Financial Economics Concentration

Financial markets in the United States and abroad have become increasingly complex and interdependent. They have major impacts on the economic decisions of both individuals and business, and they are a central concern of governments in the conduct of domestic and international economic policies. The concentration in financial economics provides students with the opportunity to analyze financial markets in the context of domestic and international economic concerns. Internships will be arranged where possible with banks and other financial companies to give students work experience and exposure to job opportunities.

Required Courses

• ECON - 350 Money, Banking, and Financial Institutions
• ECON - 471 International Finance

Other courses can be chosen depending on the student's area of interest. In addition to the two courses above, the student is required to take eight units from the following electives:

Elective Courses

• ECON - 318 Game Theory
• ECON - 390 Experimental Courses
• ECON - 451 Monetary Economics
• ECON - 455 Options and Futures
• BUS - 202 Principles of Accounting II
• BUS - 305 Financial Management
• BUS - 330 Investment Analysis

Other units may be chosen from related areas such as mathematics and statistics, or from the McLaren School of Business. Students may do an internship (ECON 396) or complete a research project (ECON 398) in which they demonstrate mastery of a topic in financial analysis. Given the wide range of options available to students in this area, a consultation with a faculty advisor as to the best choice of courses for a particular area of interest is recommended.

Learning Outcomes for the M.S. in Financial Analysis

Students who complete the M.S. in Financial Analysis will be able to:

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the tools and inputs involved in asset valuation and portfolio management.
• Demonstrate and ability to apply the principles and concepts of economics, financial statement analysis , and quantitative methods to practical problems in asset valuation.
• Demonstrate an appreciation and mastery of the strategies for applying tools and inputs in managing portfolios of equities, fixed-income, and derivative assets.
• demonstrate an undestanding and appreciation for the ethical and regulatory issues involved in asset valuation and portfolio management.