South Carolina's Finance pathway prepares students for careers in banking, financial planning, accounting, insurance, and investment services. This rigorous program develops financial literacy, analytical thinking, and professional skills essential for careers in South Carolina's financial services industry. Students learn financial principles including accounting, investment analysis, risk management, and financial planning that apply across personal and corporate finance contexts.
The pathway integrates financial concepts with technology applications, teaching students to use accounting software, financial analysis tools, and data management systems. Students develop understanding of financial markets, banking operations, insurance products, and investment strategies while also learning regulatory compliance and ethical financial practices. The curriculum emphasizes both technical financial skills and critical soft skills including client communication, attention to detail, and professional judgment.
South Carolina's Finance programs prepare students for immediate employment in entry-level financial services positions, pursuit of accounting and finance certifications, or continuation to four-year finance or accounting degree programs. The pathway develops financial competencies valuable in any career while specifically preparing students for South Carolina's banking and financial services sector.
Finance at a Glance
4
Courses
6
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina's Finance standards align with national business and finance education standards and emphasize financial literacy, accounting principles, banking operations, investment fundamentals, insurance and risk management, financial planning, and business ethics. State standards prepare students for accounting and finance certifications while developing analytical and technological competencies required in financial careers.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Finance 1: Financial Literacy and Economics | FIN-101 |
| Finance 2: Accounting Fundamentals | FIN-201 |
| Finance 3: Banking and Investment | FIN-301 |
| Finance 4: Financial Planning and Analysis | FIN-401 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Microsoft Office Specialist - Excel
- ✓Microsoft Office Specialist Expert - Excel
- ✓National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
- ✓W!SE Financial Literacy Certification
- ✓QuickBooks Certified User
- ✓Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Bank Teller
Entry LevelSalary range: $36,890 - $44,790
Adjusted for cost of living: $39,590
Accounting Clerk
Entry LevelSalary range: $38,090 - $55,880
Adjusted for cost of living: $40,878
Financial Analyst
ExperiencedSalary range: $73,130 - $128,370
Adjusted for cost of living: $96,426
Insurance Agent
ExperiencedSalary range: $38,930 - $78,390
Adjusted for cost of living: $55,323
Financial Advisor
ExperiencedSalary range: $63,750 - $168,370
Adjusted for cost of living: $106,139
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students complete internships with banks, accounting firms, insurance companies, and financial planning offices throughout South Carolina. Work-based learning includes job shadowing financial professionals, participation in investment simulations, volunteer tax preparation assistance (VITA programs), and summer employment in financial services positions.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), DECA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
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South Carolina Standards Built In
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Teacher Customization
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Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Accounting
South Carolina's Accounting pathway develops fundamental accounting skills for business professionals. The state's diverse business sector creates demand for accounting professionals at all levels. Students study accounting principles, bookkeeping, tax basics, and financial reporting. They work with accounting software and develop analysis skills through realistic case studies. Graduates work as bookkeepers, accounting technicians, or pursue advanced accounting careers. Many continue studies in accounting at universities including Clemson and USC. Employment opportunities exist with accounting firms, businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations throughout South Carolina.
FinanceBusiness Management and Administration
South Carolina's Business Management and Administration pathway, part of the modernized Management & Entrepreneurship cluster, prepares students for careers in business operations, management, human resources, and entrepreneurship. This comprehensive program develops essential business competencies including financial literacy, business communication, project management, marketing principles, and organizational leadership. As businesses throughout South Carolina seek employees with strong foundational business skills, this pathway provides critical workforce preparation. The program emphasizes both traditional business management concepts and contemporary skills including digital marketing, data analytics, global business operations, and innovation management. Students develop professional skills through hands-on projects, business simulations, and interactions with local business leaders. The curriculum prepares students for business careers across all industries while also supporting those interested in launching their own entrepreneurial ventures. South Carolina's Business Management pathway integrates academic rigor with practical application, ensuring students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities essential for business success. Graduates are prepared for entry-level business positions, advanced business certifications, or continuation to four-year business degree programs.
Management & EntrepreneurshipRelated Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticProgram of Study
A Program of Study (POS) is a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and CTE courses that spans secondary through postsecondary education. Required under Perkins V, a POS integrates academic content with CTE instruction, includes work-based learning, and leads to an industry-recognized credential or postsecondary degree.
ProgrammaticCareer and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are national organizations that provide CTE students with opportunities for leadership development, competitive events, community service, and career preparation. Recognized CTSOs include DECA, FBLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, and TSA, each serving students in specific career cluster areas.
ProgrammaticEmployability Skills
Employability skills, also called soft skills, workplace readiness skills, or 21st-century skills, are the non-technical competencies that employers consistently identify as essential for workplace success. These include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, professionalism, and adaptability, which CTE programs are expected to develop alongside technical skills.
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