Department of Finance, Investment, and Banking
Collaborative partnerships, dynamic learning experiences
At the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin–Madison you can be part of an undergraduate program that consistently ranks near the top of all schools in the United States, a master’s program that focuses on progressive learning in niche areas, or a PhD program that fosters passionate researchers.
The forward-thinking curriculum includes comprehensive coursework, applied programs, and collaborative experiences with business leaders in the field. Our department is led by internationally known faculty and is supported by three knowledge centers. Alumni also share their experience as lecturers and speakers. There are numerous opportunities for you to develop the sophisticated skills in corporate finance, investments, and banking that recruiters have come to expect from our graduates.
Faculty and Research
Faculty
Our faculty members contribute to the finance, investment, and banking professions both in and beyond the classroom.
Degrees We Support
Undergraduate (BBA) – Finance, Investment, and Banking Major
Undergraduate students with a major in finance, investment, and banking learn to manage organizations’ financial resources.
MS in Finance, Investment, and Banking
Wisconsin School of Business undergraduates and UW–Madison undergraduate economics students may earn an MS degree with one additional year of study beyond their undergraduate requirements.
MS in Financial Economics
This master’s degree emphasizes modern quantitative methods in financial economics and econometrics. Jointly offered by the Wisconsin School of Business’ Finance Department and the Department of Economics, it provides highly sought after skills in advanced financial analysis.
MBA – Applied Security Analysis Specialization
The applied security analysis specialization in the Wisconsin MBA Program provides the analytic skill set, asset management experience, and professional support you’ll need to grow your career in the investment industry.
MBA – Corporate Finance and Investment Banking Specialization
This comprehensive program prepares students for a lifetime of success as financial officers, consultants, or investment bankers.
PhD in Finance
The Wisconsin PhD Program in finance prepares individuals for careers in research and teaching at the university level.
PhD in Finance (Business) & Economics—Joint Degree
The joint Wisconsin PhD Program in finance and economics trains researchers for tenure-track positions at the nexus of these two fields.
Knowledge Centers
Hawk Center for Investment Analysis
Our objective is to offer students the opportunity to participate in a curriculum that emphasizes the application of modern investment theory to the management of real assets.
Nicholas Center for Corporate Finance and Investment Banking
We support MBA students who gain practical experience by working on corporate finance consulting engagements.
Puelicher Center for Banking Education
We are dedicated to state-of-the art banking education that develops skills needed to succeed in investment and commercial banking.
The Thomas A. Costello Character & Courage Award
The Thomas A. Costello Legacy Foundation will give out one-time scholarships in the amount of $2,400 to three applicants with the strongest essay and interview. Awardees will be contacted in Summer 2025 and scholarship awards will be paid directly to UW–Madison for tuition costs for the 2025-2026 school year. The deadline to apply is June 1st, 2025.
Eligibility requirements:
- Must be enrolled as an undergraduate student at UW–Madison, with either sophomore or junior standing.
- Preference given for WSB students studying Finance or Risk Management or College of Letters and Science students studying Economics as an honor student.
Beyond Degrees
Undergraduate student organizations
- Capital Management Club
- Economics Student Association
- Fantasy Sports & Finance Club
- Federal Reserve Challenge
- Finance & Investment Society
- Forex Investment Club
- Investment Banking Club
- Sales & Trading and Asset Management Society
- Society of Personal Investments
- Wealth Management Group
- Women in Finance & Accounting
Contact Us
Want to learn more about our finance, investment and banking programs? Let us know how we can help.