LMU Finance Major Requirements
A Bachelor of Science in Finance from Loyola Marymount University (LMU) provides a strong foundation in financial theory and practice. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in corporate finance, investments, financial institutions, and related fields. To successfully complete the Finance major, students must fulfill several requirements, including university core requirements, business foundation courses, and specific finance major courses.
University Core Requirements
All LMU students, regardless of their major, must complete the University Core Curriculum. This encompasses courses in areas such as Theological Inquiry, Philosophical Inquiry, Historical Analysis, Literature, Fine Arts, Quantitative Reasoning, Natural Science, and Social Science. These courses are designed to provide a broad liberal arts education, fostering critical thinking, communication skills, and ethical awareness.
Business Foundation Courses
Before diving into specialized finance coursework, students must establish a solid business foundation. These courses provide essential knowledge in areas fundamental to business operations and decision-making. Key foundation courses include:
- ACCT 2010: Financial Accounting – Introduces the principles and practices of financial accounting.
- ACCT 2020: Managerial Accounting – Focuses on the use of accounting information for internal decision-making.
- ECON 1150: Principles of Microeconomics – Explores the behavior of individual consumers and firms.
- ECON 1250: Principles of Macroeconomics – Examines the behavior of the economy as a whole.
- MATH 1310: Calculus for Business – Provides the mathematical tools necessary for quantitative analysis in business.
- DSCI 2010: Business Statistics – Covers statistical methods for data analysis and decision-making in a business context.
- MKTG 2010: Principles of Marketing – Introduces the fundamentals of marketing strategy and tactics.
- MGMT 2010: Management and Organizational Behavior – Explores the principles of management and organizational behavior.
- BLAW 2010: Legal Environment of Business – Provides an overview of the legal and ethical considerations facing businesses.
Finance Major Courses
The finance major itself requires specific courses that build on the business foundation, delving into advanced finance topics. These courses are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of financial theory and practice. Core finance courses include:
- FINA 3010: Principles of Finance – Introduces core concepts in finance, including time value of money, risk and return, and capital budgeting.
- FINA 3020: Intermediate Finance – Builds on FINA 3010, covering topics such as valuation, capital structure, and dividend policy.
- FINA 3030: Investments – Examines investment theory and practice, including security analysis, portfolio management, and market efficiency.
- FINA 3040: Financial Institutions – Explores the role of financial institutions in the economy and the management of these institutions.
- FINA 4100: Financial Modeling – Develops skills in building and using financial models for analysis and decision-making.
In addition to these core finance courses, students typically choose elective courses to specialize in areas of interest, such as corporate finance, investments, or real estate. These electives allow students to tailor their education to their career goals.
It’s crucial to consult the official LMU course catalog and speak with an academic advisor for the most up-to-date and detailed information on Finance major requirements. Curriculum requirements are subject to change.