Laurier Finance Courses: A Comprehensive Overview

Wilfrid Laurier University's Lazaridis School of Business & Economics offers a robust selection of finance courses designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in the competitive financial industry. These courses cater to diverse interests, from corporate finance and investments to financial modelling and risk management.

Core Finance Courses

A solid foundation in finance principles is crucial. Core courses typically cover:

• Corporate Finance: Explores capital budgeting decisions, capital structure, dividend policy, and working capital management. Students learn how to analyze investment opportunities and make strategic financial decisions for firms.
• Investments: Covers investment analysis, portfolio management, and asset pricing models. Topics include stock valuation, bond valuation, derivatives, and portfolio diversification.
• Financial Accounting: While technically an accounting course, it's crucial for finance. This course focuses on the interpretation and analysis of financial statements to understand a company's performance and financial health.
• Financial Modelling: Provides hands-on experience building financial models using spreadsheet software. Students learn to forecast financial performance, value businesses, and assess the impact of different scenarios.

Advanced Finance Courses

Beyond the core curriculum, Laurier offers advanced courses that delve into specialized areas of finance:

• Derivatives: A detailed examination of options, futures, and other derivative instruments. Students learn about pricing models, hedging strategies, and the use of derivatives in risk management.
• Fixed Income Securities: Focuses on the analysis and valuation of bonds and other fixed-income instruments. Topics include bond yields, duration, convexity, and credit risk.
• International Finance: Explores the complexities of international financial markets, exchange rates, and cross-border investments.
• Financial Risk Management: Covers various types of financial risks, including market risk, credit risk, and operational risk. Students learn about risk measurement techniques and risk management strategies.
• Real Estate Finance: Focuses on the financial aspects of real estate investment, development, and management.

Experiential Learning

Laurier emphasizes experiential learning to complement classroom instruction. Students often have opportunities to participate in:

• Case Competitions: Apply their knowledge to solve real-world business problems in a competitive setting.
• Trading Simulations: Practice trading strategies in a simulated market environment.
• Co-op Programs: Gain valuable work experience through internships in finance-related roles.
• Student-Managed Investment Funds: Manage a real investment portfolio under the guidance of faculty advisors.

Career Opportunities

The finance courses at Laurier prepare students for a wide range of career opportunities, including:

• Investment Banking: Advising companies on mergers and acquisitions, raising capital, and providing other financial services.
• Portfolio Management: Managing investment portfolios for individuals and institutions.
• Financial Analysis: Analyzing financial data and providing recommendations to management.
• Corporate Finance: Managing a company's finances, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation.
• Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks.

By offering a comprehensive curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and a strong network of alumni, Laurier's finance program provides students with a solid foundation for a successful career in the dynamic world of finance.