Undergraduate Catalogue
Finance
Finance is the study of the purchase and sale of assets by individuals and institutions and the methods used to fund these transactions. Understanding the markets in which these transactions occur and the pricing of the financial instruments is integral to the study of finance. Finance majors develop a broad array of analytical skills, attain a thorough understanding of the finance function in different kinds of organizations, and gain a global perspective of the institutions and markets in which finance operates. Required finance courses focus on the financial environment of business, the decision-making process of corporations, the key principles underlying the investment and valuation process, and the expanding international context of financial analysis, portfolio construction, and trading.
Finance majors are expected to spend considerable time outside of the classroom in the Trading Room which is housed in the Hughey Center for Financial Services. The Trading Room is essentially an information technology laboratory where students can access real-time financial data and witness markets at work. Finance majors focus on the applications of information processing technology in financial analysis, asset valuation and risk management.
The broad range of electives offered combined with the Trading Room experience allow finance majors to pursue specializations in corporate finance, financial institutions and markets, personal financial planning/insurance and risk management. Students are encouraged to participate in internships (paid or unpaid) as part of the finance major. Finance majors often have their pick from among a wide variety of career choices in commercial banking, corporate finance, financial planning, insurance, money management and more. Career opportunities exist in advanced management training programs of major corporations; credit, trust or the operations departments of financial service firms; investment brokerage; insurance and financial planning. The finance degree also provides sound preparation for students continuing their studies at the graduate level in business administration, finance, law and other disciplines.
Required Courses
FI 305 Principles of Accounting and Finance
FI 320 Financial Markets and Investments
FI 351 International Finance
FI 380 Advanced Managerial Finance
Students also select four finance electives in consultation with their faculty adviser.
