Course Information
More course and program information, including an Academic Rhode Map, which lists all the courses you will need to complete this program and graduate in a timely fashion:
There is no better place to earn a degree in finance than Rhode Island College. We also offer minors in finance and international business.
Finance is a dynamic and exciting field. A degree in finance is a common denominator among many of those who work on Wall Street as analysts, bankers or fund managers. Likewise, many of those employed by commercial banks, insurance companies and other financial service providers have college backgrounds in finance.
Finance typically focuses on the study of prices, interest rates, money flows and the financial markets. Financial planning, investment decisions and analyzing/limiting expenses are all various aspects of what you will learn as a finance major. You will study how companies have performed in the past to predict how they will perform in the future and learn how to communicate information that will drive strategic change. RIC's program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, an affiliate of Chartered Financial Analyst and a Bloomberg Experiential Learning Partner institution.
Rhode Island College is an exclusive member of the Common Application.
More course and program information, including an Academic Rhode Map, which lists all the courses you will need to complete this program and graduate in a timely fashion:
Upon completion of this program, students will demonstrate:
Finance is a highly quantitative field based on theory. Students graduating from our programs have to be able to think both quantitatively and qualitatively. They should then be able to communicate information to a variety of stakeholders (colleagues, management teams, interested public, etc.) in a way that effectively aids sense making and supports sound decision making. Writing is essential to this process. Without effective writing, students will not be able to distill theory and data into a crucial decision-making tool for the varied audiences for whom they will be writing.
Our department has designated the following courses as Writing in the Discipline courses for the finance program:
In these courses, students engage with course material in a way that improves their critical-thinking skills based on financial data and business cases. They utilize different forms of writing and receive feedback to improve their communication skills.
In WID courses, students practice such forms of writing as memos, business reports, research reports and term papers. These forms of writing align students’ skills with program goals and prepare them for the kinds of writing they are likely to encounter and produce after graduation.
Students receive ongoing feedback on their writing in all departmental WID courses. This direct engagement with faculty allows students to improve as writers. Cases drawn from various subfields of finance encourage students to think about the discipline in more depth. Blogs written on the most current financial market events nudge students with what’s going on in the markets and tie these to ongoing course discussions.
After completing their WID courses, finance majors should be able to produce reports, memos, presentations and similar business communication documents that combine theory and empirical data to make clear and sound arguments that will facilitate decision making by a range of stakeholders.
Declaring a minor allows you to explore other areas of interest and make interdisciplinary connections. Minor areas at RIC complement and reinforce all major areas of study. By declaring a minor, you can set yourself apart as a candidate for job, internship and volunteer opportunities.
Finance Minor Course Requirements
The International Business minor creates an opportunity for students to not only go outside of their major discipline, but also to choose a minor program that, itself, is interdisciplinary. This minor focuses on the global nature of business in the current age. With this minor you will have the opportunity to gain further understanding of how business relates to so many areas of expertise. This exposure will set you up for success in your future career - improving your communication with colleagues in other functional areas and aiding your mobility within these areas.
Awareness and Skillsets Valued by Employers
Students pursuing this minor will also develop an appreciation of the value of cultural awareness and sensitivity, and the critical importance of diversity in a global business environment. This awareness, coupled with being equipped with appropriate communication methods and decision-making tools, is a powerful combination. The minor in International Business will allow students to become better prepared to handle global issues in their respective careers while at the same time making them more attractive candidates in the job market.
The Department of Economics and Finance focuses on how businesses, governments, institutions and even individuals make decisions about spending and policy.