Finance

The Bachelor of Science in Finance at the University of California is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with a solid foundation in financial principles, analytical techniques, and strategic decision-making skills necessary for successful careers in the dynamic world of finance. This program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, preparing students to excel in various sectors such as banking, investment management, corporate finance, and financial consulting.

Throughout the four-year curriculum, students will engage with core courses covering topics like financial accounting, managerial accounting, corporate finance, investment analysis, financial markets and institutions, and risk management. The program also offers specialized electives in areas such as international finance, behavioral finance, real estate finance, and financial technology, allowing students to tailor their education to their career interests. In addition, students will develop critical quantitative skills through coursework in statistics, econometrics, and data analysis, which are vital for modern financial decision-making.

The university places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, encouraging students to participate in internships, financial competitions, and research projects. These opportunities enable students to gain practical experience, build professional networks, and apply their knowledge in real-world settings. The program also emphasizes ethical standards and responsible financial practices, fostering a commitment to integrity and social responsibility in all financial dealings.

Faculty members are experienced professionals and researchers in the field of finance, providing students with mentorship and up-to-date insights into current industry trends and challenges. The program benefits from state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge financial laboratories, and access to advanced financial databases and software, ensuring students are well-prepared for the technological demands of the industry. Upon graduation, students will be equipped with the analytical, economic, and managerial skills necessary to pursue careers in financial analysis, portfolio management, risk assessment, financial advising, and beyond.

The University of California's finance program also promotes a global perspective by integrating international case studies, encouraging study-abroad programs, and fostering understanding of global financial markets. This holistic approach ensures students are prepared to operate confidently both domestically and internationally. Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue advanced degrees such as an MBA or CFA certifications, further enhancing their career prospects. Overall, the Bachelor of Science in Finance at the University of California is dedicated to developing skilled, ethical, and innovative finance professionals committed to contributing positively to the financial industry and society at large.

The Master of Finance program requires completion of 48 units for graduation. Students should be able to complete the coursework for the program in one academic year.

Required Courses (20 units)

NOTE:  Students who demonstrate mastery of the material may waive required courses and replace them (with the help of an advisor) with elective courses that would be of most value to them.

• MGT 201:   Quantitative Analysis - Addresses the process of generating decision-making information from data and solving management problems using common computer tools. Covers problem identification and formulation, model selection and use, and interpretation of the results of statistical analysis. Topics include estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, simple and multiple regression, time series, and forecasting. May not be taken for degree credit by students in statistics undergraduate or graduate programs.
• MGT 202:   Financial Management - Provides a foundation in theories of finance. Topics include time value of money, security valuation, financial institutions, theories of risk measurements, managing a firm’s investment decisions, capital structure, and sources of financing for a firm.
• MGT 211:   Financial Accounting - Covers financial accounting concepts and the analytical tools needed to understand and interpret financial statements. Examines the uses of financial accounting information.
• MGT 227:  Fixed Income Securities and Markets - Covers analytical techniques related to fixed-income securities. Includes basic analytical tools in fixedincome markets. Topics include relative pricing of fixed-income securities, yield-curve estimation, securities with embedded options, and trading strategies. Utilizes interest rate swaps, mortgage-backed securities, and credit derivatives.
• MGT 231:  Corporate Finance - An intensive analysis of the effects of corporate financial policy decisions on firm value. Examines the interrelation of firm value, financing policy, investment decisions, and other considerations. Provides an understanding of the theoretical issues involved in the choice of these policies.

Restricted Electives (2 of the following 3 courses - 8 units)

• MGT 244:  Corporate Risk Management - Provides an overview of derivative financial instruments. Focuses on the use of derivatives to manage risk in a corporate setting. Utilizes the case-method to develop strategies and policies for managing the risk exposure of an enterprise, as well as to assess the relations between risk management and value creation.
• MGT 252:  Investments & Portfolio Management - Discusses standard asset pricing models, portfolio theory, and empirical uses of securities data. Addresses pricing in the capital markets and empirical issues in testing asset pricing models. Other topics include risk-adjusted portfolio performance, term structure, bond pricing, and bond portfolio management.
• MGT 268:  Entrepreneurial Finance and Venture Capital - Covers financing of nonpublic and early-stage venture. Includes financial modeling, cash needs assessment, valuation, deal structure, financing alternatives, and harvesting.

Finance Capstone Seminar Courses (8 units):

• MGT 295F:  Seminar in Empirical Methods in Finance - Covers econometric approaches to analyzing common problems encountered when conducting empirical research. Focuses on hypothesis testing, specification tests, general methods of moments estimation, the capital asset pricing model, multifactor asset pricing models, event studies, operating performance studies, simultaneous equations models, and enodogenity issues. Demonstrates programming in SAS and/or Gauss.
• MGT 295G:  Seminar in Corporate Finance - Deals with the contemporary issues in corporate finance. Focuses on selected classic and current empirical and theoretical research in corporate finance. Seeks to provide an advanced and rigorous background in the mainstream issues of modern corporate finance with an emphasis on empirical methodology.

Recommended Electives (3 courses - 12 units)

• MGT 232:  Derivatives and Asset Pricing - Explores the pricing of derivatives-based securities. Covers various topics in derivatives markets. Introduces pricing techniques for forwards, futures, options, swaps, and other derivatives. Utilizes empirical data and financial modeling.
• MGT 237:  International Finance Management - Focuses on the nature, risks, and management of foreign exchange exposure in a corporate setting. Covers trade and international investment theories. Topics include the international financial systems, balance of payments, foreign exchange markets, measurement of foreign exchange risk, hedging, international asset pricing, and trade financing.
• MGT 274:  Special Topics in Finance - Explores the latest developments in theoretical and empirical finance. Topics include asset pricing, performance evaluation, derivative securities, market microstructure, corporate finance, and corporate control and governance.
• MGT 276:  Financial Strategy and Corporate Control - Covers the nexus among finance, strategy, governance, and corporate control. Examines the theory and empirical evidence for models of corporate financial policy and the market for corporate control. Emphasizes critical evaluation of the evidence for different models of corporate financial policy.
• Other MGT electives may be taken with advisor approval.

Requirements

The Master of Finance program is open for admission to all students. The program is best suited for students with a sufficient quantitative background to enable successful completion of the program. The most appropriate undergraduate majors include business, engineering, mathematics, statistics, and physics, among others. Students with less quantitative backgrounds may also apply, but should expect to use electives to develop quantitative background or to take additional courses.

We consider each applicant's professional, academic, and life experiences in addition to character and personality. Admission to the program is based upon several criteria, including the quality of previous academic work, personal essays and letters of recommendation, and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) performance. The GMAT or GRE is required for all applicants.

• Statement of Purpose & Personal History essay
• Resume/CV
• 1 letter of recommendation

• Official transcripts
• Official GMAT or GRE scores

For International Applicants Only

• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores
• International Applicant Sponsorship Information Form

Scholarships

• Bank of America Business Leaders Scholarship
• Colette and Gary Lee Award

The University of California offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance through its esteemed programs. This degree is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in financial analysis, investment strategies, corporate finance, and financial planning, preparing them for diverse careers in the financial sector. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, including courses in financial accounting, managerial finance, financial markets and institutions, investment analysis, and risk management. Students also have opportunities to engage in experiential learning through internships, case studies, and collaborative projects with industry partners, which enhance their understanding of real-world financial issues.

The program emphasizes critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and ethical decision-making, all of which are vital in the fast-paced world of finance. Faculty members are distinguished researchers and industry practitioners dedicated to providing high-quality education and mentorship. Students interested in quantitative finance and emerging financial technologies can explore specialized electives such as fintech, data analytics, and financial modeling. The university supports students with career services, networking events, and alumni connections to facilitate employment and internship opportunities in banking, investment firms, corporate finance departments, and financial advisory firms.

The degree also offers pathways for further study, including options for graduate education in finance or related fields such as an MBA or specialized master's programs. Graduates of the program are prepared for roles as financial analysts, investment bankers, risk managers, financial consultants, and corporate finance officers. The strong quantitative and analytical focus of the program, combined with its integration of ethical business practices, makes UC’s Finance program highly regarded in the academic and professional communities. Students are encouraged to develop not only technical skills but also leadership abilities and a global perspective to succeed in the dynamic landscape of modern finance.