Illinois State University Finance Major Requirements

The Finance major at Illinois State University’s College of Business provides students with a comprehensive understanding of financial principles and prepares them for diverse careers in the financial services industry. To successfully complete the major, students must fulfill specific course requirements, maintain a minimum GPA, and adhere to university policies.

Core Business Courses

A strong foundation in general business principles is essential. Finance majors must complete the following core business courses:

• ACC 211: Financial Accounting – Introduces the fundamental principles of accounting and financial statement preparation.
• ACC 212: Managerial Accounting – Focuses on the use of accounting information for internal decision-making within organizations.
• ECO 105: Principles of Macroeconomics – Explores the economy as a whole, including topics such as inflation, unemployment, and economic growth.
• ECO 106: Principles of Microeconomics – Examines individual economic units, such as consumers, firms, and markets.
• IDS 138: Data Analysis for Business – Develops analytical and problem-solving skills using data analysis techniques relevant to business decisions.
• MGT 100: Introduction to Business – Provides an overview of the business environment and different functional areas within organizations.
• MGT 301: Management and Organizational Behavior – Explores principles of management, leadership, and organizational behavior.
• MKT 220: Principles of Marketing – Introduces the fundamental concepts and strategies of marketing.
• QMB 251: Business Statistics I – Covers basic statistical concepts and methods used in business applications.
• QMB 252: Business Statistics II – Builds on QMB 251, covering more advanced statistical techniques and their applications.
• Business Law (choose one): BLW 241: Legal Environment of Business or BLW 344: The Law of Contracts and Sales

Finance Major Courses

The specialized finance courses delve into the core concepts of the finance discipline. These courses are crucial for developing expertise in financial analysis and decision-making:

• FIN 221: Survey of Finance – Provides an overview of the field of finance, including financial markets, institutions, and instruments.
• FIN 321: Financial Management – Covers the principles of financial management, including capital budgeting, working capital management, and financial analysis.
• FIN 322: Investments – Examines the principles and practices of investing in stocks, bonds, and other financial assets.
• FIN 324: Financial Institutions and Markets – Explores the structure and function of financial institutions and markets.
• FIN 424: Advanced Financial Management – Delves deeper into complex financial decision-making topics, such as mergers and acquisitions, and international finance.
• FIN Electives (9 credit hours): Students must choose from a variety of upper-level finance courses based on their interests and career goals. Common electives include Real Estate Finance, Risk Management and Insurance, and Derivatives.

Graduation Requirements

In addition to completing the required coursework, Finance majors must also meet the following requirements:

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in all finance courses.
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Complete a minimum of 120 credit hours.
• Fulfill all university general education requirements.

Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor regularly to ensure they are on track to meet all graduation requirements and to discuss elective options that align with their career aspirations. The information presented here is a summary and should be verified with the official Illinois State University academic catalog and the Department of Finance, Insurance, and Law.