College: Graduate School of Social Sciences

This major focuses on the study of capital markets, financial institutions, and investment strategies. Students gain skills in financial analysis, portfolio management, risk assessment, derivatives, and corporate finance, preparing them for careers in investment banking, asset management, financial consulting, and related fields.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the structure and functions of capital markets.
• Develop skills in financial analysis and evaluation.
• Learn portfolio management and investment strategies.
• Explore risk management and derivatives.
• Analyze corporate finance and capital budgeting techniques.
• Develop critical thinking, analysis, and financial modeling skills.

Main Outline:

1. Introduction to Capital Markets and Finance
   • Overview of capital markets, financial institutions, and investment principles.
2. Financial Markets and Institutions
   • Structure and functions of financial markets, banking, and financial intermediaries.
3. Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management
   • Principles of investment analysis, portfolio theory, and asset allocation.
4. Corporate Finance
   • Capital budgeting, financing decisions, and corporate valuation.
5. Risk Management and Financial Derivatives
   • Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks using financial derivatives and other tools.
6. Fixed Income Securities
   • Analyze and evaluate bonds, interest rate markets, and credit risks.
7. Equity Markets
   • Analyze stock markets, equity valuation, and investment strategies.
8. International Finance
   • Global financial markets, foreign exchange, and international investment.
9. Financial Modeling and Quantitative Methods
   • Build and analyze financial models, statistical methods, and quantitative techniques.
10. Capstone Project
    • A comprehensive project applying skills in capital markets and finance, such as developing an investment portfolio, conducting a financial analysis, or creating a risk management strategy.

Assessment Methods:

• Financial market analyses, investment and portfolio management projects, corporate financial case studies, risk management and derivatives reports, fixed income and stock market analyses, international finance studies, financial modeling and quantitative method projects, capstone projects, group projects, and presentations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Introduction to Capital Markets and Finance" by various authors.
• "Financial Markets and Institutions" by various authors.
• "Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management" by various authors.
• "Corporate Finance" by various authors.
• "Risk Management and Derivatives" by various authors.
• "Fixed Income Securities" by various authors.
• "Equity Markets" by various authors.
• "International Finance" by various authors.
• "Financial Modeling and Quantitative Methods" by various authors.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of finance and mathematics, and an interest in capital markets and investment analysis.

Duration:

Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree or 2 years for a master's degree in finance with a focus on capital markets.

Certification:

Graduates may obtain certifications from professional organizations such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute, Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification from the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), or equivalent financial certifications.

Target Audience:

Aspiring investment bankers, asset managers, financial analysts, risk managers, corporate financiers, and professionals seeking careers in investment banks, asset management firms, financial consulting firms, and related fields. This major equips students with analytical and practical skills necessary to excel in capital markets and finance, supporting careers in various investment and financial management roles.