Finance (FIN)

FIN 3301. Real Estate.

This course introduces the fundamental principles of real estate from a valuation and financial perspective. Topics include the structure of real estate markets and key market participants; economic and financial determinants of property values; legal instruments and transaction processes; private and public interests in real property; property valuation methods, including comparable sales analysis and appraisal techniques; and mortgage markets and real estate financing. Emphasis is placed on applying analytical tools to assess real estate investment and financing decisions. Prerequisite: A minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

FIN 3312. Business Finance.

This course introduces the finance function and the problems confronting financial managers. Topics include financial statement analysis, time value of money, asset valuation, risk and return, and capital budgeting. Students examine how firms make investment, financing, and resource allocation decisions within competitive and regulatory environments. Analysis focuses on evaluating financial performance, assessing funding alternatives, and applying quantitative methods to support decision-making. Emphasis is placed on interpreting financial information, understanding risk–return trade-offs, and using analytical tools such as spreadsheets to solve financial problems in business contexts. Prerequisite: ACC 2361 and [ISAN 1325 or ISAN 1323] and [ECO 2314 or ECO 2315] and [MATH 1329 or MATH 2471] all with grades of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

FIN 3313. Financial Management.

This course examines advanced topics in financial management with emphasis on corporate financing and investment decisions. Topics include intermediate- and long-term financing alternatives, capital budgeting under uncertainty, cost of capital estimation, capital structure, and dividend policy. Students analyze how firms evaluate investment opportunities and determine optimal financing strategies in the presence of risk. Emphasis is placed on applying quantitative methods to assess risk–return trade-offs, evaluate financial performance, and support strategic decision-making. Analytical tools are used to interpret financial data and develop recommendations related to corporate valuation and resource allocation in dynamic business environments. Prerequisite: FIN 3312 with a grade of "B" or better and ACC 2362 and ECO 2314 and ECO 2315 and [ANLY 2333 or MATH 2328] with grades of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

FIN 3316. Financial Information Technologies.

This course introduces technologies that support asset valuation, financial modeling, and decision-making in modern finance. Topics include spreadsheet modeling, financial databases, and tools for data acquisition, processing, and analysis. Students work with real-time financial data sources such as Bloomberg to construct and evaluate financial models. Emphasis is placed on applying quantitative methods to analyze securities, estimate risk and return, and support investment decisions. Analytical tools are used to interpret financial data and assess market conditions, with focus on data-driven financial analysis and modeling in professional settings. Prerequisite: FIN 3312 with a grade of "B" or better and ACC 2362 and ECO 2314 and ECO 2315 and [ANLY 2333 or MATH 2328] all with grades of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

FIN 3318. Investment Analysis.

This course investigates the principles of investing personal and institutional funds within modern financial markets. Topics include the structure and functioning of financial markets, trading mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks. Analysis covers risk and return characteristics of securities, portfolio diversification, and asset pricing models such as CAPM. Students evaluate stocks, bonds, and portfolios using quantitative methods and financial data. Market efficiency, behavioral finance perspectives, and the role of information in investment decisions are examined. Emphasis is placed on applying analytical tools to support portfolio construction and long-term investment strategy development. Prerequisite: FIN 3312 with a grade of “B” or better and ACC 2362 and ECO 2314 and ECO 2315 and [ANLY 2333 or MATH 2328] all with grades of "D" or better and and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

FIN 3325. Personal Financial Management.

This course examines principles of personal financial management in modern economic settings. Topics include budgeting, banking services, real estate decisions, insurance planning, consumer credit, and retirement and estate planning. Analysis focuses on how individuals allocate resources, manage financial risk, and plan for short- and long-term financial outcomes. Financial decision-making frameworks are used to evaluate savings, borrowing, and investment choices. Emphasis is placed on applying financial concepts to everyday situations and interpreting financial information relevant to personal planning.

FIN 3326. Financial and Insurance Planning.

This course explores the financial planning process and its role in personal financial management. Students examine how individuals set financial goals, assess financial resources, and develop structured financial plans. Topics include budgeting, saving, consumer credit, insurance planning, and risk management. Analysis focuses on evaluating financial alternatives and integrating insurance strategies into broader financial objectives. Financial decision frameworks are used to assess trade-offs and support long-term planning in a variety of personal financial contexts. Prerequisite: FIN 3312 with a grade of "D" or better.

FIN 3340. Fundamentals of Business Finance.

This course examines the financial function within a business and the tools used in financial decision-making. Topics include financial statement analysis, time value of money, risk and return, and asset valuation. Analysis focuses on how firms evaluate financial performance, assess investment opportunities, and make financing decisions using quantitative methods. Emphasis is placed on applying financial concepts to interpret data, evaluate alternatives, and support decision-making in organizational settings. Prerequisite: (ACC 2301 or [ACC 2361 and ACC 2362]) and (ECO 2301 or [ECO 2314 and ECO 2315]) with grades of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

FIN 3350. Selling Financial Services.

This course examines principles and practical applications involved in selling financial products and services, with emphasis on implementation in the banking industry. Topics include customer relationship management, needs assessment, product positioning, and development of sales strategies. Students analyze internal and external factors influencing sales performance and evaluate professional roles within financial services organizations. Emphasis is placed on applying analytical frameworks to align financial products with client objectives and market conditions. Case studies and applied exercises are used to evaluate real-world scenarios and support effective communication and decision-making in sales environments. Prerequisite: A minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

FIN 4301. Financial and Economic Analysis of Sports.

This course applies the principles of finance and economics to analyze and understand the decisions in sports management. It utilizes common appreciation and knowledge of sports to strengthen understanding of financial and economic principles. The content includes sports gambling. Students will manage data and use tables and graphs to communicate effectively. Not for graduate degree credit. Students cannot receive credit for both ECO 3301 and FIN 4301. Prerequisite: FIN 3312 with a grade of "B" or better, and [FIN 3316 or ECO 3314] with a grade of "C" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

FIN 4315. Financial Modeling and Equity Analysis.

This course reviews and extends students’ ability to perform financial statement analysis and forecasting. The course focuses on producing objective company valuation research through the application of quantitative and qualitative analytical methods. Students select and justify inputs for financial models, analyze historical and projected financial data, and examine how firm-specific and external factors influence value and performance. Emphasis is placed on integrating financial modeling techniques with valuation frameworks to support systematic analysis of publicly traded companies. Prerequisites: FIN 3313 and FIN 3316 both with grades of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

FIN 4317. Case Problems in Finance.

This course applies investment and financial management techniques to the analysis of real-world finance cases. Students examine financial problems, identify key issues, and evaluate alternative courses of action using analytical frameworks. Topics may include capital budgeting, valuation, risk assessment, financing decisions, and portfolio management. Emphasis is placed on interpreting financial information, applying quantitative tools, and developing structured solutions to complex financial situations. Students analyze case materials to assess financial performance and support decision-making in business contexts. Prerequisite: FIN 3313 and FIN 3316 both with grades of "C" or better.

FIN 4318. Portfolio Management & Derivatives.

This course integrates modern portfolio theory and derivatives with advanced financial analysis. Topics include portfolio construction and performance evaluation, risk-return optimization, asset pricing models, derivatives valuation, and the use of derivatives for hedging and portfolio risk management. Real market data are used to evaluate investment strategies and portfolio outcomes. The course incorporates structured use of artificial intelligence tools to support financial analysis and decision-making, with emphasis on critically evaluating AI-generated outputs and applying them responsibly in professional finance contexts. Prerequisite: FIN 3313 and FIN 3316 and FIN 3318 all with grades of "D" or better.

FIN 4319. Financial Markets and Institutions.

This course examines financial assets, money and capital markets, and the role of financial institutions in the economy. Topics include the structure and functioning of financial markets, the activities of institutional intermediaries, and the determination and impact of interest rates. Analysis focuses on how financial markets allocate capital, manage risk, and support economic growth and development. Additional topics include monetary policy, regulation, and the interaction between financial institutions and broader economic conditions. Emphasis is placed on evaluating market behavior and institutional performance using economic and financial frameworks. Prerequisite: ECO 3311 and FIN 3313 and FIN 3316 all with grades of "D" or better. Corequisite: FIN 3318 with a grade of "D" or better.

FIN 4320. Treasury and Working Capital Management.

This course examines working capital and short-term financial management within organizations. Topics include cash collection and concentration, disbursement systems, cash flow forecasting, and the management of receivables and inventory. Analysis focuses on liquidity management, short-term financing and investment strategies, and relationships with financial institutions. Emphasis is placed on evaluating operational efficiency, managing financial risk, and applying quantitative tools to support short-term financial decision-making in dynamic business environments. Prerequisite: FIN 3313 and FIN 3316 both with grades of "D" or better.

FIN 4321. Real Estate Finance.

This course introduces students to the major considerations in real estate financing and investing. Students explore various types of loans and financing alternatives with analysis of their impact on value. The course examines valuation of income-producing properties, including forecasting cash flows, incorporating financing structures, and considering tax implications. Emphasis is placed on applying quantitative and analytical techniques to real estate investment decisions. Prerequisite: FIN 3312 with a grade of "D" or better.

FIN 4322. Student Managed Investment Fund Practicum.

This course examines the management and investment strategies of endowment funds within institutional portfolios. Topics include investment analysis, asset allocation, portfolio construction, monitoring, performance evaluation, and rebalancing. Analysis focuses on applying investment policy guidelines, risk–return objectives, and long-term spending requirements in portfolio decision-making. Students evaluate securities and portfolio strategies using quantitative methods and market data, with attention to fiduciary responsibilities and institutional constraints. Prerequisites: FIN 3318 with a grade of "D" or better and instructor approval.

FIN 4323. Introduction to Finance Analytics.

This course examines how data can be turned into insights for advanced finance concepts like trading strategies, portfolio optimization, model evaluation, and investment planning. This course will show how to use open-source software (R & Python) in a finance context. This is a hands-on practical programming course with step-by-step source code, in-class exercises, and full solutions provided. No previous knowledge of programming is required. Upon completion, students will be aware of financial models related to investments and corporate finance and will be able to write simple code. Prerequisite: FIN 3313 and FIN 3318 both with grades of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

FIN 4324. Fixed Income Analysis.

This course will cover fixed income products, analytical techniques for valuing bonds, and the quantification of bond exposure to various types of risk. The class will discuss the basics of pricing, the risk/return characteristics of fixed income and embedded option analysis, bond duration measures, convexity, credit and rating factors, and basic portfolio applications. Other topics will include the structure of the U.S. bond market, securitization, yield curve, and forward rates. Prerequisite: FIN 3318 with a grade of "C" or better.

FIN 4327. Commercial Credit Analysis.

This course will examine conceptual issues and various practical applications relevant to the commercial lending activities of banks using finance principles. The framework of this course will closely follow the Credit Essentials Course from the Risk Management Association, with the goal of preparing students for the Credit Essentials Certificate Examination through RMA at the end of the semester. Topics will include identifying customer needs, analyzing financial statements, loan structuring and documentation, and problem loan identification. Prerequisite: FIN 3318 with a grade of "C" or better and instructor approval.

FIN 4331. International Finance.

This course provides an introduction to international finance and its application to multinational financial management. Topics include the structure and operation of foreign exchange markets; exchange rate determination; purchasing power parity and covered and uncovered interest rate parity; and the use of forwards, futures, and options in managing currency risk. Students examine international money, bond, and equity markets; financial instruments used in international trade; and approaches to multinational capital budgeting and cash management. The course addresses transaction, translation, and economic exposure and considers ethical and cross-cultural factors that influence international financial decision-making. Prerequisite: ECO 3311 and FIN 3313 and FIN 3316 all with grades of "D" or better.

FIN 4340. Commercial Bank Management.

This course examines key aspects of commercial bank management and the factors that influence banking operations. Topics include bank regulation, asset and liability management, capital management, and performance evaluation. Analysis focuses on how banks manage interest rate, credit, and liquidity risks within regulatory and economic constraints. Students evaluate financial statements, assess bank profitability and stability, and analyze the impact of market conditions and policy changes on banking decisions. Emphasis is placed on applying analytical frameworks to understand the role of commercial banks in the financial system and their contribution to economic activity. Prerequisite: FIN 3313 and FIN 3316 both with grades of "D" or better.

FIN 4380J. Introduction to Finance Analytics.

This course examines how data can be turned into insights for advance Finance concepts (trading strategies, portfolio optimization, model evaluation, investment planning, etc.). This course will show how to use open-source software (R, Python) in a Finance context. This is a hands-on practical programming course with step-by-step source code, in-class exercises and full solutions provided. No previous knowledge of programming is required. However, to be successful in this course you need to want to learn to program. Upon completion, students will be aware of financial models related to investments and corporate finance and will be able to write simple code. Prerequisite: FIN 3313 and FIN 3318 both with grades of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

FIN 4380N. Selling Financial Services.

This course examines principles and practical applications involved in selling financial products and services, with emphasis on implementation within the banking industry. Topics include customer relationship management, needs assessment, product positioning, and development of sales strategies for financial services. Analysis focuses on aligning financial products with client objectives, evaluating market conditions, and addressing regulatory and ethical considerations in sales practices. Case studies and applied exercises are used to analyze real-world scenarios and support decision-making, with attention to communication, analytical, and client-focused skills relevant to financial services environments. Prerequisite: FIN 3313 and MKT 3343 both with grades of "D" or better and instructor approval.

FIN 4380P. Foundations of Financial Technology.

This course examines how emerging technologies are transforming the financial services industry, including changes in business models, products, and customer interfaces. Topics include artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cybersecurity, and open application programming interfaces (APIs). The course also explores the FinTech ecosystem, including regulatory environments, entrepreneurship, and business models. Analysis focuses on strategic interactions among FinTech startups, established financial institutions, and evolving industry challenges. Emphasis is placed on understanding technological innovation within financial markets and its implications for industry structure and operations. Prerequisite: FIN 3313 with a grade of “D” or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

FIN 4380Q. AI For Finance.

This course examines how artificial intelligence is transforming the finance industry. Students learn how open-source programming languages (e.g., Python or R) are used to collect, organize, and analyze data to generate insights in financial contexts. Emphasis is placed on real-world applications and the use of AI tools in areas such as investment analysis, risk assessment, and capital markets. Students also examine ethical, regulatory, and practical challenges associated with the use of AI in financial decision-making. Prerequisite: FIN 3313 and FIN 3316 and FIN 3318 all with a grade of a "D" or better.

FIN 4390. Internship in Finance.

This course integrates professional and academic experience through a supervised internship with an external employer in a finance-related setting. Students apply financial concepts, analytical tools, and quantitative methods to real-world tasks and organizational decision-making. Emphasis is placed on connecting theoretical knowledge with practical experience, evaluating financial data, and understanding workplace processes in finance and related fields. Reflective analysis is used to assess the relationship between academic preparation and professional practice, as well as to support the development of professional skills and career readiness. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

FIN 4395. Independent Study in Finance.

This course allows advanced undergraduate students to engage in independent, faculty-guided study of a selected topic or applied area in finance. Students conduct focused research or applied analysis using financial theories, data, and analytical tools. Emphasis is placed on developing specialized knowledge, critical thinking, and the ability to apply financial concepts to complex problems. Projects may involve financial modeling, market analysis, or evaluation of investment and corporate finance issues. The course supports individualized learning beyond regularly offered coursework and encourages independent inquiry and professional skill development. This course may be repeated once for credit with different emphasis. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

FIN 5322. Investment Analysis.

This course examines the application of financial theory to investment analysis in modern capital markets. Topics include portfolio theory, asset pricing models, and derivative pricing frameworks, with emphasis on evaluating investment opportunities and managing risk. Analysis covers the risk–return tradeoff, market efficiency, and behavioral factors in investment decision-making. Quantitative methods are used to assess equities, fixed income securities, and derivatives. Emphasis is placed on integrating theoretical models with empirical evidence to support portfolio construction, performance evaluation, and risk management strategies. Prerequisite: B A 5352 with a grade of "C" or better or FIN 3312 with a grade of "D" or better.

FIN 5332. Portfolio Theory and Capital Markets.

This course examines the principles and strategies used in portfolio construction and management. Topics include portfolio selection, risk–return analysis, asset allocation, diversification, and performance evaluation. Analytical tools are used to assess portfolio risk, evaluate asset classes, and measure investment outcomes. Derivative instruments are introduced as tools for risk management and portfolio adjustment. Emphasis is placed on applying quantitative methods to support investment decisions and assess portfolio performance in different market environments. Prerequisite: FIN 5322 with a grade of "C" or better.

FIN 5338. International Investments and Financial Management.

This course examines the economic rationale and incentives underlying international investment and financing decisions in global capital markets. Topics include exchange rate determination, currency risk exposure, and strategies for managing foreign exchange risk. Analysis covers global debt and equity markets, cross-border financing alternatives, and the role of multinational corporations in international capital allocation. Foreign currency derivatives are introduced as tools for hedging and risk management. Emphasis is placed on evaluating investment and financing strategies within the context of international financial markets, regulatory environments, and macroeconomic conditions. Prerequisite: B A 5352 with a grade of "C" or better.

FIN 5352. Financial Management.

This course introduces students to the major considerations in financial decision-making. These considerations are analyzed by examining the role of financial managers in creating value and shareholder wealth within legal and ethical constraints. Topics include financial statement analysis, time value of money, capital budgeting, risk and return, cost of capital, and capital structure decisions. The course emphasizes quantitative applications, analytical techniques, and problem-solving approaches relevant to corporate financial decision contexts. Prerequisite: ACC 5361 with a grade of "C" or better. Corequisite: QMST 5334 with a grade of "C" or better.