Virginia Tech Finance Graduation Requirements
To graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Virginia Tech, students must fulfill a comprehensive set of requirements that encompass university-level, Pamplin College of Business, and specific finance program criteria.
University Requirements
All Virginia Tech undergraduates must complete the University’s Core Curriculum, emphasizing foundational knowledge and skills. This includes courses in:
- English: Composition and rhetoric, and literature
- Mathematics: Calculus and statistical reasoning
- Science: Laboratory science courses covering physical and life sciences
- Humanities: History, philosophy, and fine arts
- Social Sciences: Courses examining human behavior and social structures
- Communication: Effective communication in various contexts
- Critical Thinking in the Context of Problem Solving: A course dedicated to analytical and problem-solving skills.
Meeting these requirements ensures students possess a broad academic foundation applicable to their finance studies and future careers.
Pamplin College of Business Requirements
As Finance is within the Pamplin College of Business, additional college-level courses are necessary. These courses provide a common business foundation and enhance quantitative and analytical aptitudes. These include:
- Accounting: Principles of accounting (both financial and managerial)
- Business Law: Legal environment of business
- Economics: Microeconomics and macroeconomics
- Information Technology: Introduction to business information systems
- Management: Principles of management and organizational behavior
- Marketing: Principles of marketing
- Statistics: Business statistics
- Operations and Supply Chain Management: Basics of supply chain principles
The Pamplin core coursework equips finance students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the business environment and how finance functions within a larger organizational context.
Finance Major Requirements
The heart of the Finance degree lies in the specialized finance coursework. These classes delve into the theoretical and practical aspects of financial decision-making. Requirements include:
- Core Finance Courses: These courses cover fundamental topics such as financial management, investments, financial modeling, and financial institutions.
- Finance Electives: Students choose electives to tailor their studies to specific areas of interest, such as corporate finance, investments, risk management, real estate, or international finance. A certain number of credit hours must come from 4000-level (advanced) finance courses.
- Quantitative Methods: A strong emphasis is placed on quantitative skills, with courses like econometrics or advanced statistics often recommended.
- Experiential Learning: Students are encouraged to participate in internships, co-ops, or research projects to gain practical experience and apply their knowledge.
A minimum GPA is generally required for finance major coursework. Consult the Virginia Tech Timetable of Classes and the Finance Department website for detailed course listings, specific GPA requirements, and any recent updates to graduation requirements. It’s crucial to work closely with an academic advisor throughout the program to ensure all requirements are met for timely graduation.