A leader in finance education, the Finance Department has assembled a group of talented faculty members who are well recognized as industry experts. The finance curriculum at the Rawls College of Business is designed to meet the educational needs of students ranging from entering freshman through doctoral students. Both demanding and comprehensive, the finance concentration provides a broad understanding of corporate finance, financial restructuring, securities analysis, portfolio management, and financial institutions and markets. Students gain an additional competitive edge in the marketplace through a rigorous curriculum that combines the knowledge base of closely associated disciplines with the theories and application of finance.

The Rawls Master of Science with a major in Business Administration concentrating in Finance is designed to prepare students for managerial careers in corporate finance, investment analysis and portfolio management, financial consulting, and financial institutions. They will become finance professionals able to manage assets and liabilities on a day-to-day basis; make sound decisions such as selecting investments determining appropriate cash balances; manage currency risks and other financial aspects involved in international business; and operate in a global economy.

The Area of Finance continues to supplement its classroom instruction with outside activities for its students.

PNB Financial Junior Board of Directors

The Area continues its association with PNB Financial Junior Board of Directors, beginning its 13^th year. This program provides students with a unique exposure to the operations of a major financial institution.  

Internships

In addition, the Area coordinates internships for full-time students desiring “real world” experience with local and regional firms. With one of the most marketable job markets in years for finance majors, job placements as well as salaries for our graduates are at an all time high.

Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF)

The Area continues to offer select students the opportunity to trade “real money” as part of the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF). The 2001-2002 academic year marked the fifth year that the SMIF was in operation. In the SMIF class, students manage actual dollars and get real-world experience of the risks and rewards of money management.

Finance Association

The Finance Association continues to be one of the most active student associations at the Rawls College of Business. The Finance Association provides interested students with the opportunity to meet finance professionals, both on and off campus, as well as to meet other students with similar interests.

Finance Electives