Jmu Finance Major Checklist

The James Madison University (JMU) Finance major offers a robust curriculum designed to prepare students for diverse careers in the financial services industry. This checklist outlines the core requirements and electives needed to successfully complete the program.

Core Coursework

The foundation of the Finance major at JMU lies in a set of core courses that provide a comprehensive understanding of fundamental financial principles. These courses are crucial for building a strong base upon which to layer more specialized knowledge.

• ACCT 200: Principles of Accounting I: Introduces basic accounting principles and practices.
• ACCT 201: Principles of Accounting II: Builds upon ACCT 200, covering more advanced accounting topics.
• ECON 200: Microeconomic Principles: Explores the behavior of individual economic agents and markets.
• ECON 201: Macroeconomic Principles: Examines the behavior of the economy as a whole, including issues like inflation and unemployment.
• MATH 205: Calculus with Applications: Provides a foundation in calculus relevant to business and finance.
• QM 262: Statistical Inference: Covers statistical methods for analyzing data and making inferences.
• FIN 301: Principles of Finance: Introduces the core concepts of finance, including time value of money, risk and return, and financial statement analysis.
• FIN 330: Financial Markets: Examines the structure and function of financial markets.
• FIN 341: Investment Analysis: Covers the principles of investment valuation and portfolio management.
• FIN 407: Corporate Finance: Focuses on financial decision-making within corporations.

Upper-Level Finance Electives

Beyond the core courses, Finance majors must choose elective courses to specialize in areas of interest. JMU offers a variety of electives, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals. A specified number of credit hours must be completed from these elective options.

• Examples of electives include: International Finance, Real Estate Finance, Derivatives, Financial Modeling, and Entrepreneurial Finance. (Consult the official JMU catalog for a complete and up-to-date list.)

General Education Requirements

In addition to the Finance major requirements, students must fulfill JMU's general education requirements, ensuring a well-rounded education. These requirements cover a range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Business Core Requirements

As part of the College of Business, Finance majors must also complete the business core curriculum. This includes courses in management, marketing, operations, and information systems, providing a broader understanding of the business environment.

Advising and Planning

It is highly recommended that Finance majors regularly meet with their academic advisor to discuss their progress and plan their course schedule. Advisors can provide guidance on course selection, internship opportunities, and career paths. Early engagement with the advising process is key to staying on track and maximizing the benefits of the JMU Finance program.

Important Note

This checklist provides a general overview of the JMU Finance major requirements. Students should always refer to the official JMU catalog and their academic advisor for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Curriculum requirements are subject to change.