Finance

Program Goals
The undergraduate degree program in Finance is designed to acquaint the student with knowledge for prudent and ethical financial decision making, to broaden the student’s understanding of the operation and functioning of the U.S. financial system and its international relationships, and to familiarize the student with the importance, scope of operations and problems faced by businesses in their international investing and financing activities. The program serves the student interested in a business career and seeking preparation for an entry-level position in the banking, securities, or insurance industries, and as the basis for advanced graduate studies in related areas.

The program will prepare graduates to:

Demonstrate the ability to apply the competencies of the discipline.

  • Identify the roles of financial markets and describe the responsibilities of market participants.
  • Describe and illustrate the uses of investment vehicles and strategies.
  • Describe and illustrate decision making in corporate financial operations.
  • Identify trends in the global financial marketplace.

Demonstrate recognition and understanding of broad business competencies.

  • Describe the financial reporting process and how accounting systems control business operations.
  • Describe the importance of economic analysis on the global and national economy.
  • Recognize market needs and develop new markets.
  • Apply management and human resources development theories to human resource issues and organizational problems.
  • Use office productivity software (data bases, presentation graphics, word processing, spread sheets, and Internet research) effectively and efficiently.
  • Identify sources of capital, and analyze the impact of participation in the global capital markets.
  • Describe the legal and regulatory environment and analyze the impact of changes in relevant requirements, constraints, and competitive practices.
  • Describe the use of statistical techniques to analyze business data and discern relationships.
  • Formulate an effective business plan for an organization.

Apply business knowledge, skills, and values effectively in a variety of settings.

  • Conduct research using primary and secondary sources.
  • Write cohesively organized material with consistently correct grammar and mechanics in a style appropriate to the issue.
  • Deliver effective presentations that engage the entire audience.
  • Communicate and exchange information within a meaningful context and with appropriate delivery so that it is understood by individuals with diverse capabilities and interests.
  • Motivate individuals and groups to achieve results.
  • Demonstrate capability to give and receive appropriate feedback in a team situation.
  • Link data, knowledge, and insight from various disciplines to provide information for decision-making.
  • Describe the effects of technology on the broader business environment and determine how new technologies should best be incorporated into organizations.
  • Determine the nature of a situation, analyze available statistical data, and decide on the principles and techniques needed to solve problems or make judgments.

Demonstrate an understanding of professional responsibility, ethical obligations and social awareness.

  • Identify the ethical considerations and legal ramifications of a business decision and propose a course of action for individuals and firms.
  • Describe the appropriate action to take in an ethically ambiguous situation.
  • Identify local, national and global current events and understand their ethical impact on society and business.
  • Describe how an individual or a firm maintains a reputation for excellence in the performance of responsibilities.

Appreciate the Vincentian value of service.

  • Complete a service-learning project and/or demonstrate involvement in community or charitable service.
  • Participate in experiential learning projects.