The Finance major integrates critical thinking, ethical reasoning, interdisciplinary connections, and global perspectives into liberal arts financial education. Graduates will develop both technical finance skills and a broader intellectual foundation that will prepare them for leadership, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. Students will consider social issues such as the relationships between finance and inequality, sustainability, and institutional power through dialogic, collaborative experiences. The specific learning goals and outcomes are as follows, mapped to the relevant courses. Each course listed below the learning outcomes has a core course learning objective that matches at least one listed. 

1. Financial Literacy for Decision-Making 

  • Understand fundamental economic and financial problems in their social context.
  • Apply financial theories to real world problems, considering historical, political, and social influences on financial decision-making.
  • Understand the role of financial institutions, monetary policy, and regulatory frameworks in shaping economic and financial systems. 

Courses: FIN 149: Introduction to Financial Accounting, ECON 101: Introductory Macroeconomics, ECON 102: Introductory Microeconomics, FIN 201: Principles of Finance, FIN 221: Personal Finance*, FIN 301: Money, Finance, and the Macroeconomy 

2. Interdisciplinary and Global Awareness 

  • Engage with historical, political, and sociological perspectives on finance, recognizing how financial systems evolve within broader macroeconomic contexts and across different economic systems.
  • Examine the relationship between finance, economic development, and globalization, considering the impacts of trade, monetary policy, and financial crises.
  • Develop a nuanced understanding of how finance can be a tool for both economic growth and equity. 

Courses: FIN 201: Principles of Finance, ECON 204: Income Inequality*, FIN 301: Money, Finance, and the Macroeconomy, FIN 302: Corporate Finance 

3. Ethical and Responsible Conduct 

  • Analyze the impact of global financial systems and ethical considerations on financial practices.
  • Acquire an understanding of ethics and social responsibility as they relate to economics and finance, promoting responsible and sustainable corporate governance.
  • Acknowledge a personal responsibility to act with integrity and maintain high ethical standards.

Courses: FIN 201: Principles of Finance, ECON 202: Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability, FIN 301: Money, Finance, and the Macroeconomy, FIN 302: Corporate Finance, FIN 450: Capstone 

4. Mathematical and Quantitative Analysis in Finance 

  • Develop proficiency in mathematical modeling and statistical methods for financial analysis.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of financial accounting fundamentals, including the preparation, analysis, and interpretation of financial statements.
  • Apply data-driven methods to evaluate market trends, investment strategies, and policy outcomes. 

Courses: FIN 149: Introduction to Financial Accounting, MATH 135: Single Variable Calculus, MATH 145: Multivariable Calculus, FIN 201: Principles of Finance, ECON 302: Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis, FIN 302: Corporate Finance, ECON 307: Introduction to Econometrics 

5. Research and Communication Skills and Collaboration 

  • Demonstrate subject knowledge through writing and presentation to articulate financial insights clearly and persuasively.
  • Conduct research projects using tools such as Excel, STATA, and Bloomberg Terminal.
  • Contribute to team projects; serve in both leadership and supportive roles inside and outside the classroom. 

Courses: ECON 204: Income Inequality*, FIN 302: Corporate Finance, FIN 450: Capstone 

6. Experiential Learning Opportunities 

  • Apply financial knowledge to public policy, nonprofit initiatives, and socially responsible business practices.
  • Engage in co-curricular activities—guest speaker series, field trips to financial institutions, and competitions such as the CFA challenge. 

Courses: FIN 450: Capstone 

*Electives