Financial Planning Major and Learning Outcomes

Finance Major Mission Statement

The mission of the Finance Major is to provide a high-value business educational experience within the Salesian tradition. The two tracks within the major develop undergraduate students’ skills in knowledge areas such as corporate finance, investments, financial plan development, and financial markets and institutions in order to succeed in financial professions. The major is characterized by a strong faculty-student community; a compassionate and collegial working environment; the advancement of knowledge through high-quality teaching and academic programs, effective communication, and relevant experiential learning; and student engagement with the business world.

Financial Planning Track Student Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate from DeSales University with a major in finance, financial planning track, will be able to:

1. explain the role of money in the economy, including knowledge of foreign exchange, capital and money markets, interest rates, and the roles of banks;
2. explain the features and functionality of debt and equity markets, calculate the valuation of financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, and derivatives, and hedge portfolio risk through a hands-on approach to analyzing and managing asset portfolios;
3. analyze economic data using macro and micro models to explain a business environment;
4. analyze accounting data to understand the financial position of an organization;
5. apply U.S. income tax law to business transactions and develop an understanding of tax-planning techniques;
6. analyze personal financial situations, evaluating clients’ objectives, needs, and values to develop an appropriate strategy within a financial plan.

This is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Board Registered Program.