The Kansas State University Finance Scholars Program is housed within Gates Capital Management Center of Financial Analysis in the College of Business Administration and supported by the Department of Finance. It is a selective program that focuses on preparing students for careers in investment banking, private equity, asset management, and management consulting. This program serves top finance students who are committed to a rigorous curriculum, career development, and to the prospects of a rewarding career in the financial industry.
Three Program Pillars
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Academic Curriculum
Specialized Finance coursework developed for target sectors.
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Industry Connections
Leveraging alumni connections for learning and networking opportunities as well as using leading industry focused resources.
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Career Development
Dedicated finance career coach provides resume review, interview prep, and firm connections.
How to Become a K-State Finance Scholar
Students are admitted to the Finance Scholars Program on an application basis. The application cycle starts in August. Following the initial application, prospective students are invited to take an entrance exam to test their quantitative, economics, and finance knowledge. Qualified applicants will then be invited to a professional interview, where we learn more about you and your motivation for being a Finance Scholar. Students interested in applying or learning more about the Finance Scholar Program are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Sabuhi Sardarli, Director of Gates Capital Management Center of Financial Analysis, Julia Parcell, Program Coordinator, or Dr. Hardy Johnson, Finance Department Head. Any K-State student with the intention of majoring in finance is eligible to apply.
Interested in Applying?
The application cycle opens August 5, 2024. Preference is given to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, in that order.
The application form consists of:
statement of purpose
campus involvement in professional organizations and extracurricular activities
a copy of most recent resume
an unofficial copy of your transcript
After initial review of applications and entry exam, select applicants will be invited to interview with faculty and current Finance Scholars.
Application opens: August 5, 2024
Application closes: September 17, 2024
Entry exams: September 20, 2024 at 7:30 am
Interviews: September 30 & October 1
Selections: early-October, 2024
Incoming Scholar Orientation: October, 2024
Required Courses
Major Field Requirements - 15 hours
ACCTG 331 - Intermediate Accounting Processes
FINAN 510 - Financial Institutions & Markets
FINAN 520 - Investments
FINAN 575 - Intermediate Finance
FINAN 675 - Cases in Finance
Program Requirements - 15 hours
ACCTG 433 - Financial Reporting
FINAN 623 - Financial Modeling
FINAN 653 - Securities and Portfolio Analysis
FINAN 655 - Advanced Portfolio Management
FINAN 663 - Mergers and Acquisitions
Economics Requirements - 3 hours
ECON 510 or ECON 520 Intermediate Macroeconomics or Intermediate Microeconomics
Unrestricted Electives – 12 hours
Any course offered by the University 100 level or above
Click here for a PDF of all course requirements, including BAPP requirements, for the Financial Analyst Track.
Why join the Finance Scholars Program?
Students in the K-State Finance Scholars Program have access to top curriculum to expand their education and knowledge. We are provided with resources and knowledge to be prepared for high-end finance industry careers. Students have the opportunity to network with Kansas State University resources and Finance alumni, along with working one-on-one with a finance career coach, dedicated to setting them up for professional success. Throughout the academic year, the center hosts various events, networking and training opportunities, and trips to visit prospective employers across the country and abroad.
“The opportunities as a member of the Finance Scholars Program have been transformative for me in my education, career, and personal life. The learning and networking experiences I’ve been afforded as a Finance Scholar have strengthened my technical skills, grown my knowledge of the industry, connected me with incredible mentors, and prepared me for the career I have always wanted.” said Maddie Rimmer, Vice-President.
The Department of Finance and Gates Capital Management Center for Financial Analysis are committed to student success and practice an open-door policy. Faculty encourage us to bring suggestions forward to enhance the program.