UCLA Summer Sessions: Introduction to Investments Summer Institute

The UCLA Introduction to Investments Summer Institute is a three-week program designed to provide a broad introduction to investments to explore career paths related to investing and gain the tools to begin a personal financial plan- all while earning college credit at one of the top-ranked economics departments in the world.

Students will be provided with a financial literacy foundation to better grasp the investing landscape with a highlight on key concepts and functionality related to money, banking, and personal investment decisions. No previous economic or math background is needed to understand the structure of US and global financial markets, why they exist, and how they impact our daily lives.

During the Introduction to Investments Summer Institute, students will attend and participate in lectures on economics with a focus on investment options by UCLA faculty, as well as discussion sessions, led by UCLA Economics majors, to share their ideas in smaller group settings.

Students have the chance to apply their knowledge and foundation while analyzing case studies relevant to coursework.

Planned topics will include but are not limited to:

• Financial Markets, how they work and why they exist
• Stock Ownership, bonds, commodities
• The Federal Reserve, Economics cycles
• Financial panics through time
• Valuation Styles and Quantitative analysis
• Personal Investments
• Global Markets, Efficient Markets
• Money, Banking and Cycles
• International Investing
• Other Investment Types
• Venture Capital
• Private Equity and Hedge Funds
• Careers in Finance
• Investing Educational Paths to Prepare for Careers in Finance and Investing