Associates in Finance

Launch a career in finance

Associate of Business Administration - Finance (65 credits)

Receive broad exposure to foundational accounting principles through the associate of business administration (ABA) in finance program at Davenport University. The finance degree at Davenport holds specialized accreditation through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) so you know you’re receiving high-quality, innovative instruction.

When you major in finance, you’ll learn from professors who hold the finance certifications you may be seeking, such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Certified Financial Analyst (CFA). These industry-experienced experts will help you build a solid business foundation and connect course concepts to experiences you may encounter in your future career.

At Davenport, you can earn an online finance degree through our Global Campus — or take in-person courses on our campuses in Warren and Grand Rapids. Accounting courses at Davenport balance theoretical understanding with hands-on learning opportunities. So, whether you choose to learn online or on campus, you’ll gain important connections through internships, job fairs, competitions and other networking experiences.

What can you do with a finance degree?

Prepare for entry-level positions in the field of finance with an associate's degree from Davenport. You'll build a foundation for further studies in finance and related fields. Students will be able to analyze corporate and individual financial statements as well as identify economic trends. Students will also be able to interpret, analyze and synthesize financial investment data and give appropriate recommendations.

Explore classes for Davenport’s finance associates degree

Through rigorous and relevant coursework that was developed with an advisory board of finance industry leaders, you'll learn to develop and maintain accounting records, prepare financial statements and begin to use accounting information as a decision-making tool. Foundation courses introduce accounting theory and the business accounting cycle.

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Foundations of Excellence		21 Credits
ACES100 or OPEN	Achieving Career and Education Success or (if exempt) Open Elective ACES100 - This course presents the skills needed for university success and initiates students to career planning and development. Students evaluate their abilities and interests in order to develop career goals and align these goals with an appropriate course of study. Through a career investigation project, students are introduced to research techniques. Students also improve on academic skills necessary to successfully complete university work, such as critical thinking, study techniques, and test taking strategies. In addition, students are introduced to important dynamics of interpersonal communication and conflict resolution. The course also orients students to the University, to the Davenport University Excellence System, and to other elements of the Davenport curriculum. (This course is required for all new business and technology students, except those transferring with 30 or more semester credits.) Open Elective - Any course at the 100 level or above that is not already required in program.	3
COMM120	Presentation Techniques This course introduces and applies the theories and principles of effective communication. Students learn to organize and present clear, logical messages to specific audiences. They develop confidence in public speaking and increase their ability to inform and persuade listeners. They also implement critical thinking and listening skills. Finally, students exhibit the skills and tools necessary to construct, organize, and deliver effective speeches. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
ECON200 or ECON201	Microeconomics or Macroeconomics ECON200 Microeconomics 3 CR This course introduces students to economics. Students learn the basics of supply and demand; the market economy; elasticity; the foundation of consumer demand; the theory of the business firm and costs of production; the market structures of perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly, and monopolistic competition; theories of labor unions and wages; antitrust policy; and the microeconomic view of international business. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109 and MATH120 or MATH125 ECON201 Macroeconomics 3 CR This course introduces students to economics, the schools of economic thought, and international economics. Students learn the methodology, concepts, and terminology of macroeconomics, including principles, theories, and tools. They also study banking, money, the Federal Reserve System, and monetary theory. In addition, macroeconomic problems such as inflation, unemployment, economic growth, and globalization are discussed. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109 and MATH120 or MATH125	3
ENGL109	Composition This course introduces students to expository and persuasive writing. Employing critical thinking and the writing process, students will compose academic essays utilizing a variety of modes. They will also analyze and respond to a variety of academic and professional readings. Students will evaluate information and audience to improve form and content. Students are also introduced to the research process, including finding, evaluating, and documenting sources, to complete a short research project using the American Psychological Association Style. Note: ENGL109L is a 0 credit hour lab utilized in the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP). Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores or successful completion of ENGL021. Student must also complete a diagnostic writing sample.	3
ENGL110	Advanced Composition This course further develops the skills in expository and persuasive writing that were introduced in ENGL109, English Composition. Students develop critical thinking through the creation of essays and documents that use argumentation and persuasion. As a team, students collaborate to present a required assignment to the class. Students learn to research, evaluate, and incorporate information from both primary and secondary sources, to document secondary sources using APA format, and to analyze information and audiences to improve form and content. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109	3
SOSC201	Diversity in Society This course introduces students to the complex issues surrounding diversity in U.S. society and to the need for understanding difference in an increasingly globalized world. Students will explore the social-historical context of multiple experiences on individual, cultural and institutional levels. They will analyze the complex interactions regarding diversity in organizations. Students will also evaluate their own thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors in order to understand their roles in a diverse society. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
MATH120	College Mathematics Students in this course will explore and apply college-level mathematical concepts so as to enhance their critical and creative thinking skills. This course aims to increase students' appreciation of the utility and application of mathematics. Topics will include i) problem solving, ii) set theory and real numbers, iii) linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions, and iv) probability. Other topics of interest will be selected from graph theory, prime numbers, logic, number representation, and voting theory. Fees: Additional course fees apply. Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores, placement criteria, or successful completion of MATH 030	3

Foundations of Business		22 Credits
ACCT201	Accounting Foundations I This course is an introduction to accounting principles emphasizing the operation of a business as a sole proprietorship and covers the complete accounting cycle for merchandising and service entities. Partnership accounting is also covered. The application of computer technology to accounting processes is integrated into this course. Grade Note(s): A grade of C or better is required to take the next course in the sequence. Co-requisite(s): BITS 211	4
BITS211	Microcomp Appl Spreadsheet Students create and manipulate spreadsheets with MS Excel to solve business applications. It is expected that students have a familiarity with spreadsheet software, as the course quickly progresses to advanced features, including data validation, linked workbooks, pivot tables, lookup functions, solver, and scenario manager. By the end of the semester, students will have the prerequisite skills to take applicable certification testing. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MATH120 or MATH125	3
BUSN210	Professional Ethics This course explores applied ethics, focusing on social and professional situations especially in the fields of business, law, and technology. Students learn ethical theory as they examine the complexities of ethical dilemmas. Students also compare and contrast ethical and moral systems. In addition, students apply creative and critical thinking to ethical dilemmas involving professional and social responsibility. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
CISP111	Requirements Planning/Develop This course surveys the main components of the business systems cycle. The five phases of the systems development life cycle (SDLC) (systems planning, system analysis, systems design, systems implementation, and system operation and support) will be investigated. Students will look at how many of the typical business needs are incorporated into a business system. These may include invoicing, accounts receivable, order entry, inventory, accounts payable, payroll, manufacturing, and sales/marketing. Participation in a group project, site visit, or case study will give students a sense of group dynamics in real-world systems development projects. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Recommended Prerequisite(s): CISP100	3
GPMT287	Principles of Project Mgmt Students gain an essential understanding of the discipline and approach to the management of projects in a global environment. Topics explained include project definition, resource planning, project scheduling with Gantt charts, project control, as well as planning and scheduling with limited resources. Topics are explored from both a quantitative and qualitative perspective. Students learn and utilize project software throughout the course. Various techniques used in planning, scheduling, ROI, and controlling projects will be explored and applied through the use of simulations. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): HLTH211, MGMT211 or CISP111	3
MGMT211	Management Foundations This course provides a foundation in basic management principles with special application and focus on the supervisory level of management. The four universal functions of management (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling) are explored. Students learn the theories and study their impact on the history of management practices. Proper case analysis process is also examined and applied through the discussion of various supervisory/managerial case situations. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL109	3
MKTG211	Marketing Foundations This course explores the role of marketing in society and in the success of an organization. Students learn and apply the strategies, tactics and terminology used by market-oriented businesses. Through critical thinking exercises and case analysis, students become familiar with the primary tools of marketing including market segmentation, product, pricing, marketing communication, research, and marketing channel strategies. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL109	3

Major		22 Credits
ACCT202	Accounting Foundations II	4
FINC211	Corporate Finance This course covers the fundamental principles of corporate finance. Students will be introduced to various methods of company analysis, the term structure of interest rates, the relationship between risk and return, time value of money principles, security analysis, cost of capital and capital structure, and capital budgeting techniques. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ACCT201	3
FINC212	Advanced Corporate Finance This advanced course deals with topics concerning financial management and strategy. Theoretical as well as practical topics are discussed. Topics include financial planning and forecasting, the management of capital, and risk analysis in capital budgeting, as well as the working theories of capital structure and dividend policy. Students increase their analytical and problem-solving abilities in finance through the use of case studies and integrated PC software in applying various topics facing the modern financial manager. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): FINC211	3
FINC215	Investment Planning This course is an introduction to investment fundamentals, including risk and return; investment information sources; market indexes; analysis of the economy, industry and companies; and investments in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Students will also be introduced to international investing, active versus passive investment strategies, fundamental and technical analyses, and other investment vehicles such as options, warrants, and convertibles. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): FINC211	3
FINC220	Money/Banking-Treas Mgt Focus This course is a study of the United States banking system, as well as how the government and the Federal Reserve Board influence bank operations and US monetary policy. Students will become acquainted with the principles of monetary theory and how the banking system is a key player in its implementation. Building on concepts learned in macroeconomics, topics will include the structure of the financial services industry; regulatory structure of the banking industry; the bank planning process; the functions of the central bank; and an introduction to international banking. Students will increase their analytical and problem-solving abilities in finance, while learning to analyze monetary and fiscal policy as practiced by the Federal Reserve. Students will also study banks' financial statements and will be introduced to credit analysis, investment management, and loan administration. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuit	3
FINC235	Financial Analysis for Bus Mgr This case study-based course examines the fundamentals of financial analysis from a business manager’s perspective, focusing on the analysis of financial information when making strategic business decisions. Topics covered include the practical interpretation of financial statements along with the utilization of various analytical techniques including ratio, common-size and trend analysis. Critical thinking and problem solving will incorporate the analysis of competitor and industry financial information. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): FINC211, MGMT211 and MKTG211	3
LEGL210	Business Law Foundations This survey course covers the fundamental principles of business law, including the legal system, dispute resolution, government regulation torts, and crimes affecting business, contracts, sales, and agency. Court decisions are used to encourage analytical thinking. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL110	3

Which class should I take? When should I take it?

See our Recommended Program Sequences:

100%

Earn a finance associate degree online through our Global Campus

Complete your finance associate degree in just two years

92%

of Davenport students receive a scholarship or gift aid that, unlike student loans, does not have to be repaid

With six start dates you can begin your finance degree year-round

Why pursue an associate in finance degree at Davenport University?

When you earn an associate in finance degree at Davenport, you’ll stand out from the competition through a program taught by CFPs and other industry experts. You'll gain an understanding of the theory of accounting and the business accounting cycle. You’ll benefit from a finance degree curriculum that was developed with an advisory board of finance industry leaders who know what you need to know to succeed in jobs with a degree in finance.

Experience the Davenport difference:

IACBE accreditation

Receive a finance associates degree online or on-campus that holds specialized accreditation by the IACBE.

Study with finance experts

Learn from academically trained and industry-experienced faculty who bring their expertise into your finance associates courses.

Small class sizes

Receive the personalized attention you deserve through small class sizes and a low student-faculty ratio in your finance associates courses.

Put theory into practice

Take the theories you learn in your finance associate degree classes and apply them to hands-on, finance-related projects.

Get started on your finance associate degree

Explore the admissions requirements and then take the next step toward earning your finance associate degree at Davenport University.

Talk to an admissions advisor

Davenport’s admissions team is here to answer your questions. Please call us at 800.686.1600 or email us at info@davenport.edu.

Apply now or request more information

Start on the road to jobs with a degree in finance and finance certifications. Request more information or begin your application now.

Davenport programs related to the associate in finance degree

BBA in Accounting

BBA in Accounting Fraud Investigation

BBA in Business

Additional resources

About Davenport University

Davenport is a private, not-for-profit university with more than 150 years of experience preparing students for successful careers.

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Davenport alum Chris Tarkowski finds success in finance

Even as a child, Chris Tarkowski ’08 was interested in how to make, grow and invest money. A veteran, Tarkowski earned his BBA at Davenport and found success in finance.

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Some programs require a student to complete a portion of their degree plan off-campus.
View a full list of those programs and courses

IACBE Accredited

Davenport University has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11374 Strang Line Road in Lenexa, Kansas, USA.

Source:

DU Financial Aid Awards, 2022/2023