Your Gateway to a Finance Career
The Center for Applied Finance gives Knauss School of Business finance students the coursework, credentials and community to build a competitive edge that launches you into a variety of finance careers, starting in your first year and building through graduation. Unlike other programs, you’ll gain direct access to networks and industry knowledge in life science, private wealth and military and veteran financial planning — markets that are especially robust here in San Diego.
The Finance Journey at USD
- Year 1: Foundations
- Year 2: Sophomore Workshops
- Year 3: Live Capital
- Year 4: Industry Access
- Intro to finance
- Alcala Capital Stock Club
- Student Finance Association
- Guest speakers
Courses and Credentials
The Knauss School of Business offers a range of finance courses for students to earn a major, minor, or graduate degree in finance. Through the Center of Applied Finance, students can apply their learning through these extracurricular opportunities.
Community and Events
student club
Student Finance Association
The Student Finance Association connects you with peers who share your interest in finance and builds a strong foundation for your professional network.
Career fair
Finance Fest
Explore your career path at Finance Fest. Meet recruiters and professionals from financial institutions. Plus, build your network and apply for internships right on the spot. For more information, contact the Student Finance Association.
networking
Industry Symposiums
As a student, you can attend (or work as a Student Associate!) the center's three industry symposiums, giving you real-time insights and direct access to the professionals shaping San Diego's leading markets.
Career Support
Personal Career Coaching
Once you declare finance as your major, you're paired with a Career Services Manager who supports you through technical interview coaching, building your target firm list, and navigating internship and recruiting season.
Industry Connections
As you approach graduation, the Center introduces you to your target firms and connects you to networks from our industry master classes and symposiums — turning relationships built over four years into real opportunities.
Alumni Network Activation
Tap into the Knauss School of Business’ alumni network — practitioners who've followed the same path as you and are invested in bringing the next class of Toreros into the field.
Finance Degree Programs
Academic Support
Current Students
Are you an enrolled undergraduate or graduate finance student at the Knauss School? Visit the Academic Advising team in the Student Success Center to get personalized academic support, check on your degree progress, and ask any questions you have about classes and credits.