Finance Degree

The finance program at Western Kentucky 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 Kentucky colleges that offer finance degrees.

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Western Kentucky University

310 College St, Barbourville, KY

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is situated on a hilltop campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It is a public research university with top research faculty and many nationally recognized academic programs. Some of the top WKU programs include journalism, business, education, broadcasting and engineering.

WKU, which is comprised of four campuses and Study Abroad/overseas programs, is the fastest growing university in Kentucky. High school juniors and seniors who are high achievers can enroll in the Gatton Academy for Mathematics and Sciences at WKU.

WKU has more than 170 academic study areas at the undergraduate and pre-professional levels. WKU offers associate degrees, certificates, and bachelor's degrees. There are 50 graduate programs to choose from.

WKU offers flexible programs through its University College, which are suited to non-traditional students such as working adults or those seeking lifelong learning. Flexible classes are offered at locations across the mid-state area.

History

Western Kentucky University was established in 1906 as one of two teacher training institutions - the Western Kentucky State Normal School in Bowling Green. Classes commenced in 1907. Eventually this state-supported school took over the Southern Normal School, and its owner, Henry cherry, became WKU's first president.  

In 1911, the school moved to the Hill, which is the present site of its main campus. The curricula continued to focus on teacher training for 10 years. The school was approved to grant four-year degrees, and in 1922, was approved to grant four-year degrees.

In 1927, Western merged with Ogden College. In 1930, Western's name was changed to Western Kentucky State Teachers College. In 1931, the first master's degree was offered.

The curriculum began to broaden beyond teacher training, and the name was changed to Western Kentucky State College in 1948.

In 1963, Western merged with the Bowling Green College of Commerce, which became a separate college within Western's structure. The Graduate School at Western also had separate status. In 1965, three more colleges formed:  the College of Education, the Ogden College of Science and Technology, and the Potter College of Liberal Arts. In 1966, the name was changed to Western Kentucky University.

Academics

The academic calendar for Western Kentucky University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. WKU also offers a Winter Term in the month of January. Its summer semester is divided into two sessions in June, and two sessions in July.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
• College of Health and Human Services
• Gordon Ford College of Business
• Ogden College of Science and Engineering
• Potter College of Arts & Letters
• University College
• Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science
• Honors College

Student Life

Students at Western Kentucky University enjoy a wide range of student services, including:

• Academic Support Services
• Advising
• Library
• Testing
• Tutoring
• Campus Safety
• Campus Security
• WKU Store
• Career Services
• Counseling Services
• Disabilities Services
• Health Services
• Veterans Affairs
• Community Links
• Study Abroad 

Students at WKU are encouraged to join one of the many student clubs and organizations that are available for participation. Students may also log onto the WKU-O Blog to find out more about student clubs and activities on campus. There is a Dynamic Leadership Institute (DLI) on campus that teaches students interpersonal skills and the knowledge they will need to engage in leadership activities on campus.

On campus housing is available in one of the WKU Residence Halls, and there is a range of dining options available.

Traditions

The traditional school colors of Western Kentucky University are red, black and white. The athletic teams are called the WKU "Hilltoppers" or the WKU "Lady Toppers" for the women's teams. The mascot for WKU is "Big Red," a large, red, furry creature that was designed by a WKU student in 1979. Big Red represents the Spirit of Western.

There is a tradition of the "Red Towel at WKU, which began with the late basketball coach, E.A. Diddle. Coach Diddle used to clutch and wave a red towel throughout all Hilltopper basketball games. Now the Red Towel has become synonymous with outstanding basketball, and fans at WKU sporting events will wave red-colored towels in the air as they cheer for "Big Red."

Athletics

The Western Kentucky University "Hilltoppers" and "Lady Toppers" athletic teams compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross country
• Football
• Golf
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field 

Women's Sports:

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

Satellite Campuses

The campuses of Western Kentucky University include its main campus at Bowling Green, Kentucky, and satellite campuses at:

• Glasgow
• Owensboro
• Elizabethtown 

WKU also sends students each term to Harlaxton College in Grantham, England.

Community Life

WKU has outreach programs that allow students and faculty to interface with community business and industry, local organizations and more. The Division of Extended Learning and Outreach (DELO) offers both credit and non-credit classes to students of all ages. DELO partners with local businesses to plan special events, provide customized training, and develop degree programs that meet the needs of the organization.

The ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships brings campus and community together to enrich both higher education and public life. ALIVE CCP facilitates collaborative efforts that address local, regional, and global needs while also enhancing the level of student learning and educational experience.

Students Enrolled in the Finance Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Western Kentucky 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

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

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

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

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

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

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).