Xavier University Finance Major Requirements

The Finance major at Xavier University, housed within the Williams College of Business, prepares students for a variety of careers in financial analysis, investment management, corporate finance, and financial planning. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in financial theory and practice, coupled with analytical and quantitative skills.

Core Business Courses

All students pursuing a business major at Xavier are required to complete a set of core business courses. These courses provide a broad understanding of the different functional areas of business and are essential for building a strong foundation. These courses typically include:

• Accounting Principles I & II
• Business Law
• Microeconomics & Macroeconomics
• Statistics for Business
• Information Systems
• Principles of Marketing
• Operations Management
• Management and Organization Behavior

Finance Major Specific Requirements

In addition to the core business courses, Finance majors must complete specific finance courses. These courses delve deeper into the principles and practices of finance and provide specialized knowledge in key areas.

• Financial Management: A foundational course covering topics such as financial statement analysis, time value of money, capital budgeting, and risk management.
• Investments: This course explores the world of investment, including security analysis, portfolio management, and market efficiency.
• Financial Institutions & Markets: This course examines the structure and function of financial institutions and markets, including banks, insurance companies, and investment banks.
• Intermediate Financial Management: Builds upon the foundation of Financial Management, exploring more advanced topics in corporate finance.
• Electives: Finance majors are also required to take elective courses in finance, allowing them to specialize in areas of interest such as:
• International Finance
• Real Estate Finance
• Financial Modeling
• Derivatives
• Fixed Income Securities

Quantitative Skills

A strong emphasis is placed on quantitative skills. Students are expected to develop proficiency in using financial modeling software, statistical analysis, and other quantitative tools. The core business statistics course is critical, and elective courses that hone these abilities are highly recommended.

Experiential Learning

Xavier University encourages students to gain practical experience through internships, co-ops, and other experiential learning opportunities. These experiences provide valuable real-world exposure and allow students to apply their knowledge in a professional setting. The Career Services office provides resources and support to help students find and secure these opportunities.

Ethics and Social Responsibility

Consistent with Xavier’s Jesuit tradition, the Finance program emphasizes ethics and social responsibility. Students are encouraged to consider the ethical implications of financial decisions and to act in a socially responsible manner. This is integrated throughout the curriculum.

Further Information

For the most up-to-date and detailed information on the Finance major requirements, it is recommended to consult the official Xavier University website or contact the Williams College of Business directly. Curriculum requirements are subject to change.