Business and Economics

Professor VanGilder (chair); Associate Professor Nicoara; Assistant Professors Aukers, Henkel, King, Newfeld, Shoeb, Stern; Visiting Professors and Instructors Cooper, Sereni.

The Department of Business and Economics offers a variety of programs to prepare students for careers in the public and private sectors and studies in graduate or professional school. Programs include majors in Business Administration, Business Analytics, Economics, Finance, Marketing, and Sports Management as well as minors in Accounting, Economics, Finance, and Management Studies. Due to the overlap in the majors, students may only major in one area from the department.

The major in Business Administration prepares students to analyze factors impacting businesses both quantitatively and qualitatively. These skills provide a solid background for a variety of professions as well as preparing students for advanced education. ​ ​A major in Business Analytics prepares students to use data to inform strategic decision-making in organization. The Economics major develops a broad perspective on the allocation of resources as well as skills in applying economic theory and data to real-world problems. The Finance major prepares students to contribute to society at financial institutions and within the finance and accounting functions of both for-profit and non-profit organizations. The major in Marketing prepares students for the business world with a broad base of knowledge in economics and marketing. The major in Sports Management prepares students both for general management roles and for specific sports-related positions.

  After graduation, majors in this department are prepared to work independently and effectively in a dynamic environment where resources are scarce, information is over-abundant or uncertain, and decisions are often morally complex.

Requirements for Business Administration Major

A major in Business Administration consists of 52 credits:

• ECON-101; ECON-102
• ECON-151 or MATH-105
• ECON-200W; ACCT-140; ECON-201; MGT-200, 201
•   Two courses from: ACCT-241; ECON-210, 231; FIN-370; MGT-211, 213 (approved topic), 220; PSYC-250,
• MGT-330
• ECON-300Q or MGT-301
• The management capstone seminar: MGT-403W.

Requirements for Business Analytics Major

A major in Business Analytics consists of 52 credits comprised of the following courses:

Required Ursinus Courses (40-44 credits):

• DATA-201 (DATA-200 can substitute)
• ECON-101, 102, 200W, 201
• MATH-105
  • The MATH-105 requirement will be waived for students who receive a C or better in MATH-111 (or a higher- level calculus course)
• STAT-141Q
• ACCT-140
• MGT-201
• MKT-250
• The management capstone seminar: MGT-403W

Required Rize Courses (9-12 credits)

• DATA-200 (DATA-201 can substitute), 210, 300, and 310

Requirements for Economics Major

A major in Economics consists of 48 credits:

• ECON-101; ECON-102
• ECON-151 or MATH-105
• ECON-200W; ECON-201
• Five electives from the following list: ACCT-140; ECON-202, 210, 213, 215, 223, 231, 250, 263, 311, 312, 313, 314, 330, 361, 362; FIN-374. ECON-202 is highly recommended.
• ECON-300Q
• The economics capstone seminar: ECON-403W

Graduate Study in Economics

Students considering entering a doctoral program in economics after graduation are advised to take MATH-111, 112, 211, 234, and 311W as well as CS-173. ECON-202 is considered necessary for such a path.   Coursework in probability, statistics, and data analytics is also valuable preparation for doctoral work in the field. Research experience is also desirable. The BE department recommends students discuss their interest in graduate school with their academic advisers.

Requirements for Finance Major

A major in Finance consists of 48 credits.

• ECON-101; ECON-102
• ECON-151 or MATH-105
• ECON-200W; ACCT-140; FIN-270
• One intermediate economics course: ECON-201 or 202.
• ECON-300Q
• Either three electives from the following list: ECON-362; FIN-213, 313, 362 370, 372, 374, 375; or two of the preceding electives and one accounting elective from the following list: ACCT-240, 241 or 242.
• The finance capstone seminar: FIN-403W

Graduate Study in Finance

Students considering entering a doctoral program in finance after graduation are advised to take MATH-111, 112, 211, 234, and 311W as well as CS-173. Coursework in probability, statistics, and data analytics is also valuable preparation for doctoral work in the field.   The BE department recommends students discuss their interest in graduate school with their academic advisers.

Requirements for Marketing Major

A major in Marketing consists of 52 credits:

• ECON-101; ECON-102
• ECON-151 or MATH-105
• ECON-200W; ACCT-140; ECON-201, 231; MGT-201; MKT-250, 251
•   One course from: MGT-200, 213 (approved topics); PSYC-350
• ECON-300Q or MGT-301
• The marketing capstone seminar: MKT-403W.

Requirements for Sports Management Major

A major in Sports Management consists of 52 credits:

• ECON-101
• ECON-151 or MATH-105
• ACCT-140; ECON-201; MGT-200
• MGT-201 or HS-275
• ECON-200W or HS-261W
• One disciplinary approach to sports: ECON-314, SOC-272 or HS-366W
• One course on coaching or leadership: HS-355, HS-356, HS-365 or MGT-220
• One more sports course from above lists or one of: MCS-206, MGT-213 (approved topics), ECON-213 (approved topics), HS-278
• One additional course from: PSYC-250, MGT-330, MKT-250, ECON-231
• ECON-300W or MGT-301
• The management or health science capstone seminar: MGT-403W or HS-446

Honors and Capstone

  Qualified students in any of the five majors may substitute BE-491 and 492W for their major capstone course; this is advanced honors work in their subject. These courses satisfy the major capstone requirement but NOT the college’s core capstone requirement (CCAP).

Requirements for Accounting Minor

A minor in accounting consists of 20 credits:

• ACCT-140, 240, 241; FIN-270
• Either ACCT-242 or FIN-370

Students interested in sitting for the CPA exam should take ACCT-242.

Accounting Careers

Students interested in careers in accounting are encouraged to complete the Accounting minor. Many Ursinus graduates work in the field of accounting after graduation, but state boards of accountancy mandate 120–150 credit hours (depending on the state) of coursework before candidates may sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.

Students must therefore take additional courses after graduation to become a CPA. Students should also be aware that there are other accounting certifications and career paths separate from the CPA, such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation. 

Requirements for Economics Minor

A minor in economics consists of 20 credits, including eight credits from two required courses: ECON-101, 102; and three ECON electives at the 200-level or higher. Note: 200-level courses may have additional pre-requisites besides ECON-101 and 102. As pertaining to the normal limitations on major/minor overlap, Business Economics and Finance majors may only count two courses of their major requirements toward the minor.

Requirements for Finance Minor

A minor in Finance consists of 20 credits:

• ACCT-140; ECON-102; FIN-270
• Eight credits of finance electives at the 200-level or higher; ECON-362 may also be counted as such an elective. Elective courses may have additional prerequisites besides ACCT-140 and FIN-270. As pertaining to the normal limitations on major/minor overlap, Business Administration, Economics, Marketing, and Sports Management majors may only count two courses of their major requirements toward the minor.

Finance Scholars

This program is offered to selected students with a strong career interest in finance and investments with the potential goal of earning the Chartered Financial Analyst (“CFA”) designation. The program involves a range of relevant co-curricular activities (FIN-301, 302, 401, and 402) that prepare students to take the CFA examination. Eligible students must major in Finance or Economics or minor in Finance. Students must apply to the Department Chair or the chair’s designee for acceptance to the program at the end of their sophomore year.

UCIMCO

The Ursinus College Investment Management Company (UCIMCO) is the college’s student-managed investment fund. The fund manages several portfolios, exposing students to different management styles and group collaboration. There are no prerequisites to taking part in the fund. Students from any class year or major are encouraged to join.   For students interested in investment or financial careers, the fund provides invaluable experience in research and portfolio management. To take part in UCIMCO, students should enroll in a section of FIN-001. 

Requirements for Management Studies Minor

A minor in Management Studies requires that students take 24 semester hours in courses across several disciplines.

• ACCT-140; MGT-200
• One course focused on ethics: HS-275; MCS-315; or MGT-201
• Three or more approved elective courses totaling at least 12 credits. These electives must represent three different disciplines and at least two different departments or programs. The following electives are accepted, and additional electives may be approved when offered in a given semester. The groupings given show the different departments/programs.
• Business and Economics (ACCT-240, 241; ECON-120, 210, 231, 361; MGT-213 depending on topic), 330; MKT-250
• Data Analytics (DATA-200 or 201);
• Entrepreneurial Studies (ENTR-101 and 102, 120);
• Health Sciences (HS-223, 226, 245, 365, 446);
• Interdivisional Studies (IDS-110 depending on topic);
• Media and Communications Studies (MCS-307, 315, 342, 350, 375B);
• Psychology (PSYC-250, 350);
• Sociology (SOC-255, 260 depending on topic)

Note: Following normal overlap limitation guidelines, majors in Economics and Finance are permitted to minor in Management Studies; however due to major/minor overlap, Business Administration, Data Analytics, Marketing, and Sports Management majors may not pursue the Management Studies Minor. See the appropriate departmental listings for course descriptions.

Secondary School Teaching Certification

This program satisfies the Pennsylvania State requirements for secondary certification in social studies. Substantial further coursework outside of economics and education is required in order to prepare the student for subjects taught in the secondary curriculum. Students who wish to obtain teaching certification should consult their departmental adviser and the chair of the education department of education as early as possible, preferably at the end of the freshman year.

S/U Guidance

Courses taken as S/U cannot not be counted towards any major or minor in the Business and Economics Department.

Accounting

ACCT-140 Financial Accounting and Reporting

An introduction to financial accounting concepts, standards and reports. Emphasis on the accounting cycle, journal entries, relationships between the income statement, balance sheet and statement of cash flows and relevance of accounting information to decision making. Excel applications of accounting problems. Three hours of lecture; two hours of computer laboratory per week. Four semester hours.

Note: C- or higher in this course is required to take FIN-270 or higher-level accounting courses.

ACCT-213 Topics in Accounting

An occasional course focusing on a special topic in accounting. Prerequisites will vary. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

ACCT-240 Topics in Advanced Financial Reporting

An in-depth study of advanced accounting topics related to financial reporting and disclosure, including their impact on decisions by managers, investors and creditors, an in-depth analysis of an annual report, and review of real-life examples of fraudulent behavior of corporations. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in ACCT-140.

ACCT-241 Management Accounting

The study of accounting information used internally by managers for planning and controlling business activities and decision-making. Emphasis is on cost concepts and behavior, costing systems for products and services, budgeting, breakeven and variance analysis. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in ACCT-140. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

ACCT-242 Federal Income Tax Policy

An introduction to the principles and policies of the federal income tax code, with focus on issues affecting corporations, partnerships and individuals. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in ACCT-140. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

ACCT-313 Advanced Topics in Accounting

An occasional course focusing on a special topic in accounting involving advanced reading, theory, quantitative analysis, writing, or some combination of the four. Prerequisites will vary. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

Business and Economics

BE-001-004 Community Service Practicum

This practicum allows students to volunteer and collaborate with a local non-profit organization. Placement is based on availability, student interest and qualifications. Special classroom training may be needed. Students report to a supervisor and faculty advisor, keep a journal of their activities, and write a research paper. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and permission of the chair. A minimum of 40 hours. Grade: S/U. One semester hour.

Note: Students may take up to four credits of Community Service Practicum. Completion of the Community Service Practicum does not satisfy the XLP requirement for the college.

BE-005-008. Readings in Business and Economics

Individual study and directed reading of a particular topic or book within the discipline. Students will work closely with a member of the BE faculty in selecting, reading, and discussing the topic, and in determining a proper written assignment. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor. Grade: S/U. One semester hour.

Note: Students may take up to four credits of Readings in Business and Economics

BE-381. Internship

An academic/work experience under the supervision of a faculty internship adviser and an on-site supervisor. Students must document their experience according to the requirements delineated in the College catalog section on Internships. Students are required to document their experiences in a written journal. A presentation of the experience is required. Contact the chair of the department for further details. Open to juniors and seniors. The term during which the internship work is performed will be noted by one of the following letters, to be added immediately after the internship course number: A (fall), B (winter), C (spring), or D (summer). Internships undertaken abroad will be so indicated by the letter I. The intern must complete a minimum of 120 hours of work. Prerequisites: Four courses in the major and prior written approval of a faculty internship adviser. Graded S/U. Three semester hours. (XLP.)

BE-382. Internship

An academic/work experience under the supervision of a faculty internship adviser and an on-site supervisor. Students must document their experience according to the requirements delineated in the College catalog section on Internships. Students are required to document their experiences in a written journal. A presentation of the experience is required. Contact the chair of the department for further details. Open to juniors and seniors. The term during which the internship work is performed will be noted by one of the following letters, to be added immediately after the internship course number: A (fall), B (winter), C (spring), or D (summer). Internships undertaken abroad will be so indicated by the letter I. The intern must complete a minimum of 160 hours of work. Prerequisites: Four courses in the major and prior written approval of a faculty internship adviser. Graded S/U. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

BE-391. Research/Independent Study

Independent investigation of an area of business or economics not covered in regular courses. Prerequisite: Completion of Economics or Finance major core and written consent of a department faculty member. Graded S/U. One semester hour.

Note: This course may be taken more than once.

BE-392. Research/Independent Study

Independent investigation of an area of business or economics not covered in regular courses. Prerequisite: Completion of Economics or Finance major core and written consent of a department faculty member. Graded S/U. Two semester hours.

Note: This course may be taken more than once.

BE-394.Research/Independent Study

Independent investigation of an area of business or economics not covered in regular courses. Prerequisite: Completion of Economics or Finance major core and written consent of a department faculty member. An oral presentation to the department is required. Graded S/U. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

Note: This course may be taken more than once. This course always fulfills the XLP requirement for the college.

BE-491. Research/Independent Study

Preparation of an independent research paper. Open only to candidates for departmental honors or to fourth-year majors with the permission of the department chair. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

BE-492W. Research/Independent Study

A continuation of BE-491. Prerequisite: BE-491. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

Economics

ECON-101. Principles of Microeconomics

An introduction to the economic study of consumers and firms through the framework of supply and demand. The course presents an overview of different market structures, economic decision making, and foundational economic models. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

Note: C- or higher in this course is required to take more advanced economics courses.

ECON-102. Principles of Macroeconomics

An introductory course on macroeconomics covering concepts of the price system, measurements of economic performance, macro models, monetary and fiscal policy. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

Note: C- or higher in this course is required to take more advanced economics courses.

ECON-120. Contemporary Global Economic Issues

This course examines a variety of contemporary economic issues in low and middle-income countries (LMiCs). Economic theory provides the basis of the analysis. Specific issues may vary from semester to semester, and will include how LMiCs have dealt with or reacted to some or all of the following: the environment, the labor market, health care, government regulation, monetary and fiscal policy, international economics, and social policy. Students will participate in debates and critically evaluate current events. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (GN, SS.)

Note: Students who have received credit for ECON-101 or 102 may not enroll in ECON-120 nor may ECON-120 be taken concurrently with ECON-101 or 102.

ECON-151. Analytic Foundations in Economics and Finance

This course covers the essential quantitative principles necessary for majors in both Economics and Finance. Mathematical topics include a review of algebra, functions, graphs, logarithms, and differentiation. Pre-or co-requisite: ECON-101. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (Q, R.)

Note: C- or higher in this course is required to take more advanced economics courses.

Note: Students may satisfy the requirement for this course with a C- or better in MATH-105, or equivalent transfer/AP credits. Doing so satisfies the ECON-151 requirement for all courses and majors.

Note: Students may satisfy the requirement for this course with a C- or better in MATH-111 and STAT-141.

Note: Students with credit for ECON-150 may not enroll in ECON-151.

ECON-200W. Research Methods in Economics and Finance

This course is an introduction to research within Economics and Finance. Topics include writing conventions, presentation development, synthesizing data , and research design/execution. Students will analyze and visualize data using Excel to help support their arguments. Prerequisites: a grade of C– or higher in one of ECON-101 or 102. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

ECON-201. Managerial Economics

This course develops the tools and theories of some microeconomic models and introduces elements of behavioral economics. Topics covered include utility, consumer theory, producer theory, monopoly, imperfect competition, risk aversion, externalities, principal-agent problems, moral hazard, and adverse selection. Topics will be examined from the viewpoint of both consumers and firms. Prerequisite: A grade of C– or higher in ECON-101 and either MATH-105 or 111 or ECON-151. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

ECON-202. Intermediate Macroeconomics

This course expands on the principles of macroeconomics to develop both static and dynamic models for analyzing economic aggregates such as output, inflation, unemployment and economic growth. An examination of businesses cycle impacts within the context of the world economy. Prerequisite: A grade of C– or higher in both ECON-102 and either MATH-111 or ECON-151 or Math 105. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

ECON/GWSS-210. Race and Gender in the American Economy

The study of the issues of race and gender in the U.S. economy. We will evaluate the economic status of racial minorities and women. Issues include occupational segregation, wage differentials, educational attainment, affirmative action and labor market discrimination. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or higher in one of ECON-101 or 102. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (DN.)

ECON-213. Topics in Economics

An occasional course focusing on a special topic in economics. Prerequisites will vary. Prerequisites will vary. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

ECON-215. Public Choice

Public choice (or non-market decision-making) applies the theories and methods of economics to a variety of areas outside of traditional markets. Specifically, this course will use economic tools like rational choice theory to study politics, collective choice, and political institutions. The economic theory of constitutions will be analyzed, and the behavior of politicians, voters, bureaucrats, and other policymakers will be discussed. Prerequisite: ECON-101 with a grade of C- or higher. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (O.)

ECON-223. Economies in Transition

Students will investigate why some countries are relatively rich while other countries are poor within the context of the former communist economies in Central and Eastern Europe, including the Baltic region. Coursework is centered on experiential learning through three weeks of intensive field study in the Eastern Bloc and the Former Soviet Countries. Visits to local establishments, old and new organizations, lectures, and historical and cultural sites, field research are among other activities. Offered for three weeks during the summer. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or higher in one of ECON-101 or 102. Four semester hours. (GN, XLP.)

ECON-231. Behavioral Economics

A study of economic models in which standard economic rationality assumptions are relaxed. Models will include psychologically plausible assumptions on behavior. New models improve ability to predict and understand behavioral phenomena including altruism, trust and reciprocity, procrastination, and self-control. Prerequisites: A grade of C– or higher in ECON-101. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

ECON-250 /ENVS-250 Environmental Economics

This course introduces the core ideas of environmental economics. Students will examine why markets can fail to protect environmental quality (through externalities, public goods, and common-pool resources) and how policies can correct these failures. Topics include benefit–cost analysis, valuation of environmental amenities, and the design and evaluation of policy instruments such as standards, taxes, and tradable permits. A unifying theme is the question of how societies can balance economic activity with environmental quality. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in one of ECON-101 or 102. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

ECON-263. Development Economics

An introduction to the study of various challenges facing low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The focus is on the nature and the contribution of economic, cultural, and political institutions. Approaches to progress are reviewed. Case studies of successful and unsuccessful LMICs will be used. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or higher in ECON-102. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (GN.)

ECON-300Q. Econometrics

Econometric methods used in analyzing business and economic data, including hypothesis testing, trend analysis, and forecasting of behavioral decisions by consumers and firms. Topics include the specification, estimation and verification of multiple regression and time series models. Laboratory experience includes statistical software usage. A research paper presenting original data analysis is required. Prerequisites: either ECON-201 or 202, and ECON-200W, with a minimum grade of C-. STAT-141Q, with a minimum grade of C-. Three hours of lecture; two hours of laboratory per week. Four semester hours.

ECON-311. Health Economics

Discussion of various topics including the supply and demand of health care, health professionals’ services, facilities and pharmaceuticals. Government policies concerning Medicare and Medicaid are analyzed. International comparisons of health care delivery systems are discussed. Prerequisite: ECON-200W and 201 or permission of instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

ECON-312. Labor Economics

A theoretical and empirical study of the functioning of labor markets, with emphasis on employment and compensation determination as affected by worker and firm characteristics, public policy, and worker organizations. Prerequisite: ECON-200W and 201. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

ECON-313. Advanced Topics in Economics

An occasional course focusing on a special topic in economics involving advanced reading, theory, quantitative analysis, writing, or some combination of the four. Prerequisites will vary. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

ECON-314. The Economics of Sports

The study of introductory economics and business using topics in sports and sports business. Professional, amateur, college and recreational sports will be analyzed. Prerequisites: ECON-201. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

ECON-361. International Trade Theory and Policy

This course surveys the economics of international trade, integrating theory, evidence, and policy. It examines why countries trade, what determines patterns of specialization, how openness affects welfare and the distribution of income, and how to evaluate government interventions such as tariffs. Through ongoing discussion of current problems and policy prescriptions, the course applies these tools to contemporary trade debates and legislation. Prerequisite: ECON-200W and a grade of C- or higher in ECON-101. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

ECON-362. International Finance Theory and Policy

An introduction to international finance covering the structure of global financial markets, exchange-rate determination, and the interaction of national policies with exchange-rates, capital flows, and trade in an open-economy. Topics include balance of payments, parity conditions, fixed vs. floating regimes, currency unions (for example, the euro area), policy spillovers, financial crises, capital controls, and the role of the International Monetary Fund. Concepts are applied to understand contemporary events and policy debates. Prerequisite: ECON-200W and a grade of C- or higher in ECON-101. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

ECON-403W Seminar in Economics

This course is both the capstone for the applied economics major’s concentration in economics and a college core capstone. The course provides an opportunity to synthesize and apply the theory and methods of economics. Interdisciplinary perspectives will help illuminate for students what makes economics distinctive from other ways of knowing. Students will reflect on their experiences in the field and how those experiences influence their responses to the question, “What will I do?” These objectives will be met through reading and discussion of influential economic thinkers; writing a reflective journal; a review of econometric methods; and the research, writing, and presentation of a capstone paper. Prerequisites: Completion of all other required courses in the Economics major or permission of the instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (CCAP.)

Finance

FIN-001. Student-Managed Investment Fund (UCIMCO)

In this course students will oversee and manage an investment fund. From selecting the portfolio to communicating about investment analysis, students will assume a variety of roles related to fund maintenance. Offered every semester. This course may be repeated for credit. Students are limited to counting a total of eight credits across all FIN-00X courses toward graduation requirements One hour per week. One semester hour.

Note: This course does not satisfy any department requirements.

FIN-005. UCIMCO Leader

In this course student leaders will oversee and manage the UCIMCO organization. Registration is by permission of the instructor based on a selection process. This course may be repeated for credit. Students are limited to counting a total of eight credits across all FIN-00X courses toward graduation requirements. Two hours per week. Two semester hours.

Note: This course does not satisfy any department requirements.

FIN-100. Personal Finance

As the financial world becomes more complex, the need for financial literacy grows. This course is open to all students and intended to prepare them for post-Ursinus life. The nature and scope of the economy and how it affects one’s life plans and goals will be examined. Topics include supply and demand, financial planning, personal taxes, retirement planning, investing in stocks and bonds, portfolio management, the time value of money, managing credit cards and debt, and insurance planning. Three contact hours per week. Four semester hours.

Note: This course does not satisfy any department requirements.

FIN-213. Topics in Finance

An occasional course focusing on a special topic in finance. Prerequisites will vary. Prerequisites will vary. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

FIN-270. Introduction to Finance

An introduction to the core subjects of finance. Topics include financial markets and institutions, the interpretation of financial statements, methods for estimating the value and risk of financial securities, and theories that explain interest rates. Prerequisites: A grade of C– or higher in ACCT-140 and ECON-102. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

Note: a C- in this course is required to continue to more advanced finance classes.

FIN-301. Finance Scholars I

Content is oriented to the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Relevant cocurricular activities are required. Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: Admission to Finance Scholars program. Grade: S/U. One hour per week. One semester hour.

Note: This course does not satisfy any department requirements.

.FIN-302. Finance Scholars II

Content is oriented to the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Relevant cocurricular activities are required. Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: Admission to Finance Scholars program. Grade: S/U. One hour per week. One semester hour.

Note: This course does not satisfy any department requirements.

FIN-313. Advanced Topics in Finance

An occasional course focusing on a special topic in finance involving advanced work in theory, quantitative analysis, writing, or some combination of the four. Prerequisites will vary. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

FIN-362. Corporate Valuation and Financial Modeling

This course explores the fundamentals of valuation methods and financial modeling techniques. Students will consider the theory and practical challenges associated with forecasting as well as the ethical and social implications of the standard approaches used in contemporary valuation. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or higher in FIN-270 and one of ECON-101 or 102. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

Note: Students can not complete both FIN-262 and 362.

FIN-370. Corporate Finance

A study of the basic issues and principles involved in the financing of corporations: corporate structure, short-and long-term financing instruments, expansion, failure, and reorganization. This course will employ case studies, and a semester project will require students to use financial analysis and forecasting techniques. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in FIN-270. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

FIN-372. Investments

A survey of securities and security markets. Through the study of texts and market data, students explore the characteristics of stocks, bonds, and derivatives, paying particular attention to the measurement of returns and risk. In the process, students develop their understanding of market efficiency, fundamental analysis, technical analysis, behavioral finance, and ethical issues related to investment management. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in ECON-200W and FIN-270. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

FIN-374. Money and Financial Institutions

An in-depth understanding of the role of money and financial institutions in the economy. Money-related topics include monetary systems, money’s relationship to prices and economic growth, and theories of central banking. The course explores the characteristics common to all financial institutions, their role as intermediaries between savers and investors, and the nature and influence of regulations on financial institutions. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in ECON-102 and 200W. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

FIN-375. Financial Statement Analysis

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the analysis and interpretation of financial statements. It focuses on their ability to make strategic business and investment decisions. Students will learn to examine the core financial statements – income statements, Balance sheet, and cash flow statement and assess a company’s financial health. Prerequisite: FIN-270 with a grade of C- or higher. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

FIN-401. Finance Scholars III

Content is oriented to the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Relevant cocurricular activities are required. Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: Admission to Finance Scholars program. Grade: S/U. One hour per week. One semester hour.

Note: This course does not satisfy any department requirements.

FIN-402. Finance Scholars IV

Content is oriented to the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Relevant cocurricular activities are required. Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: Admission to Finance Scholars program. Grade: S/U. One hour per week. One semester hour.

Note: This course does not satisfy any department requirements.

FIN-403W. Seminar in Finance

This course is both the capstone for the finance major and a college core capstone. The course provides an opportunity to synthesize and apply the theory and methods of economics and finance. Students will reflect on ethical challenges that finance professionals encounter. In addition, students will consider sociological and psychological perspectives on the field of finance. Through this process, students will develop their outlooks on the question, “What will I do?” These objectives will be met through reading and discussion of texts on ethics; a reflection paper; a review of econometric methods; and the research, writing, and presentation of a capstone paper. Prerequisites: Completion of all other required courses in the Finance major, or permission of the instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (CCAP.)

Management Studies

MGT-200. Management and Organizational Behavior

The study of theories and practices in the field of organizational behavior as it operates in the management of an organization. Organizations are made up of individuals and groups of people in a complex psychological, sociological, and social psychological environment within which individuals must interact and effectively function. Focus is on understanding, explaining, and ultimately improving the attitudes and behaviors of individuals and groups in organizations. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

MGT-201. Management Principles and Ethics

The study of theories and practices in the fields of management and ethics through a human centered lens. Management is directly responsible for whether the organization’s efforts produce its desired results in an ethical manner. The focus is on understanding management and the pursuit of an organization’s goals efficiently and effectively by integrating the work of people through planning, organizing, leading and controlling the organization’s resources and the ethical challenges and considerations that arise during these processes. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (O.)

MGT-211. Real Estate Fundamentals

Students will develop an understanding of the complex legal issues involved in the study of Real Estate including: the role of government and laws that impact rights and interests in real property, contract law, and real estate licensing laws. This is one of two courses required to sit for the Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson License exam. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

MGT-212. Real Estate Practice

This course provides an overview of the real estate industry, focusing on the practical aspects of real estate transactions, including legal and ethical considerations. The course prepares students for the Pennsylvania licensing exam and provides foundational knowledge for a successful career in real estate. This is one of two courses required to sit for the Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson License exam. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

MGT-213. Topics in Management Studies

Contemporary topics in management are discussed such as organizational leadership, human resource management and international business. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

MGT-220. Leadership

This course focuses on understanding and harnessing the use of one’s own self as a tool for positive influence, movement, and change in teams, groups, organizations, and institutions. Students will study how to achieve individual and organizational goals by harnessing a combination of leadership theory, interpersonal and group dynamics, and personal skills. The course is taught from a theoretical and skill-based perspective and can be applied at any level in any team, group, or organization – from a college club to a multinational corporation. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

MGT-301 Business Analytics

This course introduces students to the core principles of business analytics with a focus on critical-thinking, problem-solving, and ethical use of data in organizational decision-making. Students will explore the role of analytics in diverse industries while learning to interpret, visualize, and communicate data-driven insights to both technical and non-technical audiences. Topics include descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics; data visualization; applied statistical reasoning; and an introduction to business intelligence tools. Prerequisites: ECON-200W and STAT-141Q, with a minimum grade of C-. Three hours of lecture; two hours of laboratory per week. Four semester hours.

MGT-313. Advanced Topics in Management

An occasional course focusing on a special topic in management involving advanced reading, theory, quantitative analysis, writing, or some combination of the four. Prerequisites will vary. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

MGT-330. Strategic Analysis

A case-oriented course in strategy and strategic management taught from the perspective of the firm’s top management team as they seek to achieve a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving business world. Prerequisite: MGT-200. Three hours per week. Four semester hours

MGT-403W. Seminar in Management

Issues in Management are discussed using a cross-disciplinary approach. Students select, develop, and explore an independent research topic, culminating in a written and oral presentation. Prerequisites: Completion of required courses in the Business Administration or Sports Management Major. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

Marketing

MKT-250. Marketing

The study of market analysis, consumer behavior and the four components of the marketing mix—product, price, promotion and distribution. Marketing issues will be examined through case studies and projects utilizing marketing research and analytical techniques. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

MKT-251. Consumer Behavior

The study of individuals, groups, or organizations and the processes they use to select, secure, use and dispose of products, services, experiences, or ideas to satisfy needs and the impacts that these processes have on the consumer and society. This class explores the core principles of consumer behavior and understanding consumer markets and how they are linked to and impact marketing strategy and tactical marketing decisions. Prerequisites: MGT-200 and MKT-250. Three contact hours per week. Four semester hours.

MKT-403W. Seminar in Marketing

Issues in Marketing are discussed using a cross-disciplinary approach. Students select, develop, and explore an independent research topic, culminating in a written and oral presentation. Prerequisites: Completion of required courses in the Marketing major. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.