Minor in Finance
Hours: 21-27 On-Campus Online
About
The Minor in Finance at Fort Hays State University is designed to equip students with an understanding of financial principles and practices. This program explores how businesses raise, spend, and invest capital, how individuals and firms allocate resources among various investment options, and how financial markets operate domestically and globally. The curriculum provides essential knowledge and skills, allowing students to integrate finance-related tasks into their primary field of study and enhance their overall professional competence.
Students in the program benefit from rigorous coursework, supported by the relatively low undergraduate tuition rates at FHSU. The smaller class sizes and the dedicated full-time, academically qualified faculty create an environment conducive to personalized learning and direct faculty-student interaction. This hands-on approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the finance industry.
Why pursue a Minor in Finance at Fort Hays State University?
Fort Hays State University's Minor in Finance stands out due to its affordability and academic rigor. The program's intensive training is highly regarded by businesses that actively recruit FHSU graduates, valuing the strong foundation and practical skills students bring to the workplace. The small class sizes foster a close-knit learning community, enhancing interaction with faculty and peers and providing a more personalized educational experience.
Additionally, the Minor in Finance is uniquely integrated with students' primary fields of study, offering a secondary area of specialization that enhances employability. On-campus students pursuing this program will complete the Bloomberg Market Concepts program to achieve Bloomberg certification. The Bloomberg certification ensures students develop proficiency with industry-standard tools and distinguishes them in the competitive job market.
Who is this program for?
The Minor in Finance program is ideal for students who wish to enhance their primary degree with specialized financial knowledge and skills. It is particularly suited for those majoring in other business areas, aspiring financial analysts, entrepreneurs, economics majors, and professionals in related fields. This program provides a valuable secondary specialization, making graduates more competitive and well-rounded in their respective careers.
- Students majoring in other business areas
- Aspiring financial analysts
- Entrepreneurs
- Economics majors
- Professionals in related fields
Learning Outcomes
The Minor in Finance at Fort Hays State University aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of financial principles and practices. By completing this program, students will develop critical skills in financial analysis, market operations, economic theory application, and effective communication. These learning outcomes ensure graduates are well-prepared to excel in various finance-related roles, demonstrating their expertise and practical knowledge.
Proficiency in Financial Analysis
Graduates will gain knowledge about analyzing financial statements, understanding market trends, and making informed investment decisions. This proficiency is crucial for roles requiring critical financial data evaluation to guide business strategies.
Understanding of Financial Markets
Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how financial markets operate, including the mechanisms of trading, market regulation, and the impact of economic policies on market behavior. This knowledge is essential for investment banking, trading, and market analysis careers.
Bloomberg Certification
On-campus students will complete the Bloomberg Market Concepts program, gaining certification demonstrating their capability with industry-standard tools. This certification provides a competitive edge in the job market, showcasing their technical proficiency and readiness for finance roles.
Real-World Applications
The Minor in Finance at FHSU prepares students for real-world applications through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The program includes interactive simulations and case studies, providing students with insights into current financial practices and challenges. The new Investment Analytics Lab supports this practical approach and provides students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with Bloomberg terminals and other monetary tools.
Students pursuing the Minor in Finance engage in courses that allow them to tackle real-world challenges. By integrating academic knowledge with practical applications, the Minor in Finance program equips students with a solid understanding of financial concepts and the skills needed to apply them effectively in their careers.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The Minor in Finance integrates the latest advancements and trends to ensure students stay ahead of the curve. Faculty members actively incorporate current events and up-to-date research into their teaching, maintaining the program's relevance in a rapidly changing market. The Bloomberg Market Concepts program, a self-paced tutorial, further enriches students' understanding of global financial markets and tools used by finance professionals worldwide.
This commitment to staying current with industry trends helps students adapt to new developments and positions them as competitive candidates in the job market. The curriculum's dynamic nature ensures graduates are knowledgeable and agile in responding to evolving financial landscapes.
Hands-on Activities
The Minor in Finance at FHSU emphasizes hands-on activities to bridge the gap between theory and practice. On-campus students are required to complete the Bloomberg Market Concepts program, a comprehensive tutorial on using Bloomberg terminals. This certification is a valuable addition to their resumes, demonstrating their capability with a crucial tool used by finance professionals globally.
The Minor in Finance offers experiential learning opportunities equipping students with the knowledge necessary for their future careers. Students will participate in a variety of activities designed to deepen their understanding of the concepts presented in lectures and coursework.
What You’ll Learn:
- Corporate finance fundamentals
- Investment strategies
- Financial institutions
- Economic principles
- Market analysis techniques
How You’ll Learn:
- Interactive simulations
- Case studies
- Bloomberg certification
- Hands-on projects
The Minor in Finance program’s core curriculum includes courses such as Principles of Economics (ECON 201 and 202), Managerial Finance (FIN 305), Fundamentals of Investments (FIN 311), Intermediate Finance (FIN 405), and Financial Markets and Institutions (FIN 641). These courses provide a solid foundation in critical financial concepts and practices. Additionally, students select a finance elective to tailor their learning to specific interests, ensuring a well-rounded education that complements their major.
FIN 311: Fundamentals of Investments
This course is a study of the fundamental concepts of investment analysis and management. Topics include the different types and characteristics of investment securities and markets, security and analysis and selection, valuation, risk and return, and portfolio theory.
FIN 405: Intermediate Finance
This course is a study of the financing decision-making and problem solving of a corporate financial manager. Topics include working capital, risk and return, valuation, capital budgeting with uncertainty, cost of capital, efficient markets, capital structure, options, and international financial management.
FIN 641: Financial Markets and Institutions
In this course, students will study the nature, scope, and role of financial institutions in the economy, supply of and demand for loanable funds, money market, capital markets, the level and structure of interest rates, and monetary, fiscal, and debt management policies.
Discover the full Minor in Finance course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
The Minor in Finance program at FHSU is designed to complement a student's primary field of study rather than function as an independent program. While career prospects will primarily depend on the student's major, additional expertise in finance can enhance their appeal to employers and broaden job opportunities.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts evaluate investment opportunities, analyze market trends, and provide recommendations to businesses and individuals. They are crucial in guiding investment decisions and helping companies maximize their financial performance.
Entry-Level Positions in Financial Services Industry
Students can pursue a range of careers in the financial services industry, including positions such as bank tellers, customer service representatives, and financial services agents. These roles offer valuable experience and serve as a foundation for further advancement within the finance sector.
Corporate Finance Manager
Corporate finance managers oversee a company's financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, and investment planning. They ensure the organization's economic health and align financial strategies with business objectives.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,961.90* (on-campus) or $3,859.95* (online)* per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the undergraduate resident/regional tuition rate ($197.46/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online graduate tuition rate (257.33/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers various finance-related programs catering to diverse academic and career interests. Students interested in further expanding their expertise can explore additional programs. These related programs provide additional pathways for students to deepen their financial knowledge and skills.
- BBA in Accounting
- BBA in Management
- BBA in Marketing
- Certificate in Accounting
- Certificate in Economics
For students pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program, the Minor in Finance requires the completion of only 12 additional credit hours, as 9 credit hours are generally integrated into their existing degree requirements. For non-business majors, the program requires 21 credit hours in the Minor in Finance, in addition to 6 credit hours of prerequisite courses.
The minor enhances your primary field of study with specialized financial knowledge, improves your employability, and provides practical skills applicable to various career paths.
The Bloomberg Market Concepts program is a 16-hour self-paced tutorial for on-campus students that teaches them how to use Bloomberg terminals, a crucial tool for finance professionals. Completing this program grants Bloomberg certification, enhancing your resume.
Students pursuing a Minor in Finance engage in courses that allow them to tackle real-world challenges. By integrating academic knowledge with practical applications, the Minor in Finance program equips students with a solid understanding of financial concepts and the skills needed to apply them effectively in their careers.
Department Information
FHSU’s Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting provides expertise in effectively and ethically managing money in both public and private sectors for a highly versatile, in-demand career path. Our department provides highly sought-after degrees in accounting, finance, and international business and economics. These programs are backed by career-centered internship opportunities, in-depth mentoring by faculty and staff, and flexible online degrees. Our programs prepare students for in-demand jobs, with courses that span the entire business landscape. The Robbins Banking Institute further enhances career preparation in the area of banking, offering a practical, real-time curriculum for rewarding careers. Our faculty, who are experts in their field and student-focused, support students to maximize individual growth.
While earning your degree is your primary goal, college offers much more than just attending classes. Get involved in extracurricular activities that help you develop leadership skills, learn more about your chosen career, and make a difference in your community.
- Accounting Club: This club offers a valuable opportunity for accounting students to connect with peers and prepare for their future careers. It aims to help members explore the various opportunities available in the field of accounting and introduce them to potential employers. Meetings frequently feature guest speakers who hold accounting degrees and are actively working in the profession.
- Student Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners: The ACFE organization brings together students from many disciplines to promote the detection and prevention of fraud in business.
- Economics Club: The FHSU Economics Club is available to all students regardless of their major or knowledge of economics with the goal of promoting the study of and interest in economics. The signature activity of the club is to create a “Student Price Index” through a collaborative research project on FHSU student economic expectations. The club members typically take a trip to a major city in the U.S. every year.
- Finance Club: The FHSU Finance Club strives to assist in the professional, educational, and social development of college students interested in finance. The club also encourages interaction between the business sector, faculty, and students at FHSU. As part of club operations, they bring in speakers and take trips around the U.S. to learn more about the finance field.
- International Business Club: This club strives to improve students’ awareness and understanding of global business practices and economic issues. These issues are explored from diverse perspectives. Ultimately, the club aims to develop global citizen-leaders by enhancing students’ professional, educational, and social development through its discussions, activities, and international travel experiences.
The Tiger Money Mentors Program is housed in the Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting and directed by a financial planning faculty member. This program provides free financial guidance from students you can trust. This is a group of trained, money-savvy students passionate about helping you take care of your finances. They offer one-on-one sessions to answer your financial questions on a variety of financial topics, including:
- Organizing your finances and spending
- Creating and sticking to a budget
- Developing a plan to reach your short- and long-term financial goals
- Understanding your student loans and repayment options
- Reviewing job offers and employee benefits
- Obtaining and reviewing your credit report
- And more!
- Certificate
- Minor
- Bachelors
- MBA
- On-Campus
- Online
