Ndsu Finance Minor

The Finance Minor at North Dakota State University (NDSU) provides students in non-business majors with a foundational understanding of financial principles and practices. This minor is designed to enhance career prospects by equipping students with valuable financial literacy skills applicable across various industries.

Curriculum:

The minor requires a minimum of 18 credits, structured to cover core finance topics. A required introductory course, Principles of Finance (FIN 210), serves as the cornerstone, providing an overview of fundamental concepts such as time value of money, risk and return, financial statement analysis, and investment valuation.

Beyond the introductory course, students choose from a selection of elective courses, allowing for some specialization based on interests. Common electives include:

• Investments (FIN 320): Explores investment vehicles, portfolio management, and market analysis techniques.
• Corporate Finance (FIN 330): Delves into financial decision-making within companies, including capital budgeting, dividend policy, and working capital management.
• Personal Finance (FIN 240): Focuses on managing personal finances, including budgeting, saving, investing, and retirement planning. (May not be eligible for business majors)

The flexibility in elective choices allows students to tailor the minor to complement their primary field of study. For instance, an engineering student might focus on Corporate Finance to better understand the financial aspects of project management and capital expenditure decisions. An agriculture student could opt for Investments to gain knowledge about managing agricultural investments and risk.

Benefits:

The Finance Minor offers several advantages to NDSU students:

• Enhanced Career Opportunities: Regardless of the chosen profession, a solid grasp of finance is beneficial. The minor demonstrates to potential employers a commitment to understanding financial implications and decision-making.
• Improved Financial Literacy: The coursework equips students with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions in their personal lives, such as managing debt, investing wisely, and planning for retirement.
• Interdisciplinary Applications: Finance concepts are applicable across various disciplines. The minor provides a framework for analyzing financial data and understanding economic trends within a chosen field.
• Competitive Advantage: In a competitive job market, the Finance Minor provides a distinct advantage, showcasing a student's commitment to acquiring skills beyond their major.

Who Should Consider the Minor?

The Finance Minor is particularly well-suited for students in majors such as:

• Engineering
• Agriculture
• Communications
• Political Science
• Healthcare
• Hospitality

Students in any major who seek to enhance their financial acumen and broaden their career prospects can benefit from this minor.

Conclusion:

The NDSU Finance Minor is a valuable addition to any non-business degree, providing students with a solid foundation in financial principles, improved financial literacy, and a competitive edge in the job market. By offering a flexible curriculum and relevant skills, the minor empowers students to succeed in their chosen careers and manage their personal finances effectively.