Finance
Minor
PROGRAM SNAPSHOT
Know the basics of investing. Anticipate and solve business problems. Monitor others’ expenses and savings.
There’s a demand for people who are experts at checking their facts, noticing small details, and planning for future events. These skills are essential for people who work in finance.
Finance professionals help individuals and businesses spend, save, and invest their money wisely.
With the Finance minor through WSU’s Department of Finance, you’ll learn the basics for helping others achieve their financial goals.
This program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
of business schools worldwide are accredited by AACSB—and WSU is one of them. This is a significant honor.
As a Finance minor, you’ll learn the foundations of analyzing and managing stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments.
You’ll also:
- practice using Excel to solve and model business problems.
- know the nature of domestic and international security markets.
- understand the best techniques for forecasting today’s investment issues.
You’ll have several networking opportunities year-round. During the Finance@Noon talks, for example, you can meet industry experts and learn what life as a financial professional is like.
Aside from major- or minor-specific requirements, you’ll need to complete additional requirements through the General Education Program (GEP) to earn your degree from Winona State University.
Learn More about the GEP
Inside the Classroom
Finance minors complete a few projects to hone their skills before they graduate.
Through extensive ratio analyses, you’ll measure the financial health of large, complex banks. You’ll also help manage a stock portfolio worth $400,000.
Previous portfolio clients include Dave & Buster’s, Take-Two Interactive (creators of the Grand Theft Auto franchise), and iRobot (creators of Roomba® Robot Vacuum Cleaners).
The College of Business Engagement Center is your hub for experiential learning.
This space comprises the Winona National Bank Financial Markets Lab, Strauss Center for Sales Excellence, Federated Insurance Role Play Room, and an event area dedicated to collaborating with guest business partners.
You’ll receive personalized student advising services and other support as you enroll in the Finance minor to when you graduate.
There’s also a business-focused career services advisor who’s ready to match you with a local organization in need of new talent.
Beyond Campus
You’ll enjoy several affordable tours of key finance workplaces in Minneapolis, Chicago, and beyond.
These visits allow you to expand your network with your peers, Finance alumni, and successful finance professionals within the region.
Past educational visit sites include Churchill Industries, Economics Club of MN, Timberwolves ACC/FIN Panel, Minneapolis, Fed., and Minnesota Bankers Association.
Apply what you learn in the classroom by traveling the world. At WSU, you can earn credit that applies to your degree while exploring the globe.
Learn about the business of health care in Paris, Poland’s economics, and the sustainability of international business in Scotland
Or stay within the U.S. and dive into the markets and influential financial institutions along Wall Street and Main Street in New York City.
Complement your studies and meet other students who are passionate about finance through campus clubs and organizations.
Like the Financial Management Association, Math/Stat Club, Student Economics Association, and WSU Accounting Association.
Or join the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society, Delta Sigma Pi, and Pi Sigma Epsilon.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, securities, commodities, and financial services sales agent positions anticipate a 10% growth by 2031.
Financial analyst professions are also expected to grow 9% within the next decade.
