B.S. in Finance program

Finance (B.S.)

Chicago is a global financial hub and home to the world’s largest markets in financial derivatives, and our Bachelor of Science in Finance program puts you at the center of it.

The Stuart School of Business has the combination of strong connections within the finance industry in Chicago, highly respected faculty, and a cutting-edge curriculum that will prepare you for an exciting career in finance.

As the only business school in Chicago that’s part of a tech-focused university, Stuart bridges business and technology to provide you with a depth of knowledge in finance, a foundation in business fundamentals that is second to none, and mastery of quantitative and analytical skills that employers seek.

You’ll learn about economic principles for business, concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics, asset pricing theory, capital investments and cash flows, shareholder value, pricing and risk management of derivative securities, and other key areas of finance.

At Stuart, you’ll have opportunities to put your learning to practice in the student-led Stuart Investments organization and by competing in national and international finance competitions. We also sponsor career development sessions and networking events with finance professionals, including our many alumni in the Chicago area.

Through Illinois Tech’s one-of-a-kind Elevate program, you are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences—such as internships, group projects, and research— where you connect your classroom learning with real-world practice. You also receive mentoring to guide your academic studies and to prepare you to launch your finance career with a great job when you graduate.

STEM-Designated Program

This is a STEM-designated program, and international graduates of the program are eligible to apply for an extension for Optional Practical Training, which allows selected students to stay and work in the United States for up to three years after graduation.

Program Overview

The STEM-designated B.S. in Finance program leverages Stuart’s highly respected faculty and deep connections in Chicago’s global financial center to provide students with a curriculum that is tuned to the finance industry, a solid grounding in quantitative and analytical skills, and opportunities to connect the classroom with real-world experience, so our graduates are career-ready.

Career Opportunities

The B.S. in Finance degree prepares students for a career as a financial analyst and specialized positions such as financial risk specialist, fund manager, investment analyst, portfolio manager, ratings analyst, and securities analyst.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median occupational wage of $96,220 for financial analysts in 2022. The projected growth rate for this occupation is eight percent over the next decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations, with about 29,000 openings each year, on average.

Stuart bachelor’s degree graduates have been hired at financial firms such as:

  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Morningstar
  • Bank of America
  • Calamos Investments
  • Eurex Exchange
Disclaimer for prospective students, please read.
The information provided is sourced from a third party, Lightcast, and is provided here for informational and educational purposes only. Please be advised that the inclusion of the Lightcast resource on this website does not imply endorsement by Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), nor is it a guarantee of the accuracy of this information. Illinois Tech makes no representation, warranty or guarantee, express or implied, that the information presented herein is reflective of the outcomes you can expect if you enroll in or graduate from an Illinois Tech program. Illinois Tech expressly disclaims any liability regarding Lightcast, or in connection with any actual or potential employment opportunity stemming from information on this site and you hereby irrevocably waive any claim(s) against the Illinois Tech for the same. Your use of this web page is an acknowledgement of your understanding and acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth herein. You are encouraged to conduct your own thorough research into job opportunities and outcomes in your field of study.

The finance program at Stuart is designed to build your core business competencies—including accounting, economics, statistics, finance, business law, marketing, management, decision making, operation and supply chain, and entrepreneurship—and develop your knowledge and advanced skills in the field of finance.

View details

Admission to Illinois Tech is required to enroll in the B.S. in Finance program. Current Illinois Tech students should consult their academic adviser to transfer into the program.

Claire Johnson, Stuart School of Business

Have Questions? Connect with Us

For any questions about Stuart School of Business degree programs or the application and enrollment process, contact our Director of Student Recruitment Claire Johnson.

Get Hands-on with Finance

Internship Opportunities at Stuart School of Business

Through the Stuart School’s connections, our students get a head start on their careers with internships at CME Group, Eurex, Wintrust, and other top companies.

Stuart Investments for hands-on experience for Finance students

Learn by doing in Stuart Investments, the student-led organization where you can participate in equity research, valuation modeling, and portfolio management.

Finance competitions at Stuart School of Business

From risk management to equity valuation, Stuart students put their financial knowledge and skills to the test in national and international business competitions.

“Being in Chicago allowed me to attend different networking events, which led to obtaining a summer internship. During my interview with Wintrust Financial Corp. they were extremely interested with the work we do in Stuart Investments. Stuart provided this unique opportunity that allowed me to stand out compared to other applicants.”

—Mohamed Shamel (Business Administration with Finance specialization/M.S. Finance ’21) Private Equity Analyst, 50 South Capital

Mohamed Shamel

More Value with Business at Stuart

Elevate Your Future

Through Illinois Tech’s Elevate program, we guarantee you hands-on opportunities like internships and other valuable experiences. Add in your personalized Elevate Your Future plan, and you’ll have the twenty-first century skills to land a great job!

A student speaks to a potential employer at a career fair

Stuart’s Career Management Center is dedicated to business students with individualized career counseling, resources for internship and job search, career pathway programs, and networking with business professionals.

Accelerated Master’s Program

Start your career with a master’s! You can earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Stuart in as few as five years, while keeping your undergrad scholarships, through Illinois Tech’s Accelerated Master’s Program.

Featured Faculty

John Twombly
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs Director of Undergraduate Programs in Business Clinical Professor of Accounting and Finance Adjunct Faculty, Industrial Technology and Management
Li Cai
Associate Professor of Finance
Ghazale Jafari Haddadian
Clinical Associate Professor of Operations and Energy Management
Charles Hamilton
Clinical Associate Professor of Accounting
Priyanka Sharma
Associate Professor of Economics
Andrew Kumiega
Assistant Professor of Analytics Adjunct Professor, Industrial Technology and Management
Nik Rokop
Coleman Foundation Teaching Professor of Entrepreneurship Director, Master of Technological Entrepreneurship Director, M.S. in Technological Entrepreneurship Director, Center for Sports Innovation

Stuart Stands Out

Chicago Skyline Ariel View 280x150

Only Business School in a Tech-Focused University in Chicago

6%

Stuart is AACSB Accredited. Only 6% of Business Schools Globally Are.

—Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International