FAU Finance Program Overview

Florida Atlantic University's College of Business offers a comprehensive Finance program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the dynamic world of finance. The program aims to provide a solid foundation in financial theory and practice, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in areas such as corporate finance, investment management, banking, and financial planning.

Curriculum Highlights

The Finance curriculum at FAU is structured to provide both breadth and depth. Core courses cover foundational topics including:

• Financial Accounting: Understanding the principles of financial reporting and analysis.
• Business Finance: Exploring the fundamentals of corporate finance, including capital budgeting, working capital management, and valuation.
• Investments: Learning about different investment vehicles, portfolio management, and securities analysis.
• Financial Markets and Institutions: Gaining insights into the structure and function of financial markets and institutions.

Beyond the core, students can specialize their studies through elective courses. Some popular elective areas include:

• Derivatives: Understanding and utilizing derivative securities for hedging and speculation.
• International Finance: Examining financial issues in a global context.
• Real Estate Finance: Focusing on the financial aspects of real estate investment and development.
• Financial Modeling: Developing advanced skills in financial modeling and analysis using software tools.

Experiential Learning

FAU emphasizes experiential learning opportunities to enhance students' practical skills and career readiness. These opportunities include:

• Internships: Students are encouraged to participate in internships with financial institutions, corporations, and other organizations to gain real-world experience.
• Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF): Select students have the opportunity to manage a portion of the university's endowment, gaining valuable experience in investment decision-making.
• Case Competitions: Students can participate in case competitions that challenge them to apply their financial knowledge to solve complex business problems.
• Networking Events: The College of Business hosts numerous networking events that connect students with industry professionals.

Career Prospects

Graduates of FAU's Finance program are well-prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

• Financial Analyst: Analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and making investment recommendations.
• Investment Banker: Assisting companies with raising capital through the issuance of stocks and bonds.
• Portfolio Manager: Managing investment portfolios for individuals and institutions.
• Financial Planner: Providing financial advice to individuals and families.
• Commercial Banker: Working with businesses to provide loans and other financial services.

Faculty and Resources

The Finance program is taught by experienced faculty members with expertise in various areas of finance. The College of Business also provides students with access to state-of-the-art resources, including:

• Financial databases (e.g., Bloomberg Terminal, FactSet)
• Trading simulation software
• A dedicated career center

FAU's Finance program provides a solid foundation for students seeking successful careers in the financial industry. With its rigorous curriculum, emphasis on experiential learning, and access to valuable resources, the program prepares graduates to excel in a competitive marketplace.