Finance Degree

The finance program at Grand Canyon University prepares students for careers as a credit analyst, finance officer, financial advisor, financial analyst, financial planner, loan officer, or investment banker. The program focuses on planning, managing, and analyzing financial and monetary aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions, or other organizations. Program courses include: principles of accounting, financial instruments, capital planning, funds acquisition, asset and debt management, budgeting, financial analysis, and investments and portfolio management. Get more details below including other Arizona colleges that offer finance degrees.

Grand Canyon University

6000 W Olive Ave, Glendale, AZ

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian institute of higher learning located in Phoenix, Arizona.  It offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees through its online and on campus programs.  A leading bible college, GCU also has been recognized for offering some of the top-rated online education programs in the United States. GCU's degree programs are offered through its Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, College of Doctoral Studies, and College of Fine Arts and Production. Programs are designed for traditional undergraduate students as well as for working professionals.

The GCU mission states that as a private Christian College it "prepares learners to become global citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators and responsible leaders by providing an academically challenging, values-based curriculum from the context of our Christian heritage."

History

In 1949, the Baptist General Convention of Arizona founded Grand Canyon University.  It was the state's first private university, and opened with 93 students on its first campus in Prescott, Arizona.

In 1951, GCU relocated to the present campus in Phoenix, Arizona.  A group of the university's founders relocated to the new campus and continued to grow its programs in education, English, religion, music, mathematics, history, and athletics.  The goal was to make GCU a "beacon of Christian education" and academic excellence.

In 1968, the North Central Association granted GCU regional accreditation. Over the years, GCU began to win national championships in athletics including basketball, baseball, and women's tennis. Academic programs were expanded in the 1980's to include master's degrees.

Academics

Grand Canyon University's academic calendar follows the semester system with a fall, spring and summer semester.  It offers 8-week and 16-week classes.

GCU offers nearly 60 different undergraduate degrees between its campus-based and online programs.  It offers more than 50 master's degrees with different specializations, and eight doctoral degrees.  Some degree programs are offered with both the on-campus and online options.

Colleges and Schools

Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers many degree programs through its different colleges and schools, which include:

• Ken Blanchard College of Business
• College of Nursing & Health Sciences
• College of Education
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Fine Arts and Productions
• College of Doctoral Studies

Student Life

On-campus students of Grand Canyon University will benefit from the services provided by the Health and Wellness Center, Disability Services, Career Services, the Copy and Mail Center, the Library, a Fitness Center, cafeteria and campus coffee shop.  There are also many recreational activities and intramural sports offered at GCU's Phoenix campus.  Intramural sports include flag football, inner-tube water polo, soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, and many more.

Online students of GCU will benefit from the Quick Start Resource Center, which offers many student services through the university's website.

Traditions

From its early beginnings, Grand Canyon University has been a Christian university with a tradition of "educating people to lead and serve."

Athletics

Grand Canyon University has a strong intercollegiate athletics program and has produced many top-ranking national athletes.  The GCU Antelopes (nickname: 'Lopes) teams have won many regional and national championships.

Athletics facilities at GCU include the Brazell Stadium (baseball), Antelope Gymnasium (Basketball, Volleyball), GCU Soccer Complex, Stapleton-Pierson Stadium (Softball), Phoenix Swim Club, Paseo Racquet Center (Tennis) and the Student Recreation Center.

Intercollegiate sports at GCU include:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball
• Wrestling

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

Many of GCU's professional and degree programs are offered online, allowing students to complete their courses from any location.

Community Life

As a Christian university, GCU offers many opportunities for spiritual growth and mission work.  The GCU offices of Student Life and Spiritual Life are there to build community on campus for students with diverse needs.  These offices host many events and activities to encourage involvement and connection with the community.  There are local, regional and international ministries available on a short-term or long-term basis.

Students Enrolled in the Finance Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Grand Canyon University offers a bachelor's degree program in finance.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Chief Sustainability Officers

Description

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

General and Operations Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services.

Treasurers and Controllers

Description

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, treasurers and controllers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.8% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Total Employment: 7
  • Average Hourly Rate: $59.68
  • Average Annual Salary: $124130

Budget Analysts

Description

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, budget analysts employment is expected to grow at a rate of 2.5% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Total Employment: 770
  • Average Hourly Rate: $33.38
  • Average Annual Salary: $69440

Credit Analysts

Description

Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decision making.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, credit analysts employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.1% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Total Employment: 890
  • Average Hourly Rate: $36.69
  • Average Annual Salary: $76310

Financial Analysts

Description

Conduct quantitative analyses of information affecting investment programs of public or private institutions.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, financial analysts employment is expected to grow at a rate of 11.7% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Average Hourly Rate: $35.09
  • Average Annual Salary: $72990

Personal Financial Advisors

Description

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, personal financial advisors employment is expected to grow at a rate of 29.6% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Total Employment: 3
  • Average Hourly Rate: $39.08
  • Average Annual Salary: $81290

Loan Officers

Description

Evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of commercial, real estate, or credit loans. Advise borrowers on financial status and payment methods. Includes mortgage loan officers and agents, collection analysts, loan servicing officers, and loan underwriters.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, loan officers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 8.1% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Total Employment: 8
  • Average Hourly Rate: $33.43
  • Average Annual Salary: $69540

Financial Quantitative Analysts

Description

Develop quantitative financial products used to inform individuals or financial institutions engaged in saving, lending, investing, borrowing, or managing risk. Investigate methods for financial analysis to create mathematical models used to develop improved analytical tools or advanced financial investment instruments.

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).