Earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) requires fulfilling a specific set of academic requirements. These requirements are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in financial principles, analytical skills, and ethical considerations. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

University Requirements

All CSUN undergraduate students, including finance majors, must satisfy the university’s general education requirements. These courses cover a broad range of subjects, ensuring a well-rounded education. Key components include:

• General Education (GE): Typically requires approximately 48 units across various categories like communication, critical thinking, arts and humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Specific course options vary, offering some flexibility.
• American Institutions: Students must demonstrate an understanding of U.S. history, the Constitution, and California state government. This can be satisfied through specific courses or by passing relevant examinations.
• Upper Division Writing Proficiency: Completion of a designated upper-division writing course ensures students can communicate effectively in their field.

Lower Division Core Courses

These courses provide a foundation in essential business principles. Common lower division requirements include:

• Financial Accounting: Introduces fundamental accounting concepts and financial statement analysis.
• Managerial Accounting: Focuses on the use of accounting information for internal decision-making within organizations.
• Business Statistics: Covers statistical methods relevant to business applications.
• Business Law: Provides an overview of legal principles relevant to business operations.
• Microeconomics & Macroeconomics: These courses provide a foundation in economic theory.

Upper Division Core Courses

These courses delve deeper into finance-specific topics. Key upper division courses often include:

• Corporate Finance: Explores financial decision-making within corporations, including capital budgeting, dividend policy, and working capital management.
• Investments: Covers investment principles, asset valuation, portfolio management, and securities markets.
• Financial Institutions and Markets: Examines the structure and function of financial institutions and markets.
• Financial Modeling: Provides hands-on experience building and using financial models for analysis and forecasting.

Finance Electives

Finance majors usually have the opportunity to choose elective courses within the finance department. These electives allow students to specialize in areas of interest, such as:

• Real Estate Finance: Focuses on the financing of real estate projects and investments.
• International Finance: Explores financial issues related to global business operations.
• Financial Derivatives: Covers the pricing and use of options, futures, and other derivative instruments.
• Risk Management: Examines techniques for identifying, measuring, and managing financial risks.

Minimum Grade and Unit Requirements

A minimum grade of “C” is typically required in all courses that count toward the finance major. Students must also maintain a minimum GPA in their upper-division finance courses. Furthermore, a certain number of upper division finance units must be completed at CSUN. Reviewing the university catalog is crucial as specific minimum unit requirements can change.

Important Notes

It’s crucial to consult the official CSUN University Catalog and meet with an academic advisor for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding degree requirements. Requirements can change, and advisors can provide personalized guidance to help students stay on track. Transfer students should pay close attention to articulation agreements and ensure their prior coursework fulfills CSUN’s requirements.