Finance Classes at James Madison University

James Madison University offers a comprehensive finance program designed to prepare students for diverse careers in the financial services industry. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring graduates possess the skills and understanding needed to succeed.

Undergraduate Finance Courses

The core finance curriculum typically begins with introductory courses like FIN 220: Principles of Finance. This foundational course provides an overview of financial concepts, including time value of money, risk and return, and financial statement analysis. Students learn how to make informed financial decisions in a variety of contexts.

Building upon the principles, students progress to more specialized courses. FIN 331: Investments delves into the world of securities markets, portfolio management, and investment analysis. Topics include asset valuation, diversification strategies, and market efficiency. Students often utilize trading simulators to gain hands-on experience with investment decisions.

FIN 332: Corporate Finance focuses on the financial decisions made within corporations. Key topics include capital budgeting, working capital management, dividend policy, and mergers and acquisitions. Students learn how to evaluate investment opportunities and make financing choices that maximize shareholder value.

FIN 431: Financial Modeling equips students with the tools to build sophisticated financial models using spreadsheet software. They learn to project financial statements, conduct sensitivity analysis, and assess the impact of various scenarios on a company’s financial performance. This course is highly valued by employers seeking candidates with strong analytical skills.

Other elective courses allow students to specialize in areas such as:

• Real Estate Finance: Focuses on the principles and practices of real estate investment and financing.
• International Finance: Explores the financial issues faced by multinational corporations and investors.
• Financial Institutions: Examines the role of banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions in the economy.
• Derivatives: Covers the valuation and use of options, futures, and other derivative securities.

Experiential Learning

JMU’s finance program emphasizes experiential learning through various opportunities. Students can participate in internships with leading financial institutions, work on real-world consulting projects for local businesses, or join student organizations such as the Finance Association. These experiences provide valuable networking opportunities and allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in practical settings.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of JMU’s finance program pursue a wide range of careers, including:

• Financial Analyst
• Investment Banker
• Portfolio Manager
• Corporate Treasurer
• Financial Planner
• Real Estate Analyst

The strong academic foundation and practical skills developed in JMU’s finance classes prepare graduates for success in these and other challenging and rewarding financial careers.