The Master of Science in Finance degree program is designed to prepare students for managerial careers in corporate finance, investment analysis and portfolio management, financial consulting and financial institutions. The analytical, deductive nature of the program creates financial professionals who can adapt to dynamic changes in the deregulated financial industry and its dramatic growth in investment options. Its courses prepare students to sit for the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) exam.
Students may complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis, with the full-time program beginning exclusively in the fall semester.
The program of study consists of 11 courses and a comprehensive exam based on the finance courses completed by the student. The exam will be administered at the end of the student’s last term. Students must pass the exam to earn their degree.
ACCT-703
Accounting for Decision Makers
3
A graduate-level introduction to the use of accounting information by decision makers. The focus of the course is on two subject areas: (1) financial reporting concepts/issues and the use of general-purpose financial statements by internal and external decision makers and (2) the development and use of special-purpose financial information intended to assist managers in planning and controlling an organization’s activities. Generally accepted accounting principles and issues related to International Financial Reporting Standards are considered while studying the first subject area and ethical issues impacting accounting are considered throughout.
FINC-721
Financial Analysis for Managers
3
An examination of basic financial theories, techniques, and practices. Topics include: time value of money, valuation, capital asset pricing, risk and diversification, cost of capital, capital budgeting techniques and spreadsheet analysis. (ACCT-703 pre- or corequisite)
FINC-725
Securities and Investment Analysis
3
A survey of topics in investment analysis, including the study of financial markets, features of various financial assets and security pricing. Focus is on individual security analysis (as distinct from portfolio analysis). Asset pricing theory is used in valuing securities. Practical issues in equity valuation are discussed including risk evaluation, macroeconomic/industry/competitive analysis and the use of corporate SEC filings. (FINC-721)
FINC-760
Finance in a Global Environment
3
This course has a specific focus on international business problems that are financial in nature. Topics include an examination of the international environment the firm operates in, international investment, exchange rates and the management of risks arising from shifting exchange rates, and the problems of short and long-term asset and liability management. (FINC-721 pre- or corequisite)
FINC-722
Financial Management II
3
This advanced course in corporate finance focuses on financing policies, financial planning/control, and other advanced corporate topics. Specific topics include the financing process, alternative financing instruments, restructuring, cost of capital, corporate applications involving options, working capital management and the use of financial budgets/forecasts. (FINC-721)
FINC-740
Options and Futures
3
This course focuses on financial derivative securities. Their role in financial management is becoming increasingly important, especially in portfolio management. This course covers valuation of various options and futures as well as their use in risk management. Specific topics include options and futures pricing models, options strategies, and contemporary topics such as index arbitraging. (FINC-721)
FINC-742
Financial Modeling and Analysis
3
Students apply computer technology to solve finance-related problems using a variety of analytical methods. Analytical methods include spreadsheet modeling, mathematical optimization, regression, decision tree analysis and Monte Carlo Simulation. Typical topics covered are financial forecasting, pro-forma financial statements, equity valuation, cash budget forecasts, and portfolio analysis. This is a hands-on course that focuses on collecting, managing and analyzing financial data. (FINC-721 pre- or corequisite, FINC-722, FINC-725)
One 700-level Statistices Course
3
One 700-level Economics Course
3
One 700-level Finance Course
3
FINC-790
Field Exam
1
All MS-Finance students take a field exam at the end of their program. This course provides basic help to students taking this exam. (All required finance courses in the MS Finance program)
