Finance can be defined as the art and science of managing money and consists of three major areas including investment, money and capital markets, and financial management.

What is finance?
Investment deals with securities selection and portfolio management. Money and capital markets focus on securities markets as well as financial institutions including depository institutions, insurance companies, pension funds, and investment companies. Financial management or corporate finance is about decisions within firms including capital budgeting, financing decision, dividend policy, corporate restructuring, and risk management.

Where is finance used?
Financial concepts and techniques are used in all types of businesses from the corner "mom and pop" store to the large corporation. They are used in both the public and private sectors in evaluating investment alternatives, providing a competitive analysis of an industry, making budgets, and developing long/short term business plans. In addition, given the expanding size and complexity of corporate organizations, it has become increasingly important for people in marketing, accounting, production, personnel, and other areas to understand finance to be successful in their fields.

What kinds of career choices can I expect?
As a finance major, you will develop a wide range of analytical skills that will allow you to choose a career within a full spectrum of jobs, such as a corporate financial analyst (revenue and capital budget), financial planner, security analyst, portfolio manager, security broker or dealer, banker, corporate risk manager, consultant on mergers and acquisitions, or real estate analyst/appraiser. Shippensburg University graduates who majored in finance have obtained responsible positions in major companies such as Citicorp, Vanguard, Legg Mason, Wells Fargo, Prudential, T. Rowe Price, General Electric, Ford, Capital Blue Cross, Merrill Lynch, as well as positions in a variety of major and regional banks and other financial institutions. Some students have sought advanced degrees at major universities such as Old Dominion, Villanova, Wake Forest, Drexel University, and University of Maryland.

The demand for finance graduates is high and continues to grow. Current salaries are highly competitive and the current average income for experienced personnel depends upon the specific career option selected and geographic region. For further information on career opportunities in finance, visit the finance web site at www.careers-in-finance.com.

Are there internship opportunities?
An internship program is offered by the John L. Grove College of Business which promotes on-the-job experience and an opportunity to gain college credits. There are many internship opportunities for finance majors. Participating entities include security brokerage firms, financial services firms, commercial banks, manufacturing firms, as well as government agencies. Participating in our internship program not only provides on-the-job experience, but also presents students with possible job opportunities. Many Shippensburg students have been asked to work at these companies as part-time employees while in school and some students become full-time employees of the firm upon graduation.

Why should I study finance at Shippensburg?
The John L. Grove College of Business is accredited by the AACSB International. The finance curriculum at Shippensburg includes required courses in applied analysis that are aimed at giving students a real- world feeling for finance. Following these courses, a select number of students are invited to take part in the Investment Management Program class, where they will manage the Frank Wisman Endowment held by the Shippensburg University Foundation. To obtain additional information on the Investment Management Program, visit the IMP web site at www.ship.edu/~imp. In addition, the Ship Global Collegiate Fund provides an opportunity for students to participate in an investment club as an extracurricular activity. This club also gives students hands-on experience in managing a real dollar portfolio. Visit the club's web site at www.ship.edu/~invest for more information.

How is the finance curriculum structured?

You will be required to take three sets of courses:

• The first set includes general education courses, such as English, history, mathematics, psychology, and sociology. The purpose of these courses are to provide you with a background for understanding the many different perspectives through which people view society and the world we live in.
• Finance majors also must take the core curriculum, which is required of all business administration students. These core courses include accounting, statistics, economics, business computer systems, finance, management, and marketing. This set of core courses provides students with insights into the broad spectrum of the basic functions and needs of an organization.
• Beyond the core, you will take advanced courses in finance, such as advanced financial management, investments, financial institutions, and applied company and security analysis. Your two finance electives may be selected from bank management, derivative markets, global financial management, insurance and employee benefits, financial and estate planning, principles of real estate, real estate appraisal and investment analysis, and investment management program.

Are scholarships available for finance majors?
The John L. Grove scholarships are available to all business majors.

Where can I get more information?
For specific program information, contact:
Dr. Hong K. Rim, Chair
Department of Finance and Information Management & Analysis
228 Grove Hall
Shippensburg University
1871 Old Main Drive
Shippensburg, PA 17257-2299
717-477-1434
Fax: 717-477-4067
E-mail: hkrim@ship.edu

John L. Grove College of Business
717-477-1435
E-mail: business@ship.edu

The John L. Grove College of Business is accredited by the AACSB International