Finance

Provides the student with an effective learning experience in personal finance, with an emphasis on helping students make sound financial decisions in the areas of budgeting, insurance, taxes, credit, investment, real estate and retirement planning.

This course introduces students to the fundamental role of money, financial institutions, and the banking system within the U.S. and global economy. Students will explore how money is created, how interest rates are determined, and how financial markets operate. Emphasis is placed on the structure and function of the Federal Reserve System, monetary policy tools, and the impact of banking regulations on economic stability. By the end of the course, students will understand how financial institutions support economic growth, manage risk, and influence everyday financial decisions.

This course provides an introduction to investment concepts, financial market operations, and portfolio-building strategies. Students will learn the fundamentals of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and alternative investments, as well as risk–return trade-offs and diversification principles. Using real or simulated financial data, students will complete a semester-long Investment Portfolio Project, in which they design, manage, and evaluate a diversified investment portfolio.