Essential Information
Many undergraduate and graduate programs in accounting, finance and business management feature financial management courses. Depending on their career goals, students enrolled in these programs can earn associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees. Many schools also offer standalone continuing education courses and certificates in financial management and related topics, like financial analysis and planning. Some programs help students meet the education requirements for certification through the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. Course subjects will include the following:
- Risk and return trade-off
- Corporate decision making
- Merging transactions
- IPO's
- Valuation
- Deregulation
List of Courses
Financial Management Course
The class introduces the role of financial managers, core concepts in corporate finance and financial terminology. Students discuss the financial manager's role within a company, including financing decisions, investing decisions and risk/return tradeoffs. Additional topics include stock valuation, cash flow valuation and project evaluation criteria.
Investment Management Course
Instructors guide students in an analysis of transactions involving the investment markets. Discussions review investment risks, derivative securities and the use of debt and equity instruments. Assignments teach evaluation techniques, tax planning and the investment process. Other topics include mutual funds, real estate investments and portfolio management.
International Financial Management Course
This course considers the effects of international financial investment and regulation on corporate financial planning. Discussions include foreign company acquisitions, country risks and exchange rates. Other topics reviewed are political risks, international taxation rates and risk management. Additional materials include long-term financing, inflation and interest rates.
Financial Markets and Institutions Course
Students discuss financial securities, the organizations that create those securities, and the markets purchasing and trading securities. They consider how derivatives, stocks and bonds are priced and traded. Additional topics include financial regulations and deregulations, asset management and market globalization.
Strategic Financial Management Course
Through case studies and applied problems, students examine capital investments and decision-making processes for long-term financial planning. They review core financial concepts including strategic cost management, value creation and growth strategies. Additional topics include performance metrics, corporate governance, restructuring standards and ethical considerations.
Behavioral Finance Course
Participants consider the psychological factors that lead financial managers to make poor decisions. Class materials review theories of risks and rewards, decision-making processes and behavior models. Other topics include corporate governance, dividend policies and valuation.
