Clarkson University Finance Program

Clarkson University's finance program, housed within the David D. Reh School of Business, provides students with a rigorous and practical education in financial theory and application. The program emphasizes a blend of quantitative skills, analytical reasoning, and ethical decision-making, preparing graduates for diverse careers in the financial services industry and beyond.

Curriculum

The undergraduate finance curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, including:

• Corporate Finance: Capital budgeting, financial statement analysis, working capital management, dividend policy, and mergers and acquisitions.
• Investments: Portfolio management, asset pricing models, security analysis, derivatives, and alternative investments.
• Financial Markets and Institutions: The structure and function of financial markets, the role of financial institutions, and monetary policy.
• Risk Management: Identification, measurement, and mitigation of financial risks.
• Financial Modeling: Building and using financial models for forecasting, valuation, and decision-making.

Students also have the opportunity to specialize their studies through elective courses in areas such as fintech, real estate finance, and international finance. The program integrates real-world applications through case studies, simulations, and guest lectures from industry professionals.

Faculty

The finance faculty at Clarkson comprises experienced academics and industry practitioners. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom, providing students with both theoretical foundations and practical insights. Faculty members are actively engaged in research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in areas such as behavioral finance, asset pricing, and risk management. Students benefit from close interactions with faculty through small class sizes and research opportunities.

Experiential Learning

Clarkson's finance program emphasizes experiential learning to enhance students' practical skills and prepare them for the workforce. Key experiential learning opportunities include:

• Internships: Students are encouraged to participate in internships with financial institutions, corporations, and government agencies to gain real-world experience.
• Financial Modeling Lab: The Reh School of Business features a state-of-the-art financial modeling lab equipped with industry-standard software, providing students with hands-on experience in financial analysis and modeling.
• Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF): Students manage a portion of the university's endowment through the SMIF, gaining valuable experience in portfolio management and investment decision-making.
• Case Competitions: Students participate in national and international case competitions, applying their financial knowledge to solve real-world business problems.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Clarkson's finance program are well-prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in the financial services industry and beyond. Common career paths include:

• Financial Analyst
• Investment Banker
• Portfolio Manager
• Risk Manager
• Corporate Treasurer
• Management Consultant

Clarkson's Career Center provides students with comprehensive career services, including resume and cover letter writing assistance, interview preparation, and job search strategies. The university's strong alumni network provides valuable connections and mentorship opportunities for students pursuing their career goals.