BSBA in Finance

An intermediate macroeconomic course analyzing the determination of national income, employment, the price level, interest rates, and exchanges in the economy. Piece-by-piece, a theoretical model will be constructed that is capable of describing how each of these variables is determined. After the model is completed, the course investigates issues of business cycle theory, foreign trade, and macroeconomic policy. Special attention will be given to theoretical and policy debates.

This course focuses on the essential features and functions of money and credit in a capitalist economy operating with a fiat currency in a flexible exchange rate regime such as the U.S. economy. We study the role of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank (The Fed), the U.S. Treasurer and the commercial banking sector in the U.S. economy, the banking and financial systems. The fundamental elements of financial markets, instruments and investments, and their links to the monetary and banking systems are examined. Special attention is given to the institutional structure and the accounting procedures through which the Fed and the Treasurer coordinate monetary policy. We examine the endogenous nature of crises and financial instability in capitalist economies. Here, we study the theories provided by prominent 20th century economists - Hyman Minsky and J.M. Keynes - whose names and theoretical contributions have been widely evoked during the 2008 Financial Crisis. We identify the causes and implications of financial crises, and understand possible policy solutions. Such policies emphasize the need to understand the recent evolution of the regulatory framework in the financial and banking industry.

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and analytical methods used for making residential and commercial real estate finance and investment decisions. Students will gain a fundamental, real-world understanding of returns on capital with a focus on expected growth along with market and project-specific risks. Students will develop hands-on experience building financial Pro Forma Statements using a multi-year discounted cash flow analysis which will include tax implications, depreciation, capital gains and losses.

This course is offered on an occasional basis and addresses topics and themes of special interest not covered in the standard course offerings in finance.

This course introduces students to portfolio management based on theory and best practice techniques of investments. Students will gain a comprehensive knowledge of portfolios and a set of tools designed to assist them in the investment decision-making process. Students will be exposed to the basic theories of managing a portfolio of financial assets within the risk-return framework.

This course introduces basic concepts of futures, swaps and options that are frequently used by institutional investors and experienced individual investors for investment and speculation. Students will learn how these products work, how they are used, how they are priced, and how financial institutions hedge their risks then they trade the products.

This course will provide students the knowledge to build a DCF model to aid them in evaluating potential investment opportunities. Students will be in charge of rebalancing the existing portfolio, assessing risk, and ensuring that the portfolio is in compliance with the IPS. Students will engage in real world and hands-on experience in security analysis and portfolio construction and management through the management of the Nichols College Student Managed Investment Fund.

This course provides students with real world and hands-on experience in security analysis and portfolio construction and management through the management of the Nichols College Student Managed Investment Fund. Students will be jointly in charge of the investment decisions of the fund and the overall composition of the portfolio. Each student will perform various quantitative and qualitative analysis of individual securities, industries, and the overall portfolio.

Global interconnectedness is an extremely important reality today. Global interconnectedness influences our individual lives every day. Very few enterprises can today insulate themselves from the influences of global developments. A main goal of this course is to develop an understanding of the international dimensions of our economy. Students will become acquainted with the economic analysis of the foundations of international trade and the impacts of trade on domestic and global economies. Impediments to trade are analyzed, such as tariffs, quotas, and market power of megacorporations. The course includes a study of global finance, the balance of payments, world debt, exchange rates, and the international monetary system. Contemporary real world issues and problems are emphasized.

An intensive program of work experience with a business or corporation. Combines both experiential learning with traditional academic work through required term essay and presentation of internship results to an appropriate class. Internship course specifications and "learning contract" forms are available through the Office of Career Services. Students interested must be of junior or senior standing and have a 2.5 grade point average.

The Research Associate is an option for select, motivated students to work under the close supervision of a faculty member, assisting in the faculty's current research project, or conducting their own study. Students are provided training in research, and develop new communication and critical thinking skills, and are introduced to the possible future opportunities in the research-related aspects of their field. The experience will enhance students' graduate and employment qualifications. To be eligible, students must have completed at least 60 hours of classroom instruction. Research Associates and other experiential learning opportunities require approval of the Program Chair.

A Teaching Associate Intern works with students in a specific course to provide support for the faculty member in charge. His/ her duties may include teaching; preparing instructional materials; critiquing student papers; tutoring students; aiding in online or classroom discussions; sample assignment preparation; and performing other duties as assigned. Major responsibility for a class shall not be given to a teaching associate intern. The associate works under the supervision of an experienced faculty member. In consultation with the supervisor, the teaching associate works to gain instructional skills and to enhance his/her grasp of the essentials of the academic discipline and the role and responsibilities of a faculty member. To be eligible, students must have completed at least 60 hours of classroom instruction (or receive approval by the appropriate faculty member or program chair), have earned a "B+" or better in the course they wish to assist, and have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Teaching Associates and other experiential learning opportunities require approval of the Program Chair.