Finance B.S.
The finance curriculum is designed to equip students with a comprehensive foundation in financial management, financial markets and investments. Students will gain competence in making effective decisions, performing complex analyses, providing expert financial advice and utilizing current technology tools and data sources.
Basic Requirements for Finance Major
All students must complete a faculty-approved plan of study during the first semester of their junior year. The plan of study is available from a finance faculty advisor and must be completed and signed by the faculty advisor. Failure to implement and adhere to a program of study may delay graduation. Some courses have grade requirements in the prerequisite course (see the catalog course descriptions). Many of these courses may be taught once a year, so students should see their advisor for the schedule each academic year.
Bachelor of Science - Finance
School of Business Admin
Catalog Year: 2015-2016
Degree Specific Credits: 77
Required Cumulative GPA: 2.0
Note: At least 55 credits must be earned in Business classes (ECNS courses may be counted in OR out of Business). A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for these courses.
At least 60 credits must be earned outside of SoBA (excluding HHP/ACT activities courses).
At least 28 credits in business AND all required 400-level finance courses must be taken at UM.
All business credits transferred in after matriculating to UM must be pre-approved by the department chair in your major.
SoBA - Primary Lower Core Courses
Rule: All courses are required
Note: All primary lower core courses must be completed with a "C" or better prior to admission into an upper-division Business Major.
A math course and a statistics course are also required as part of the primary lower core. See Math Requirements and Symbolic Systems Requirements below. Math 3-4 Credits
Symbolic Systems 3-4 Credits
| Show All Course Descriptions | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Show Description |
ACTG 201 - Principles of Fin Acct
Offered every term. Prereq. or Coreq. M 115, M 121, M 151 or M 162. Introduction to financial accounting concepts, including transactions analysis, financial statement analysis, and corporate financial reporting practices.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
ACTG 202 - Principles of Mang Acct
Offered every term. Prereq., ACTG 201 and M 115, M 121, M 151 or M 162. Continuation of ACTG 201 with a focus on managerial accounting topics.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
BMIS 270 - MIS Foundations for Business
Offered every term. Prereq., WRIT 101. Introduces the development, use, and management of computer-based information systems.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
ECNS 201S - Principles of Microeconomics
Offered every term. The nature of a market economy, economic decisions of the household and firm, competition and monopoly, value and price determination, distribution of income and applied microeconomic topics.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
WRIT 101 - College Writing I
UM: Offered every term. Prereq., WRIT 095 or proof of passing score on writing diagnostic examination, referral by WRIT 095 instructor-SAT writing score at or above 440, MUSWA at or above 3.5, SAT/ACT essay score at or above 7, or ACT Combined English/Writing score at or above 18. Expository prose and research paper; emphasis on structure, argument, development of ideas, clarity, style, and diction. Students expected to write without major faults in grammar or usage. Credit not allowed for both WRIT 101 and COM 101. Grading A-F, or NC (no credit).
MC: Offered every term. Prereq., WRIT 095 or proof of appropriate SAT/ACT essay, English/Writing, writing section scores, appropriate MUSWA scores, or proof of passing scores on Writing Placement Exam). Expository prose and research paper; emphasis on structure, argument, development of ideas, clarity, style, and diction. Students expected to write without major faults in grammar or usage. Grading A-F, or NC (no credit).
|
3 Credits |
| Minimum Required Grade: C | 21 Total Credits Required | |
SoBA Math Requirement
Rule: Students choose one from the list below to fulfill their Math Requirement
Note: The Finance Department encourages that a student take M 162 to complete his or her math requirement to better prepare the student for a major in Finance. However, M 115, M 121, or M 151 will be accepted for students who choose not to take M 162.
SoBA requires that credit be earned for one of the math courses below (with a C or better) before enrolling in ACTG 202.
A student's result on the ALEKS Math Placement Exam does not waive this math requirement.
| Show All Course Descriptions | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Show Description |
M 115 - Probability and Linear Math
Offered every term. Prereq. M 090 with a grade of B- or better, or M 095, or ALEKS placement >= 3, or ACT score of 22, or SAT score of 520. Systems of linear equations and matrix algebra. Introduction to probability with emphasis on models and probabilistic reasoning. Examples of applications of the material in many fields.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
M 121 - College Algebra
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., M 095 or ALEKS placement >= 4. Intended to strengthen algebra skills. The study of functions and their inverses; polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Credit not allowed for both M 121, and M 151.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
M 151 - Precalculus
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., ALEKS placement >= 4. A one semester preparation for calculus (as an alternative to M 121-122. Functions of one real variable are introduced in general and then applied to the usual elementary functions, namely polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, and miscellaneous others. Inverse functions, polar coordinates and trigonometric identities are included. Credit not allowed for both M 151 and M 121 or 122.
|
4 Credits |
| Show Description |
M 162 - Applied Calculus
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., ALEKS placement >= 5 or one of M 121, 122 or 151. Introductory course surveying the principal ideas of differential and integral calculus with emphasis on applications and computer software. Mathematical modeling in discrete and continuous settings. Intended primarily for students who do not plan to take higher calculus.
|
4 Credits |
| Minimum Required Grade: C | 3 Total Credits Required | |
SoBA – Secondary Lower Core Courses
Rule: All courses are required
Note: All courses must be completed with a "C" or better to satisfy BFIN 322, prerequisites for certain major, upper major core, or capstone courses. Students are advised to complete these courses prior to being admitted to an upper-division Business Major. Prerequisites are strictly enforced.
A student must be listed as a major in business to take these courses. Major in business is defined as junior standing with all primary and secondary lower core courses completed and a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
| Show All Course Descriptions | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Show Description |
BGEN 220E - Bus Ethics & Soc Responsiblty
Offered autumn and spring. Focuses on moral judgments, responsibilities to society and their impact on decision making, with particular emphasis on business ethics and values. Addresses organizations and their relationship to the external environment, the law, and various stakeholders.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
COMX 111A - Intro to Public Speaking
Offered every term. Preparation, presentation, and criticism of speeches. Emphasis on the development of public speaking techniques through constructive criticism. Credit not allowed for both COMM 111A and COM 160A.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
CSCI 172 - Intro to Computer Modeling
Offered autumn and spring. Problem solving and data modeling using computer productivity software. Emphasis using spreadsheets and database for data analysis. Credit not allowed for CSCI 172, CRT 172, and CS 172.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
ECNS 202S - Principles of Macroeconomics
Offered every term. Prereq., ECNS 201S. The determination of the level of national economic activity, inflation, economic instability, the role of money and financial institutions, and selected topics in public economic policy.
|
3 Credits |
| Minimum Required Grade: C | 12 Total Credits Required | |
SoBA - Upper Major Core
Rule: All courses are required
Note: BFIN 322 must be completed with a C or higher as a prerequisite to the finance major requirements.
All upper major core courses must be completed before the capstones can be taken. A student must be listed as a major or minor in business to take these courses. Major or minor in business is defined as junior standing with all primary lower core courses completed, a 2.0 cumulative GPA, and formally admitted to the major or minor.
| Show All Course Descriptions | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Show Description |
BFIN 322 - Business Finance
Offered every term. Prereq., junior standing in Business. The methodology and practice of business financial decisions.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
BGEN 361 - Principles of Business Law
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., junior major or minor in business. This course examines law as it applies to business transactions. Topics include the nature and sources of law; courts and procedure; contracts, employment; Uniform Commercial Code; property; environmental; business organizations; tort liability; insurance; consumer and creditor protection; bankruptcy; criminal law; and agency law. Credit not allowed for more than one of BGEN 235, BGEN 361 and BADM 257.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
BMGT 322 - Operations Management
Offered every term. Prereq., junior major in Business, CSCI 172. A survey of the processes that organizations, public or private, use to produce goods and services. Includes management science topics.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
BMGT 340 - Mgmt & Organization Behavior
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., junior standing in Business. An intensive examination of the fundamentals of management and organization supported by the application of behavioral science principles to the management of people in organizations.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
BMKT 325 - Principles of Marketing
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., junior standing in Business. The marketing environment, product, price, distribution, and promotion strategies including government regulation and marketing ethics.
|
3 Credits |
| Minimum Required Grade: C- | 15 Total Credits Required | |
Finance Major - Requirements
Rule: All courses are required
Note: Finance major courses only offered once per academic year.
All required 400-level finance courses must be taken at UM.
| Show All Course Descriptions | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Show Description |
BFIN 420 - Investments
Offered autumn. Prereq., junior standing in Business, grade of C or better in BFIN 322 or consent of instr. Principles, practices and methodology in investment analysis and portfolio management.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
BFIN 424 - Markets, Instns & Fin Enginrng
Offered spring. Prereq., junior standing in Business, BFIN 322 with C or better and BFIN 429 with C- or better or BFIN 439 with C- or better, or consent of instr. Topics covered include operations and analysis of the national and international money and capital markets as they affect financial institutions and usage of derivatives to hedge risks.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
BFIN 429 - Fin Mgmt I:Thry/Analysis
Offered spring. Prereq., junior standing in Business, grade of C or better in BFIN 322 and ECNS 202S or consent of instr. Understanding the practice of business investment and working capital decisions. Computer models and cases used to demonstrate the management process.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
BFIN 439 - Fin Mgmt II: Analysis/Problems
Offered autumn. Prereq., junior standing in Business, grade of C or better in BFIN 322 and ECNS 202 or consent of instr. Topics include business valuation techniques, capital structure, raising capital, mergers and acquisitions, working capital management, and multinational financial management. Course uses computer models and cases to emphasize analysis and decision making.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
BFIN 450 - Banking
Offered spring. Prereq., junior standing in Business, grade of C or better in BFIN 322, or consent of instr. The financial management of banking institutions including financial analysis, interest rate risk management, liquidity management, investment and loan portfolio management.
|
3 Credits |
| Minimum Required Grade: C- | 15 Total Credits Required | |
Finance Major - Electives
Rule: Take 9 credits from the list below.
Note: BFIN 205S is encouraged for Finance majors, but does not count as an elective for the Finance Major.
Note: These 9 credits are selected in consultation with your faculty advisor. A signed track sheet reflecting these courses is required on file in the SoBA Advising Office.
ACTG 305 and ACT 321 have a co-requisite of ACTG 203.
Up to 3 credits of BFIN 498 can count towards the 9 credit elective requirement.
| Show All Course Descriptions | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Show Description |
ACTG 305 - Corporate Reporting I
Offered every term. Prereq. or coreq., junior standing in Business, ACTG 201 and 202 with grades of C or better or consent of instr. Prereq., or Coreq., ACTG 203. Topics include concepts in financial accounting, assets and related income statement accounts.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
ACTG 321 - Acct Information Systems I
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., Junior standing in Business. Prereq., or coreq., ACTG 203. Provides thorough understanding of business processes, risks, and internal controls. Computer applications may be used to demonstrate concepts.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
ACTG 410 - Cost/Mgmt Acct I
Offered autumn and/or spring. Prereq., junior standing in business or consent of instr. The study of cost management for business and other organizations. Emphasis on how information about costs helps managers make better decisions.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
BFIN 301 - Analysis of Finan Statements
Offered intermittently. Prereq., junior standing in Business. Analysis of balance sheets, income and cash flow statements and statements of owners' equity in terms of structure, strategy and performance of the company being analyzed. Emphasis is on the use rather than preparation of financial statements.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
BFIN 410 - $50,000 Portfolio
Offered autumn. Prereq., junior standing in Business, grade of C or better in BFIN 322, and consent of department chair. Under the guidance of a broker, students manage a diversified investment portfolio for a semester. Students analyze and discuss investment opportunities and implement their decisions.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
BFIN 415 - Real Estate Invest & Analysis
Offered spring. Prereq., junior standing in Business and BFIN 322. Introduction to real estate focusing on investment, market analysis, appraisal, and mortgage finance. Includes developing valuation and decision making skills to make effective business/investment decisions in real estate and understanding the activities, roles, and participants in the business of real estate.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
BFIN 473 - Multinational Finance and FDI
Offered spring. Prereq., junior standing in Business, BFIN 322 and ECNS 202S, or consent of instr. Students are strongly encouraged to complete BGEN 360 prior to BFIN 473. Topics include financial skills required of corporate executives in international business, exchange rate risk analysis, analysis of global financial systems and assessment of real international investments.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
BFIN 498 - Internship
Offered every term. Prereq., junior standing in Business and consent of instr. Students are placed with private or governmental organizations to receive on-the-job training. Written reports are required. A maximum of 6 credits of Internship (198, 298, 398, 498) may count toward graduation.
|
1 To 6 Credits |
| Show Description |
ECNS 301 - Intermediate Micro with Calc
Offered spring and autumn. Prereq., ECNS 201S and M 162 or equiv. Analysis of consumer behavior, production, factor pricing, externalities and public goods.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
ECNS 302 - Intermediate Macroeconomics
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., ECNS 202S. Analysis of national income determination, unemployment, and inflation with emphasis on the role of fiscal and monetary policy.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
ECNS 403 - Introduction to Econometrics
Offered autumn. Prereq., an introductory statistics course. Quantitative methods in economics with emphasis on regression analysis.
|
4 Credits |
| Minimum Required Grade: C- | 9 Total Credits Required | |
SoBA - Capstone Courses
Rule: All courses are required; BMGT 486 and BGEN 499 are co requisite courses and must be taken together
Note: Students must complete all lower and upper core courses and (and their prerequisites) and have an approved graduation application to register for their capstones.
Students must pass the required comprehensive exam as well as all requisite coursework to earn a passing grade in BGEN 499.
BMGT 486 must be taken at UM.
| Show All Course Descriptions | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Show Description |
BGEN 499 - Integrated Business Simulation
Prereq., senior standing in Business, COMX 111, ECNS 202, BGEN 220 and all business core. Analysis of external and internal firm environment and strategy formulation. Integration of cumulative business knowledge. Case orientation and class discussion.
|
1 Credits |
| Show Description |
BMGT 486 - Strategic Venture Management
Offered every term. Prereq., senior standing in Business, COMX 111, ECNS 202, BGEN 220 with grades C or better and completed upper Business core; coreq., BGEN 499. Integration of all functional areas of business including starting and managing a growing business. Topics include recognizing business opportunities, setting strategy for the firm, raising capital, marketing new products, and organizing a management team. Students write a business plan for themselves or for a local entrepreneur or organization.
|
3 Credits |
| Minimum Required Grade: C- | 3 Total Credits Required | |
SoBA Upper-Division Writing Requirement
Rule: All courses are required
| Show All Course Descriptions | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Show Description |
BMGT 486 - Strategic Venture Management
Offered every term. Prereq., senior standing in Business, COMX 111, ECNS 202, BGEN 220 with grades C or better and completed upper Business core; coreq., BGEN 499. Integration of all functional areas of business including starting and managing a growing business. Topics include recognizing business opportunities, setting strategy for the firm, raising capital, marketing new products, and organizing a management team. Students write a business plan for themselves or for a local entrepreneur or organization.
|
3 Credits |
| Minimum Required Grade: C- | 3 Total Credits Required | |
SoBA Symbolic Systems Requirement
Rule: Student's complete STAT 216 (preferred) or one other course from the list below to fulfill the Symbolic Systems Requirement.
Note: This is a primary lower core course. SoBA requires that credit be earned for STAT 216 (preferred) or one of the other statistics courses below (with a C or better) prior to being admitted into an upper-division SoBA major.
| Show All Course Descriptions | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Show Description |
FORS 201 - Forest Biometrics
Offered autumn. Prereq., M 115 or M 121 or M 122 or M 151 or M 162 or M 171 or M 172. Introduction to probability and statistical methods for forestry and environmental sciences covering natural resource applications of common probability distributions, data analysis, hypothesis testing, and regression.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
PSYX 222 - Psychological Statistics
Offered every term. Prereq., PSYX 120; M 115, M 162 or 171. Application of statistical techniques to psychological data. Credit not allowed for both PSYX 222 and SOCI 202.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
SOCI 202 - Social Statistics
Offered every term. Prereq., or coreq. M 115, Sociology majors only, or consent of instr. Application of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to sociological data. Required of all majors.
|
3 Credits |
| Show Description |
STAT 216 - Introduction to Statistics
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., M 115 (preferred), or one of M 121, 132, 151, 162 or 171, or ALEKS placement >= 4. Introduction to major ideas of statistical inference. Emphasis is on statistical reasoning and uses of statistics.
|
4 Credits |
| Minimum Required Grade: C | 4 Total Credits Required | |
SoBA Expressive Arts Requirement
Rule: All courses are required
Note: Students must complete this course with a C or better prior to taking the capstones, though earlier completion is strongly encouraged.
| Show All Course Descriptions | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Show Description |
COMX 111A - Intro to Public Speaking
Offered every term. Preparation, presentation, and criticism of speeches. Emphasis on the development of public speaking techniques through constructive criticism. Credit not allowed for both COMM 111A and COM 160A.
|
3 Credits |
| Minimum Required Grade: C | 3 Total Credits Required | |
SoBA Social Science Requirement
Rule: All courses are required
Note: This is a lower primary core course and must be completed with a C or better prior to being admitted to an upper division SoBA major.
| Show All Course Descriptions | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Show Description |
ECNS 201S - Principles of Microeconomics
Offered every term. The nature of a market economy, economic decisions of the household and firm, competition and monopoly, value and price determination, distribution of income and applied microeconomic topics.
|
3 Credits |
| Minimum Required Grade: C | 3 Total Credits Required | |
SoBA Ethical & Human Values Requirement
Rule: All courses are required
Note: Students must complete this course with a C or better prior to taking the capstones, though earlier completion is strongly encouraged.
| Show All Course Descriptions | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Show Description |
BGEN 220E - Bus Ethics & Soc Responsiblty
Offered autumn and spring. Focuses on moral judgments, responsibilities to society and their impact on decision making, with particular emphasis on business ethics and values. Addresses organizations and their relationship to the external environment, the law, and various stakeholders.
|
3 Credits |
| Minimum Required Grade: C | 3 Total Credits Required | |