Finance

FIN 3300 Personal Finance (3 semester credit hours) This course is designed to help students prepare for a financially challenging world and to introduce the concepts and methods of personal financial planning. The financial planning process, the time value of money, taxation, credit, budgeting, housing, insurance, and employee benefits will be explored. The course enables students to manage their finances and develop their own personal financial plans. (3-0) S

FIN 3305 Real Estate Principles (3 semester credit hours) Real Estate Principles is an introduction to real estate concepts for residential and commercial real estate. Students will learn various aspects of real estate that are key to making sound investment decisions and understand how property values are created, maintained, increased, or destroyed as applied in various real-world situations. Areas of study include careers in real estate, residential mortgages, appraisal, leasing, contract, regulations, listing agreements, brokerage, investment criteria, and returns. (Same as REAL 3305) (3-0) S

FIN 3320 Business Finance (3 semester credit hours) Introduction to financial decision making and the valuation of business enterprises, with a particular focus on the use of discounted cash flow techniques in the selection of capital investment projects. Students will also be registered for an exam section. Prerequisites or Corequisites: ACCT 2301 and (OPRE 3360 or STAT 3360). (3-0) S

FIN 3340 Regulation of Business and Financial Markets (3 semester credit hours) Examines the legal and regulatory environment of business and financial markets. Comparisons between the impact of laws and their original intent are considered, as well as their ethical dimensions. Prerequisite or Corequisite: FIN 3320. (3-0) S

FIN 3350 Financial Markets and Institutions (3 semester credit hours) Examines the operation interaction between the macroeconomy and financial markets, with attention to the operation of financial markets and financial intermediaries. Topics covered include the banking system, macroeconomic policy, and the market for foreign exchange. Prerequisites: ECON 2301 and FIN 3320. (3-0) Y

FIN 3358 Real Estate Markets and Investments (3 semester credit hours) Students will learn the theoretical detail of making sound real estate investments while analyzing "real world" considerations. The course focuses on evaluating the risks and opportunities of real estate assets and investments while analyzing market considerations. Students will learn how to develop a discounted financial cash flow model using Microsoft Excel for valuing real estate and developing internal rates of return. The course topics include investment strategies, due diligence, analyzing long-term growth patterns, fundamentals of leases, use of debt and equity impact on returns, portfolio analysis, and corporate real estate decision-making. Prerequisite: REAL 3305 or FIN 3305. (Same as REAL 3358) (3-0) Y

FIN 3360 Entrepreneurial Finance (3 semester credit hours) Explores the process of raising capital and managing financial resources in entrepreneurial ventures. Focus on forecasting cash flows, cash flow management, capital budgeting, valuation, capital structure and the various financing methods and mechanisms available to entrepreneurs (bootstrapping, angel investors, venture capitalists, IPOs) seeking to raise capital for a new venture. Prerequisite: FIN 3320. (Same as ENTP 3360) (3-0) Y

FIN 3365 Real Estate Finance and Principles (3 semester credit hours) Students will learn how to underwrite real estate investments by evaluating potential investments using the CoStar technology. In this class, students will learn to evaluate the market supply and demand to develop a financial discount cash flow analysis, valuation, and loan structures modeling in Excel. Students will learn the theoretical financial aspects of developing an investment and cash flow analysis for valuing commercial real estate and calculating expected returns. Prerequisite: REAL 3305 or FIN 3305. Prerequisite or Corequisite: FIN 3390. (Same as REAL 3365) (3-0) S

FIN 3370 Principles of Risk Management and Insurance (3 semester credit hours) Explore the fundamentals of risk management and insurance principles as essential components of global business operations and personal risk management. Topics include risk identification, risk analysis, global risk exposures, risk communication, insurance company operations, legal principles, loss prevention, safety concepts, and the social and economic relevance of risk management and insurance. (Same as RMIS 3370) (3-0) S

FIN 3375 Life and Estate Planning (3 semester credit hours) This course explores the major components for estate planning, and how these products provide financial stability to families. Students will learn how to perform a basic financial needs analysis to ensure proper coverages for businesses and families. Topics also include annuities, life insurance products, wills, trusts, estate and gift taxes, and the legal processes. Prerequisite or Corequisite: FIN 3320 or FIN 3370 or RMIS 3370. (Same as RMIS 3375) (3-0) R

FIN 3380 International Financial Management (3 semester credit hours) Study of world financial markets and institutions, foreign exchange exposure and management, foreign direct investment, and issues of financial management of multinational firms. Prerequisite: FIN 3320. (3-0) Y

FIN 3390 Introduction to Financial Modeling (3 semester credit hours) Develops the ability to use quantitative methods and software (particularly spreadsheets) for financial decision making. Prerequisites: FIN 3320 and ITSS 3300 and (OPRE 3333 or MATH 2333 or MATH 2418 or CS 2305). (3-0) S

FIN 3395 Financial Modeling and Valuation (3 semester credit hours) This course develops the ability to build financial models of firms. Attention is paid to the use of these techniques in valuing companies for different purposes (M&A analysis, LBO analysis, etc.). Prerequisite: FIN 3390. (3-0) R

FIN 4080 Finance Internship (0 semester credit hours) For students engaged in the practice of financial analysis or management. Credit/No Credit only. May be repeated if internships differ. Undergraduate program director consent required. (0-0) S

FIN 4300 Investment Management (3 semester credit hours) Examines a wide range of issues concerning management of investments and so provides an understanding of the role of modern financial theory in pricing financial assets and managing portfolios. Prerequisites: FIN 3320 and (Math 1325 or Math 2413 or Math 2417). Prerequisites or Corequisites: FIN 3390 and (OPRE 3340 or Math 1326 or Math 2414 or Math 2419). (3-0) S

FIN 4303 Investment Strategies (3 semester credit hours) This course incorporates real-world practices when examining various investment topics, such as fundamental analysis, valuation, portfolio management and alternative investing. Other topics may be covered at the instructor's discretion. Prerequisites: FIN 3320 and FIN 4300. (3-0) S

FIN 4305 Fixed Income Securities Analysis (3 semester credit hours) The analysis, management, and valuation of fixed-income instruments and their derivatives. Fixed-income risks and risk-control strategies are examined. Prerequisite: FIN 3320. (3-0) R

FIN 4307 Private Equity (3 semester credit hours) This course covers special topics in private investment management, such as private equity, venture capital and real estate investment. Emphasis will be placed on the risk-reward tradeoff, capitalization, valuation and execution of private equity investments. Other topics may be covered at the instructor's discretion. Prerequisites: FIN 3320 and FIN 4300. (3-0) S

FIN 4310 Intermediate Financial Management (3 semester credit hours) Builds on FIN 3320 to develop additional topics in business financial decision making. It integrates a variety of advanced topics in developing a firm's financial strategy. Prerequisite: FIN 3320. Prerequisite or Corequisite: FIN 3390. (3-0) S

FIN 4315 Behavioral Economics and Finance (3 semester credit hours) This course introduces students to behavioral models of decision making with particular attention to economic and finance decision making. These models incorporate the psychological biases, social objectives or bounds to rationality that human decision makers are known to exhibit. The course will also discuss ways in which policies or markets can be designed to take advantage of individuals' psychological biases to achieve desirable outcomes. Prerequisite: FIN 3320. (Same as MECO 4315) (3-0) R

FIN 4320 Management of Financial Institutions and Technology (3 semester credit hours) Study of the financial management of commercial banks and other financial intermediaries, with an emphasis on the analysis of financial performance, lending decisions, asset-liability management, and the management of institutional capital requirements. Strategic considerations such as evolving information technology, the changing regulatory environment and the impact of global competition in financial services will also be examined. Prerequisite: FIN 3320. (3-0) R

FIN 4321 Real Estate Law and Contracts (3 semester credit hours) Students will learn a comprehensive overview of the law and legal system, with an emphasis on the laws related to real estate and personal property. Students will learn the legal terminology necessary to understand a typical real estate transaction and obtain a practical understanding of the essential legal aspects of real estate transactions and Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) contract forms. The course builds students' critical thinking and communication skills by applying acquired knowledge to real world legal conflicts and familiarizing students with legal sources relevant to real property. Prerequisite: FIN 3305. (Same as REAL 4321) (3-0) S

FIN 4322 Financial Technology (3 semester credit hours) This course presents the applications of digital technology to finance, insurance, and real estate (e.g., blockchains, machine learning, etc.). Prerequisites: FIN 3350 and (ITSS 3312 or ITSS 4381). (3-0) S

FIN 4328 Real Estate Valuation (3 semester credit hours) This capstone real estate course provides the theory and methods of income property valuation and appraisal. Topics include the three major approaches to appraising real estate, regression analysis, real estate market analysis, highest and best use analysis, and capitalization techniques. Income property valuation techniques are emphasized through hands-on computer cash flow analysis modeling in Excel and ARGUS. Several real-world real estate cases and problems are presented and incorporated into the course for students to solve. Prerequisites: (REAL 3305 or FIN 3305) and (REAL 3358 or FIN 3358). Prerequisite or Corequisite: REAL 3365 or FIN 3365. (Same as REAL 4328) (3-0) Y

FIN 4330 Estate Planning (3 semester credit hours) Analysis of the estate and gift tax system, including planning strategies. It addresses the transfer, administration, and taxation of property within the estate planning context. Topics include transfers of property outright or with trusts, wills, and powers of appointment; use of the marital deduction; valuation of assets; and buy-sell agreements. Prerequisite: FIN 3320 or FIN 3300. (3-0) R

FIN 4331 Business Liability Risk Management and Insurance (3 semester credit hours) Business liability exposures to risk and losses arising from negligence and/or other legal doctrines are presented, emphasizing risk management and insurance as an essential component of a business' enterprise risk management program. Risk assessment, loss prevention, and treatment of risk are presented in the areas of general liability, business auto, worker's compensation, cyber risk, and management and professional liability. Successful completion of this course, with a B or better, waives the corresponding national examination for the CPCU professional designation. Prerequisite or Corequisite: FIN 3320 or FIN 3370 or RMIS 3370. (Same as RMIS 4331) (3-0) Y

FIN 4332 Commercial Property Risk Management and Insurance (3 semester credit hours) All for-profit or non-profit businesses are subject to losses arising from property exposures. Incidents may occur, which can cause the business financial ruin and force them to close their doors unless they are properly prepared to manage these exposures. We will discuss how Commercial Property, Business Income & Extra Expense, Inland Marine, Ocean Cargo, Business-owners, Equipment Breakdown, and Cyber Risk insurance contracts may be employed to help protect businesses from financial losses due to various loss exposures. Students will also learn risk management techniques to help address loss exposures not traditionally covered by insurance contracts. Prerequisite: (FIN 3305 or REAL 3305) or (FIN 3370 or RMIS 3370). (Same as RMIS 4332 and REAL 4332) (3-0) P

FIN 4333 Enterprise Risk Management (3 semester credit hours) Study of the risks and exposures to loss affecting businesses and non-profit entities: including pure, financial, operational, and strategic risk. Data collection, analysis, and evaluation methods are explored using risk modeling principles. Risk management program objectives, goals, and management are presented along with the tools for identification, treatment, and financing of risk. Prerequisite or Corequisite: RMIS 4331 or RMIS 4332. (Same as RMIS 4333) (3-0) S

FIN 4334 Insurance Law and Contracts (3 semester credit hours) A basic course in the fundamentals of insurance law. Topics covered include: defining insurance; risk and the nature of the insurance relationship; insurable interests; indemnity; fortuity; subrogation; coordination of benefits; interpretation of policies; rights at variance with policy provisions; contract formation; warranties, misrepresentation and concealment; conditions; agents and brokers; insurance regulation; and insurance coverage. Prerequisite or Corequisite: FIN 3320 or FIN 3370 or RMIS 3370. (Same as RMIS 4334) (3-0) S

FIN 4335 Financial Aspects of Retirement, Compensation, and Employee Benefits (3 semester credit hours) Focuses on individual retirement plans, company benefits and compensation, and pension fund management strategies. This course will offer students an opportunity to evaluate employer benefit-and-compensation plans, retirement modeling solutions, and utilize financial planning software to best serve clients' interests. Prerequisite: FIN 3300. (3-0) Y

FIN 4336 Risk Systems and Theories (3 semester credit hours) Risk exists and permeates in all areas of societies, from the individual household to the executive offices of corporations. To manage risk effectively requires an understanding of the social, political, and technological progress in which hazards develop. Through this course, we will examine the concept of risk as it pertains to organizations and people. We will also discuss the tenets of risk controls and mitigation techniques to reduce the unfavorable outcomes of unexpected events. Prerequisite or Corequisite: FIN 3320 or FIN 3370 or RMIS 3370. (Same as RMIS 4336) (3-0) Y

FIN 4337 Business Valuation (3 semester credit hours) This course discusses the models used to value businesses and stocks. Topics include income measurement and profitability assessment, analysis of discounted cash flows and accounting-based valuation models. Prerequisites: (ACCT 3331 with a minimum grade of C) and FIN 3320. (Same as ACCT 4337) (3-0) Y

FIN 4338 Foundations of Risk Analytics and Applications (3 semester credit hours) Enhanced data-driven decision making is an essential component of a successful organization's risk management and insurance program. This course provides a fundamental understanding of analytical techniques for big data. All business students will benefit from exploring the Internet of Things, data mining techniques, social network analysis, predictive modeling concepts, and the development of a data analytics strategy to help achieve superior business results. Prerequisite or Corequisite: FIN 3320 or FIN 3370 or RMIS 3370. (Same as RMIS 4338) (3-0) Y

FIN 4340 Options and Futures Markets (3 semester credit hours) Examines valuation of derivative securities, such as options and futures contracts, and the use of these instruments in managing business and financial risks. Topics include pricing of futures contracts, swaps, and options, and use of derivative instruments in hedging, portfolio insurance, and exotic options. Prerequisite: FIN 4300. (3-0) Y

FIN 4345 Financial Information and Analysis (3 semester credit hours) This course is focused on how to manage and analyze financial data. In doing so, this course examines the sources and uses of financial information in valuing securities and analyzing markets. Prerequisite: FIN 3390. (3-0) Y

FIN 4346 Applied Machine Learning in Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate (3 semester credit hours) This course presents the application of machine learning technologies to topics in finance, insurance, and real estate (e.g., credit analysis, fraud detection, asset valuation, algorithmic trading, etc.). Prerequisites: FIN 4300 and (ITSS 3312 or BUAN 4381 or ITSS 4381). (3-0) S

FIN 4351 Operational Risk Management (3 semester credit hours) This course explores different aspects of risk governance and operational risk management. Operational risk management focuses on people, processes, policies, and external factors, each producing challenges to a firm's organizational performance. Students learn the fundamentals of how to mitigate or control each operational risk factor and be able to identify future challenges to reduce the negative effects of firm performance. (Same as RMIS 4351) (3-0) Y

FIN 4352 Financial Risk Management (3 semester credit hours) This course explores the risks and exposures to loss affecting businesses and non-profit entities, including pure, financial, operational, and strategic risk. Data collection, analysis, and evaluation methods are explored using risk modeling principles. Risk management program objectives, goals, and management are presented along with the tools for identifying, treating, and financing risk. (Same as RMIS 4352) (3-0) Y

FIN 4353 Principles of Information Security (3 semester credit hours) This course examines the organizational risks from technological advancements in an interconnected world. With growing concerns about cyber security, students will explore the various components of information systems, review systems control functions to reduce vulnerabilities, learn the basics of developing a cybersecurity program, and gain insights into the challenges of policy making to prevent information loss. (Same as RMIS 4353) (3-0) Y

FIN 4354 Cybersecurity Risk Management (3 semester credit hours) This course explores the risk management concept and process for managing an organization's information systems. Theories of risk and methodologies will be explored to provide students an opportunity to examine risk from various levels and dimensions to reduce organizational outcomes. Students will also learn the basic frameworks and models to enhance cybersecurity measures. (Same as RMIS 4354) (3-0) Y

FIN 4380 Fund Management (3 semester credit hours) For students involved in the practice of investment management. Prerequisites: FIN 4300 and instructor consent required. (3-0) R

FIN 4390 Seminar Series in Finance (3 semester credit hours) Examination of selected financial topics. May be repeated for credit as topics vary (6 semester credit hours maximum). Instructor consent required. (3-0) P

FIN 4395 Capstone Senior Project - Finance (3 semester credit hours) This course complements prior finance coursework by having the student conduct an in-depth financial analysis of a selected company. Students will work on an approved company to demonstrate an understanding of the company, its markets, credit risk, value, what drives its value, and how that value might be increased. The deliverables will include a guided report and presentation demonstrating an understanding of these aspects. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing and FIN 3320 and FIN 4310. Prerequisite or Corequisite: BCOM 4300. (3-0) S

FIN 4396 Applied Financial Analytics (3 semester credit hours) This course complements prior finance coursework by having the student conduct an in-depth financial analysis of a selected company. Students will work on an approved company to demonstrate an understanding of the company, its markets, credit risk, value, what drives its value, and how that value might be increased. The deliverables will include presentations and completed knowledge assessments demonstrating an understanding of these and related topics. Prerequisites: Senior standing, FIN 3320, and (FIN 4300 or FIN 4310). Prerequisite or Corequisite: BCOM 4300. (3-0) S

FIN 4399 Senior Honors in Finance (3 semester credit hours) For students in the finance honors program. This course requires students to develop a number of skills and to demonstrate them in written products. Instructor consent required. (3-0) Y

FIN 4V80 Practicum in Finance (1-3 semester credit hours) For students engaged in the practice of financial analysis or management. Credit/No Credit only. May be repeated for credit (3 semester credit hours maximum). Undergraduate program director consent required. ([1-3]-0) R

FIN 4V90 Individual Study in Finance (1-3 semester credit hours) For students interested in pursuing further study of a topic in finance. Credit/No Credit Only. May be repeated for credit as topics vary (3 semester credit hours maximum). Prerequisites: (FIN 4300 or FIN 4310) and faculty sponsor consent required. ([1-3]-0) R

FIN 4V99 Special Topics in Finance (1-3 semester credit hours) May be lecture, readings, or individualized study. May be repeated for credit as topics vary (3 semester credit hours maximum). Instructor consent required. ([1-3]-0) R