Alternative Investments Program
Program Overview
The Sam M. Walton College of Business Alternative Investments Program prepares students to excel in private equity, investment banking, real estate, venture capital, and other fast-paced areas of the alternative asset industry. Students develop strong analytical, financial modeling, and decision-making skills while gaining meaningful exposure to how real investments are sourced, evaluated, and managed.
Supported by experienced faculty, industry practitioners, and an actively engaged advisory board, students benefit from personalized mentorship, practical deal experience, and direct connections to leading firms. The program’s emphasis on experiential learning, professional readiness, and industry engagement helps students build confidence, broaden their career opportunities, and compete successfully for top-tier internships and full-time roles. By bridging academic rigor with real-world application, the Alternative Investments Program empowers students to shape their career trajectories and thrive in the world of competitive finance.
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Contact Ken McGovern at KMcGovern@walton.uark.edu.
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Curriculum Overview
The program’s academic training begins in the fall of the junior year with a rigorous, case-based Alternative Investments course. This foundational class develops core analytical and technical skills relevant to careers in private equity and investment banking.
Following junior year, students are strongly encouraged to pursue a summer internship in fields such as investment banking, consulting, hedge funds, or asset management to complement their academic training with practical experience.
Senior year, students may enroll in a second, advanced-level course focused on specialized areas within alternative investments. Topics may include private equity, mergers and acquisitions, hedge funds, real estate, energy investing, venture capital, and related sectors.
The curriculum is further enriched through active participation by guest speakers, industry professionals who provide real-world perspectives on key areas within the alternative investments ecosystem.
In addition to coursework, the program provides targeted professional development opportunities:
- A Wall Street Prep one-day boot camp funded by the program in the fall of junior year
- A voluntary CFA exam review course, funded by the program, offered in the spring of senior year