Finance Major Requirements at the University of Maryland

A Finance major at the University of Maryland (UMD) equips students with a strong foundation in financial theory, analytical techniques, and practical applications, preparing them for diverse careers in the financial industry. The program is offered within the Robert H. Smith School of Business, known for its rigorous curriculum and experienced faculty.

Admission Requirements

Direct admission to the Smith School as a Finance major is highly competitive. Students can also apply as Letters & Sciences students and then apply to the Smith School after completing certain gateway requirements. The minimum requirements include:

Completion of specific prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA. These typically include Principles of Accounting I & II, Calculus I, Statistics, and Macroeconomics. Specific course names and required minimum grades are detailed on the Smith School website.
Maintaining a competitive overall GPA. The specific GPA cutoff varies each semester depending on the applicant pool.
Submission of an application to the Smith School including a personal essay.

Core Business Courses

All Smith School undergraduates, including Finance majors, must complete a set of core business courses. These courses provide a broad understanding of business principles and include topics such as:

Management and Organization
Marketing Principles
Supply Chain Management
Information Systems
Business Law
Business Communication

Finance Major Specific Courses

The Finance major itself requires a set of core finance courses and elective courses. Required courses include:

Corporate Finance: A foundational course covering capital budgeting, capital structure, dividend policy, and working capital management.
Investments: Exploration of investment instruments, portfolio management, and securities analysis.
Financial Modeling: Techniques for creating financial models for forecasting, valuation, and decision-making.

In addition to the core finance courses, students must select several elective courses to specialize in specific areas of finance. These electives may include:

International Finance
Derivatives
Real Estate Finance
Financial Institutions
Fixed Income Securities
FinTech

Other Requirements

In addition to coursework, Finance majors must also fulfill university-wide requirements, including:

General Education Requirements: Courses in areas like humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to ensure a well-rounded education.
Upper-Level Credits: A minimum number of upper-level (300-400 level) courses must be completed.
Internship: While not strictly required, internships are highly recommended to gain practical experience and enhance career prospects.

It is strongly recommended to consult the official UMD Smith School of Business website and meet with an academic advisor for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding Finance major requirements. Curriculum details and specific course requirements can change, so it is essential to stay informed.