Finance (FIN)

FIN 3303  Foundations of Finance  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in ACC 2301; upper-level standing; a minimum GPA of 2.75; not open to BBA students  

In this course we will study the way money is managed by individuals and businesses. The course explores (1) financial market operations, (2) financial statement analysis, (3) equity and debt characteristics and valuation, and (4) business investment criteria. This course is designed as an overview of finance for undergraduate students from any major who are enrolled in the Business Administration minor.

FIN 3305  Principles of Risk Management and Insurance  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in FIN 3309 or 3310 or concurrent enrollment; or consent of instructor  

Only open to BBA students; BBA student must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course. Techniques for managing pure risks in order to maximize the value of a firm. The course contrasts the risk preferences of corporations with that of individuals and explores the implications of differing preferences on insurance purchase decisions. The characteristics of as a tool in the process of managing both corporate and personal risk exposures are emphasized.

FIN 3306  Principles of Real Estate  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in FIN 3310 or concurrent enrollment; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

An introduction to real estate principles and practices, including ethics, titles to and conveyance of real estate, legal descriptions and deeds, encumbrances, closing procedures, land economics, real estate finance, brokerage, marketing, appraising, real estate investment, and taxation.

FIN 3309  Introduction to Finance  (3)  

A minimum grade of C in ACC 2303 and ACC 2304; a minimum grade of C in ECO 1380 or ECO 2306 and ECO 2307; completion of MTH 1309 or 1321. Only open to BBA students. A study of the way money is managed by individuals and businesses. The course explores how financial markets operate, how individuals and corporate managers analyze investment opportunities and how they raise money to fund those investments. This course is designed as a survey of the application of financial analysis to a broad set of problems and is appropriate for undergraduate students from any major who meet the course prerequisites.

FIN 3310  Introduction to Corporate Finance  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in ACC 2303 and ECO 2306 or 1380; completion of MTH 1309 or 1321  

Only open to BBA students. A study of long-term financial decision making by corporations with a focus on how firms raise cash, invest cash, and distribute cash back to investors. Specific topics include how cash flow, time, risk, information, market imperfections and potential conflicts of interest affect financial decisions. Excel modeling of financial decisions is integrated throughout the course.

FIN 4186  Practicum in Small-Cap Investing II  (1)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in FIN 4285; only open to BBA students  

This course gives students valuable hands-on experience researching, analyzing, and managing a portfolio of small-cap stocks. The level of security research and valuation analysis will mirror that experienced working in industry. Each student will be required to produce a stock research report and present their recommendations to the other analysts managing the investment fund.

FIN 4285  Practicum in Small-Cap Investing I  (2)  
Pre-requisite(s): Only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

This course gives students valuable hands-on experience researching, analyzing, and managing a portfolio of small capitalization (small-cap) stocks by managing the Hodges Fund. The level of security research and valuation analysis will mirror the experience working in the industry.

FIN 4310  Entrepreneurial Finance  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of B- in FIN 3310; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

Examines the intriguing process of financing the pursuit of opportunity and growth without regard to assets controlled currently. The major focus is on start-up or acquisition and the initial stages of growth. There is an emphasis on high growth firms, and the central objective is to gain an understanding of how entrepreneurs obtain and use financial resources. The course also examines how value is created.

FIN 4311  Fundamentals of Life and Health Insurance  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in either FIN 3309 or 3310, or consent of the instructor; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

A study of the financial implications of death, disability and retirement, as well as the corresponding forms of individual life insurance, health insurance and annuities. Elementary life and health insurance programming, taxation, legal aspects, business uses of individual life and health insurance, regulation, and insurer operations and functions are covered.

FIN 4315  Baylor Angel Network Practicum  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Instructor approval; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

The Baylor Angel Network Practicum is to provide a unique learning opportunity for exceptional undergraduates, allowing the students to receive hands-on experience by working closely with private-equity investors and entrepreneurs seeking funding for seed or early-stage companies.

FIN 4320  Fundamentals of Property and Liability Insurance  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in either FIN 3309 or 3310, or consent of the instructor; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

A study of the property-liability insurance industry, including the economic and financial issues inherent in property-liability insurance contracting. Topics may include commercial insurance contracts, automobile insurance costs and prices, tort reform effects on insurance markets, economics of distribution systems, corporate governance and organizational form, pricing models, solvency measurement, solvency regulation and market discipline, reinsurance and catastrophic risk, underwriting and risk selection, rate-making techniques, and underwriting cycles.

FIN 4329  Real Estate Appraisal  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): FIN 3405 and a minimum grade of C in FIN 3310; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

The valuation of real estate including the functions, purposes and techniques of appraising land and improvements. Additionally, an extensive review of the concepts of ownership interests, zoning, land use regulation and related topics that affect the value of real estate is included. Students will be instructed in the use of the three fundamental approaches to valuation: the sales comparison approach, the cost-less depreciation approach, and the income capitalization approach as well as capitalization techniques used in the profession. This course also examines the rule of market analysis in the valuation process.

FIN 4331  International Business Finance  (3)  
Cross-listed as INB 4331  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of B- in FIN 3310; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

A study of international financial management, including multinational corporations (MNCs), international financial markets, international trade, foreign exchange rate, currency futures, forwards, options and swaps, currency exposures, and short- and long-term financing decisions of MNCs. With a focus on the enhancement of analytical skills based on the tools and theory of international finance, this course will promote critical thinking skills of the student.

FIN 4332  Employee Benefit Planning  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in either FIN 3309 or 3310, or consent of the instructor; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

An examination of the rationale for, and basic details of, (1) employer provided group-life and group-health benefits, (2) private pension plans, and (3) government requirement required benefits, including social security, Medicare and Medicaid, disability income, and unemployment benefits. The approach focuses on the economic theory and historical developments of each of these areas.

FIN 4335  Business Risk Management  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in FIN 3310; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

This course covers the new and emerging field of integrated, or enterprise risk management. Specifically, it examines the use of insurance as well as various financial instruments to control the costs of corporate risk. Emphasis is placed on the identification, evaluation, and management of corporate risks. Besides examining traditional hedging strategies, the course also considers techniques such as leveraging, post-loss financing, contingent financing, and diversification.

FIN 4339  Real Estate Investments  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of B- in FIN 3310; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

An analysis of real estate investments using ARGUS Financial Analysis, the real estate industry's leading computer software specifically designed for the analysis of income-producing properties. Additionally, an extensive review of legal issues related to ownership interests, mortgages, fair housing, and ADA requirements is included. Current issues as well as analytical methods are presented in a case study approach. Creative financing and income tax considerations are also included.

FIN 4340  Real Estate Finance  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of B- in FIN 3310; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

The flow of real estate funds, including the origination process, the secondary market, and the securitization of mortgage pools. Excel software is used to analyze the cash flow and amortization characteristics of fixed-rate, variable-rate, and graduated-payment mortgages. Issues pertaining to tenure choice, expected mortgage life, and refinancing are also investigated.

FIN 4350  Financial Modeling  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of B- in FIN 3310; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

This course is designed to provide proficiency in various analytical tools used by financial managers and analysts. Students will learn how to link financial theory to data to ultimately frame and answer questions, solve problems, and make informed financial decisions. This course bridges abstract ideas related to corporate strategy to concrete practices like firm valuation by learning to use relevant analytical tools.

FIN 4360  Advanced Corporate Finance  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of B- in FIN 3310; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

The class applies the tools of financial analysis and financial theory to explore capital allocation and capital acquisition decisions of corporations. Students review and develop an understanding of the seminal theories that underpin the study and practice of finance.

FIN 4361  Short-Term Financial Management  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of B- in FIN 3310 or a minimum grade of B in FIN 3309 and registered for FIN 3310; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

An advanced study of short-term financial management and financial statement analysis. Topics include cash management, credit and collections, payables management, bank relations, short-term investing and borrowing, and management of interest rate and foreign exchange risks. The class will provide partial preparation for students wishing to take the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) exam.

FIN 4363  Mergers and Acquisitions  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of B- in FIN 3310; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

The objective of this course is to examine mergers and acquisitions (M&A) through the lens of financial economics. Though there are a significant number of other disciplines involved in M&A (i.e., Accounting, Law, Economics, Management, etc.), we will focus primarily on the financial aspects of these transactions.

FIN 4365  Investment Analysis  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of B- in FIN 3310; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

Investment decision making with emphasis on stocks, bonds, and portfolio management. Major topics include portfolio theory and the measurement of risk, performance evaluation, the efficient markets hypothesis, valuation of securities, and portfolio composition in relation to investor objectives. Other topics may include the functioning of the securities markets, securities law and regulations, and an introduction to derivative securities.

FIN 4366  Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of B- in FIN 3310; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

This course covers derivative securities such as futures, forwards, swaps and options. Such securities are referred to as "derivatives" because their values depend upon the values of other assets. This course presents a conceptual framework for understanding how to price derivatives and design risk management strategies.

FIN 4370  Financial Analysis and Banking  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of B- in FIN 3310; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

An advanced study of financial statement analysis that includes the UCA Cash Flow Statement, fraud, window dressing and warning signs. Other topics include credit policy and loan characteristics; loan underwriting techniques that mitigate credit risk; evaluating commercial loan requests; pricing fixed-income securities; and managing interest rate risk as it relates to earnings sensitivity and economic value of equity.

FIN 4381  Practicum in Portfolio Management  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): FIN 4365 or equivalent and consent of instructor; only open to BBA students  

This practicum gives students valuable hands-on experience in securities research, valuation of risky assets, and asset allocation by managing the Philip M. Dorr and Alumni Endowed Investment Fund. Through readings and student-prepared research reports students develop skills in evaluating economic, industry, and firm data; integrating such data into securities analysis; and communicating their research results to others.

FIN 4387  Seminar in Contemporary Financial Economics  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of B- in FIN 3310; only open to BBA students; BBA students must be admitted to the Business School in order to take this course  

This course provides students with the opportunity to explore current research topics in finance. Students attend the department’s research seminars and discuss papers presented by external speakers. The course is primarily intended for students considering the pursuit of a doctoral degree in finance.

FIN 4V97  Special Studies in Real Estate  (1-6)  
Pre-requisite(s): FIN 3405 and consent of department chairperson; not open to pre-business students  

With the consent of the chair of the Department of Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate, this course may be taken for one to six semester hours of credit with change of topic.

FIN 4V98  Special Studies in Finance  (1-6)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of B- in FIN 3310; not open to pre-business students  

With the consent of the chair of the Department of Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate, this course may be taken for one to six semester hours of credit.

FIN 4V99  Special Studies in Risk Management and Insurance  (1-6)  
Pre-requisite(s): FIN 3305; not open to pre-business students  

With the permission of the chair of the Department of Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate, this course may be taken for one to six semester hours of credit.