MBA Concentration in Finance

At Willamette University, we believe in learning by doing. As an MBA student, you'll have the chance to gain practical experience through the O'Neill Student Investment Fund.

This immersive course gives students the opportunity to manage a $500,000 portfolio. This is a unique learning experience that helps students develop their financial management skills. The course brings students to a real trading floor where they can use real-time financial information to make decisions. We offer additional resources to simulate a professional setting including a dedicated boardroom available for collaboration and discussion. 

This experience can prepare you for a variety of careers including financial planning and investment banking. 

Building a strong professional network is crucial in the finance industry. Our students benefit from the connections provided through the Atkinson Accounting and Finance Association. This association offers students a platform to connect with finance professionals, attend networking events, and gain insights into industry trends. 

You can also meet with career management experts to help you propel your finance career. They can help connect you with opportunities with industry leading companies in the financial sector. Students can also utilize programs like career fairs, mentorship programs, and even mock interviews. 

There are many aspects of finance including managing investments, assessing risk, and optimizing financial strategies. To set you up for success, Willamette's finance concentration offers a wide range of finance courses. Discover financial markets and institutions, discuss venture capital strategies, and explore finance from a government and non-profit perspective. Review course descriptions to get a better understanding of our finance program.

• Valuation (GSM 6017)
  • Dive into the world of finance by developing analytical skills for valuation. You'll learn to apply various techniques, such as free cash flow analysis, financial ratio analysis, and real option analysis. These skills will help students make informed long-term financial decisions. 
• Financial Statement Analysis (GSM 6206)
  • Learn how to decipher financial statements and use them to assess the prospects, risks, and capacities of organizations. You'll also learn to make compelling arguments and evaluate them through comparative data analysis. 
• International Finance (GSM 6258)
  • Explore the complexities of international financial markets. Learn more about topics such as fixed and floating exchange rates, monetary unions, and strategies for hedging foreign exchange exposure. 
• Financial Derivatives and Risk Management (GSM 6264)
  • Master the use of financial derivatives such as options, futures, and swaps to create value and manage risk. Learn to avoid the potential pitfalls associated with these instruments. 
• Corporate Finance (GSM 6283)
  • Develop expertise in planning, implementing, and evaluating financing, investing, and dividend payout strategies in domestic and multinational corporations. Analyze real-world situations using finance concepts and valuation models. 
• Investments (GSM 6291)
  • Combine financial and macroeconomic analysis to design and implement investment strategies in stocks and exchange-traded funds. Gain insights into asset allocation and performance benchmarking. 
• O'Neill Student Investment Fund (GSM 6292A/B & GSM 6294)
  • Experience hands-on investment management as you manage a real portfolio of stocks and exchange-traded funds. Experience portfolio management and present your results and outlook to an external panel. Extend your investment management experience into the summer semester with GSM 6294. 
• Corporate Mergers, Acquisitions, and Restructurings (GSM 6293)
  • Explore the world of corporate restructuring, including mergers, acquisitions, and takeovers. Develop skills in financial modeling and quantitative techniques. 

These elective courses will guide students toward diverse career paths and opportunities. This concentration prepares you for a career in finance, whether as a financial analyst or at a hedge fund. Yet, the Willamette MBA program's strength lies in its holistic curriculum. Through the core courses offered, students gain comprehensive insights into areas like marketing, management, and accounting.