Undergraduate Emphasis: Finance

This emphasis has been approved by the university to be STEM-eligible under the Department of Education CIP code of 52.1301 designation of Management Science. The degree stated on the I-20 refers to this designation.

Yes, all international students transferring to this emphasis will have a new I-20 issued with the STEM designation. The Marshall school will work directly with OIS to process the updated I-20 and once issued, the student will receive email notification from Marshall that the I-20 is available for pick-up. Students applying in Fall semester should expect their new I-20 to be ready in Spring semester, and those applying in Spring should expect their new I-20 ready in Fall semester.

No, the I-20 with the STEM designation is not required if traveling prior to its issuance. Students can travel and re-enter the U.S. on their original I-20 once they receive a valid travel signature.

A core finance course (BUAD 306: Business Finance, or BUAD 308: Advanced Business Finance) is a requirement for entry to the Emphasis, as well as the best course to help students decide if this Emphasis is right for them. We encourage students interested in the Finance and Business Economics Emphasis to enroll in BUAD 306 or BUAD 308 as early as possible. BUAD 308 is recommended for students interested in pursuing this Emphasis. More information on the difference between BUAD 306 and BUAD 308 is available here.

In addition to the Finance and Business Economics Emphasis faculty advisor, students can consult their BUAD 306/308 instructor, or an instructor of an FBE elective in which they are enrolled. Student organizations and Marshall Undergraduate Career Services are also excellent resources to explore FBE-related career opportunities and connect with students, staff, alumni and professionals to gain personal insights and advise.

There is no dominant quality or skill aligned with Finance and Business Economics related careers. The range of positions across corporate finance, financial services, investment management and financial and economic consulting is vast. Typically, employers seek candidates who combine strong analytical and critical thinking skills with excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. Actively exploring industry and career opportunities as you enhance your skills and refine your interests throughout your undergraduate experience is the best way to align your class choices with your career ambitions.

Students have flexibility to choose classes that provide a breadth of knowledge and skills as a finance generalist; OR to choose classes that provide a depth of knowledge and skills aligned with a specific sub-field or career path. Some representative skills and knowledge include: financial modeling and valuation, institutional and market knowledge, financial strategy including risk management and capital raising, and investment and wealth-management strategies and techniques.

The Finance and Business Economics Emphasis can prepare students for careers in investment or commercial banking (including sales and trading, financial strategy advisory, underwriting, valuation, and M&A advisory), investment management (including research and valuation, portfolio management, private wealth management, and private equity), financial and economic consulting, and corporate financial management (including financial planning, risk management, valuation and corporate development, corporate treasury, and financial analysis and strategy).

Students who participate in the Marshall International Exchange program (IEP) may fulfill up to 6 units towards this emphasis while studying abroad. In order for the courses to be applied towards this emphasis, students must complete approved classes while abroad (a list of approved classes for each exchange location can be found on the IEP outgoing website). Students will work with the Marshall Exchange office to ensure that the approved classes they take abroad will be applied towards their emphasis.