Bachelor of ArtsFinance

W. Fielding Rubel School of Business / Bachelor of Arts in Finance

Prepare for a career in banking, consulting, financial planning, insurance, corporate finance or investment banking with a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Bellarmine University.

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The finance major at Bellarmine integrates the theory and application of finance, supplemented by a broad background in accounting and economics, while also providing the comprehensive liberal arts foundation inherent in all Bellarmine University business degrees.

Why earn your Finance degree at Bellarmine?

The W. Fielding Rubel School of Business at Bellarmine University is accredited by AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), which places it among the elite business schools in the nation. Not only is Bellarmine the first and only private university in Kentucky to achieve AACSB accreditation, but fewer than 15 percent of business schools worldwide have achieved this distinction. Finance students at Bellarmine also have valuable exposure to the liberal arts disciplines of philosophy, English, history, mathematics, and political science that develops them into the well-rounded thinkers that businesses want. This program offers an opportunity for students to complete the undergraduate finance major along with an MBA in five years.

Program Highlights

The finance major at Bellarmine assimilates accounting and economics by taking information and data from the business environment and applying economic analysis to the issues and data we observe. Of course, finance students at Bellarmine also have valuable exposure to the liberal arts disciplines of philosophy, English, history, mathematics, and political science that develops them into well-rounded thinkers that businesses desire. Approximately two-thirds of finance majors receive internships at local businesses. Other extracurricular activities that complement the classroom experience include the opportunity to participate in the Bellarmine University Investment Group, Economics and Finance Club and the national professional business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi. The finance program at Bellarmine is one of only two programs in the state of Kentucky recognized as a CFA Institute University Affiliated Program and was ranked second in the state of Kentucky by College Factual.

Learning Goals

Finance graduates will achieve quality employment in a business field or pursue graduate education opportunities in business or related fields.
Finance graduates will be able to accurately assess the financial position of organizations through examination of balance sheets, cash flow statements, financial ratios, and annual reports.
Finance students must demonstrate the ability to recognize and analyze ethical problems, and choose and defend resolutions for practical solutions that occur in business.
Finance graduates shall be able to express themselves clearly and professionally in oral presentations.

Alumnus Story

“The skills I learned and the friendships I made with fellow students and the staff in Bellarmine’s Rubel School of Business were invaluable. I often consult with my former professors (now friends) about my business, and they have remained great mentors. I would not be in the position I am without their help, and attending Bellarmine was without a doubt one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

John Ackerman ’13, Finance/Accounting
’13 MBA/’14 MST
Certified Public Accountant, Owner
John Ackerman CPA, LLC

Frequently Asked Questions

What courses are required to complete the program?

Required Core Courses: ACCT 211, 212, 313, ECON 308, 351, FINA 315, FINA 418, FINA 427;
Required Business Courses: BUSA 103, 301, 305, 345, 499;
Required Business Law Courses: BUSA 203 or BUSA 403;
Required Related Courses: ACCT 101 and ACCT 102; ECON 110, ECON 111, and ECON 314; ECON 410 or B.A. 346; MATH 125 or MATH 117; MATH 205 or MATH 315; COMM 103 or COMM 205; PSYC 103.

Are there any special requirements for this major?
Yes. Students must achieve a minimum 2.00 GPA for all Rubel School courses (accounting, business, economics, and finance) taken in the Rubel School (not counting transfer courses) to graduate with a Finance major.

What employment opportunities are available with a degree in finance?
Recent graduates have obtained jobs at a number of diverse businesses including J.P. Morgan-Chase & Co., Atria, Schneider Electric, General Electric, and Deloitte & Touche. Bellarmine graduates in finance are also well-prepared to pursue graduate degrees in finance, business, law, or accounting.

Do you provide job or internship placement?
Yes. Bellarmine guarantees every student the opportunity to have an internship, develop a career plan and build a professional network. Examples of local firms that have offered internships include General Electric, Steele Technologies, Morgan Stanley, National City Bank, William Mercer, and Constellation Energy. Internships are available during summer and the regular school year. Activities in the internships will range from investment analysis to spreadsheet work, all preparing finance majors for careers upon graduation.

Is financial aid available?
Yes. Please go to Bellarmine’s financial aid website for detailed information on financial aid packages. Additionally, students can work with our Faculty Development Center to apply for grants and awards outside of the Bellarmine offerings.

How many hours can I expect to spend studying outside of class time?
Students have their own learning styles so this can vary greatly. As a rule of thumb, expect to spend an average of two hours studying for every hour you spend in class.

Career Prospects

The Bellarmine finance degree will prepare students for careers in banking, consulting, financial planning, insurance, corporate finance and investment banking. The degree will also prepare students for an MS in Finance or MBA by giving them a strong background in accounting, economics, and finance. Most students find these areas to be the most challenging pieces of the MBA program, so the finance degree at Bellarmine gives students a distinct advantage.

On-Campus Experiences

Delta Sigma Pi is a professional fraternity organized to foster the study of business in universities; to encourage scholarship, social activity, and the association of students for their mutual advancement by research and practice; to promote closer affiliation between the commercial world and students of commerce; and to further a higher standard of commercial ethics and culture and the civic and commercial welfare of the community.

The Economics and Finance Club provides finance majors with opportunities to hear speakers from the fields of economic and finance. There is also be an opportunity every year for students to attend a professional conference. Additionally, members will have the opportunity to participate in community and university service that utilizes their expertise in economics and finance.

The Investment Club provides finance majors with opportunities to get valuable experience constructing and managing a portfolio. The club currently manages $100,000 of the university’s endowment.

Faculty Profiles

Here is a quick snapshot of a few of our faculty members. Read profiles of all of our distinguished faculty.

Dr. Bradley Stevenson
Dr. Stevenson is an associate professor of Finance. He received his Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Cincinnati and has an MBA from the University of Cincinnati. His current research interests include financial markets and institutions with an emphasis on institutional efficiency, institutional risk and monitoring ability. Dr. Stevenson is a member of the Financial Management Association, the Southern Finance Association and the Midwest Finance Association. Previous professional experience includes positions as a client relationship manager at Fifth Third Bank and as an administrative services representative at the Union Central Life Insurance Company.

Dr. Daniel L. Bauer
Dr. Bauer started at Bellarmine in 1995 and served as the dean of the Rubel School for 15 years (2000-2015). His research and scholarly activities have earned Dr. Bauer a national reputation as an expert on business issues relating to “Generation X.” He currently serves on the Park Credit Union Supervisory Committee and as a financial consultant for Lanier Asset Management. He holds an MBA from the University of Kentucky and a Doctor of Business Administration with a major in Finance from Mississippi State University. Before coming to Bellarmine, he was a federal bank examiner with the Farm Credit Administration.

Dr. Hongwei Song
Dr. Song is an assistant professor of Economics. She received her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Arkansas. At Bellarmine, she teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in classes such as Principles of Microeconomics, International Trade and Finance, and Global Economy. Dr. Song is a member of the Southern Economic Association and the American Economic Association. Her fields of interest involve development economics, the economics of networks, experimental economics, and international economics. She has published on academic journals in both English and Chinese.

Dr. Amy K. Fairfield
Dr. Fairfield is an Assistant Professor of Finance. She received her D.B.A., with a concentration in finance, from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Dr. Fairfield earned both her bachelor’s and MBA degrees from Bradley University. Her current research interests include behavioral finance relating to chief financial officers and social networks as well as tail risk and institutional investors. Dr. Fairfield is a member of the Financial Management Association. Previous professional experience includes working as a General Securities Representative (Series 7 and 63 exams) as well as a General Securities Principal (Series 24 exam) to develop a new securities exchange and as a cost accountant in the food processing industry.

Accreditation

Bellarmine University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctorate degrees. The W. Fielding Rubel School of Business at Bellarmine University is accredited by AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), which places it among the elite business schools in the nation.

Contact Information

Bradley Stevenson, Ph.D., Chair
502.272.8173 or bstevenson@bellarmine.edu

Bellarmine on Business Podcast

Bellarmine University's Rubel School of Business is launching the Bellarmine on Business podcast. Each monthly episode will feature lively discussions with faculty and/or alumni. Episodes will focus on the economy, finance, marketing, HR, the law, business strategy and more. Learn more >>