MBA: Finance Specialization - Security Analysis & Portfolio Management

Prepare for a Finance Career in Investment Management

An MBA with a specialization in security analysis and portfolio management is appropriate for Part-Time and Full-Time students with career goals that include equity or credit analysis for firms or individuals. A solid foundation in finance contributes to effective decision-making across the major business functions, so no matter your aspirations, a finance specialization is valuable. 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) 

Security Analysis & Portfolio Management MBA Courses

The coursework covers the development and application of the analytical frameworks and modeling skills for valuing debt, equity, and derivative securities, as well as designing and measuring the performance of investment portfolios. It is required that 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 6121: Debt Markets, Interest Rates, and Hedging - 2 Credits
  • FINA 6321: Portfolio Analysis and Management - 2 Credits
  • FINA 6322: Financial Modeling - 2 Credits
  • FINA 6323: Advanced Financial Modeling - 2 Credits

Choose at least four credits from the following:

  • 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 6212: Working Capital Management - 1 Credit
  • FINA 6213: Financial Capital Structure - 1 Credit
  • FINA 6214: Business Valuation - 1 Credit
  • FINA 6222: Mergers and Acquisitions - 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 
MBA students watching woman showcase marketing diagram on whiteboard

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 security analysis and portfolio management 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:

More Specializations

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.

Within the financial services industry, graduates have found positions in investment banking, asset management, and commercial banking firms.

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Source

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