FIU Finance Course Catalog Overview

Florida International University’s (FIU) Finance department offers a comprehensive catalog of courses designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the dynamic world of finance. The curriculum spans a wide range of topics, from foundational principles to advanced specializations, catering to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Undergraduate Finance Courses

The undergraduate finance program provides a strong base in financial theory and its practical applications. Core courses cover essential topics such as:

Financial Accounting: Understanding the fundamentals of accounting principles and their role in financial reporting.
Managerial Finance: Focusing on financial decision-making within corporations, including capital budgeting, working capital management, and financial planning.
Investments: Introducing students to the world of securities, portfolio management, and investment analysis.
Financial Institutions and Markets: Exploring the structure and function of financial institutions and the various markets where financial instruments are traded.

Beyond the core courses, students can choose from a variety of elective courses to specialize in areas of interest, such as:

Corporate Valuation: Learning advanced techniques for valuing companies and making investment decisions.
International Finance: Examining the complexities of finance in a global context, including exchange rates, international capital flows, and multinational financial management.
Real Estate Finance: Understanding the financing and investment aspects of real estate.
Risk Management: Exploring the identification, measurement, and management of financial risks.

Graduate Finance Courses

At the graduate level, FIU offers advanced finance courses designed for students seeking to deepen their knowledge and enhance their career prospects. These courses build upon the foundational concepts covered in the undergraduate program and delve into more sophisticated topics. Examples include:

Advanced Corporate Finance: Examining complex issues in corporate finance, such as mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, and corporate restructuring.
Derivatives Markets: Covering the pricing and hedging of derivative instruments, such as options, futures, and swaps.
Fixed Income Securities: Providing an in-depth analysis of fixed income markets and the valuation of bonds.
Financial Modeling: Developing advanced financial modeling skills using spreadsheet software and other analytical tools.

The graduate finance curriculum often includes opportunities for students to engage in research projects and case studies, allowing them to apply their knowledge to real-world problems. Furthermore, specialized tracks within the graduate program might allow students to focus on specific areas like investment management, financial risk management, or real estate finance.

Faculty and Resources

FIU’s Finance department boasts a faculty composed of experienced academics and industry professionals. The faculty members are actively engaged in research and bring their expertise to the classroom, providing students with valuable insights and practical perspectives. The department also provides access to state-of-the-art resources, such as financial databases and trading simulators, to enhance the learning experience.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of FIU’s Finance programs are well-prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in the financial services industry, including:

Financial Analyst
Investment Banker
Portfolio Manager
Risk Manager
Corporate Treasurer
Real Estate Analyst

The rigorous curriculum, combined with the faculty’s expertise and the department’s resources, makes FIU a strong choice for students seeking a career in finance.