Faculty of Management Sciences

Level and Duration of the Program: Undergraduate, 8 Semesters.

Department of Economics and Finance Mission
As the Department of Economics and Finance, we are on the mission to provide students with comprehensive online education on current economic theories, quantitative and qualitative financial data analysis and management, and the functioning of international economic systems. Our aim is to educate students as individuals who have ethical values and analytical thinking skills, are sensitive to economic problems, and have developed their leadership skills in the financial sector and in the business world. In this context, we try to encourage our students to understand global economic dynamics and research and innovation. We support them in having a conscious perspective on economic sustainability.

Department of Economics and Finance Vision
As the Department of Economics and Finance, we aim to create an educational environment that develops students' knowledge and skills in the economic and financial fields with an interdisciplinary vision. We will not only master economic theories, but also train graduates who add value to effective financial analysis, strategic planning, and business. We aim to become an internationally recognized educational institution, while at the same time taking a global leadership role in economic and financial research and publication. We strive to train students as professionals who can lead global economic dynamics, are conscious of sustainable finance and economic growth, and adhere to ethical values.

Program Purpose
The Department of Economics and Finance aims to train its graduates as successful professionals by providing students with a broad knowledge base related to economics, finance, and the business world. It enables its graduates to grow up in an environment where they can gain a competitive advantage at national and international levels, to be leaders who focus on financial literacy and ethical values, understand global economic problems, and add value to the sector. In this context:
1. Providing Theoretical and Practical Knowledge: To provide students with a strong theoretical foundation and practical knowledge in the field of economics and finance.
2. Developing Analytical Thinking Skills: To provide students with the ability to analyze economic and financial problems.
3. Strengthening Leadership and Communication Skills: To provide students with effective leadership and communication skills and to train individuals who can assume leadership roles in the financial sector and business world.
4. Social Responsibility and Ethical Values: To instill an understanding of social responsibility in students and to strengthen the awareness of adhering to ethical values.
5. Developing Research and Analysis Skills: To develop independent research and analysis skills by teaching students the methods used in social science research in the field of economics and finance.
6. Gaining an International Perspective: To provide students with knowledge and understanding of global economic dynamics to strengthen the international perspective.
7. Contribution to the Business World: To provide students with the skills to work effectively in the financial sector and business world and to contribute to economic development.
8. Diversity and Content Diversity: Provide students with the ability to understand and evaluate different economic and financial perspectives.

In line with these aims, the Department of Economics and Finance aims to provide its students with a strong academic background, practical experiences, and a broad perspective to adapt to the global economy.

Program Achievements:
The achievements of the Department of Economics and Finance refer to the knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired as a result of the education and training process provided to the students. These achievements aim to support the individual and professional development of students, and our graduating students will be able to:
1. In-Disciplinary Knowledge and Skills: Have solid theoretical and practical knowledge in the fields of economics, finance, and business; gain the ability to understand the basic concepts in these disciplines and apply them from an analytical perspective.
2. Analytical, Critical Thinking, and Problem Solving Skills: They have effective problem- solving skills with the ability to analyze complex economic and financial problems and develop a critical mindset. Using tools such as quantitative and qualitative data analysis, statistical methods, and econometrics, students learn to take an analytical approach to decision-making.
3. Communication Skills: They effective written and verbal communication skills and gain the ability to speak and present in front of the public in the business world and the financial sector.
4. Leadership and Management Skills: Teamwork and leadership skills develop, and their capacity to take on management roles in the financial sector and business world increases. Group projects, seminars, and social responsibility projects allow students to experience teamwork and leadership skills.
5. Research Skills: They gain the ability to understand and apply the methods used in social science research in the field of economics and finance, as well as the ability to conduct independent research and a critical research mindset.
6. Commitment to Ethical values: An understanding of social responsibility and adherence to ethical values is formed.
7. International Perspective: Have knowledge of global economic dynamics and develop a perspective on international financial relations.
8. Contribution to the Business World and Social Responsibility: The ability to work effectively in the financial sector and business world, contribute to economic development, and produce solutions to social problems.
9. Diversity and Cultural Awareness: Understand and evaluate different economic and financial perspectives; have the ability to communicate effectively in a variety of settings.
10. Use of Technology: To keep up with the rapid change in the financial sector, students are provided with the ability to use up-to-date technologies effectively. The mastery of technological tools such as data analytics, financial modeling tools, and software applications gives students a competitive advantage.

Program Employment Areas
Graduates of the Department of Economics and Finance have a wide range of career opportunities. These graduates can be employed in a variety of fields, such as the financial sector, business world, public sector, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations. Some of the potential employment areas for graduates of this department are as follows:
1. Financial Sector and Banking: Working in a variety of positions in the financial sector, such as banks, financial institutions, and investment companies.
2. Corporate Finance and Investment: Working in financial analysis and investment management positions in the finance departments of large companies.
3. Accounting and Auditing: Working as an accounting specialist or auditor in accounting firms or internal accounting departments of companies.
4. Financial Consulting: Provides consultancy services in financial consulting firms, especially for individual and corporate clients.
5. Company Management and Strategic Planning: Working in leadership positions at the management level of companies in the fields of strategic planning and corporate governance.
6. International Finance and Trade: Taking part in the finance departments of international companies in the fields of foreign trade and international finance.
7. Capital Markets: Working in positions that require expertise in financial markets, such as securities and capital market research and portfolio management.
8. Risk Management: Working as a financial risk analyst or risk manager in the risk management departments of companies.
9. Public Finance: Working as a budget planning and finance specialist in public institutions and municipalities.
10. Financial Technologies (Fintech):  Working in financial technology companies in innovative areas such as digital payment systems, blockchain, and financial applications.

Graduates of ISTU's online programs will be in an advantageous position in the rapidly evolving dynamics of the economy and financial world owing to their knowledge of digital finance, data analysis, and technology-oriented approaches.

Lessons Process
The courses in the program are provided by the Department of Economics and Finance and are carried out through an Internet-based Learning Management System (LMS). This model supports students in completing the program by offering flexibility and online learning. Here is more information about the functioning of this type of LMS-based program.
1. Online Course Material: The course material of the program is accessible on the LMS platform. From there, students can access lecture notes, slides, videos, reading materials, and other resources.
2. Video Lectures: Teaching is supported by video lecture recordings. Students can watch these videos online and have the opportunity to understand the course content.
3. Live Classes and Webinars: Some programs offer live classes or webinars. Students can interact with their instructors by participating in live sessions.
4. Interactive Discussion and Forums: The LMS provides interactive discussion boards and forums for students. These platforms allow students to ask questions related to the course and exchange views with other students.
5. Student Assessments: Online quizzes, assignments, and project submissions were used to measure students' achievements. These assessments assess students' ability to understand and apply the course material.
6. Customized Course Schedules: LMS provides students with customized course schedules. Students can choose courses that align with their specific interests and career goals.
7. Communication over the Internet: Students can communicate with their instructors and classmates through the LMS. E-mail, messaging, and video-conferencing tools can be used.
8. Research and Project Collaboration: Students can collaborate on research projects through an LMS. This provided the students with the opportunity to create online study groups.
9. Exam and Diploma: Students who successfully complete the program are awarded a diploma. This diploma can help graduates prove their graduation. Programs run using an Internet-based LMS provide students with the opportunity to study, regardless of geographical and time constraints.

Bölüm Müfredati / Department Curriculum