General Course and Curriculum Information

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The Academy of Finance introduces students to the broad career opportunities in the financial services industry. It features a two year academic program with required courses, one or two specialized courses each semester, and a college level course in their senior year. There is a six week paid internship in the summer between their junior and senior year. The Academy evolves as a small learning community with a director, advisory board, faculty, community leaders, and local business partners.

Course Offerings

The information below is available from the National Academy of Finance Website.

Established in 1982, the Academy of Finance introduces students to the broad career opportunities in the financial services industry and, in the process, equips them to make sound choices for the future. A member program of the National Academy Foundation, the Academy of Finance operates as a "school within a school" and is located in more than 275 high schools nationwide.

Through the changing economy of the last 20 years, the Academy of Finance has helped meet these needs by preparing high school students for successful careers in financial services and in other fields. Through their Academy experience, students gain an understanding of the connections that exist between their education and the workplace. Through teachers and industry mentors, the Academy provides students with the curriculum and guidance necessary for rewarding careers.

Banking and Credit (BUS95S) (11) (5258)

This one semester course presents a survey of the principles and practices of banking and credit in the United States. The students learn about the major functions of banks and other depository institutions, in-house operations and procedures, central banking through the Federal Reserve System and modern trends in the banking industry. The credit component provides an overview of credit functions and operations including credit risk evaluation, loan creation and debt collection.

Economics and the World of Finance (SST25s) (11) (4558)

This is a one-semester course in macro and microeconomics that provides an understanding of how our market economy functions in a global setting. It provides students with a survey of economic concepts including all of the twenty-two basic principles recommended by the National Council on Economic Education. In addition, a unit on capital markets acquaints students with the role that markets and securities play in our overall economic framework

Securities and Insurance (BUS96S) (12) (5258)

This is a one-semester course that will focus on two topics—securities and insurance. Through a study of the structure of brokerage firms, the trading process, credit and margin practices, automated processes, and government regulations, students gain an understanding of how a securities firm services its customers and plays an important role in our economy. Students are given the opportunity to relate their knowledge of economics, accounting, and data processing to the operations areas of various sectors of the securities industry. Students will also be introduced to various elements of the insurance industry, including insurance needs and products for businesses and individuals. Students will learn about insurance sales, rate-setting, insurance and financial planning, insurance regulations, and careers in the industry.

Financial Planning (BUS97S) (12) (4546)

This is a one-semester course that introduces students to the financial planning process and the components of a comprehensive financial plan. Students learn how to prepare a financial plan that includes saving, investing, borrowing, risk management (insurance), and retirement and estate planning.

Finance and International Business (BUS98S) (12) (4556) - Section 1
Univeristy of Indianapolis, School of Business

The course will be divided into two parts. The first section, comprising approximately two thirds of the semester will cover corporate finance. The second will deal with international business.

All managers are required to possess a basic understanding of financial concepts. This course is designed as an introduction to finance via concepts, basic calculations, and capital markets. The basic concepts of the time-value of money, rates of return, and valuation are covered. Students will learn how capital markets function, what different securities exist, and how to manage cash flow. Besides providing basic math skills, this course should provide students with an excellent introduction to financial management concepts.

An overview of current international business theories, patterns, and management concepts is provided. Emphasis is placed on understanding the key factors that influence multinational operations and the variety of ways international business may evolve in the future. Financial aspects of international business are central to this course, as well as international strategic planning.

Earn: weighted high school credits in addition to 3 college credits
University Classes - Tuesday and Thursday 1: 20–2:40 p.m.

Internship (BUS85S) (12) (5256)

Academy of Finance students will complete a paid, finance-related internship during the summer between their junior and senior year. The Director of the Academy of Finance and the employer will work closely to provide the student with a valuable learning experience in the financial field. Students will complete 180 hours on the job.

Accounting I (BUS600) (10, 11, 12) (4524)

This is a full year course. The course introduces principles and procedures for proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations using double-entry accounting with emphasis on accounting principles as they relate to both manual and automated financial systems.

Principles of Accounting I (BUS99S) (12) (4556) - Section 2
Anderson University, Fall School of Business

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: understand the basic principles, elements and concepts of accounting; use proper methods to record and communicate useful financial data to others; be able to perform a complete accounting cycle from source documents to post closing trial balance for a business; understand the role of accounting in making informed decisions, in providing an overview for non-accounting majors and in building a foundation for further study for accounting majors through management planning, performing, and evaluating cycles.

Earn: weighted high school credits in addition to 3 college credits
University Classes - Tuesday and Thursday 1: 20–2:40 p.m.