MS In finance, class options --> help me choose the best for either M&A or trading track

I'm about to start an MS in Finance. I'm currently locked into a job (military commitment) for the next three years or so, but I'm required to take 4 of the following classes in addition to the core classes for my MS. Though its likely I will apply to MBA school after I get out, I'm wondering which, if any of these classes, might give me a leg up on the competition (not for admissions, but maybe either for competency in MBA school or for hiring purposes). Thanks.

Core Courses (required):
FNCE 6290 Quantitative Methods for Finance
BUSN 6620 Applied Economics for Managers
BUSN 6640 Financial Management
FNCE 6300 Macroeconomics and Financial Markets
FNCE 6330 Investment Management Analysis

THE PART WHERE I'M ASKING FOR ADVICE:

Finance Electives

These 12 credit hours let students tailor their studies to focus on a specialized area within their field, based upon their interests and desired career direction.

Students complete any four graduate FNCE courses, including:

(Select ECON, ACCT and ENTP courses are also approved; please review degree plan or contact a graduate advisor for other approved courses.)
FNCE 6310 Financial Decisions and Policies
FNCE 6340 Security Analysis and Firm Valuation
FNCE 6350 Financial Innovations
FNCE 6360 Management of Financial Institutions
FNCE 6380 Futures and Options
FNCE 6410 Corporate Financial Strategy Under Uncertainty
FNCE 6411 International Corporate Governance
FNCE 6420 Mergers and Acquisitions
FNCE 6430 Mutual and Pension Fund Management
FNCE 6450 Short-term Financial Management
FNCE 6460 Small Firm Financial Management
FNCE 6470 International Financial Markets
FNCE 6480 Financial Modeling
FNCE 6800 Special Topics

My thought is that I should look at Futures and Options, Mergers and Acquistions, Financial Modeling, and either Financial Innovations, Security Analysis and Firm Evaluation, or International Financial Markets. I'm happy to provide a description of any of the courses if you would like to know what the classes detail. Thanks again.

 
Best Response

Without a doubt, my pick for going into M&A would be: FNCE 6420 Mergers and Acquisitions FNCE 6340 Security Analysis and Firm Valuation FNCE 6480 Financial Modeling FNCE 6410 Corporate Financial Strategy Under Uncertainty

For S&T: FNCE 6470 International Financial Markets FNCE 6340 Security Analysis and Firm Valuation FNCE 6350 Financial Innovations FNCE 6380 Futures and Options

Since you wish to be able to choose between trading or M&A, I'd do: FNCE 6420 Mergers and Acquisitions FNCE 6340 Security Analysis and Firm Valuation FNCE 6350 Financial Innovations FNCE 6380 Futures and Options

Financial innovations is important for trading because it entails fixed income securities like zero coupon instruments, collateralized mortgage obligations, interest rate and currency swaps.

Hope that helps.

 

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