FINANCIAL INDUSTRY CLASSES
BY WILLIAM E. BYXBEE

   If you want to be a leader in the financial industry, there are numerous educational avenues you can cash in on.

San Diego State University’s College of Extended Studies offers such opportunities in single- and multiple-day classes, online, and through certificate programs that continue to be increasingly popular in the industry.

One course that certainly adds up in the financial industry is Accounting Fundamentals. You learn the basics of double-entry bookkeeping, along with how to analyze and record financial transactions as well as preparing various financial reports at the end of the fiscal period. Other topics include accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll procedures, sales taxes, and various common banking activities.

There are classes for targeted audiences, including Women as Independent Investors. This course introduces the fundamentals of investing for women and includes investment terms, research tools and implementing a personal investment plan. It also covers a multitude of topics including IRAs, 401(k)s, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, annuities, taxes, retirement, insurance, education, estate planning, and the 11 roadblocks to a woman’s financial security.

Financially oriented courses are offered through the Professional Development Online curriculum, which is a San Diego State University Research Foundation program managed by SDSU’s College of Extended Studies. These include Advanced Business Finance, Business Finance for Managers, Fundamentals of Business Law, and Using Financial Statements (in co-development with Wharton Business School).

The College of Extended Studies continues to offer a Professional Certificate in Accounting through its Open University program. Required for the certificate program in accounting is completion of 30 units: six units of required courses in Financial Accounting Fundamentals and Managerial Accounting Fundamentals along with 24 units in accounting electives (minimum of 18 units) and business electives (up to six units).

Accounting electives cover intermediate and advanced financial accounting material, cost accounting, tax, auditing, accounting information systems, and not-for-profit accounting. There are various options for electives, so students must first contact the advisor before beginning any of these.

SDSU’s College of Extended Studies offers a wide variety of lifelong learning classes, seminars, and certificate programs. Career advancement courses are offered in many areas of management, leadership, and quality improvement, while self-enrichment courses range from astronomy to Web design. Additionally, the College offers over 35 certificate programs, online courses, and many other learning opportunities. For more information on the cutting-edge opportunities offered in the financial industry or other programs, visit the College’s website at www.neverstoplearning.net.

Dr. William E. Byxbee is dean of the College of Extended Studies at San Diego State University. For further information, call SDSU’s College of Extended Studies at (619) 265-SDSU (7378), or visit
www.neverstoplearning.net.