Accounting, Business Law and Finance

ABF-350. Management Information Systems. 3 Hours.

This course centers on the use of computer based information systems (IS) to provide quality information upon which business decisions are made. The course presents the theory and practice involved with organization-wide usage of information technology (IT). The course also integrates the core business areas of management, marketing, finance, international activities, and ethics as they relate to information systems. Special attention is given to the tools available for providing decision makers with quality information and the implications of information systems for achieving a competitive advantage. Prereq.: Junior or Above.

ABF-360. Business Intelligence. 3 Hours.

The course introduces students to emerging concepts, methods, and tools that provide effective business intelligence (BI). Rooting on a data-driven BI architecture, this course presents students with BI-related topics including business analytics continuum (e.g., descriptive analytics, predictive analytics, and prescriptive analytics), business performance management, Big Data and future trends. Special attention is given to the interplay between business and technology as a core approach for business organizations to make smarter decisions.
Prerequisite: ABF-350 with a minimum grade of C.

ABF-365. Enterprise Systems. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on the role of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and business processes within and between organizations. Providing an introduction to enterprise systems (ES) for data and process integration. Topics include the requirements of ES, application architecture, and functionality of leading ES. Also covered are the life cycle and methodologies for systems integration, selection, implementation strategies and the emerging trends for ES, as well as, the relationship among component systems. Emphasis is placed on the use of ERP systems to integrate processes across marketing, finance/accounting, operations and HR management. The course tools include Excel, SAP and data flow diagrams.
Prerequisite: ABF-350 with a minimum grade of C.

ABF-370. Blockchain Technologies And Business Applications. 3 Hours.

The course introduces students to essential concepts and techniques of blockchain and how to advance this knowledge in business applications. Starting with the fundamentals of what blockchain technology is, this course takes students on an interactive journey through different applications of blockchain such as bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, tokens, and smart contract. Special attention is given to discussions of blockchain as fundamentals of information security and the transformation from cryptocurrency to cryptoeconomics in shaping how future business will be conducted.
Prerequisite: ABF-350 with a minimum grade of C.

ABF-403. Management Of Information Systems & Technology. 3 Hours.

ABF-403 Management of Information Systems and Technology, 3 cr. This course examines two major and related concepts: the management of information and the management of technology. Students investigate issues and approaches in managing the information system (IS) function and how the IS function supports and enables organizational capabilities and strategies. Principles underlying the acquisition, application, and management of technology are considered. Special attention is given to management information systems (MIS) and to information technology (IT) applications which support managerial decision-making and enhance organizational competitiveness. Relevant business cases are studied to reinforce conceptual learning.

ACTG-201. Introduction To Financial Accounting. 3 Hours.

Accounting is a system for measuring economic activities. This course introduces to students the underlying assumptions, concepts, and methods of financial accounting regarding the recording, processing, and reporting of an organization’s economic activities in financial statements to external decision makers. Prereq.: MATH-165.
Prerequisite: MATH-165 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-202. Introduction To Managerial Accounting. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on managerial accounting. It emphasizes the use of accounting information for management planning and control decisions. Topics include analysis of cost behavior, budgeting, and other managerial issues. Prereq.: MATH-165 and ACTG-201.
Prerequisite: ACTG-201 with a minimum grade of C and MATH-165 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-300. Principles Of Accounting. 3 Hours.

This course surveys the basic accounting concepts and procedures used in the preparation of financial statements, statement analysis and managerial planning and control. Topics covered include accounting for internal planning. The course is targeted toward undergraduate non-business-major students with no prior knowledge of accounting, to study and obtain an overall fundamental understanding and appreciation of the use of accounting information. This course cannot be counted for credit toward a major in business.
Prerequisite: (MATH-092 - 499 or MATH-092A - 499Z or NEIU Math Placement Result 30 - 40 or ACT Math 22 - 36 or Accuplacer College Level Math 020 - 120 or SAT Math 530 - 800 or Accuplacer Adv. Algebra & Func 237 - 300).

ACTG-301. Cost Accounting I. 3 Hours.

The course expands upon the study of accounting information that is needed by management to plan and control various operations of an organization and to price products and services. Topics include job order and process costing systems, standard costing and variance analysis, budgeting, direct, absorption and throughput costing, and cost-volume-profit (including break-even) analysis.
Requirement: All Foundation Courses Including ACTG-202
Prerequisite: ACTG-202 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-306. Accounting For Non-Profit Organizations. 3 Hours.

A study of the special techniques employed in recording and reporting financial data of non-profit government units and private non-profit organizations.
Prerequisite: ACTG-322 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-307. Auditing Theory And Problems. 3 Hours.

Auditing contributes to the reliability of financial and other data. This course, comprised of theory and philosophy of auditing, makes it an essential part of an accountant's knowledge. Topics include standards-general, field work and reporting, evidential matter, review of internal control, auditing techniques, practices, problem-solving, and a study of A.I.C.P.A. industry audit guides.
Prerequisite: ACTG-322 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-308. Advanced Auditing. 3 Hours.

This course enhances the students understanding of auditing principles. Included is a detailed study of statements of auditing standard, evidential matter, tehcniques, problem solving, and a study of AICPA industry audit guidelines.
Prerequisite: ACTG-307 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-309. Foundations Of Forensic & Investigative Accounting. 3 Hours.

The purpose of this course is to cover important topics associated with contemporary forensic and investigative accounting. Topics include fraud auditing, litigation support, valuation, cybercrime, and other key forensic topics. Prereq. ACTG-201 and ACTG-202.
Prerequisite: ACTG-201 with a minimum grade of C and ACTG-202 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-310. Federal Income Tax (Individual). 3 Hours.

Fundamentals of tax accounting and reporting with emphais on individuals. Topics include gross income and exclusions, deductions to arrive at and deductions from gross income, gain or loss recognition, basis, capital gains and losses, credits and administration.
Prerequisite: ACTG-202 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-311. Federal Income Tax (Corporate). 3 Hours.

Advanced development of topics discussed in the first tax course. Additional topics include matters specifically applicable to partnerships, corporations, and basic introductions to estate and gift taxes. Tax research techniques are also developed in the subject.
Prerequisite: ACTG-310 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-312. Cost Accounting II. 3 Hours.

This course is a logical continuation of the prerequisite course with even greater emphasis on accounting information used for management planning and control. topics include division performance measurement, transfer pricing, and application of quantitative techniques to cost accounting.
Prerequisite: ACTG-301 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-313. Internal Auditing And Management Control. 3 Hours.

Internal auditing is an independent appraisal activity within an organization for the review of operations aimed at promoting its efficiency and effectiveness. This course explores the concepts and standards of internal auditing and their applications. Topics include the discussion of the nature and environment of internal auditing, disciplines related to internal auditing, internal auditing process and the organization and administration of an internal auditing department.
Prerequisite: ABF-350 with a minimum grade of C and ACTG-307 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-319. Fraud Examination. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to introduce students to basic topics associated with fraud involving accounting information. It provides an overview of techniques to detect fraud, procedures to assess fraud risk, and measures to deter and prevent fraud.
Prerequisite: ACTG-321 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-321. Intermediate Financial Accounting I. 3 Hours.

This is the first course in the professional financial accounting sequence. This course emphasizes the conceptual framework underlying financial accounting, preparation of financial statements, and the accounting treatment of current assets, long-term assets, and current liabilities.
Requirement: All Foundation Courses including ACTG-202
Prerequisite: ACTG-202 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-322. Intermediate Financial Accounting II. 3 Hours.

This is the second course in the professional financial accounting sequence. This course emphasizes long-term liabilities, equity, revenue recognition and the statement of changes.
Prerequisite: ACTG-321 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-324. Advanced Financial Accounting IV. 3 Hours.

This is the third course in the professional financial accounting sequence. This course emphasizes consolidations for large multi-national and domestic corporations. Prereq.: ACTG-322.
Prerequisite: ACTG-322 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-325. Contemporary Financial Accounting Issues. 3 Hours.

The course covers an in-depth investigation of contemporary accounting issues and problems, including analysis and evaluation of most recent accounting pronouncements and articles in major accounting journals.
Prerequisite: ACTG-322 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-330. Data Analytics For Accounting. 3 Hours.

This course is intended to provide our students with critical skills and analytics mindsets to enable them to understand data structuring and data preparation, data quality, descriptive data analysis, data analysis through data manipulation, problem solving through statistical data analysis, data visualization, and relevant data reporting.
Prerequisite: ACTG-201 with a minimum grade of C and ACTG-202 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-380. International Accounting. 3 Hours.

This course is concerned with an examination of the environmental factors affecting accounting concepts and standards. Differences in the cultural, social, political, legal and economic environment are the determining factors in the selection of accounting concepts and standards. Coverage will include country and regional studies and accounting problems related to multinational businesses such as foreign currency translation.
Prerequisite: ACTG-322 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-382. Internship In Accounting. 3 Hours.

ACTG-383. Internship In Accounting. 4 Hours.

ACTG-384. Internship In Accounting. 5 Hours.

ACTG-385. Internship In Accounting. 6 Hours.

ACTG-386. Independent Study In Accounting. 3 Hours.

ACTG-387. Independent Study In Accounting. 2 Hours.

ACTG-388. Independent Study In Accounting. 1 Hour.

ACTG-400. Fundamentals Of Accounting. 4 Hours.

This course is designed for graduate students with no prior knowledge of accounting. Students will study and obtain an overall fundamental understanding and appreciation of the use of accounting information for making business decisions. This is a condensed, fast-paced course that addresses the topics of financial accounting for external reporting and managerial accounting for internal planning, control and decision-making of business operations.

ACTG-402. Managerial Accounting. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on managerial accounting. Managerial accounting is a company's internal language. It emphasizes the use of accounting information for planning, control, and decision making. Topics include relevant costing, cost behavior analysis, product costing, budgetary control, and performance evaluation. Undergraduate/graduate exposure to Financial and Managerial Accounting required. Prereq.: COBM-401 or equivalent and graduate standing.
Prerequisite: COBM-401 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-406. Governmental & Not-For-Profit Accounting. 3 Hours.

The course is designed to introduce students to the requirements of accounting for not-for-profit and federal, state, and local governmental entities. These entities are required to follow the pronouncements of either the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the Government Accounting Standards Board. The financial accounting and reporting concepts, standards and procedures applicable to federal, state, and local governmental entities and not-for-profit organizations will be discussed.
Prerequisite: ACTG-400 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-407. Auditing Theory And Practice. 3 Hours.

Integrates accounting standards, accounting systems, internal control structures and the dual auditing functions of obtaining and evaluating evidence- all within the context of a professional environment.
Prerequisite: ACTG-421 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-408. Information Technology Auditing. 3 Hours.

The purpose of this course is to teach students how to audit computer-based accounting information systems; therefore, this course focuses on evaluation of accounting systems controls, tests accounting data integrity, and discusses the nature and use of expert systems in accounting with emphasis on their use as an audit tool.
Prerequisite: ACTG-307 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-409. Forensic And Investigative Accounting. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to introduce students to basic topics associated with forensic and investigative accounting. It helps students to understand and design procedures related to fraud detection, computing economic damages, and business valuation, among other topics. To enroll in this course, you must have completed ACTG-307, with a graduate standing. If you have not met these prerequisites, you must withdraw from this class. Students who do not meet the course prerequisites and who do not drop voluntarily during the first week of class will be administratively withdrawn later in the semester.
Prerequisite: ACTG-307 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-410. Seminar In Tax Planning. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on a managerial approach to taxation through emphasis on major provisions of the income tax law and related administrative and judicial rulings as they affect business transactions. This course also includes consideration for the tax structure and its role as a tool for business planning.
Prerequisite: ACTG-400 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-412. Accounting For Planning And Control. 3 Hours.

This course provides for systematic and in-depth discussion and analysis of various accounting models which are useful to organizational planning and control, including the role of accounting systems in developing and refining data necessary for cost and managerial planning. Undergraduate/graduate exposure to Financial and Managerial Accounting required.
Prerequisite: COBM-401 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-421. Current Topics In Financial Accounting. 3 Hours.

This course provides a conceptual framework for current issues in financial accounting measurement and reporting, and valuation of assets, liabilities and income determination and other necessary disclosures of financial information. Undergraduate/graduate exposure to Financial and Managerial Accounting required.
Prerequisite: COBM-401 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-422. Financial Statement Analysis. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to prepare students to interpret, analyze and evaluate corporate financial statements effectively for the purpose of reaching informed lending, investment, and other business related decisions. Topics include overview of financial statements, assessment of accounting quality, tools of profitability and risk analysis, preparation of forecasted financial statements, and firm valuation models.
Prerequisite: ACTG-421 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-430. Research Methodology In Accounting. 3 Hours.

Provides a thorough understanding of research methodologies in accounting. The approach is to take a central research question and pursue its dimensions which include: importance of the question posed, the research design to evaluate that question, threats to the credibility of potential inferences drawn, research types that could be applied to the same question, and challenges in communication and interpretation. Undergraduate/graduate exposure to Financial and Managerial Accounting required.
Prerequisite: COBM-401 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-440. Tax Research And Procedure. 3 Hours.

The purpose and methods of conducting tax research and communicating tax research conclusions. The course will focus on Internal Revenue practice and procedures, tax policy, issues in taxpayer compliance, and tax payer and tax preparer responsibilities will also be addressed. Graduate Standing.
Prerequisite: ACTG-310 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-441. Estate, Gift And Trust Taxation. 3 Hours.

Current laws, cases, rulings and regulations useful for estate planning purposes are discussed. Topics include estate valuation, gift planning, estate planning and trusts, life insurance, joint tenancy, powers of appointment, pre-marital and marital dissolution agreements, community property, and generation-skipping transfer tax. Planning for estate tax minimization will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: ACTG-410 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-451. Accounting Information Systems. 3 Hours.

In-depth coverage of the concepts and techniques underlying the development, use and control of computerized accounting information systems are evaluated. Focus is on the understanding of accounting information and accounting information systems, and the underlying theory and practice of internal control systems. Particular emphasis will be placed on how information systems, including spreadsheets, databases, and other information technologies, serve as the basis for the functional areas of accounting and business through a case study approach. Prereq.: ACTG-400 or equivalent and graduate standing.
Prerequisite: ACTG-400 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-480. Issues In International Accounting And Multinational Business Operations. 3 Hours.

In-depth discussions of accounting issues and problems faced by companies with multinational operations. Topics include issues related to foreign currency translator, consolidation of foreign subsidiaries, foreign investment, international transfer pricing, analysis of foreign investment. Issues in the ethical conduct of multifunctional operations and in the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act will also be discussed.
Prerequisite: ACTG-421 with a minimum grade of C.

ACTG-500. Project. 3 Hours.

Approval of major advisor is necessary.

ACTG-501. Thesis. 3 Hours.

Approval of major advisor is necessary.

BLAW-109. First Year Experience: Professionalism, Ethics, Law & Chicago Scandals. 3 Hours.

This course examines the intersection between professionalism, ethics and law from a business perspective. We will look at these issues through the lens of major business-related Chicago scandals, predominantly non-political, and we will take multiple trips to visit some of the actors involved in these scandals, such as judges, lawyers and businessmen, who will further inform students about the importance of professionalism, ethics and compliance with laws. The topics covered in this course include defining professionalism, comparing professionalism to ethics, critically evaluating the differences and the importance of both, and discussing the legal process as it applies to white collar crimes.

BLAW-285. Legal Environment Of Business. 3 Hours.

This survey course traces the history and development of the legal environment of business. Topics include elements of the law and the judicial process, elements of traditional business law, and the government regulation of business. Prereq.: 30 credit hours of college work.

BLAW-310. Legal Issues In International Business Transactions. 3 Hours.

The study of laws, policies, and institutions associated with international business practice, including the international sale of goods, multimodal transportation and logistics, international and regional trade agreements, U.S. import/ export regulation, and transnational dispute resolution.
Requirement: Completion of all foundation courses required for COBM majors
Prerequisite: BLAW-285 with a minimum grade of C.

BLAW-380. Business Law I. 3 Hours.

The study of the law of contracts, including mutual assent, consideration, legality, capacity, statute of frauds, third parties, performance, breach, discharge, and remedies; UCC sales, including transfer of title, risk of loss, bulk sales, product liability and strict liability.
Prerequisite: BLAW-285 with a minimum grade of C.

BLAW-381. Business Law II. 3 Hours.

Continuation of BLAW-380 and covers: Agency, partnerships, corporations and UCC commercial paper. The rights and liabilities of corporate and partnership forms of business organization are covered. Negotiation, warranties, holder in due course, bank items are covered as part of UCC commercial paper.
Prerequisite: BLAW-285 with a minimum grade of C.

BLAW-383. Legal Aspects Of Entrepreneurship. 3 Hours.

This course offers a framework for understanding legal aspects of entrepreneurial process. Topics include selecting a business form, obtaining financial capital, marshaling human resources, securing and protecting intellectual property rights, anticipating and managing risks, and engaging in e-commerce.

BLAW-384. Labor & Employment Law. 3 Hours.

The course provides a broad overview of major areas of law concerning the regulation of the workplace, including the law of labor relations. The course focuses primarily on federal laws governing employment and examines specific employment issues, such as unfair labor practices, regulation of union activities, discrimination laws, pay equity laws, employee privacy topics, wage and hour laws, dispute settlement laws, health and occupational safety laws, and employment relations laws.

BLAW-391. Intellectual Property Creation And Management. 3 Hours.

This survey course provides an overview of the United States' system of intellectual property protection. Topics covered include trademark law, copyright law, patent law trade secrets, domain names, and geographical indication. Besides substantive laws, the course covers other issues related to intellectual property, such as marketing strategy for licensing intellectual property assets, negotiations involving intellectual property rights, valuation of intellectual property, taxation of intangible assets, and commercialization and monetization of intellectual property assets. In addition to legal and business aspects of intellectual property rights, this course examines the interplay between cultural appropriation and intellectual property laws.

BLAW-400. Legal Environment Of Business And Management. 2 Hours.

This course centers on the american legal system as one sphere of influence in the business operations of an organization. Topics include anti-trust laws, mergers and acquisitions, securities regulations, equal employment, and labor management regulations, product liability, and consumer protection. Litigation and arbitration as methods for resolving disputes are also covered. The social responsibilities, ethical concerns, and dilemmas of the organization's manager are stressed as part of the practical decision making environment.

BLAW-410. International Business Law. 3 Hours.

This course will include material on the international legal environment, international economic associations, such as WTO, conflicts of law, international contracting, letters of credit, exporting/importing issues, including tariffs and other aspects of international business transactions. The purpose is to prepare an MBA student to be able to understand the legal issues that are involved in international business transactions.

FINA-109. First Year Experience: Financial Literacy And Making Smart Financial Decision In Chicago. 3 Hours.

In this course the four foundations (Future planning, Academics, Self-discovery and Transitions) of the First-year Experience are interwoven with the field specific concepts of financial literacy. Students will be introduced to basic knowledge and skills to manage their financial resources effectively in college and beyond. Students will learn to understand the importance of financial literacy, identify important personal financial goals, and develop financial planning skills to achieve goals such as college financing, debt repayment, investment and retirement planning. Livelihood in Chicago is incorporated throughout the course to aid students to make better and more informed personal finance decisions in Chicago.

FINA-309. Foundations In Personal Finance. 3 Hours.

This course introduces knowledge and skills necessary to understand, plan, and manage personal financial affairs. Topics include cash management, budgeting, goal attainment, spending and credit, insurance, tax, and savings and investing. This course will provide a foundational understanding for making informed and responsible personal financial decisions.

FINA-350. Foundations Of FinTech. 3 Hours.

This course is to provide an overview of the technological innovations in the finance industry. Topics include new and disruptive financial products and services, new technology related to fintech, and fintech regulations.
Prerequisite: FINA-360 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-360. Principles Of Financial Management. 3 Hours.

The purpose of this course is to provide a broad overview of the fundamental concepts in financial management such as creation of value for the shareholders, ratio analysis, time value of money, stock and bond valuation, risk and return, cost of capital and capital budgeting.
Requirement: All Foundation Courses completed
Prerequisite: ACTG-201 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-362. Investment. 3 Hours.

An introduction to financial markets. Particular emphasis is placed on valuation and the characteristics of different financial assets.
Prerequisite: FINA-360 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-363. Security Analysis. 3 Hours.

This course analyzes the factors affecting the market valuation of securities utilizing fundamental analysis and modern portfolio theory.
Prerequisite: FINA-360 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-364. Problems In Business Finance. 3 Hours.

This course, employing the case method, is designed to help the student through problem-solving as well as learning skills for making financial decisions for corporations.
Prerequisite: FINA-360 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-365. Personal Financial Planning. 3 Hours.

This course is a broad-based introduction to a wide range of personal financial topics, including setting financial goals, budgeting, saving and credit management, insurance, tax planning, asset acquisition, investments, and retirement planning. It will provide the informational and decision-making tools needed for implementing a sound personal financial plan. Prereq.:MATH-165 and FINA-360.
Prerequisite: (MATH-110 with a minimum grade of C or MATH-165 with a minimum grade of C) and FINA-360 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-366. Financial Institutions And Markets. 3 Hours.

The course is designed to provide students with a broad and integrated view of the concepts and principles of the financial system as well as an understanding of pertinent issues faced by different types of financial institutions. Prereq.: FINA-360.
Prerequisite: FINA-360 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-367. Short-Term Financial Management. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on short-term assets and liabilities and discusses the implications of short-term financial management from the perspective of value creation. It also develops skills useful to a bank loan officer, a credit analyst, a cash manager, or a corporate treasurer. Prereq.: FINA-360.
Prerequisite: FINA-360 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-368. Financial Management Of Financial Institutions. 3 Hours.

The objective of this course is to expose the student to the techniques of financial management employed by the financial institutions and other financial intermediaries. The course emphasizes the use of tools for decision making within a financial institution framework which is in a state of transition.
Prerequisite: FINA-360 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-369. Speculative Markets. 3 Hours.

This course reviews the mechanics of the major futures contracts: commodities, financial, stock index, and currency futures. Particular emphasis is placed n hedging price risk with futures contracts, and speculating with futures and options contracts. The student is expected to complete a project involving a simulated trading game involving futures and options. Prereq.: FINA-360.
Prerequisite: FINA-360 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-370. Option Pricing:Theory And Strategic Applications. 3 Hours.

The course is designed to familiarize students with the theoretical foundations of options pricing. This knowledge is then used to design strategies for profiting from mispriced options. Mathematical complexity will be kept to a minimum. The use of personal computers as decision-making aids will be strongly emphasized.

FINA-371. International Financial Management. 3 Hours.

The course focuses on the international aspects of finance management. Particular emphasis is placed on the control of exchange rate risk and financing multinational corporations.
Prerequisite: FINA-360 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-372. Portfolio Management. 3 Hours.

The course covers the theory and the techniques of portfolio management. Particular emphasis is placed on definition of objectives for and the construction of portfolios. This course prepares the student for the first CFA exam.
Prerequisite: FINA-360 with a minimum grade of C and MNGT-368 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-373. Intermediate Financial Management. 3 Hours.

This course is and extension of FINA-360. It seeks to build upon the theoretical framework developed in FINA-360, enabling students to acquire new conceptual and applied knowledge of corporate finance. The course covers, among other topics, advanced issues in capital budgeting, optimal capital structure theory, debt policy, dividend policy, buy versus lease decisions, current asset management, mergers, bankruptcies and reorganizations. Students are expected to have a familiarity with a spreadsheet package.
Prerequisite: FINA-360 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-374. Futures Trading Strategies. 3 Hours.

The course is designed to emphasize the practical, rather than theoretical, aspects of futures markets. Students will be exposed to technical analysis, mechanical system development, and to disciplined money management techniques. The student is expected to participate in a simulated trading game involving futures. Prereq.: FINA-360.
Prerequisite: FINA-360 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-375. Debt Markets And Portfolio Strategies. 3 Hours.

The first part of the course is designed to introduce students to some of the very recent innovations in the fixed-income securities market, as for example, zero coupon bonds, floating rate notes and convertible issues. The next segment familiarizes students with portfolio management considerations unique to debt instruments. Mathematical complexity, though inevitable, will be kept to a minimum.
Prerequisite: FINA-360 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-376. Technical Analysis Of The Futures Market. 3 Hours.

This course will enable students to read and interpret futures price charts. Technical analysis (as opposed to fundamental analysis) stresses the information content of part and price data and is based on the premise that prices do not always move randomly. Students believing in this underlying philosophy ought to benefit from this course.
Prerequisite: FINA-360 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-377. Real Estate Finance. 3 Hours.

The primary objective of this course is to provide an overview of real estate finance. This course involves an exploration of the characteristics, institutions, and markets through which financing of real estate occurs. This course focuses on the dynamic changes that have occurred in the real estate field in the past few years and also assess the impact that these changes have had on both the availability and costs of mortgage debt and the risks associated with its use.
Prerequisite: FINA-360 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-378. Introduction To Risk Management And Insurance. 3 Hours.

The individual, family, business entity, and society are all exposed to accidental loss events that may have a significant bearing on their financial, analyzing, controlling, financing, and monitoring these loss exposures. The primary focus of this introductory course is to provide an understanding of the various risks that businesses and individuals are exposed to and the alternative methods that are available to manage these risks.
Prerequisite: FINA-360 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-380. Entrepreneurial Finance. 3 Hours.

This course offers a framework for understanding fundamentals of entrepreneurial finance. Topics include introduction to entrepreneurial finance, financial statement analysis, cash flow management, valuation of business, raising capital, debt financing, equity financing and other sources of funding.
Prerequisite: ACTG-201 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-382. Internship In Finance. 3 Hours.

FINA-383. Internship In Finance. 4 Hours.

FINA-384. Internship In Finance. 5 Hours.

FINA-385. Internship In Finance. 6 Hours.

FINA-395. Independent Study In Finance. 3 Hours.

FINA-396. Independent Study In Finance. 2 Hours.

FINA-397. Independent Study In Finance. 1 Hour.

FINA-400. Fundamentals Of Financial Management. 2 Hours.

This course centers on corporate financial management, providing students with an overview of essential financial concepts such as time value of money, the relation between risk and return, stock valuation, bond valuation, and the analysis of corporate financial performance.
Prerequisite: ACTG-400 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-402. Issues In Corporate Finance. 3 Hours.

This course provides a broad exposure to the principles and techniques of Financial Management. The course discusses how important areas in Financial Management, namely, the Investment Decision, Financing Decision, and Payout Decision can contribute to the goal of shareholder value creation, from a domestic and international perspective. Prereq.: COBM-402 or undergraduate/graduate exposure to Financial Management.
Prerequisite: COBM-402 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-460. Financial Management. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: MNGT-368 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-462. Investment Strategies. 3 Hours.

This course provides an overview of investing with an emphasis on the fundamental approach to investing. Students will be exposed to modern portfolio theory and its implications and gain an understanding of asset pricing models, bond portfolio management strategies, and equity portfolio management strategies. Prereq.: FINA-400 or equivalent and graduate standing.
Prerequisite: FINA-460 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-469. Mergers And Acquisitions. 3 Hours.

This course involves an examination of the key elements of the mergers and acquisitions process. It provides the analytical framework and vital tools necessary to successfully plan and execute mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructuring. One key goal of this course is for the students to develop a critical appreciation of the key financial and strategic criteria in a proposed acquisition. The primary purpose of this course is to make sure students understand what works and what does not, in the world of mergers and acquisitions.
Prerequisite: FINA-400 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-470. Corporate Financial Strategy. 3 Hours.

Corporate financial strategy in practice is emphasized in this course. Topics to be discussed include: (a) financial planning, (b) strategies for raising capital, (c) strategies for allocating capital among different uses, and (d) strategies for working capital management.
Prerequisite: FINA-400 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-471. International Financial Management. 3 Hours.

This course emphasizes the theoretical concepts of international finance such as currency arbitrage and interest rate parity and their practical ramifications. Particular emphasis is placed on the hedging of exchange risks for importers and exporters, swap financing, international capital budgeting, and the cost of capital for local and foreign currency borrowing. Prereq.: FINA-400 or equivalent and graduate standing.
Prerequisite: FINA-400 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-474. Seminar On Futures And Options Markets. 3 Hours.

This seminar provides an overview of the commodity/financial futures and options markets. Particular emphasis is placed on hedging price risk with futures contracts, valuing options contracts, and speculating with trading strategies involving futures and options contracts. The course will emphasize trading strategies using the futures and options markets with the help of a simulated trading game. Prereq.: FINA-400 or equivalent and graduate standing.
Prerequisite: FINA-400 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-475. Management Of Financial Institutions. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on the application of traditional finance concepts to the management of commercial banks and other depository intermediaries, which are part of the Financial Services Industry, operating in domestic and international markets.
Prerequisite: FINA-400 with a minimum grade of C.

FINA-500. Project. 3 Hours.

Approval of major advisor is necessary.

FINA-501. Thesis. 3 Hours.

Approval of major advisor is necessary.