Lehigh University Finance Major: A Comprehensive Overview

Lehigh University's Finance major, housed within the College of Business, provides a robust and rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for successful careers in the dynamic world of finance. It's a program known for its strong theoretical foundation, coupled with practical application and experiential learning opportunities.

Curriculum Highlights

The core curriculum is carefully structured to build a solid understanding of fundamental finance principles. Students delve into areas such as corporate finance, investments, financial modeling, and derivative securities. The program also emphasizes quantitative skills, ensuring students are proficient in statistical analysis and econometric modeling, essential tools for modern financial analysis.

Beyond the core, students have the opportunity to specialize their studies through a variety of elective courses. These electives allow them to explore specific areas of interest, such as:

• Investment Banking: Focusing on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and financial advisory.
• Asset Management: Delving into portfolio management, security analysis, and wealth management strategies.
• Financial Engineering: Exploring quantitative finance, risk management, and derivative pricing models.
• Real Estate Finance: Understanding real estate valuation, investment, and development.

Experiential Learning

Lehigh's Finance program distinguishes itself through its commitment to experiential learning. Students are actively encouraged to participate in:

• Internships: Gaining valuable real-world experience at financial institutions, corporations, and investment firms. The Career Services office provides extensive support in securing these opportunities.
• Case Competitions: Applying their knowledge to solve complex business problems in a competitive environment.
• Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF): Managing a portion of the university's endowment, providing hands-on experience in portfolio management and investment decision-making.
• Financial Services Lab: Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and software to conduct financial analysis and simulations.

Career Prospects

Graduates of Lehigh's Finance program are highly sought after by employers across the financial industry. Common career paths include:

• Investment Banking Analyst
• Financial Analyst
• Portfolio Manager
• Financial Consultant
• Risk Manager
• Corporate Treasurer

Lehigh's strong alumni network provides invaluable support to graduates as they launch their careers. The university's reputation and the program's rigor ensure that Lehigh Finance graduates are well-prepared to excel in a competitive and ever-evolving financial landscape.

Faculty Expertise

The Finance faculty at Lehigh are accomplished scholars and experienced practitioners. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom, providing students with a stimulating and challenging learning environment. Many faculty members have extensive industry experience and are actively involved in research, ensuring that the curriculum remains current and relevant.