Department of Finance and Economics

BLAW 3301. Legal Environment of Business.

The course surveys basic features of the American legal system and legal aspects of business transactions. Topics include generally the nature and sources of law, court systems and procedures, torts, contracts, agency, and ethics. Prerequisite: A minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

BLAW 3360. Business Organizations and Government Regulations.

This course studies corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, securities law, law for small business, administrative law, consumer law, environmental law, antitrust law, and insurance. Prerequisite: BLAW 3301 with a grade of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

BLAW 3363. International Business Law.

This course studies the principles of international business law which emphasizes the commercial activities of the multinational firm conducting business in global economic, political, social and cultural environments. (MULT) (MULP).

BLAW 3364. Commercial Law.

This course studies sales law, negotiable instruments, secured transactions, suretyship, bankruptcy, personal property and bailments, real property, and creditors’ rights and remedies. Prerequisite: BLAW 3301 with a grade of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

BLAW 3367. Employment Law.

This course studies the legal developments in the workplace, with emphasis on attempts to maintain a proper balance between employees’ interest in earning a livelihood and employers’ interest in operating their business efficiently and profitably. Prerequisite: PHIL 1320 with a grade of "D" or better.

BLAW 4310. Sustainable Development & Law.

This course examines the role of law and policy in balancing economic, environmental, and social issues for current and future generations. Prerequisite: A minimum 2.0 overall GPA.

BLAW 4320. Legal Issues in Finance & Economics.

This course surveys the ways that law impacts, and is impacted by, the practice of finance and economics. Prerequisite: BLAW 3301 with a grade of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 overall GPA.

BLAW 4395. Independent Study in Business Law.

An in-depth study of a single topic or related problem solved through business law research. May be repeated once for credit with different emphasis. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

ECO 2301. Principles of Economics.

A non-technical study of micro– and macroeconomic principles, including demand and supply, production and cost, market structures, aggregate output and performance of the economy, the business cycle and growth, unemployment and inflation, money and banking, fiscal policy, monetary policy, and international trade and finance. Not for business or economics majors.

ECO 2314. Principles of Microeconomics.

This course provides an introduction to the microeconomics of a modern industrial society. Emphasis is placed on supply and demand, cost and price concepts, market structures, income distribution, and similar issues. Prerequisite: MATH 1315 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2331 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of "D" or better or ACT Mathematics score of 27 or better or SAT Mathematics score of 580 or better or SAT Math Section Score 600 or better.

ECO 2315. Principles of Macroeconomics.

This course provides an introduction to the macroeconomics of a modern industrial society. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of national income, economic stability, fiscal policy, money and banking, economic growth, and international trade. Prerequisites: [AG 2383 or ECO 2314 either with a grade of "D" or better] and [MATH 1315 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2331 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of "D" or better or ACT Mathematics score of 27 or better or SAT Mathematics score of 580 or better or SAT Math Section Score 600 or better].

ECO 3301. Economics of Sports.

This course focuses on the business and economics aspects of professional and intercollegiate sports. Topics include the role of sports leagues, the demand for sports, the structure of labor markets in the four major sports, salaries of professional athletes, antitrust legislation, and intercollegiate athletics. Prerequisite: ECO 2314 with a grade of "C" or better.

ECO 3304. Environmental Economics for Decision Makers.

Economic analytical tools and concepts are used to understand how the environment, economy, and businesses interact and the importance of public policy in shaping this interaction. Natural resources as inputs to production are explored. Current policy issues and environmental problems provide illustration and application. Prerequisite: ECO 2301 or ECO 2314 either with a grade of "C" or better.

ECO 3305. Law and Economics.

An analysis of the role of economics in the examination of law. This course considers the influence that economic theories have had on legal theory, including contracts, property, torts, business regulation, and crime. Prerequisite: ECO 2301 or ECO 2314 either with a grade of "C" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

ECO 3311. Money and Banking.

A study of money and credit in the modern economy. Examines the development of modern money and banking systems, the structure of the Federal Reserve System, and monetary theory. Prerequisite: ECO 2314 and ECO 2315 both with grades of "C" or better and [MATH 1329 or MATH 2331 or MATH 2471] any with a grade of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

ECO 3313. Labor Economics.

A study of the application to labor markets of supply and demand principles. Topics include the work/leisure decision, time allocation in the household, the demand for education and training, the firm’s use of labor inputs, the impact of unions, and discrimination in labor markets based on race and gender. Prerequisite: ECO 2314 with a grade of "C" or better and [MATH 1329 or MATH 2331 or MATH 2471] any with a grade of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

ECO 3314. Intermediate Microeconomics.

A study of theories of supply and demand; consumer and producer decision-making; firm pricing policies; product and resource markets under conditions of perfect and imperfect competition; and imperfect and asymmetric information. Prerequisite: ECO 2314 and ECO 2315 with a grade of "C" or better and [MATH 1329 or MATH 2331 or MATH 2471] any with a grade of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

ECO 3315. Intermediate Macroeconomics.

An analysis of the traditional and modern theories of inflation, unemployment, long-run economic growth, and stabilization policies for promoting economic stability. Prerequisite: ECO 2314 and ECO 2315 both with grades of "C" or better and [MATH 1329 or MATH 2331 or MATH 2471] any with a grade of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

ECO 3317. International Economics.

A study of the basis for trade among nations and the means of its financing, customs unions, balance-of-payments problems, and similar issues. (MULT) Prerequisite: ECO 2314 and ECO 2315 both with grades of "C" or better and [MATH 1329 or MATH 2331 or MATH 2471] any with a grade of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

ECO 3320. Emerging Market Economies.

The course focuses on the structural characteristics of the emerging market economies, with an emphasis on analyzing the salient economic challenges and opportunities facing contemporary emerging market economies. (WI) Prerequisite: ECO 2314 and ECO 2315 both with grades of "C" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

ECO 3327. Public Finance.

A study of the growth of the revenue and debt of the United States, taxation and tax incidence theory, and the effect of public expenditures and taxes on economic growth. (WI). Prerequisite: ECO 2314 and ECO 2315 both with grades of "C" or better and [MATH 1329 or MATH 2331 or MATH 2471] any with a grade of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

ECO 3334. Business Enterprise and Public Policy.

A survey of the development and structure of American industry and of governmental regulation of business. (WI) Prerequisite: ECO 2314 with a grade of "C" or better; MATH 1329 or MATH 2331 or MATH 2471 with a grade of "D" or better; Overall GPA 2.0.

ECO 3335. Managerial Economics.

A study of the application of economic analysis in the formulation of business policies. Includes demand analysis and pricing policies. Prerequisite: ECO 2314 with a grade of "C" or better and [MATH 1329 or MATH 2331 or MATH 2471] any with a grade of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

ECO 3353. Comparative Economic Systems.

An analysis of the theory and practice of capitalism, socialism, and communism. Prerequisite: ECO 2301 or [ECO 2314 and ECO 2315] either with a grade of "C" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

ECO 4305. Urban and Regional Economics.

A study of urban and regional economic issues including regional growth, crime, transportation, and the urban-rural interface. A focus on sources and uses of models and data unique to regional science and urban economics. (WI) Prerequisites: ECO 2314 and ECO 2315 both with grades of "C" or better.

ECO 4313. Econometrics.

This course studies statistical estimation, inference and forecasting methods used in economic research with a focus on models and methods unique to economics. Prerequisite: ECO 2314 and ECO 2315 and [MATH 2328 or QMST 2333] and [MATH 1329 or MATH 2331 or MATH 2471] all with grades of "C" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

ECO 4381G. Empirical Data Analysis.

The application of data analysis and visualization techniques to analyze relationships between economic variables and convey findings in a clear and impactful way using programs such as Excel, SAS, Stata, and Python. Topics include descriptive statistics, simple and multiple regression analysis, statistical inference, and best practices in data visualization. Emphasis is placed on applications and hands-on data analysis. Prerequisite: ECO 2314 and ECO 2315 and [MATH 1329 or MATH 2331 or MATH 2471] all with grades of "C" or better.

ECO 4390. Internship in Economics.

Integration of professional and academic experience through an internship with an external employer. Credit awarded as pass/fail or grade at departmental election. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

ECO 4395. Independent Study in Economics.

An in-depth study of a single topic or related problem solved through economic research. May be repeated once for credit with different emphasis. (WI) Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

FIN 3301. Real Estate.

A study of basic real estate principles. Topics include legal instruments and processes, property management, valuations, planning, development and sales, financing, and private and public interests. Prerequisite: A minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

FIN 3312. Business Finance.

This course is an introduction to the finance function and to problems confronting financial managers. Topics covered include ratio analysis, time value of money, asset valuation, and risk and return. Prerequisite: ACC 2361 and CIS 1323 and [ECO 2314 or ECO 2315] and [MATH 1329 or MATH 2331 or MATH 2471] all with grades of "D" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

FIN 3313. Financial Management.

This course is an advanced study of intermediate and long-term financing alternatives, the incorporation of risk analyses in capital budgeting and the determination of capital costs, capital structure, and dividend policies. Prerequisite: FIN 3312 with a grade of "B" or better and ACC 2362 and ECO 2314 and ECO 2315 and [QMST 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 students to the technology supporting financial modeling and decision making. Students in this course use computers to apply concepts and theories learned in the introductory Finance course. Students also rely on quantitative analysis and use the internet. Prerequisite: FIN 3312 with a grade of "B" or better and ACC 2362 and ECO 2314 and ECO 2315 and [QMST 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. Students in this course also examine information sources, exchanges, and regulations. Prerequisite: FIN 3312 with a grade of “B” or better and ACC 2362 and ECO 2314 and ECO 2315 and [QMST 2333 or MATH 2328] all with grades of "D" or better and and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

FIN 3325. Personal Financial Management.

A study of modern money management, including budgeting, banking, real estate, insurance, consumer credit, and retirement and estate planning. Not for Business majors.

FIN 3326. Financial Planning Insurance.

An introduction to the steps in the financial planning process. Topics include assessing financial objectives, financial planning, and personal financial management. Insurance planning is emphasized. Prerequisites: FIN 3312 with a grade of "D" or better.

FIN 3340. Fundamentals of Business Finance.

This course is an introduction to the financial function within a business and the various tools used in financial decision-making. Topics covered will include financial statement analysis, risk and return, time value of money, and asset valuation. 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 4315. Financial Modeling and Equity Analysis.

This course reviews and extends students’ ability to perform financial statement analysis and forecasting. The focus of the course will be on producing objective, high-quality company valuation research. Students will choose and defend inputs for quantitative analysis; they will also discover and illustrate the importance of qualitative factors in firm value and performance. 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.

An application of investment and financial management techniques and concepts to finance cases. Issues and alternatives are identified and evaluated. (WI) Prerequisite: FIN 3313 and FIN 3316 both with grades of "D" or better.

FIN 4318. Portfolio Management & Derivatives.

An advanced investments course which includes the following topics: portfolio analysis and management, derivatives theory and pricing, and applications of derivatives in portfolio management. Prerequisite: FIN 3313 and FIN 3316 and FIN 3318 all with grades of "D" or better.

FIN 4319. Financial Markets and Institutions.

A study of financial assets, money and capital markets, institutional intermediaries, and the impact of interest rates. Affords a thorough examination of the financial system facilitating economic growth and development. 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.

A study of working capital and short-term financial management. Major topics include cash collections, cash concentration, disbursement management, forecasting cash flows, management of receivables and inventory, banking relationships, and short-term investment and borrow strategies. Prerequisite: FIN 3313 and FIN 3316 both with grades of "D" or better.

FIN 4321. Real Estate Finance.

An analysis of problems involved in selecting and financing real estate investment opportunities. Prerequisite: FIN 3312 with a grade of "D" or better.

FIN 4322. Student Managed Investment Fund Practicum.

The course examines the issues involved in the management and investment strategies of an endowment. It focuses on investment analysis, asset allocation, portfolio monitoring, evaluation, and rebalancing. May be repeated one time for credit with different emphasis. Prerequisites: FIN 3318 with a grade of "D" or better and instructor approval.

FIN 4331. International Finance.

A study of international finance principles and their application in a multinational financial management setting. (MULT) Prerequisite: ECO 3311 and FIN 3313 and FIN 3316 all with grades of "D" or better.

FIN 4340. Commercial Bank Management.

Examines a variety of aspects of managing a commercial bank. Provides students with a conceptual framework for determining the effects of various decisions and environmental factors on a commercial bank’s operations. Issues addressed include bank regulations, asset and liability management, analyzing bank performance, and capital management. Prerequisite: FIN 3313 and FIN 3316 both with grades of "D" or better.

FIN 4380A. Advance Capital Budgeting.

A study of capital budgeting techniques, analyses (including risk), and strategies, and their implementation in capital assets investment. 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 4380K. Financial Engineering.

This course starts with an introduction to the financial markets, basics of trading and market microstructure. It covers options, forward and futures contracts. By the end of this course students will have a good knowledge of how these contracts work, how they are used, and how they are priced. Students will develop the skills for using derivatives in hedging strategies and other techniques for risk management. Prerequisite: FIN 3313 and FIN 3316 and FIN 3318 all with grades of "C" or better and a minimum 2.0 Overall GPA.

FIN 4380L. 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 4380M. 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 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 4380N. Selling Financial Services.

This course examines principles and various practical applications involved in selling financial products and services with special focus on the practical implementation of selling these products in the banking industry. Cases, exercises, questions and assignments will be used to supplement textbook materials. Prerequisite: FIN 3313 and MKT 3343 both with grades of "D" or better and instructor approval.

FIN 4390. Internship in Finance.

Integration of professional and academic experience through an internship with an external employer. Students must have completed at least nine hours of major courses. Credit awarded as pass/fail or grade at departmental election. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

FIN 4395. Independent Study in Finance.

An in-depth study of a single topic or related problem solved through finance research. May be repeated once for credit with different emphasis. (WI) Prerequisite: Instructor approval.