Course Map for Finance 2009 -2010

Finance is a broad subject and there are several specializations. While each specialization requires different emphasis in terms of finance knowledge and courses, there are also several courses that provide knowledge that is relevant to all finance students. In addition, there are several finance courses that are almost a must for anyone that may have to deal with finance issues in his or her professional career (presumably every MBA graduate).

General Management: For those who are not "finance majors" but would like to have finance knowledge over and above what is provided in the finance core course.

Managerial Finance: For those who intend to assume a finance position in a non-finance company. Activities in this area would include product line profitability analysis, capital expenditure decision-making, acquisition analysis, raising debt and equity capital, payout policy, cash management.

Investment Banking: For those who want to pursue a career (typically on Wall Street) specializing in issues like helping firms to raise capital, restructure, M&A activity, IPOs etc. Careers in the corporate finance side of investment banking firms require strong knowledge in corporate finance, financial accounting, financial model building, and knowledge of products and process.

Sales, Trading & Private Wealth Management: For those who are interested in assisting institutions, corporations, individuals and governments with their investing and trading strategies.

Research & Asset Management: For those who are interested in researching and providing information and guidance on equity/debt/derivative markets, on individual companies and industries; and for those who are interested in managing assets in financial markets.

Private Equity and Entrepreneurship: For those who are interested either in managing private equity funds (Venture Capital or Leverage Buyout firms) or who will be in a need to raise money from such funds (aka entrepreneurs). This subject matter is very closely related to investment banking. However, there are several other aspects to private equity which can be found elsewhere is this document.