Uh Manoa Finance Minor

The Finance Minor at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa offers students a foundational understanding of financial principles, preparing them for careers in various industries or for further studies in finance. It’s a popular option for students majoring in fields like economics, accounting, marketing, and engineering who want to supplement their core knowledge with financial literacy.

Curriculum Overview: The minor typically requires 15 credit hours of coursework. The core courses provide a basis in financial accounting, financial markets, and investments. Specific course titles and requirements may be subject to change, so it’s important to consult the official UH Mānoa Shidler College of Business website for the most up-to-date information. Generally, students can expect courses to cover topics such as:

• Financial Accounting: Understanding financial statements, analyzing company performance, and learning accounting principles.
• Financial Management: Principles of corporate finance, including capital budgeting, working capital management, and financial planning.
• Investments: Analyzing securities, understanding portfolio management, and learning about different investment strategies.

Beyond the core courses, the minor often allows students to choose from a selection of elective courses to tailor their learning to specific interests. These electives might delve into areas like:

• Real Estate Finance: Financing and investing in real estate properties.
• International Finance: Financial markets and institutions in a global context.
• Financial Modeling: Building financial models using spreadsheets and other software.

Benefits of the Minor: The Finance Minor offers several advantages:

• Enhanced Career Prospects: Regardless of your major, financial literacy is a valuable asset. The minor can open doors to careers in finance-related roles within various industries, even if your primary field is not finance. It demonstrates a commitment to understanding financial concepts, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.
• Improved Financial Decision-Making: The knowledge gained can be applied to personal finance management. You’ll develop a better understanding of investing, budgeting, and financial planning, enabling you to make more informed financial decisions throughout your life.
• Complementary Skillset: The minor complements many academic majors. For instance, combining a marketing degree with a finance minor can prepare you for roles in financial marketing or investment product marketing. Similarly, engineering students can benefit from understanding the financial aspects of project management.
• Foundation for Further Studies: The Finance Minor can serve as a solid foundation for those considering pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a specialized Master’s degree in Finance.

Requirements and Application: To declare the Finance Minor, students typically need to meet certain academic criteria, such as maintaining a minimum GPA. The application process involves submitting a form to the Shidler College of Business advising office. Prospective students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to discuss their eligibility and create a plan for completing the required coursework. Careful planning is essential to ensure that all prerequisites are met and that courses are taken in the appropriate sequence.

In conclusion, the Finance Minor at UH Mānoa provides a valuable opportunity for students from diverse academic backgrounds to gain a fundamental understanding of finance, enhancing their career prospects and improving their financial literacy.