Most people will make thousands of money decisions over a lifetime — about budgeting,
borrowing, saving and investing — yet few ever take a class on how to make them well.
This fall, Seton Hall University is changing that with a new undergraduate course
built to give students the knowledge and confidence to navigate their financial futures.
Beginning this fall, Financial Literacy (BFIN 2000, CRN 34991) will offer practical
financial skills grounded in the principles of behavioral finance. The three-credit
course meets in person on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and is
open to all undergraduates, no matter their area of interest or program.
“Financial decisions affect nearly every aspect of our lives, yet many students receive
little formal education on topics such as budgeting, saving, investing or managing
debt,” said Jennifer Itzkowitz, Ph.D., professor of finance in the Stillman School of Business. “The goal is to give students the tools they need to make informed decisions and
build healthy financial habits that will serve them throughout their lives.”
What sets the course apart is its grounding in behavioral finance — the field that
examines how psychology shapes the choices people make with money. Students will explore
why sound financial decisions can be so hard to make and learn strategies to overcome
the common mental traps that get in the way.
Over the semester, students will work through budgeting, saving, credit management,
debt reduction, investing, retirement planning and tax strategies, using real-world
applications and interactive exercises that connect each concept to their own lives.
By the end, they will have built a personalized financial plan and set achievable
financial goals.
“Whether students pursue careers in business, healthcare, education, the arts or public
service, they will face important financial decisions,” Itzkowitz said. “Understanding
how to manage money effectively can have a real impact on long-term well-being and
quality of life.”
The new course reflects the Stillman School of Business’s mission to turn theory into
practice and Seton Hall’s broader commitment to preparing students for success in
every part of their lives.
Students interested in enrolling can register through PirateNet or contact their academic
advisor. For more information about the course, contact Jennifer Itzkowitz at [email protected].
