Finance is a focus on the future. Whether interested in dynamic financial markets, investment strategies, or capital budgeting decision-making, Finance is all about calculating risks, identifying trends, and predicting the future so that a company can allocate its limited resources efficiently and maximize its returns. This information is used to value assets, generate value, and make informed decisions in the face of uncertainty. MBA students who specialize in finance become confident investors who take calculated risks to achieve maximum gains.
The Finance and Real Estate specialization provides you with in- depth, applied learning that will enable you to successfully understand, analyze and navigate today’s increasingly sophisticated global financial markets. Go beyond textbooks and immerse yourself in the real world of stocks, investments, capitalization and banking while also learning how to use the latest financial software and technology. You will receive a solid foundation of knowledge about various financial sectors and broaden your understanding of the issues that are inherent to finance decision-making, while focusing on the impact these decisions have on the public and private sectors of the global economy. You have the choice of specializing in a particular area of finance–such as corporate finance, investments, derivatives, banking, or real estate—or you may take a broad array of courses.
Specific highlights include:
- Understanding stock market analyses, institutional investing and portfolio management in domestic and global markets
- Correctly valuing companies and markets through access to cutting-edge market research technology
- Recognizing and grasping the role and function of central banks in our economy and how their interactions with asset markets affect the larger economy
- Developing risk management strategies
- Engaging with the Arditti Center for Risk Management, the Center for Financial Services, and the Driehaus Center for Behavioral Finance. These centers provide guidance, professional networking opportunities, and real-world education through conferences that feature nationally and internationally known speakers, including executives from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Chicago Mercantile Exchange and FDIC, among other financial institutions
- Applying what you learn in DePaul’s Virtual Trading Room, a state-of-the-art finance lab replete with the latest in financial analysis software
What jobs do MBA students specializing in Finance and Real Estate pursue?
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Investment Banker
- Financial Analyst
- Corporate Finance Manager
- Private Equity Associate
- Hedge Fund Analyst
- Portfolio Manager
- Risk Manager
- Asset Manager
- Wealth Manager
- FinTech Strategy Manager
- Real Estate Investment Manager
- Real Estate Developer
- REIT Analyst
- Mortgage and Structured Finance Specialist
Specialization Requirements
This specialization requires completion of three graduate-level Finance courses including one required course and two electives. Students should select elective courses that best match their personal and professional objectives. Discussing course options with a career advisor, an academic advisor, and/or a faculty member may be helpful.
Finance and Real Estate Specialization
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required course: | 4 | |
| INVESTMENT ANALYSIS | ||
| Select two of the following: | 8 | |
| FINANCIAL STATEMENT ANALYSIS | ||
| REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT AND FINANCE | ||
| ADVANCED CORPORATE FINANCE | ||
| RISK MANAGEMENT | ||