Finance (FIN)

This course is a no-credit, online module required upon acceptance into the MSFA Program. The module reinforces mathematical techniques commonly applied in the economics and finance disciplines. Topics include linear algebra, single and multi-variable calculus, and optimization. Brief applications in economics and finance are presented.

This course presents modern financial scholarship and its role in supporting the internal decision-maker. The course will cover empirical evidence as tests of theories. Topics to be covered will include: utility theory, portfolio theory, capital structure and cost of capital, capital budgeting, real options, and acquisitions and divestitures. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.

This course is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge to analyze different financial derivatives and their use in risk management. The course will present options, forward agreements, futures, swaps, and credit derivatives, and their use for managing portfolio risk and real investment under uncertainty. This will be achieved through the analysis of portfolio sensitivity using the Greeks and other numerical procedures. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.

. This course covers the fundamentals of financial statement analysis with a focus on internal and external decision-making. Topics will include common-size analysis, ratio analysis, lease analysis, comparable analysis. The course also covers using financial statement notes and segment data to gain insights into pricing, cost, growth, and other fundamental firm data.

. This course provides for structured analysis and valuation of common investment securities, including fixed income and equity securities. Fixed income topics include valuation of debentures and other debt securities, duration, convexity and credit analysis. Equity analysis includes valuation using multiples methodologies, IPOs, and scenario analysis.

This course develops the statistical and analytical tools needed for complex financial decision-making. Topics include analysis of large financial datasets and econometric modeling of panel data.

. This course provides and overview of the theory and practice of risk management. The course covers common methods of analyzing and controlling for financial risk. Topics include utility theory, risk aversion and risk premia, value at risk, and risk mitigation strategies.

This course provides students with quantitative skills and expertise required to carry out regression analysis, forecasting and financial market analysis, designing and implementing applied econometric projects as well as providing advanced knowledge and skills in finance. These skills are extremely attractive to the business and financial services sector. The course uses various teaching methods including lectures, in-class lab sessions, homework assignments, and exams. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.

. The course gives students the opportunity to study a topic in finance and write a paper that expands on the current body of knowledge in the field. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.

This course will focus on conceptualizing, developing, and applying financial models to a diverse set of real-world companies, financial markets, and events. The course will stress a hands-on, interactive approach to learning the cyclical nature of financial modeling. To accomplish this, the student will be introduced to numerous professional and academic databases, models, and software. The overall goal is to become proficient in using these tools so that the student can successfully apply proper modeling techniques to various real-world financial problems. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.

. Internship for the MS Finance program. Credit/no credit only. Not challengeable.