Indiana University Kelley School of Business: Finance Major Requirements

The Finance major at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business is a highly competitive and rigorous program designed to equip students with the analytical, technical, and communication skills necessary for success in a variety of financial careers. The curriculum blends theoretical foundations with practical applications, allowing students to understand and solve complex financial problems.

Core Requirements

Before specializing in Finance, students must complete the Kelley School of Business’s core requirements. These courses provide a foundational understanding of business principles and include areas such as:

• Business Law and Ethics: Covering legal frameworks and ethical considerations relevant to business decisions.
• Financial Accounting: Learning the fundamentals of recording, analyzing, and reporting financial transactions.
• Managerial Accounting: Focusing on using accounting information for internal decision-making within organizations.
• Business Economics: Understanding economic principles and their application to business strategy.
• Marketing Management: Exploring marketing concepts and strategies for reaching target markets.
• Operations Management: Learning how to efficiently manage resources and processes within an organization.
• Information Technology: Developing skills in using technology to solve business problems.
• Statistics: Applying statistical methods to analyze data and make informed decisions.
• Business Communication: Mastering written and oral communication skills for professional settings.

Finance Major Specific Courses

The Finance major itself builds upon the core curriculum with specialized courses that delve deeper into financial theory and practice. Key courses include:

• Corporate Finance: Covering topics such as capital budgeting, financial statement analysis, valuation, and capital structure decisions.
• Investments: Exploring investment strategies, portfolio management, and the analysis of securities.
• Financial Institutions: Examining the role and function of banks, insurance companies, and other financial intermediaries.
• Financial Modeling: Developing skills in building and using financial models for forecasting, valuation, and risk management.
• Derivatives: Understanding the pricing and application of derivative securities, such as options and futures.

Electives

In addition to the required Finance courses, students choose elective courses to further specialize in areas of interest. Some popular elective options include:

• Real Estate Finance: Focusing on the financing and investment aspects of real estate.
• International Finance: Examining financial issues in a global context.
• Entrepreneurial Finance: Learning about financing strategies for startups and small businesses.
• Risk Management: Exploring techniques for identifying, measuring, and managing financial risks.

Additional Requirements

Beyond coursework, Finance majors must also meet certain academic requirements, including maintaining a minimum GPA both overall and within their major courses. Furthermore, students are encouraged to participate in internships, case competitions, and other extracurricular activities to gain practical experience and network with industry professionals.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with a Finance degree from IU’s Kelley School of Business are well-prepared for a wide range of career paths, including investment banking, asset management, corporate finance, consulting, and private equity. The program’s strong reputation and rigorous curriculum make its graduates highly sought after by employers.