Virginia's Business Finance pathway develops expertise in corporate finance, investment analysis, financial planning, and business financial management—preparing students for careers in finance and investment fields.
Students study financial analysis, investment principles, corporate finance, financial planning, risk management, and financial modeling. They analyze financial data, develop financial plans, and evaluate investment opportunities through case studies and simulations.
Graduates work as financial analysts, investment advisors, financial planners, corporate finance specialists, or loan officers. Virginia's strong financial services sector in Northern Virginia creates significant opportunities. Advanced students pursue finance at major universities.
Business Finance at a Glance
4
Courses
6
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Virginia's business finance standards address financial analysis, investment principles, corporate finance, and risk management. Standards align with financial industry practices.
Students demonstrate competency through financial analysis projects, investment assessments, and financial modeling. The state integrates Excel and financial analysis software.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Finance Fundamentals and Analysis |
| Investment Principles and Analysis |
| Corporate Finance and Planning |
| Advanced Financial Management |
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.
Financial Analyst
Entry LevelSalary range: $80,480 - $137,490
Investment Advisor
ExperiencedSalary range: $80,480 - $137,490
Financial Planner
ExperiencedSalary range: $75,560 - $168,100
Corporate Finance Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $131,890 - $216,280
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern at financial institutions, investment firms, and corporate finance departments throughout Virginia, especially in Northern Virginia.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in DECA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
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Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Virginia
Accounting
Virginia's Accounting pathway develops expertise in financial record-keeping, accounting principles, financial analysis, and auditing—preparing students for careers as accountants, bookkeepers, and financial professionals. This pathway combines mathematics with financial principles. Students study accounting principles, bookkeeping, financial statement analysis, tax basics, auditing concepts, and accounting software. They maintain accounting records, prepare financial statements, and analyze financial information through hands-on practice and simulations. Graduates work as bookkeepers, junior accountants, accounting clerks, tax preparers, or accounting specialists. Every Virginia business requires accounting. Advanced students pursue accounting at Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, and other universities.
FinanceBanking Services
Virginia's Banking Services pathway prepares students for careers in banking and financial services—including tellers, customer service specialists, loan officers, and banking operations. This pathway develops customer service skills combined with financial knowledge. Students study banking operations, customer service, loan processes, deposit services, regulatory compliance, fraud prevention, and financial products. They practice banking operations and customer service through simulations and partnerships with banks. Graduates work as bank tellers, customer service representatives, loan officers, bank operations specialists, or banking administrators. Virginia's financial services sector in Richmond and Northern Virginia offers numerous opportunities. Advanced students pursue finance and business at major universities.
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