FIN 200. Finance for the Common Good. 3 Hours

Student will learn about the role of financial markets in economic and social development and financial arrangements currently used to advance social causes, such as microfinance, crowdfunding, monetization, green bonds, and block chain technology. We will explore these ideas through readings, lectures by experts in their fields, and case studies. Sophomore, junior and senior standing only.

FIN 290. Introduction to the Finance Industry. 1 Hour

This course provides an overview of the finance industry with a focus on the three major pillars: Corporate Finance, Financial Institutions, and Investments. Topics include the role of each pillar in the economy, description of the entities and practices of each pillar, and career opportunities available. Prerequisite(s): (ECO 203 and ECO 204).

FIN 300. Survey of Financial Management. 3 Hours

Principles and techniques used by business firms in managing and financing their current and fixed assets; sources of funds within the capital markets; determinants of the financial structure; analytical techniques. Prerequisite(s): (ACC 200 or ACC 201 or ACC 207 or [ACC 300A and ACC 300B]); (ECO 203 or 204); Non-business majors only.

FIN 301. Introduction to Financial Management. 3 Hours

Principles and techniques used by business firms in managing and financing their current and fixed assets; sources of funds within the capital markets; determinants of the financial structure; analytical techniques. Prerequisite(s): (BIZ 200 or BIZ 201); (ACC 200 or ACC 201 or ACC 207 or [ACC 300A and ACC 300B]); (ECO 203 or 204); business majors only.

FIN 315. Spreadsheet Modeling in Finance. 3 Hours

This lab course focuses on building financial models in Excel. Students will learn to construct models for practical, real-world applications that cover simple examples such as cash flow and ratio analysis to more complicated models of bond pricing, stock valuation and option pricing. In the process, students will master basic Excel skills and more advanced useful techniques. Prerequisite(s): FIN 300 or FIN 301.

FIN 330. Insurance & Risk Management. 3 Hours

Study of the basic concepts of business and personal risks from the standpoint of creation, identification, reduction, elimination, and evaluation of risks; the use of insurance in meeting problems of risk. Prerequisite(s): FIN 300 or FIN 301.

FIN 336. Principles of Real Estate. 3 Hours

Survey of real estate industry with emphasis on its structure, regulation, growth, needs, financing, and future. Analysis of the methods for determining land use and evaluation of the theories of city development. Prerequisite(s): FIN 300 or FIN 301.

FIN 340. Personal Financial Consulting. 3 Hours

This course introduces students to the concepts and practical implementation of professional financial planning, with a focus on the fundamentals of asset and income protection, capital accumulation, retirement planning, and estate planning. Emphasis is on integrating these elements into a comprehensive personal financial plan. The course also addresses client interactions, professional ethics and standards, the regulatory environment, and the business of financial planning. Prerequisite(s): FIN 300 or FIN 301.

FIN 360. Investments I. 3 Hours

The principles and techniques used by investors. Topics include investment asset classes, securities markets, portfolio theory, fixed income valuation, and equity valuation. Prerequisite(s): FIN 300 or FIN 301, with minimum grade of C+.

FIN 371. Financial Markets & Institutions. 3 Hours

Study of financial markets and financial institutions, including the Federal Reserve, interest rate theories, money and capital market securities, interest rate futures, options and swaps, international financial markets, such as commercial banking, insurance, and investment banking. Prerequisite(s): FIN 300 or FIN 301, with minimum grade of C+.

FIN 401. Finance Capstone: Advanced Financial Analysis. 3 Hours

This course creates a capstone experience for finance majors interested in pursuing a career in corporate finance. Topics introduced in FIN301 and FIN360 (prerequisites) as well as in Accounting 207 and Economics 203 and 204, are integrated into the financial analysis required to successfully play the simulation FinGame5.0. Students run a single product firm and must analyze current and estimated quarterly data to make decisions about capital budgeting proposals (efficiency projects as well as capital expansion); production scheduling; product pricing; dividend policy; capital structure; and short term financing. Prerequisite(s): FIN 301, 360.

FIN 402. Mergers, Acquisitions, Capital Restructuring & Corporate Governance. 3 Hours

In depth study of company valuation techniques and the influence of the governance structure - the CEO, President, and the Board of Directors - on company value. Prerequisite(s): FIN 360.

FIN 450. International Business Finance. 3 Hours

Introduction to problems facing financial management of international companies, including foreign exchange risk, working capital and capital budgeting decisions for multinational corporations, international financing, accounting and control. Prerequisite(s): FIN 300 or FIN 301.

FIN 460. Investments II. 3 Hours

Advanced valuation theory and security analysis; portfolio construction, evaluation, and management. Senior status required. Prerequisite(s): FIN 360.

FIN 470. Fixed Income Securities. 3 Hours

Introduction to the analytical/computational techniques for pricing fixed income securities, interest rate derivatives, and implementing effective portfolio strategies to control interest rate risk and enhance return. Prerequisite(s): FIN 360 or FIN 371.

FIN 471. Management of Financial Institutions. 3 Hours

Integrated and comprehensive analysis of financial institutions that include depository institutions, insurance companies, securities firms, and investment companies. Prerequisite(s): FIN 371.

FIN 475. Commercial Bank Management. 3 Hours

Explores the environment in which banks must operate, the financial statements of banks, and a thorough study of bank management topics which include: asset-liability management, the investment portfolio, sources of funds, and the loan portfolio. Prerequisite(s): FIN 360 or FIN 371.

FIN 479. Seminar in Bond Portfolio Management. 3 Hours

Theory and practice in active bond portfolio management. Literature and practical issues related to managing a bond fund. Seminar format; students are divided into teams, each responsible for a specific sector of the fixed income market. Prerequisite(s): FIN 360 or FIN 371.

FIN 480. Options & Futures Markets. 3 Hours

Study of options, futures, and other derivatives fundamentals, trading strategies, hedging, speculation, and arbitrating, pricing theories, and market regulations. Prerequisites: FIN 360 or FIN 371.

FIN 481. Introduction to Technical Trading. 3 Hours

The art and science of speculative foreign exchange trading, focusing on spot trading of Euros. Students implement a trading plan in a real foreign exchange environment under a set risk management policy. Students learn to watch the market, analyze profitable situations, and produce winning trades. Prerequisite(s): FIN 360.

FIN 482. Trading Energy Markets. 3 Hours

Energy market portfolio skills: structure of natural gas market, natural gas pricing, natural gas portfolio transactions including hedging, basic risk management. VAR simulation produced, power pricing and risk management, weather hedging, credit derivatives and their use in energy. Oil basics and pricing a tolling agreement. Prerequisites: FIN 360.

FIN 490. Special Topics in Finance. 3 Hours

Subject varies from time to time. May be taken more than once if the topic changes. Prerequisite(s): FIN 301.

FIN 491. Honors Thesis. 3 Hours

Selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent original research thesis under the guidance of a departmental faculty member. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the director of the program and the departmental chairperson.

FIN 492. Honors Thesis. 3 Hours

Selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent original research thesis under the guidance of a departmental faculty member. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the director of the program and the departmental chairperson.

FIN 493. Seminar in Investments. 3 Hours

Application of investment theory and techniques in a real-world setting. Students manage a funded portfolio in terms of establishing objectives, selecting securities to buy (sell), and evaluating portfolio performance. Emphasis is placed upon attempting to identify undervalued common stocks. Admission to the course is limited and must be approved by the instructor. Prerequisite(s): FIN 360 and permission of department chair.

FIN 494. Sem-Comm, Drvt&Eq Trad. 3 Hours

Application of derivatives trading strategies and financial data mining techniques based on equity, futures, options, and swaps in a real-world setting. Simulated derivatives trading using professional trading platform and strategies. Admission to the course is limited. Prerequisite(s): FIN 301.

FIN 496. Cooperative Education. 3 Hours

Optional full-time work period off campus alternating with study period on campus. (See Chapter X; consult Cooperative Education Office for details.) Does not count toward finance major. Finance majors only. Prerequisite(s): Permission of department chairperson.

FIN 497. Internship for General Elective Credit. 1-3 Hours

Practical work experience associated with career development and career exploration relating to the student's major. Permission of department chair or designee required. Does not replace finance courses for the finance major. Finance majors only. Prerequisite(s): Forty-five semester hours of credit.

FIN 498. Independent Study in Finance. 1-6 Hours

Directed readings and research in selected fields of finance. The number of semester hours will depend on the amount of work chosen. The course will involve periodic discussions with other students and faculty in the program. May be taken more than once for additional credit. Prerequisite(s): 3.0 GPA in Finance; minimum of nine semester hours in Finance; nomination by faculty; permission of department chairperson.

FIN 603. Advanced Financial Accounting. 3 Hours

Satisfies the accounting capstone requirement for accounting majors and serves as evidence of the culmination of the Common Academic Program. Study of advanced financial accounting topics including consolidated financial statements and accounting for business combinations, multinational subsidiaries, and foreign currency transactions. A case based practical role play experience as an accountant and a case based analysis addressing fraud and the consequences of unethical behavior and the important role accountants play in protecting the public interest and serving society in general are integrated into the course. Prerequisite(s): ACC 306 with a minimum grade of C or permission of Department Chairperson; Senior standing.

FIN 613. Econometrics. 3 Hours

Training in the art of making economic measurements from financial database using regression analysis as the principle tool; use of advanced statistical software (e.g. SAS, Stata, etc.) to estimate and test regression equations; interpretation of results using statistical inference. Prerequisites: FIN 301 or MBA 520 or MBA 620 and DSC 211.

FIN 621. Mergers and Acquisitions. 3 Hours

In depth study of company valuation techniques and the influence of the governance structure - the CEO, President, and the Board of Directors - on company value. Prerequisite(s): FIN 623 or MBA 623.

FIN 623. Financial Statement Analysis. 3 Hours

Focuses on the analysis of financial statements by integrating accounting concepts and principles to assess a company's performance, quality of earnings, valuation, and other issues. Specific topics may include analysis of balance sheet, income statement, cash flow, off-balance sheet assets/liabilities, inter-corporate investments, and business combination. Prerequisites: FIN 301 or MBA 520 or MBA 620 or equivalent.

FIN 624. Financial Modeling. 3 Hours

Lab course focuses on building financial models in R and Excel. Students will learn to construct models for practical, real-world applications that cover simple examples such as cash flow and ratio analysis to more complicated models of bond pricing, stock valuation, and option pricing. In the process, students will master basic R programming language, Excel skills, and more advanced modeling techniques. Prerequisites: FIN 301 or MBA 520 or MBA 620 or equivalent.

FIN 625. Investments. 3 Hours

Study of investment principles and techniques used by both individual and institutional investors. Topics include bond and stock markets, security valuation methods, portfolio theory and management, and investment institutions. Prerequisites: FIN 301 or MBA 520 or MBA 620 or equivalent.

FIN 626. Interntl Finance Mgt. 3 Hours

Integrates the international monetary environment with the multinational business firm and its operations. Analyzes the balance of international payments and exchange rate determination. Specific international financial management topics include export-import financing, foreign direct investment, foreign exchange risk management, financial controls, and international capital budgeting. Prerequisites: FIN 301 or MBA 520 or MBA 620 or equivalent.

FIN 627. Financial Derivatives & Risk Management. 3 Hours

Provides a theoretical foundation for the pricing of contingent claims and for designing risk-management strategies. It covers option pricing models, hedging techniques, and trading strategies. It also includes portfolio insurance, value-at-risk measure, multi-step binomial trees to value American options, interest rate options, and other exotic options. Prerequisites: FIN 360 or FIN 625 or MBA 625 or MTH 558.

FIN 628. Fixed Income Analysis. 3 Hours

Exposes students to a variety of fixed income instruments that are traded in the financial markets, their investment characteristics, the state-of-art technology for valuing them, technique for quantifying their interest rate risk, and portfolio strategies for using them. Prerequisites: FIN 360 or FIN 625 or MBA 625 or MTH 558.

FIN 630. Portfolio Management. 3 Hours

Advanced topics on portfolio management process for both individual and institutional portfolio management, including specifying and quantifying investor objectives and constraints, formulating portfolio policies and strategies, specifying capital market expectations, constructing portfolios, allocating assets and measuring portfolio performance against objectives. Prerequisite(s): FIN 360 or FIN 625 or MBA 625 or MTH 558.

FIN 631. Securities Analysis. 3 Hours

Stock intrinsic valuation by constructing FCFF Excel model, which includes forecasting firm financial statements, estimating levered beta and WACC, predicting free cash flows from firm and sensitivity analysis. Students will be selected to participate in the CFA Research Challenge. Prerequisite(s): FIN 360 or FIN 625 or MBA 625 or MTH 558.

FIN 632. Advanced Corporate Finance. 3 Hours

This course focuses upon corporate finance issues addressing short term financial management, long term capital budgeting, and long term financing choices. The course requires that the students understand these issues through a series of cases and projects. A significant amount of spreadsheet modeling together with both individual and group work will be required to examine the cases and projects. Prerequisite(s): FIN 623 and FIN 624.

FIN 640. Fixed Income Trading. 3 Hours

Theory and practice in active bond portfolio management. Literature and practical issues related to managing a bond fund. Seminar format; students are divided into teams, each responsible for a specific sector of the fixed income market. Prerequisite(s): FIN 628.

FIN 641. Equity Trading. 3 Hours

The art and science of technical equity trading. Students implement a trading plan in a real stock market environment under a set risk management policy. Students learn to watch the market, analyze profitable situations, and produce winning trades. Prerequisite(s): FIN 360 or FIN 625 or MBA 625 or MTH 558.

FIN 642. Energy Trading and Risk Management. 3 Hours

Energy Trading and Risk Management- Energy market portfolio skills: physicality of natural gas market, natural gas pricing, natural gas portfolio transactions including hedging, basic risk management. VaR simulation produced, power pricing and risk management, weather hedging, credit derivatives and their use in energy. Oil basics and pricing a tolling agreement. Prerequisite(s): FIN 360 or FIN 625 or MBA 625 or MTH 558.

FIN 643. Investment Seminar. 3 Hours

Application of investment theory and techniques in a real-world setting. Students manage a funded portfolio in terms of establishing objectives, selecting securities to buy (sell), and evaluating portfolio performance. Emphasis is placed upon attempting to identify undervalued common stocks. Prerequisite(s): FIN 630.

FIN 658. Financial Mathematics I-Discrete Model. 3 Hours

Discrete methods in financial mathematics. Topics include introduction to financial derivatives, discrete probability theory, discrete stochastic processes (Markov chain, random walk, and Martingale), binomial tree models for derivative pricing and computational methods (European and American options), forward and futures, and interest rate derivatives. Prerequisite(s): MTH 411 or equivalent.

FIN 659. Financial Mathematics II-Continuous Model. 3 Hours

Continuous methods in financial mathematics. Topics include review of continuous probability theory, Ito's Lemma, the Black-Scholes partial differential equation, option pricing via partial differential equations, analysis of exotic options, local and stochastic volatility models, American options, fixed income and stopping time. Computational methods are introduced. Prerequisite(s): FIN 658 or MTH 558.

FIN 660. Finance Empirical Method. 3 Hours

The course includes readings of finance literature in asset pricing, corporate finance and a mini project that requires the students to analyze topics in the financial markets using databases such as CRSP and Compustat. Various econometric methods will be employed; advanced statistical programming (e.g. SAS, Stata, etc.) is essential. Prerequisite(s): FIN 613 and FIN 625.

FIN 663. Computational Finance. 3 Hours

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to numerical methods and various financial problems that include portfolio optimization and derivatives valuation that can be tackled by numerical methods. Students will learn the basics of numerical analysis, optimization methods, monte carlo simulations and finite difference methods for solving PDEs. Prerequisites: FIN 301 or MBA 520 or MBA 620 or equivalent.

FIN 670. CFA Preparatory. 3 Hours

A course designed to prepare students for CFA Levels I and II exam. Some scholarships may be given by the CFA Institute. CFA exam encompasses topic areas including quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting and analysis, corporate finance, equity investments, fixed income, derivatives, portfolio management, and ethics and professional standards. Since these topics constitute major components of the MF curriculum, CFA Preparatory provides the opportunity to integrate the learning experience. Students must complete 18 hrs. in the Master of Finance program before being eligible to take this course. Prerequisite(s): FIN 623, FIN 624, FIN 630.

FIN 680. Independent Study. 3 Hours

Directed readings and research in selected fields of finance. The number of semester hours will depend on the amount of work chosen. The course will involve periodic discussions with other students and faculty in the program. May be taken more than once for additional credit. Students must have a 3.0 GPA in Finance; minimum of nine semester hours in Finance; nomination by faculty; permission of department chairperson. Prerequisites: 3,0 GPA.