Finance - Program Overview and Career Pathways

Sep 4, 2026

Finance major program overview detailing the curriculum and outcomes that prepare students for careers across corporate finance, investments, financial markets, and financial risk management. The program emphasizes financial theory applied through modeling, valuation, portfolio management, and macroeconomic analysis, supported by instruction from practicing finance professionals and academics. Experiential learning includes financial instruments exposure, use of industry media platforms, internships, and real-money decision-making via the Student Managed Investment Fund. Career placement highlights roles in auditing, financial analysis, portfolio risk, purchasing, and investment banking, with professional certification pathways.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

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Program Overview

Careers and Placement

Experiential Learning

You’ll Be Prepared To

Four Year Sample Curriculum

Program Specific Organizations

[capital.edu](capital.edu) Finance Program Overview The Finance major is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of finance. The program focuses on applying financial theory, analysis, and strategic decision-making across various business environments. Students will gain in-depth expertise in corporate finance, investments, financial markets and institutions, and macroeconomics, along with the tools to assess and manage financial risks. The curriculum includes key areas such as financial modeling, valuation, portfolio management, and the macroeconomic landscape, equipping graduates for successful careersin corporate finance, investment banking, asset management, and other sectors within the financial services industry. Additionally, all business programs within the School of Management and Leadership are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) . Careers and Placement Columbus is the nation’s 14th largest metropolitan area, and Capital’s finance major leverages our strong connections to the Columbus business community. Successful completion of the finance program prepares a student for a wide range of career opportunities in finance, economics, and the public sector. Our graduates can be found in a wide array of organizations, including well-known businesses such as Cardinal Health, JP Morgan Chase, and Nationwide Insurance. Experiential Learning The finance major is taught by practicing finance professionals and seasoned academics who bring their expertise into the classroom. Students will regularly see sophisticated financial modeling and learn about a variety of financial instruments, including commodities, crypto-currency, securities, and bonds. Students will also learn using financial media, including the Wall Street Journal, Morningstar Direct, and Mergent Online. Internships leverage our Central Ohio location and can be completed during the academic year or summers through a wide variety of organizations, from large commercial banks to small investment firms. Students will also have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the Student Managed Investment Fund, allowing them to make investment decisions with real money. What Our Grads Are Doing Now: State Auditor Financial Analyst Portfolio Risk Specialist Purchasing Director Investment Banker You’ll Be Prepared To: • Discuss and apply the principles and practices of corporate finance, including capital budgeting, cost of capital, and capital structure • Discuss and analyze the major US and global financial markets, the major types of financial institutions, and the major categories of financial assets • Discuss and apply the principles and practices of investment management, including security analysis and valuation, asset allocation, and portfolio management • Use economic models to analyze individual decision making, how prices and quantities are determined in product and factor markets, and macroeconomic outcomes • Pursue a variety of professional certifications such as CPA, CFP, FRM, and FINRA's SIE license Finance Four Year Sample Curriculum First Year, Fall Introduction to Business College Algebra First Year Seminar Reading and Writing College Success First Year, Spring Marketing Principles Macro Economics Speaking and Listening Ethical Thought | Second Year, Fall
MIS
Financial Accounting Business Law Religion
Statistics
Second Year, Spring
Managerial Accounting Micro Economics Finance
Cultural Pluralism Natural Science with Lab | Third Year, Fall
Corporate Finance International Business Professional Development Humanities
Financial Institutions
Third Year, Spring
International Business Organizational Behavior Business Ethics Investments Intermediate Macro | | --- | --- | Fourth Year, Fall Global Systems Operations Management Fine Arts Natural Science Finance Elective

FAQs

What topics does the Finance major focus on?

The curriculum covers corporate finance, investments, financial markets and institutions, macroeconomics, and financial risk assessment, with training in modeling, valuation, and portfolio management.

How does experiential learning support the Finance major?

Students work with practicing professionals, explore a range of financial instruments, use finance media tools, complete internships, and may participate in the Student-Managed Investment Fund using real money.

What career roles do graduates typically pursue?

Graduates are prepared for roles such as State Auditor, Financial Analyst, Portfolio Risk Specialist, Purchasing Director, and Investment Banker.

Sep 4, 2026

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