Finance Degree

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

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Western Michigan University

2855 29th Street SE Suite B, Kentwood, MI

Western Michigan University (WMU), located in Kalamazoo, is Michigan's fourth largest institution of higher education and research. It is designated a high-research-activity university by the Carnegie Foundation, and is ranked in the top 100 American universities by U.S. News & World Report.

WMU offers more than 140 academic programs at the bachelor's degree level, and more than 65 at the master's degree level. WMU also offers 29 doctoral programs and one specialist program. Many of these programs receive high ranks among similar programs nationwide.  The engineering, nuclear physics, specialized education, flight safety and clean energy programs are particularly notable.

In addition to its traditional campus-based programs, WMU offers online programs for distance learning, and continuing education courses. It has six regional learning sites located throughout Michigan, which offer graduate and professional education.

The campuses of WMU boast excellent amenities in more than 150 buildings, including a student recreation center, and state-of-the-art facilities for science research, health and human services, visual and performing arts.

WMU offers a strong international education, with a majority of its faculty engaged in collaborative work or projects on six continents. International students represent nearly 95 countries around the globe, and study abroad programs are offered in 24 countries. WMU has many majors or minors that offer interdisciplinary study programs in global studies, comparative politics, international business, foreign languages, and more.

History

Western Michigan University was founded in 1903 as a regional teachers college called Western Michigan College. It became Western Michigan University in 1957, when it was designated a public university in the Michigan system.

Academics

The academic calendar for Western Michigan University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and winter semesters.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Aviation
• Haworth College of Business
• College of Education and Human Development
• College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
• College of Fine Arts
• Graduate College
• College of Health and Human Services
• Lee Honors College

Student Life

Students at WMU have roughly 300 student organizations and clubs available on campus for participation. These groups represent interests ranging from academics to politics, cultures and the arts. Student services including computing facilities, laboratories, and a stellar library system that includes the Archives and Regional History Collections, Education, Music and Dance, and the main Waldo Library.

Traditions

The WMU school colors are brown and gold, with black as an accent color. The school mascot is the bronco, and "Buster Bronco" can be seen at sporting events promoting the WMU Bronco team spirit.

Athletics

The WMU "Broncos" compete in 16 intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Football
• Hockey
• Soccer
• Tennis 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its main campus in Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University has the Parkview Campus, which houses its Business Technology and Research Park and Engineering College. WMU's Aviation College is housed at the W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek, Michigan.

WMU offers Extended University programs online and at six satellite learning sites around the state of Michigan:

• Battle Creek
• Benton Harbor-St. Joseph
• Grand Rapids
• Lansing
• Muskegon
• Traverse City

Community Life

There are many opportunities for recreation and entertainment in Kalamazoo, including historic walking tours of old Kalamazoo, exhibits at the Gilmore Car Museum, and activities at Kalamazoo Valley museum. There is also the Psycho Ward & Nightmares Haunted House on the Kalamazoo Speedway, for those who enjoy haunted attractions.

The Chenery Auditorium offers many orchestral concerts, including the musical works of Mozart, Schubert and Ravel. Students and visitors can enjoy theatrical performances at The New Vic Theatre.

Students Enrolled in the Finance Program

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

• Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $52.25
  • Average Annual Salary: $108670

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

• Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
  • Total Employment: 50
  • Average Hourly Rate: $33.19
  • Average Annual Salary: $69040

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

• Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
  • Total Employment: 130
  • Average Hourly Rate: $26.68
  • Average Annual Salary: $55500

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

• Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
  • Total Employment: 460
  • Average Hourly Rate: $34.89
  • Average Annual Salary: $72560

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

• Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
  • Total Employment: 640
  • Average Hourly Rate: $41.34
  • Average Annual Salary: $85980

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

• Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
  • Total Employment: 970
  • Average Hourly Rate: $26.50
  • Average Annual Salary: $55110

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).