DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Finance Course Descriptions

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FIN 171 Personal Finance. [BUSI 1307] A study of the problems of personal financial management. Topics include savings, risks, investment considerations, insurance, taxation, governmental programs in financial planning, etc. Also recommended for non-business majors. Not open to students who have credit for FIN 367. Credit 3.

FIN 334 Financial Institutions and Markets. This course will explore the structure of the financial system with emphasis on the role, operations, and regulations of financial institutions and markets, including international. The nature, participants, instruments, and relationships of the money and capital markets will be examined. Credit 3.

FIN 367 Business Finance. A study is made of financial principles as applied to management of funds, capital budgeting, sources of funds, techniques of financial analysis, cost of capital, financial leverage, capital structure, forecasting financial needs, management of working capital, financial policies, analysis and regulation of security issues, and international finance. Prerequisites: ACC 232 and MTH 199 or equivalent. Credit 3.

FIN 430 Problems in Finance. The student may pursue special studies for which a special course is not organized. Prerequisites: 30 hours of Business Administration and consent of department chair. Credit 1, 2, or 3.

FIN 432 Financial Statement and Credit Analysis. A study of theoretical issues and various applications relevant to the analysis of financial statements using finance and accounting principles Readings and case studies are utilized to provide a contemporary perspective. Prerequisite: FIN 367. Credit 3.

FIN 439 Seminar in Financial Derivatives. A study of options, futures, and other financial derivative Contracts. The course includes the markets, valuation, and specification of these derivative contracts, and their use in corporate financial risk management. Prerequisite: FIN 367. Credit 3. Typically offered only during the fall semester.

FIN 460 Selling Financial Services.This course offers a study of the process and principles involved in selling financial instruments and services. It emphasizes the special aspects related to selling/marketing in the banking industry. Both financial products and services will be addressed. Credit 3.

FIN 465 Entrepreneurial and Small Firm Finance. A study of the development, implementation, and control of financial plans, strategies, and policies by owner-managers of small firms. Financing alternatives for small firms are explored. Prerequisite: Junior Standing. Credit 3. Typically offered only during the spring semester.

FIN 468 Commercial Banking. This course includes operation of commercial banks, trust companies, Federal Reserve Banks, and other credit institutions. Federal Reserve Board and its function, rediscounting, open market operations, types of notes issued, and their relation to the Federal Reserve System are stressed. Special attention is given to recent bank legislation. Prerequisites: FIN 334 and FIN 367. Credit 3.

FIN 469 Managerial Finance. This course includes an in depth study of some of the tools used in financial management. Problems in the valuation of securities, capital costs, capital budgeting, risk analysis, capital structure, financial statement analysis, and dividend policy are stressed. Prerequisite: FIN 367 with a minimum grade of C. Credit 3.

FIN 471 International Finance. This course provides the student with a background in international finance by examining financial circumstances/problems unique to the multi-national firm. Some areas of study are international market forces that affect interest rates and currency values, hedging currency positions, and financing capital budgeting for the multi-national firms. Prerequisite: FIN 367. Credit 3. Typically offered only during the fall semester.

FIN 472 Commercial Bank Lending. A study of theoretical issues and various applications relevant to the commercial lending activities of a bank using finance principles. Readings and case studies are utilized to provide a contemporary perspective. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Credit 3.

FIN 486 Investments. A careful study is made of principles, types and forms of investments; modern investments; supply and demand for funds; characteristics of securities; federal, state, and municipal bonds; analysis of securities; and the movement of security prices.Prerequisite: FIN 367. Credit 3.

FIN 487 Security Analysis and Portfolio Management. This course is an advanced analysis and study of the techniques for selecting and combining securities into a portfolio. Content includes setting investment goals, diversification and risk reduction, capital market theory, and portfolio selection models. Prerequisite: FIN 486. Credit 3. Typically offered only during spring semesters.

FIN 499 Undergraduate Internship in Finance. A course designed to provide the student with an opportunity to apply academic skills in a practical work environment. (See Finance Internship Coordinator prior to enrolling. A minimum of 150 work hours in a pre approved finance organization. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours credit granted for internship.)

*Subject to action by the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

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