Finance 101?

Question

Have any of you guys taken the main finance course for business majors? Is it pretty easy? How is the finance major in general? Is it more difficult or easier than accounting? I am loaded with 18 units for the fall so I need some advice. Thank you guys and gals.

Answer 1

As someone who's degrees are in economics and finance, and teaches finance and accounting, let me say this. Finance and accounting are definitely inter-related.

Some of the concepts taught in those classes are relatively the same. Accounting students focus more on preparing accurate financial statements. Finance students focus more on how to read and intepret the information on them.

Is one tougher than the other? That all depends on the student. Some find accounting tougher, while others say it's finance. Taking an introductory class in both is the best way for you to see which you think would be easiest. But do realize that a basic understanding of both is important to doing well in business today.

Answer 2

It depends on your personal leanings on the subject. If you're interested in it, it's not bad at all. To me, it's a lot easier than the more hard-core subjects that you might have to take in other majors.

If you're good at paying attention to detail, accounting will come easily. If you're more for looking at "big pictures" and analyzing things with the numbers rather than coming up with the numbers, than finance will come more easily. Generally, the finance classes are easy enough where it should be no problem with 18 units.

Answer 3

Finance courses were much more enjoyable than the accounting. Finance seemed to be more general principles. You should do fine, and it's probably a good class to have in the 18 hour load.

Answer 4

I did a degree in Accounting/Finance and found the finance subjects in general to be very enjoyable although some were also very hard mostly due to the fact that they were only offered by distance education.