong business foundation before advancing into specialized topics including: 

• Business Finance 

• Corporate Finance  

• Financial Institutions Management  

• Investment Portfolio Management  

• International Capital Markets 

These courses teach students how to evaluate financial performance, understand markets and develop strategic financial plans. 

Since finance is part of a broader business curriculum, it pairs well with other majors. Many schools offer a shared business core, making it easier to double major in areas such as: 

• Accounting 

• Economics 

• Business Analytics 

• Management or Marketing 

This flexibility allows students to customize their education and expand their skill set without significantly increasing time to graduation. This is another reason why finance is a good major for students looking for versatility. 

Finance Certifications 

Many students enhance their degree with professional certifications that can increase career opportunities and earning potential like becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) or a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®). These credentials can help you stand out with employers and deepen your expertise in specific areas of finance. 

Outside the classroom, students can gain hands-on experience and build professional skills through finance-related organizations. For example, Belmont University offers opportunities such as: 

• TVA Investment Club: Students manage real investment portfolios and learn market strategies in a collaborative setting. 

• Enactus: Focuses on using business and financial knowledge to create positive social impact. 

• Bruin Fund: Provides experiential learning through student-managed investment funds. 

These organizations give students practical experience and help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, further highlighting the benefits of studying finance. 

What's the Difference Between Finance and Accounting? 

While finance and accounting are closely related, they focus on different aspects of business. Accounting centers on recording, tracking and reporting financial information, while finance focuses on using that information to make strategic decisions about budgeting, investing, growth and risk management. 

Because the two disciplines complement one another, many students choose to study both. In fact, finance and accounting majors often share foundational business courses, making a double major an attractive option for students who want to broaden their career opportunities. 

What can you do with a degree in finance?  

There are many career opportunities for finance majors, allowing you to choose a path that aligns with your interests and strengths. Some options include: 

• Financial analysis — Evaluate data and trends to help businesses and individuals make investment decisions 

• Financial planning — Work directly with individuals and families to create plans for budgeting, saving and long-term goals 

• Insurance and risk management — Help individuals and organizations prepare for uncertainty and protect their financial future 

• Investment banking analysts — Support major financial transactions such as mergers, acquisitions and capital raising 

• Chief Financial Officer (CFO) — Lead an organization’s financial strategy, oversee financial reporting and guide long-term planning 

 At its core, finance is about helping people and organizations make informed decisions about money. Whether you’re guiding a family toward financial security or helping a company grow, finance careers are built on trust, relationships and real-world impact. 

Finance also offers opportunities for diverse representation, where different perspectives strengthen decision-making and help professionals better serve a wide range of clients and communities. 

Helping Individuals as a Certified Financial Planner 

For students interested in working directly with people, personal finance is a rewarding path. Professionals in this area help individuals manage debt, plan for retirement and build long-term financial stability. A CFP® certification enables finance professionals to engage in the service-oriented side of the profession, going beyond communicating effective financial plans to helping clients implement them and achieve meaningful, lasting change. 

“A huge part of the job is developing relationships and trust among your clients,” said Cliff Robb, professor of finance at Belmont University. “It is a helping profession, and we should consider it to be wealth agnostic. Financial planning is for everyone and students who are passionate about helping others and making a practical difference in people's lives may find a rewarding career in personal financial planning.”  

Belmont’ University offers a CFP® track for the finance major, structuring a student’s coursework so they can test for the CFP® while meeting the requirements of the finance degree. 

Is finance the right degree for you?  

Choosing a major is a big decision, and finance can be a strong fit for students who are curious about how money works and how it impacts individuals, businesses and communities. If you enjoy problem-solving, thinking analytically and working with numbers and people, finance might be the right degree for you. 

The benefits of studying finance include diverse career paths, strong earning potential and opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re drawn to helping individuals reach their financial goals, supporting business growth or analyzing market trends, a finance degree can open doors to a wide range of possibilities.