Course Descriptions
Finance
FIN 101
Financial Literacy
3 credits
This is an experiential/project-based course in which you will actively participate in how to effectively handle your personal money issues. Aimed at the general student population, you will focus on such topics as money management, financing a higher education (to include student loans), reaching your personal financial goals, creating a personal budget, understanding credit, financing major purchases (cars, computers, entertainment systems, homes) and investing for your future.
FIN 300
Applied Concepts in Accounting and Finance
3 credits
This course is an applications-based approach to the study of accounting and finance for the non-business major. Topics will include the preparation and basic analysis of financial statements (with emphasis on the income statement and balance sheet), the time value of money, cash and capital budgeting, financing the organization, and cost/volume/profit relationships also known as break-even analysis. The course assumes no prior knowledge of accounting or finance.
Prerequisite(s): ENG 122 and MAT 205
FIN 301
Personal Finance
3 credits
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of personal finance. The course covers career planning, budgeting and cash-flow management, credit use, planned borrowing, taxes, and managing major expenditures such as automobiles and housing.
Prerequisite(s): ENG 122 and MAT 205
FIN 302
Financial Planning
3 credits
This course covers the essentials of risk management, property and liability insurance, an introduction to investments (stocks, bonds, and mutual funds), health care planning, retirement, and estate planning.
Prerequisite(s): ENG 122 and MAT 205
FIN 304
Applications of Corporate Finance
3 credits
Continuing with the basic financial models presented in FIN 300, this course will concentrate on the application of discounted cash flow and financial analysis to specific corporate financial topics to include capital budgeting, cost of capital, the structure of capital markets, debt and stock financing, and factors affecting dividend policy and retained earnings. This two course sequence will culminate with the presentation of a detailed two corporation comparative analysis.
Prerequisite(s): FIN 300
FIN 305
Financial Management
3 credits
This course is an introduction to the role of finance, the operating environment of the firm, analysis of financial statement information, present value concepts, risk, return, and valuation fundamentals.
Prerequisite(s): BAC 102, ENG 122 and MAT 312
FIN 306
Corporate Finance
3 credits
Building on the fundamentals of financial management, the major emphasis of this course is on the cost of raising funds for projects (cost of capital) and major project decisions (capital budgeting). Additional topics include: working capital management, cash flow, inventory, and the proper distribution of debt and equity.
Prerequisite(s): FIN 305
FIN 308
Financial Economics and Instruments
3 credits
This course explains the key elements of financial markets (and associated instruments) and their contribution to bringing together the suppliers and users of funds within the framework of national and international economics. It is assumed that the student has a basic understanding of managerial finance which includes present value and bond valuation techniques. The course will emphasize financial concepts and theories and apply them to ''real-world'' situations.
Prerequisite(s): FIN 305
FIN 309
Introduction to Global Derivatives
3 credits
This course is designed to provide students with the conceptual framework to develop an understanding of Derivative securities. Students will learn to understand the uses of derivatives while evaluating potential risks, opportunities, and hedging strategies. Topics include Options, Forwards, Futures, and Swaps
Prerequisite(s): FIN 305
FIN 310
Small Business Finance
3 credits
This course links traditional topics in financial management to the unique needs of a small business from start-up to maturity. Starting with the development of a sound business plan, the small business needs include raising capital, managing that capital, evaluating opportunities from a financial perspective, and planning for growth. Topics include: working capital management, time value of money, financial statement analysis, budgeting and managing cash flow.
Prerequisite(s): ENG 122 and MAT 205
FIN 320
FinTech Fundamentals
3 credits
FinTech, or financial technology, has become a disruptive force – or paradigm shift – in the world of financial services. This course is an introduction to the world of FinTech – its history, evolution, and the role it plays not only in the arena of financial services, but how, what, and why FinTech technology is affecting business globally. From banking and investing, to payment systems, to the nature of money and the development of new non-tangible assets, FinTech has been and will continue to be a key driver of change. By necessity therefore, the course discusses the enabling roles artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning bring to this ever-changing topic All students of business are well served by an overall understanding of the terms, concepts, and applications of FinTech.
FIN 331
Finance for Nonprofit
3 credits
Focus on developing relationships with private and institutional donors. Students will learn the keys to effective grant proposal writing and endowment management skills.
Prerequisite(s): ENG 122 and MAT 205
FIN 410
Financial Reporting and Analysis
3 credits
This course is designed to help the student understand and interpret financial statements. The course will include information on how to read and understand financial statements and how to apply this knowledge to determine the health and current status of a business.
Prerequisite(s): FIN 306
FIN 411
Investments and Security Analysis
3 credits
From a basic understanding of traditional investments (stocks, bonds, and mutual funds), the students will expand their knowledge of the investment world to include: fundamental and technical analysis, the efficient market hypothesis, valuation and portfolio theories, and an introduction to options and futures.
Prerequisite(s): FIN 302 and FIN 305
FIN 412
Financial Institution Management
3 credits
This advanced course covers the major decision-making considerations in the management of financial institutions. Emphasis is on recent developments in the financial services industry, balance sheet management, value production in financial services, and the regulation of financial institutions.
Prerequisite(s): FIN 305