A degree in Finance traditionally opens the doors for many career opportunities, and the associated finance degree courses normally provide adequate preparation for challenging career paths. When choosing a Finance degree program, one considers the program’s reputation, its cost versus benefit and its curriculum content. Of these three considerations, the quality of the degree program’s curriculum is likely the most important for long-term career success. Here are some of the common Finance degree courses that students often encounter when pursuing a degree in Finance.
Financial Markets and Institutions
In order for financial managers to make sound financial strategy decisions, they most often have to assess the environment in which their business operates. Courses on financial markets present students with a market oriented framework to analyze corporate financial decisions, efficiency of certain markets and initial public offerings. These courses often combine lecture theory, in-depth case study analysis and interactive projects. After instructors present methodology and industry standard decision making tools, they expect students to apply it to case study analysis and real world projects assigned to them. Advanced courses on this topic include an analysis of international financial environments and pricing of foreign assets.
Corporate Finance
One of the main reasons that students pursue a degree in Finance is to eventually become an executive level financial officer in a large firm. The career path that leads to that position is a long one that begins with the proper training in all aspects of corporate finance. Often, an undergraduate degree in Finance presents opportunities for students to learn the fundamentals of corporate finance through introduction to topics like capital budgeting and optimal capital structure. Finance students also learn about security markets and develop an understanding of dividend policy decisions. This type of course sets a foundation for corporate financial decision-making.
Investment Fundamentals and Portfolio Management
Nearly all companies rely on investments for both growth and maintenance. However, the wrong investment decisions can have disastrous results. Financial courses about investments and portfolio management give students a framework for crafting effective corporate investment strategies and making sound investment decisions. During these courses, students learn how to develop investment strategies for different types of corporations at all phases of their life cycles. Some of the specific topics covered within an Investment Fundamentals and Portfolio Management course are net worth assessment, an analysis of investment options, maintaining proper records and risk management. Modern courses include the use of information technology tools to make investment decisions.
Economics
Students will not earn an undergraduate degree in Finance without taking at least two economics courses that focus on macroeconomics and microeconomics. Macroeconomics coursework provides a framework for analyzing the structure and behavior of regional, national and international markets. Those studying macroeconomics understand how factors such as inflation, unemployment and gross domestic product affect the market. They attempt to learn what contributes to long term growth in regional, national, and international markets for forecasting purposes. Microeconomics assesses the market to determine the best way to allocate a corporation’s limited resources. Understanding the principles of supply and demand are the foundations of microeconomics coursework.
Conclusion
Most companies place high value on those possessing a degree in Finance. These corporations know that those with undergraduate degrees in Finance have taken the necessary finance degree courses to prepare them for challenging careers in financial services, banking and many insurance firms.
