Faculty: Graduate School of Social Science The Finance major focuses on the management of money, investments, and financial systems. Students develop skills in financial analysis, investment strategies, risk management, and corporate finance. Graduates are prepared for careers in financial services, banking, investment management, corporate finance, and consulting. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamentals of finance and financial markets. - Develop skills in financial analysis, investment strategies, and risk management. - Learn techniques for valuing assets, managing portfolios, and making investment decisions. - Explore principles of corporate finance, financial institutions, and international finance. - Analyze and interpret financial data and market trends. - Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and financial management skills. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Finance** - Overview of key concepts, principles, and practices in finance. - Fundamentals of financial markets, institutions, and instruments. 2. **Financial Analysis** - Principles of financial analysis, including financial statements, ratios, and performance metrics. - Techniques for analyzing and interpreting financial data. 3. **Investment Strategies** - Principles of investment strategies, including portfolio theory, asset allocation, and risk-return tradeoffs. - Techniques for developing and implementing effective investment strategies. 4. **Risk Management** - Principles of risk management, including identification, assessment, and mitigation of financial risks. - Techniques for managing and hedging risks in financial markets. 5. **Corporate Finance** - Principles of corporate finance, including capital budgeting, financing decisions, and dividend policy. - Techniques for making optimal financial decisions for corporations. 6. **Financial Institutions and Markets** - Principles of financial institutions and markets, including banking, insurance, and securities markets. - Techniques for understanding and navigating financial institutions and markets. 7. **International Finance** - Principles of international finance, including exchange rates, international investments, and global financial markets. - Techniques for managing financial operations in a global context. 8. **Internship/Practicum** - Real-world experiences in finance settings, including internships in financial services firms, banks, or investment companies. - Application of learned skills in practical finance scenarios. 9. **Capstone Project in Finance** - Comprehensive project applying skills in financial analysis, investment strategies, or risk management. - Delivery of a polished finance project, investment plan, or research presentation. **Assessment Methods:** - Financial analysis reports, investment strategy projects, risk management plans, corporate finance projects, financial institutions and markets studies, international finance projects, internship/practicum reports, capstone projects, group projects, and presentations. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Finance" by various authors. - "Financial Analysis" by various authors. - "Investment Strategies" by various authors. - "Risk Management" by various authors. - "Corporate Finance" by various authors. - "Financial Institutions and Markets" by various authors. - "International Finance" by various authors. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of economics, mathematics, and an interest in financial markets and management. **Major Duration:** Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, internships, and capstone projects. For advanced practice, a Master's degree in Finance may be pursued, which typically takes an additional 1-2 years. **Certification:** Graduates may receive a degree in Finance and pursue further education or professional certifications, such as those offered by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). **Target Audience:** Aspiring financial analysts, investment managers, risk managers, corporate financiers, bankers, and consultants seeking careers in financial services, banking, investment management, corporate finance, and consulting. This major equips students with the analytical, strategic, and financial management skills needed to excel in finance, supporting careers in various financial roles and industries.