UGA Finance Major: A Deep Dive into Coursework

The Finance major at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business is a rigorous program designed to equip students with the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary for success in a dynamic financial world. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing graduates for diverse career paths within corporate finance, investment management, financial institutions, and real estate.

Core Finance Courses: Building a Solid Foundation

The core finance courses provide the bedrock of knowledge essential for all finance majors. These typically include:

• Financial Management (FINA 3000): This introductory course covers fundamental concepts such as financial statement analysis, time value of money, risk and return, and capital budgeting techniques. Students learn to evaluate investment opportunities and make sound financial decisions.
• Investments (FINA 4080): This course delves into the intricacies of investment analysis, portfolio management, and security valuation. Students learn about different asset classes, including stocks, bonds, and derivatives, and develop strategies for building and managing investment portfolios.
• Financial Institutions (FINA 4110): This course explores the structure and functions of financial institutions, such as banks, insurance companies, and investment banks. Students learn about the role of financial institutions in the economy and the regulatory environment in which they operate.

Advanced Finance Courses: Specializing Your Expertise

Beyond the core, students can choose from a variety of advanced courses to specialize in specific areas of finance. These courses provide in-depth knowledge and analytical skills relevant to various career paths. Examples include:

• Corporate Valuation (FINA 4060): This course focuses on the theory and practice of valuing companies using various methodologies, including discounted cash flow analysis, relative valuation, and option pricing. Students learn to apply these techniques to make informed investment decisions in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and other corporate finance contexts.
• Derivatives (FINA 4120): This course explores the world of derivative securities, such as futures, options, and swaps. Students learn about the pricing, hedging, and speculative uses of derivatives, and develop skills in managing risk and generating returns using these instruments.
• Real Estate Finance (FINA 4210): This course covers the principles of real estate finance, including mortgage markets, property valuation, and real estate investment analysis. Students learn about the unique characteristics of real estate as an asset class and develop skills in financing, investing in, and managing real estate properties.
• International Finance (FINA 4170): This course examines the financial issues that arise in a globalized world, including exchange rates, international capital flows, and cross-border investment. Students learn about the risks and opportunities associated with international finance and develop skills in managing financial operations in a multinational context.

Experiential Learning: Bridging Theory and Practice

The UGA Finance program also emphasizes experiential learning through internships, case competitions, and research projects. These opportunities allow students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world problems and develop valuable skills that are highly sought after by employers. The Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) is a particularly valuable experience, allowing students to manage a portion of the university’s endowment.

By combining a strong theoretical foundation with practical experience, the UGA Finance major prepares graduates for successful careers in a wide range of financial fields.