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The importance of the finance function is reflected by the fact that more chief executive officers (CEOs) in the top 1,000 U.S. companies started their careers in finance than in any other functional area.
Finance majors study three interrelated areas of finance needed for success: money and capital markets, investments, and financial management. Globalization of business has undoubtedly been the most important development of the 1990s that will continue through the next century. Therefore, throughout the finance curriculum there is emphasis/focus on global aspects of business and financial management. Students are encouraged to think, analyze, and solve business problems in a global environment.
The new millennium will continue to see advances in computer and communications technology, and this technology will revolutionize the way financial decisions are made. Companies have networks of personal computers linked to one another, to other computer systems, and to their customers' and suppliers' computers. The ability to access and analyze data on a real-time basis also means that quantitative analysis is used routinely to test out alternative courses of action. Keeping in mind that in the new millennium the new generation of financial managers will need stronger computer and quantitative skills, there is increased emphasis throughout the curriculum on developing and reinforcing computer, quantitative and analytical skills.
A central theme throughout the program is emphasis on competing in a global marketplace. Students are taught to understand the differences in the laws governing financial affairs of many countries. Development and use of computer and quantitative skills is emphasized throughout the students' academic program.
Students are encouraged to pursue co-ops and internships in banks, security firms, investment houses and other financial institutions before graduation.
There are a multitude of career opportunities available to finance majors in a variety of industries, including banking, securities, brokerage, real estate, insurance, investing and personal financial planning. Finance graduates generally work as security analyst, industry analyst, portfolio manager, personal financial planner, professional lender, market maker, investment broker, personal trust administrator and underwriters. Career opportunities also exist in the areas of real estate and insurance as sales representatives and real estate and insurance brokers, mortgage and insurance underwriters and property managers.
In addition, both profit and nonprofit organizations depend on the expertise of financial managers to continually maintain and improve business.
A five-year joint B.S./M.B.A. program is available to qualified students who wish to further strengthen their business competencies, credentials and marketability.
This program is available in the day and the evening. Check sheets are used to summarize progress in the program.
Why Study Finance?
- Most of the CEOs of Fortune 500 companies started their
career in finance
- Every business decision has financial implications
- Opportunity to choose five different career tracks if you
are finance major
- Opportunity to learn how to manage other people’s money as a
money manager and portfolio manager
- Opportunity to be a security analyst and recommend stocks
that are good buys and stocks that are not good buys.
- Opportunity to work for banks in the area of consumer
lending or commercial lending
- Stepping stone to work in the area of financial risk
management
- Opportunity to learn about trading of futures and options
contracts
- Stepping stone to become Financial Analysts (CFA)
- Stepping stone to become Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Stepping stone to become a licensed stockbroker and trade
securities on a stock exchange
- Opportunity to learn about corporate mergers and
acquisitions
- Learn how stocks and bonds are valued
- Learn why stocks go up and down
- Learn how to take “Bull” by its horn and “Bear” by its tail
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