MBA: Finance Specialization - Corporate Finance & Investment Banking

Prepare for a Career in Corporate Finance and Financial Planning

An MBA with a specialization in corporate finance and investment banking introduces a rigorous and disciplined approach for analyzing and making decisions regarding the allocation of scarce corporate resources among competing uses. Full-Time MBA and Part-Time MBA Students will explore topics such as the choice between public and private debt and equity, the use of hybrid securities, the choice between dividends and share repurchases, and the decision to engage in mergers, restructuring, and/or corporate diversification. Recognition as a CFA Affiliated University ensures that our curriculum is closely tied to professional practice and is well suited for preparing you to sit for the CFA exams.

format
Format

Full-Time: On-campus 
Part-Time: In-person, Online

duration
Duration

Full-Time: 2 years 
Part-Time: Average 3.5 years

work experience
Work experience

Full-Time: Average 5 years 
Part-Time: Average 6 years 

start date
Start date

Full-Time: Fall (September) 
Part-Time: Fall (September); Spring (January); Summer (June) 

Corporate Finance & Investment Banking Courses

Corporate finance and investment banking coursework provides a structured way for managers, investment bankers, commercial bankers, board members, consultants, and entrepreneurs to consider the ramifications of three broad firm-wide decisions: investment, financing, and payout. You'll need at least 12 elective credits with the FINA course designation be completed for a finance specialization. Please note, not all courses listed are offered every semester. Use the One Stop Class Schedule to verify each semester's course offerings and the assigned professor.

Students should complete these eight credits:

  • FINA 6111: Financing over a Firm’s Life Cycle - 1 Credit
  • FINA 6114: Private & Public Equity Financing  - 2 Credits (Course equivalent to FINA 6112 and FINA 6113)
  • FINA 6211: Cash Flows & Project Selection - 2 Credits
  • FINA 6212: Working Capital Management - 1 Credit
  • FINA 6213: Financial Capital Structure - 1 Credit
  • FINA 6214: Business Valuation - 1 Credit

Choose at least four credits from the following:

  • FINA 6121: Debt Markets, Interest Rates, and Hedging - 2 Credits
  • FINA 6222: Mergers and Acquisitions - 2 Credits
  • FINA 6322: Introductory Financial Modeling - 2 Credits
  • FINA 6323: Advanced Financial Modeling - 2 Credits
  • FINA 6325: Behavioral Finance - 2 Credits

Additionally, we recommend students pursuing a finance specialization consider incorporating interdisciplinary courses to obtain a well-rounded business foundation. The following courses are suggested as complementary to a finance specialization:

  • ACCT 6102: Financial Statement Analysis - 2 Credits
  • ENTR 6037: Corporate Venturing - 2 Credits  
  • MGMT 6004: Negotiation Strategies - 2 Credits
  • MGMT 6085: Corporate Strategy - 4 Credits
  • MKTG 6075: Pricing Strategy - 4 Credits
  • MKTG 6088: Strategic Marketing - 3 Credits 
Men at boardroom table discussing corporate finances with administration

The Career Support You Need to Succeed

No matter your career aspirations, Minnesota Carlson is here to support you. You can work with the Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC) to search for jobs, polish your resume, and practice your interview skills. It's a one-stop shop to help you on every step of your career journey.

Here are some roles our corporate finance and investment banking graduates pursue:

  • Investment banker
  • Long-range planning & investment analyst
  • Management consultant
  • Planning & budgeting analyst
  • Portfolio manager 
Explore Careers
911,400

job openings are projected each year in the business and financial field1

$76,850

median salary per year for business and financial occupations in 20221

More Ways to Customize Your MBA

Explore our other specialization options:

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore some of our frequently asked MBA specialization questions below.

Apply to the MBA program using our online application. You will not apply to the specialization. Request information for the Full-Time or Part-Time MBA program and we're happy to answer any outstanding questions.

Generally, specializations require students to complete a track of 12-13 credits of courses within a specified subject area. Course recommendations for each specialization are outlined on the documents posted on the specialization webpage.

Yes. Choosing a specialization is not required, and you can change your pathway during your program to pursue another.

A specialization indicates your mastery of and demonstrated interest in a specific area of business, as well as your commitment to that area. Being able to tailor your degree to your goals makes you uniquely qualified for the roles you're planning to pursue after graduation.

This emphasis prepares you for jobs in areas such as investment banking, investment analysis, management consultant, and portfolio management.

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Source

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Business and Financial Occupations.