This program offers an overview of what a capital market is and how an investor may use the various capital markets for investment opportunities and to diversify risk. Stocks, bonds, money markets, real estate and bank accounts are introduced as are the roles of these various markets in the overall economic environment. Some of the risks and potential rewards of each of these areas of the economy are introduced. With a better understanding of these resources, it will afford the user the ability to build a foundation towards a better understanding of how options fit in.

Students will build the skills and knowledge needed to gain an understanding of financial reform processes and their consequences for markets around the world. Rigorous classroom teaching coupled with extensive reading provides students with a sound theoretical basis. An understanding of substantive legal issues is also developed.

At the end of the course, the participants should be able to:
Define capital markets and understand the pertinence of regulation measures therein; Differentiate the role of government from that of the private sector in the development and regulation of capital markets; Categorize financial instruments in the capital market; Formulate and regulate measures to sustain their country's development efforts and economic growth; and Develop and propose a plan that will support the public and private sectors as partners in facilitating the flow of capital and investments that stimulate business growth and overall economic development.

Capital Markets Careers

Sales and trading is the investment bank’s distribution arm. This group is responsible for selling all of the financial products (stocks, bonds, and their derivatives) developed by the investment banking area. As such, they serve as the vital link between the sellers (corporations, government entities) and the buyers (investors). Although frequently lumped together, sales people and traders perform different functions. Sales professionals have a list of institutional clients whom they serve by making them aware of new offerings, advising them on how to manage their portfolios and selling them financial products. The sales department can be divided by account size, security type (debt or equity), geography or product line.

A private wealth management professional's responsibilities involve putting together integrated packages of investments and financial services for your clients. Generally, these clients are high-net-worth individuals. Specific tasks can include estate planning, tax planning and investment strategies. Your actual recommendations will depend upon your client’s risk preferences, need for income and desire for involvement in portfolio management.

Asset managers manage money for individuals and institutions. Generally, they convert that money into assets—stocks, bonds, derivatives, and other types of investments—and try to make that money grow as fast as possible. Mutual fund companies, banks and corporations hire asset managers to invest people's money wisely and profitably. Asset managers use a combination of investment theory, quantitative tools, market experience, research, and plain dumb luck to pick investments for their portfolios, ranging from high-risk stocks to commercial real estate to cash accounts.

Grading follows the scale from A (4.00) to B- (2.70), with grades of A, A-, B+, B, or B- considered successful and F (0.00) indicating failure. An advisor is appointed by the end of the first semester, and enrollment in the term project course is required during the corresponding semester. The term project is evaluated as successful or unsuccessful, with submission through the department chair and approval from the advisor.