Loyola University Chicago: Finance Major

Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business offers a comprehensive and rigorous Finance major designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the dynamic world of finance. Rooted in Jesuit values, the program emphasizes ethical decision-making, social responsibility, and a commitment to serving the common good alongside financial expertise.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation in core business principles and then delve into specialized areas of finance. Key courses include:

• Financial Accounting: Understanding the language of business and how financial statements are prepared and analyzed.
• Corporate Finance: Exploring capital budgeting, valuation, and financial planning decisions within organizations.
• Investments: Learning about asset classes, portfolio management, and investment strategies.
• Financial Modeling: Developing practical skills in building and using financial models for analysis and forecasting.
• Derivatives: Understanding the nature and application of derivative instruments for hedging and speculation.

Beyond these core courses, students can choose from a variety of electives to specialize in areas of particular interest, such as:

• Real Estate Finance: Analyzing investment opportunities in the real estate market.
• International Finance: Understanding the complexities of cross-border financial transactions.
• Financial Institutions: Examining the role and operation of banks, insurance companies, and other financial intermediaries.
• Behavioral Finance: Exploring the psychological factors that influence investor behavior.

Experiential Learning

Loyola emphasizes experiential learning, offering students opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. This includes:

• Internships: Students are encouraged to pursue internships in various financial institutions, providing valuable practical experience.
• Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF): Participating in the SMIF allows students to manage a real portfolio of investments, making decisions based on rigorous analysis and research.
• Case Competitions: Loyola students actively participate in national and international case competitions, honing their problem-solving and presentation skills.
• Networking Events: The Quinlan School of Business hosts numerous networking events, connecting students with industry professionals and potential employers.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Loyola Finance program are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in the financial sector, including:

• Investment Banking: Assisting companies with mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other financial transactions.
• Asset Management: Managing investment portfolios for individuals and institutions.
• Corporate Finance: Working within organizations to manage their finances, make investment decisions, and raise capital.
• Financial Analysis: Analyzing financial data, providing investment recommendations, and assessing risk.
• Consulting: Advising companies on financial strategy and operations.

Jesuit Values

The Finance program at Loyola is grounded in the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person. Students are encouraged to think critically, act ethically, and contribute to the common good. This commitment to social responsibility sets Loyola graduates apart and prepares them to be leaders in their communities and professions.