The Finance program at Illinois State University emphasizes effective teaching and student involvement in the educational process, with special attention to the concept of linking theory with financial practice. We prepare students not only for entry-level positions, but also help them develop the skills necessary to adapt and advance in a changing world. Finance is concerned with the management of money and with investments in various financial instruments, often through financial institutions such as banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies, and real estate firms. The Finance program at Illinois State University is concerned with the management of money and with investments in various financial instruments, often through financial institutions such as banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies, and real estate firms. Even though these areas may seem to involve quite different ideas and applications, concepts such as risk and the time value of money play important roles in all financial ventures. Graduates of the Finance program are hired to manage financial functions for banks, investment firms, non-financial companies, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations. People working in the Finance field often pursue such professional certifications as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA ®) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP ®), and many eventually complete Master of Business Administration (MBA) or other advanced academic degrees.