Degree programs in finance contain courses that establish the fundamental concepts of this field. Read below to find out more about some of the core finance courses that may be included in such a program.
Finance Degree Courses Overview
A degree in finance will prepare you for a wide variety of entry-level positions in the corporate world. It also provides the skills needed to pursue further education in the field. Most finance degrees are essentially business administration degrees with a finance concentration. Most programs require that students complete approximately 18 credit hours of finance focused coursework in addition to general education and business program credit hour requirements. A finance degree program can typically be completed within four years. Central subjects covered include investment management, acquisitions and corporate finance.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutAFinanceDegree">Important Facts About a Finance Degree</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Levels</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree programs are widely available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> A high school diploma or equivalent and standardized test scores; business programs may have other stipulations, like 60 college credit hours earned</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certificates</b></td><td> General business certificate</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Some programs are available online</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2021)</b> </td><td> $95,570 (<i>for all financial analysts</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</b></td><td> 9% growth (<i>for all financial analysts</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---InvestmentManagement">Investment Management</h3><p>This course will introduce students to the process of identifying investment opportunities and managing corporate investment portfolios. While examining the design and issuing process of these securities, students also learn the way in which securities are priced. Bond rating agencies and their primary functions, along with the underwriting process, are part of this course as well. Security-related topics covered in this course include:
</p><ul><li>Pension funds
</li><li>Bank administered trusts
</li><li>Preferred equity
</li></ul><h3 id="section---TheFinanceOfBuyoutsAndAcquisitions">The Finance of Buyouts and Acquisitions</h3><p>This course takes an in-depth look into the techniques and tools used in financial buyouts and acquisitions. The motive and strategy of such actions is investigated, as well as the financial theory involved. Students will gain an understanding of how corporations acquire funding for these business ventures as well. Some programs require students to participate in a mock buyout and acquisition deal in order to analyze issues that can arise.
</p><h3 id="section---CorporateFinance">Corporate Finance</h3><p>This course serves as an introduction to the world of corporate finance. Students will gain an understanding for the financial theories, concerns and practices of the corporate finance world. Students will examine a variety of topics, including capital asset pricing, market efficiency and corporate capital valuation. The analysis of corporate financial policy, principles of modern financial theory are covered as well. Additional topics discussed in this course may include:
</p><ul><li>Risk and return
</li><li>Financial management
</li><li>Dividend policy</li></ul>
