Finance Specializations | SIU

Specializations

Financial Analytics

The Financial Analytics specialization emphasizes the application of quantitative methods and data analytics in finance. Students learn to analyze financial data, identify patterns, and forecast outcomes to support decision-making in areas such as investments, risk management, and corporate finance. The curriculum includes coursework in business analytics, investments, risk management, and banking, equipping students with analytical and data-driven skills that are increasingly valuable in today’s financial environment.

Financial Management

The Financial Management specialization focuses on the financial decision-making processes of businesses and nonprofit organizations. Coursework emphasizes key areas such as working capital management, financial forecasting, corporate dividend policy and capital budgeting. Students develop the skills necessary to manage budgets, analyze short-term financial strategies, evaluate investment projects, determine the cost of capital, and make informed long-term financial decisions in a corporate setting.

View the Financial Management Curricular Guide.

Financial Institutions Specialization

The Financial Institutions specialization is intended for students interested in the operations of financial intermediaries and markets, particularly those pursuing careers in the financial services industry. The curriculum highlights the policies and challenges faced by senior management within financial institutions. Students explore the roles of banking and non-banking institutions in economic growth and development, while also gaining familiarity with topics such as real estate markets should you be interested in that area.

View the Financial Institutions Specialization Curricular Guide A | B

Investments Concentration

The Investments specialization is well suited for students interested in security analysis, portfolio management, and the use of financial derivatives—such as futures, options, and swaps—for investment and risk management. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including security valuation, portfolio theory and management, derivative pricing, hedging and speculation. Students also gain exposure to risk management and the practical application of modern investment techniques.

Financial Economics

Financial decisions are influenced by systematic market conditions and broader macroeconomic factors. The Financial Economics specialization integrates economic theory with financial practice to provide a comprehensive understanding of these relationships. Coursework includes financial management, banking or investments, microeconomics and macroeconomics, and the use of statistical tools for analyzing financial and economic data to support decision-making.

General

The General track is designed for students who prefer a broad and flexible curriculum. It allows you to take a diverse range of finance courses across multiple areas, tailoring your studies to a more flexible timeline with your interests and career goals in mind. Students seeking more focused expertise may wish to consider one of the specialized tracks outlined below.