Carlson Finance Major Requirements

Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota has specific requirements for students majoring in Finance. These requirements ensure a solid foundation in business principles, analytical skills, and specialized financial knowledge. Successful completion of these requirements leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB) degree with a Finance major. A crucial first step is admission to the Carlson School itself. This typically requires strong academic performance in prerequisite coursework and a competitive application. Prospective students should consult the Carlson School's admissions website for the most up-to-date requirements and deadlines. Once admitted, Finance majors must complete a series of required courses, divided into several categories. These include: * **Lower-Level Business Core:** These courses provide a foundational understanding of business concepts. Typically included are principles of accounting (both financial and managerial), microeconomics and macroeconomics, statistics, and introduction to business analytics. Completing these courses early is crucial as they often serve as prerequisites for upper-level finance courses. * **Upper-Level Business Core:** Building upon the lower-level core, these courses provide a more in-depth exploration of key business disciplines. Expect courses covering operations management, marketing, strategic management, and business law. These courses are designed to provide a holistic understanding of how businesses function. * **Finance Core Courses:** These courses form the heart of the Finance major. Key courses typically include Corporate Finance (focusing on capital budgeting, valuation, and financing decisions), Investments (covering asset pricing, portfolio management, and securities analysis), and Financial Modeling. These core courses are essential for developing the analytical and decision-making skills necessary for a career in finance. * **Finance Electives:** To further specialize their knowledge, Finance majors are required to take a certain number of elective courses within the finance discipline. These electives offer the opportunity to explore specific areas of interest, such as derivatives, international finance, real estate finance, risk management, or fintech. The availability of elective courses may vary from year to year, so students should consult with their academic advisor to plan their course selections. * **General Education Requirements:** In addition to the business-specific coursework, all Carlson School students must fulfill general education requirements. These requirements are designed to broaden students' perspectives and develop critical thinking skills across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. * **GPA Requirements:** Maintaining a minimum GPA is also crucial. Generally, a minimum cumulative GPA and a minimum GPA in major coursework are required to graduate with a Finance degree. Specific GPA thresholds can be found in the Carlson School's academic policies. Beyond coursework, Carlson School encourages students to gain practical experience through internships, study abroad programs, and extracurricular activities. Participating in finance-related clubs and organizations can provide valuable networking opportunities and enhance professional development. Utilizing the Carlson School's career services is highly recommended to prepare for job searches and secure internships. Finally, all requirements are subject to change. It is essential for students to consult with their academic advisor and regularly review the official Carlson School of Management website for the most current and accurate information regarding degree requirements. Changes in curriculum, course availability, and GPA requirements can occur, so staying informed is vital for successful completion of the Finance major.