Finance Major

Bachelor of Science degree

The curriculum in finance seeks to develop an understanding of the role played by finance in various organizations. Finance deals with the acquisition and management of resources to accomplish organizational objectives within an acceptable risk/return profile. The financial manager decides how to raise funds in the capital markets and  how best to invest these funds in order to accomplish organizational objectives. To accomplish these tasks, the discipline of finance has developed a sophisticated set of analytical tools that bring together concepts from a variety of sources such as economics, accounting and mathematics. The concepts and techniques developed in finance are equally applicable to not-for-profit organizations that must also raise and invest funds in an efficient manner. Those skilled in financial analysis play a central role in deciding such current issues as mergers, buyouts and international investments.

Student Learning Outcomes

The finance program seeks to produce graduates who have professional, analytical and managerial skills in finance, and who are able to adapt to the changing demands of business and society. In addition, the finance program seeks to contribute to knowledge and practice in finance through professional activities.

Students will

• understand the scope of financial management and career opportunities within the field;
• understand the nature and implications of global financial markets and their regulatory environment;
• be able to assess, interpret, and evaluate corporate financial statements;
• be able to apply the theory and techniques of finance to long-term and short-term investment decisions;
• be able to apply the theory and techniques of finance to the management of financial institutions and services;
• understand the need and opportunities for risk management in domestic and international contexts;
• appreciate the necessity of incorporating a consideration of ethics in financial decision-making; and
• be able to use library resources, technology, and electronic databases for continuous learning.