St. John’s University Finance Curriculum

The Finance program at St. John’s University, primarily housed within the Tobin College of Business, provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, and practical experience necessary for success in various finance-related careers.

The curriculum builds a strong foundation through introductory courses such as Principles of Finance, which covers fundamental concepts like time value of money, risk and return, and financial statement analysis. Students then progress to more specialized courses tailored to specific areas within finance.

Core Finance Courses: A key component of the curriculum is a set of core courses that delve deeper into essential finance topics. These typically include Corporate Finance, Investments, and Financial Institutions. Corporate Finance focuses on capital budgeting, dividend policy, and working capital management. Investments explores asset pricing, portfolio management, and investment strategies. Financial Institutions examines the role of banks, insurance companies, and other financial intermediaries in the economy.

Electives and Specializations: Students can tailor their curriculum through a variety of elective courses, allowing them to specialize in areas of interest. Possible electives include Financial Modeling, International Finance, Derivatives, Real Estate Finance, and Fintech. These electives provide in-depth knowledge of specific sectors and allow students to develop specialized skills sought after by employers.

Quantitative Emphasis: The curriculum emphasizes quantitative skills, which are crucial for financial analysis and decision-making. Courses incorporate mathematical and statistical tools, requiring students to apply these concepts to real-world financial problems. The use of financial modeling software and databases is integrated into many courses.

Experiential Learning: St. John’s University recognizes the importance of practical experience. The Finance program offers opportunities for internships, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in the financial industry. Some courses also incorporate case studies, simulations, and projects that mimic real-world scenarios. Additionally, students can participate in student-managed investment funds, further enhancing their practical skills.

Ethical Considerations: Ethics is integrated throughout the curriculum, emphasizing the importance of integrity and responsible decision-making in the financial industry. Courses address ethical dilemmas and encourage students to consider the social and environmental impact of financial decisions.

Career Preparation: The program prepares students for a wide range of careers, including financial analyst, portfolio manager, investment banker, corporate treasurer, and risk manager. The curriculum also provides a solid foundation for students pursuing advanced degrees, such as an MBA or a specialized Master’s degree in Finance. Career services are available to help students with resume writing, interview skills, and job placement.

In conclusion, the St. John’s University Finance curriculum provides a well-rounded education that combines theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical considerations, preparing graduates for successful careers in the dynamic world of finance.