Finance Requirements Kelley

The Finance major at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business is highly regarded and, as such, demands specific requirements to ensure students develop a strong foundation in financial principles and practices. These requirements span multiple areas, encompassing core business knowledge, specialized finance coursework, and experiential learning opportunities.

A foundational element of the Kelley Finance major is the completion of the Kelley School of Business core curriculum. This provides students with a comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals. This core includes courses in areas such as accounting, economics, marketing, operations, and management. Successfully navigating these courses provides a crucial context for understanding the role of finance within a broader business ecosystem.

Following the core curriculum, students delve into specialized finance coursework. Key courses include Corporate Finance, Investment Management, Financial Modeling, and Financial Institutions. Corporate Finance focuses on financial decision-making within companies, covering topics such as capital budgeting, valuation, and risk management. Investment Management equips students with the tools to analyze securities, construct portfolios, and manage investment risk. Financial Modeling teaches students to build and interpret financial models, crucial for forecasting and decision-making. Financial Institutions provides insight into the structure and operations of banks, insurance companies, and other financial intermediaries.

Beyond the core and specialized courses, Kelley emphasizes quantitative skills. Math proficiency is essential, and students are required to complete courses in calculus and statistics. These courses provide the necessary analytical framework for understanding financial concepts and performing quantitative analyses. The curriculum stresses the application of mathematical concepts to solve real-world financial problems. Strong analytical capabilities are crucial for success in roles involving financial analysis, investment banking, and portfolio management.

Experiential learning is a significant aspect of the Kelley Finance major. The school actively promotes internships, case competitions, and student-managed funds. Internships provide real-world experience, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting and build valuable industry contacts. Case competitions challenge students to analyze complex business scenarios and develop strategic solutions. Student-managed funds offer the opportunity to manage a real investment portfolio, providing hands-on experience in investment decision-making. These experiential learning opportunities enhance resumes and increase students’ competitiveness in the job market.

Finally, Kelley encourages students to tailor their finance education through electives. These electives allow students to specialize in areas such as real estate, risk management, or international finance. This flexibility enables students to align their coursework with their specific career interests. Students are also often encouraged to pursue minors or certificates in related fields, such as data science or entrepreneurship, further enhancing their skill sets and broadening their career prospects. By meeting these rigorous requirements, Kelley Finance graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in the finance industry.