Financial Management Emphasis Areas
All students in financial management choose an emphasis area in which to specialize. These areas are outlined below.
Commercial Banking and Investments
The commercial banking and investments professional may be involved in analysis, management or sales within a bank or investment company. Often, this position requires both analytical and sales skills. We routinely place students with employers such as Bank of America, Truist and Wells Fargo.
Required Courses: FIN 4050, 4060, 4080, 4110; and one course selected from FIN 3040, 3990, any 4000-level FIN course or any 3000-4000-level ACCT course.
Corporate Finance
The corporate finance professional is most often an analyst responsible for capital investment valuation, financing analyses, financial forecasting, business performance and assessment, or reporting. Financial professionals may go on to become the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a firm. We have placed finance students at Milliken, Fluor and General Electric and the corporate headquarters of financial institutions, including Bank of America, Citizens Bank and Truist.
Students interested in investment banking should consider the emphasis area of corporate finance. Valuation of the firm, financial modeling and mergers and acquisitions are taught as part of this track.
Required Courses: FIN 4110 and two courses selected from FIN 4010, 4020, 4030, 4040; and two courses selected from FIN 3040, 3990 or any 4000-level FIN course, or any 3000-4000-level ACCT course. Credit will only be given for only one of FIN 4030 or 4040. Only one 3000- 4000-level ACCT course may count toward the emphasis area.
Financial Planning
The financial planning professional determines whether and how an individual can meet their goals through the use and management of financial resources. Often, this position involves analysis and sales skills. After completing this emphasis area, students can sit for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exam. We have placed students with employers such as Vanguard and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance.
Required Courses: ACCT 4040 (should be taken in spring of Junior year), 4080, FIN 3040, 4050, 4090. Due to CFP Board requirements, no substitutions are allowed.
Students who complete the B.S. in Financial Management (with a Concentration Area in Financial Planning) satisfy the education coursework requirement for CFP® certification and are eligible to take the CFP® Certification Examination. Some states may have additional requirements for Financial Planners, Financial Advisors or Investment Advisors. Before enrolling in any academic program or course, you must understand the state regulations where you intend to work. For your convenience, please check the licensing requirements or contact the appropriate licensing boards for the state where you will seek employment.
Real Estate
The real estate professional may provide analysis and advice on the acquisition, sale or management of both commercial and residential real estate. Students find employment in real estate development and appraisal companies and commercial lending institutions.
Required Courses: FIN 4150, 4160, 4170, LAW 3330; and one course from selected CRP 4010, ECON 3060, 3400, FIN 3990, any 4000-level FIN course or any 3000-4000-level ACCT course.
