College: Graduate School of Social Sciences

Financial economics combines finance and economic principles to analyze financial markets, institutions, and economic policies. Students develop skills in financial theory, econometrics, investment analysis, and risk management. Graduates are prepared for careers in finance, economics, consulting, and policymaking.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the basics of financial economics and its applications.
• Develop skills in financial theory, econometrics, and investment analysis.
• Learn techniques for analyzing financial markets, institutions, and economic policies.
• Explore principles of risk management, portfolio theory, and financial regulation.
• Analyze and interpret financial and economic data.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills for effective practice in financial economics.

Main Curriculum:

1. Introduction to Financial Economics
   • Overview of key concepts, principles, and practices in financial economics.
   • Basics of financial markets, institutions, and economic policies.
2. Financial Theory
   • Principles of financial theory, including asset pricing, capital structure, and corporate finance.
   • Techniques to apply financial theories to real-world scenarios.
3. Econometrics
   • Principles of econometrics, including statistical methods, regression analysis, and time series analysis.
   • Techniques for conducting and interpreting econometric analyses.
4. Investment Analysis
   • Principles of investment analysis, including securities valuation, portfolio management, and investment strategies.
   • Techniques for evaluating and managing investment portfolios.
5. Risk Management
   • Principles of risk management, including identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks.
   • Techniques for developing and implementing risk management strategies.
6. Portfolio Theory
   • Principles of portfolio theory, including diversification, asset allocation, and performance measurement.
   • Techniques for building and managing investment portfolios.
7. Financial Regulation
   • Principles of financial regulation, including regulatory frameworks, compliance, and policymaking.
   • Techniques for analyzing and navigating financial regulations.
8. Practical Training in Financial Economics
   • Real-world experiences in financial economics, including internships, projects, and practical assignments in financial institutions, consulting firms, or policymaking organizations.
   • Application of acquired skills in practical financial economics scenarios.
9. Capstone Project in Financial Economics
   • Comprehensive project applying skills in financial theory, econometrics, or investment analysis.
   • Presentation of a polished project, research paper, or presentation in financial economics.

Assessment Methods:

Analyses in financial theory, econometrics projects, investment analysis reports, risk management plans, portfolio theory studies, financial regulation analyses, practical training reports, capstone projects, group projects, and presentations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Financial Economics" by various authors.
• "Principles of Corporate Finance" by Richard A. Brealey, Stewart C. Myers, and Franklin Allen.
• "Econometric Analysis" by William H. Greene.
• "Investments" by Zvi Bodie, Alex Kane, and Alan J. Marcus.
• "Risk Management and Financial Institutions" by John C. Hull.
• "Modern Portfolio Management: Theory and Application" by Edwin J. Elton, Martin J. Gruber, Stephen J. Brown, and William N. Goetzmann.
• "Financial Regulation" by various authors.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of economics, finance, mathematics, and statistics. Suitable for students interested in financial markets, investment analysis, and economic policy.

Duration of Specialization:

The study duration for a bachelor's degree is typically 4 years, including coursework, projects, practical training, and internships. Additional advanced degrees or certifications may be required for specialized roles.

Certification:

Graduates may earn a degree in financial economics and pursue higher education or professional certifications, such as a master's degree in financial economics, finance, or economics. Certifications from organizations like the CFA Institute can also be achieved.

Target Audience:

Aspiring financial analysts, economists, investment managers, risk managers, policy analysts, and individuals seeking roles in financial institutions, consulting firms, policymaking organizations, and related fields. This specialization provides students with the financial, economic, and analytical skills necessary to excel in financial economics and support careers in finance, economics, consulting, and policymaking.