Business: Finance
About the Program
Do you want to study business administration and a focused area of emphasis? Do you enjoy managing money and investments? If so, pursuing a Bachelor of Innovation in Business with an emphasis in Finance may be right for you.
Business: Finance majors are prepared for careers in a corporate industrial setting or in the financial services industry. Jobs in the corporate setting managing corporate assets can include cash and receivables management, capital budgeting decision making, short- and long-term financial planning and analysis, risk analysis and management, and financing decisions. Financial services careers include positions in investment counseling, insurance, personal asset management and other financial planning careers.
What do Business: Finance B.I. students study?
Business is the organized effort of individuals to produce and sell, for a profit, the goods and services that satisfy society's needs. A business, then, is an organization which seeks to make a profit through individuals working toward common goals. The goals of the business will vary based on the type of business and the business strategy being used. Regardless of the preferred strategy, businesses must provide a service, product, or good that meets a need of society in some way.
As future business leaders, our graduates will demonstrate: knowledge and application of best practices in core business concepts, the ability to analyze and interpret information to reach conclusions and make effective business recommendations, principle based ethics to make socially responsible business decisions.
Courses
The comprehensive study of how corporations make investment decisions, raise capital to finance their investments, and manage their financial affairs to create shareholder value. Topics covered include capital budgeting and the cost of capital, dividend policy, capital structure and financial distress. Emphasis on developing analytical tools and problem solving.
The study of the investments industry and instruments. Topics include risk and return, security types, mutual funds, the stock market, market efficiency, behavioral finance, interest rates, portfolio diversification, asset allocation and the valuation of stocks, bonds, options and futures. The course discusses investment problems and the formation of diversified portfolios.
The study of the interaction between financial markets and the Federal Reserve system. The course emphasizes how the Federal Reserve Bank conducts monetary policy to promote a stable banking system and strong economic growth while minimizing inflation and unemployment. Topics covered include interest rates, inflation and the money supply and the effect of these variables on the business cycle.
Development of financial modeling and analytical skills across a broad range of finance case studies. Areas of study include securities valuation, balance sheet analysis, risk assessment, and investment evaluation.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
What is the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation?
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation, issued by the CFA Institute, is a premier global credential for investment professionals. Earning the charter requires passing three rigorous exams and meeting work experience standards. The program covers essential topics including financial reporting, asset analysis, and portfolio management, with a heavy emphasis on ethics. Consequently, the CFA remains one of the most distinguished qualifications in the finance industry.
The Value of the CFA Designation
- Signal of Excellence: Demonstrates high competence, discipline, and integrity.
- Employer Benchmark: Trusted standard for hiring in investment-related roles.
- Career Growth: Enhances opportunities in asset management, investment banking, and research.
- Ethical Focus: Promotes trust and transparency in global financial markets.
- Overall Impact: Provides technical expertise and credibility in a competitive environment.
UCCS is a CFA Affiliated University since 2021
The CFA Institute University Affiliation Program (UAP) signifies that the College of Business finance curriculum is optimized for professional practice and CFA exam success. This distinction assures employers of the program's quality while providing students with a competitive edge. As an affiliated institution, UCCS also gains access to a limited number of CFA Program Student Scholarships annually.