Banking and Finance at the University of Michigan

The University of Michigan (U-M) offers a robust and highly regarded program for students interested in pursuing careers in banking and finance. While U-M doesn’t have a specific undergraduate degree titled “Banking and Finance,” students typically pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the Ross School of Business, or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics from the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) as a foundation for their careers in this field.

Ross School of Business

The Ross School of Business is particularly well-known for its focus on experiential learning and developing well-rounded business leaders. Students pursuing the BBA can specialize through coursework and extracurricular activities to gain expertise in finance. Specific areas of focus within finance at Ross include:

• Corporate Finance: This area explores how companies make investment and financing decisions, manage risk, and create value for shareholders.
• Investment Management: Students learn about portfolio management, asset valuation, and the analysis of financial markets.
• Financial Markets: This focuses on the structure and function of financial markets, including trading, regulation, and market microstructure.
• Investment Banking: Preparing students for advisory roles in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other financial transactions.

Ross provides numerous resources to support students interested in finance, including:

• The Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies: Offers resources and mentorship for students interested in financial aspects of startups.
• Student-run organizations: Groups like the Michigan Finance Club, Wolverine Consulting Group, and the Social Venture Fund provide opportunities for networking, skill development, and hands-on experience.
• Recruiting events: Ross hosts numerous on-campus recruiting events with top investment banks, consulting firms, and other financial institutions.
• Action-based learning courses: Many courses incorporate real-world projects and simulations, providing students with practical experience.

LSA Economics

The BA in Economics from LSA provides a strong theoretical foundation for understanding financial markets and institutions. Students learn about microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and other core economic principles. While less directly focused on business skills than the BBA, an economics degree provides a rigorous analytical framework for approaching financial problems. Students can supplement their economics coursework with courses in mathematics, statistics, and computer science to further enhance their quantitative skills.

Graduate Programs

For students seeking advanced training in finance, U-M offers several graduate programs, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a finance concentration, a Master of Management in Finance (MMF), and a PhD in Finance. These programs provide in-depth knowledge and research skills for students seeking careers in investment banking, asset management, research, and academia.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from U-M’s finance programs are highly sought after by top employers in the financial industry. Common career paths include investment banking, asset management, private equity, consulting, and corporate finance. The university’s strong alumni network and career services department provide valuable support for students seeking internships and full-time employment.