Corporate Finance Curriculum

Corporate Finance majors can expect to take classes in a variety of

different fields. Since working in corporate finance is very
interdisciplinary, international students should expect to take a wide
range of classes such as accounting, finance and business
administration. Accounting classes are necessary for the auditing
and figures that come with the daily job. Expect to take basic classes
like Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting in a program.
In addition, a strong background in Finance is necessary. Students
need to be familiar with basic investment principles in order to be
productive and knowledgeable. For this, international students
should expect to take several classes revolving around stocks, bonds,
and financial planning. This type of program generally results in a
Bachelor of Science, but may also be offered as a Bachelor of
Business Administration. Business administration classes come in
handy for the attention to detail that is necessary in reading
financial statements and expenditures. The beauty of a degree in
corporate finance is its versatility. Students should consider
enrolling at a school such as Mississippi State University . The
finance program as MSU is strongly connected to the business
school, allowing students to study the various ways that the two
fields intertwine. Students studying Corporate Finance can expect to
take courses such as:
 Personal investment strategies
 Performance evaluation
 Managerial finance
 Fundamentals of accounting
 Business finance strategies
Potential Careers
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Finance may
pursue careers as a:
 Stock broker
 Investment adviser
 Financial reporter
 Fraud investigator
 Investment banker
Individuals with graduate degrees in Corporate Finance might find
employment with brokerage houses, banks or financial regulation
agencies. Titles for positions in these fields include:
 Professor
 Auditor
 Financial analyst
 Bureaucrat
 Fund manager
Not all students who study corporate finance end up working in the
finance area. Others may instead have a career as a compliance
officer. This position makes sure that all aspects of the company,
especially the financial arm, are following the rules and regulations
put in place by the federal government and regulatory commissions.
Other positions that may interest a student studying corporate
finance are a Company Treasurer, Financial Analyst, Credit
Analyst, Cash Manager, Investment Officer, and Controller. With
an education rooted in business and financial principles, a diligent
and intelligent international student will have no problem finding a
competitive and challenging career.
A Need for International Students
The need for international students in an increasingly globalized
world is very high. Companies need students who have international
experience and preferably those who can speak multiple languages.
With companies increasingly trying to create a presence overseas
and in growing economic markets, international students are vital
employees for potential growth. International education and
experience coupled with a degree in corporate finance from a top
school will make any student one of the most competitive for open
jobs. The possibilities for international students are endless and they
will surely find a rewarding, challenging and high paying career as a
corporate finance officer.