Lehigh University’s College of Business offers a robust finance curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the dynamic world of finance. The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical foundations and practical application, preparing graduates for diverse career paths.
The core finance curriculum begins with foundational courses in financial accounting, corporate finance, and investments. These courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of financial statements, valuation techniques, and investment strategies. Students learn how to analyze financial data, make informed investment decisions, and manage financial risk.
Beyond the core, students can specialize in various areas of finance through elective courses. These electives cover topics such as:
- Investment Management: Focusing on portfolio theory, asset pricing models, and alternative investments like hedge funds and private equity.
- Corporate Finance: Delving into capital budgeting, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate restructuring.
- Financial Modeling: Providing hands-on experience building financial models for forecasting, valuation, and risk management.
- Fixed Income Securities: Exploring the intricacies of bond markets, credit analysis, and interest rate risk management.
- Derivatives: Covering options, futures, and other derivative instruments, including their pricing, hedging, and speculative applications.
- FinTech: Examining the intersection of finance and technology, encompassing areas like blockchain, algorithmic trading, and peer-to-peer lending.
The curriculum incorporates experiential learning opportunities to enhance practical skills. Students can participate in the Martindale Student Associates Program, which provides real-world consulting experience with local businesses. The Murray H. Goodman Center for Real Estate Studies offers courses and networking opportunities related to the real estate industry. Furthermore, Lehigh’s investment management club, known as the Gryphon Fund, allows students to manage a real portfolio of assets, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in investment management.
Lehigh’s finance faculty consists of experienced academics and industry professionals who are committed to providing students with a high-quality education. They bring their expertise and research insights into the classroom, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest trends and developments in the field of finance. Many faculty members have published extensively in top-tier academic journals and have extensive industry experience.
The finance curriculum at Lehigh University is rigorous and demanding, but it prepares students for success in a wide range of financial careers. Graduates pursue roles in investment banking, asset management, corporate finance, consulting, and other related fields. The program’s strong reputation and extensive alumni network provide students with a competitive advantage in the job market. The emphasis on analytical skills, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making ensures that Lehigh finance graduates are well-equipped to make a significant contribution to the financial industry.