Department of Finance

Leadership

Naresh Bansal, Ph.D.
     Chair

Overview

Finance involves the study of financial markets and institutions, the valuation of financial assets, and the use of those assets to accumulate wealth and/or mitigate risk. Virtually every business activity requires the deployment of financial capital; thus, the field of finance is relevant across the spectrum of economic activity. Students obtaining a degree in finance have opportunities in investment and risk management, capital acquisition and consulting.

The Department of Finance at Saint Louis University's Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) University Affiliated Program. This initiative is a relationship between the CFA Institute and select colleges and universities worldwide that have embedded a significant percentage (70%) of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge into their degree programs. Only 261 U.S. schools are CFA University Affiliated Programs.

Additionally, affiliated institutions have committed to covering CFA Institute ethical and professional standards in their degree programs. Recognition as a CFA University Affiliate signals to potential students, current students and the marketplace that the university's curriculum is closely tied to professional practice and is well suited to preparing students to sit for the CFA exams.

Naresh Bansal, Ph.D.
Bidisha Chakrabarty, Ph.D.
Thomas Doellman, Ph.D.
Norman Guo, Ph.D.
Cathy Mai, Ph.D.
Marcus Painter, Ph.D.
Olgun Sahin, Ph.D.

FIN 3010 - Principles of Finance

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course is an introduction to financial decision-making in the firm, with a focus on how firms raise and invest funds. The central concept of the course is valuation. After the tools and techniques of valuation are applied to bonds and stocks, the course focuses on how managers choose among competing investment projects with the goal of maximizing the value of their firm's common stock. Finally, the course examines the concepts of risk and diversification and how they relate to expected returns on assets. Throughout, applications of these concepts to personal financial planning are also discussed.

Prerequisite(s): (ACCT 2200; ACCT 2220*; OPM 2070; ECON 1900)

* Concurrent enrollment allowed.

Attributes: Business Common Body Knowledge

FIN 3140 - Insurance

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Survey of the nature of risk, insurance contracts, property and casualty coverages, life and health insurance, insurance carriers and markets, governmental regulations; functions of underwriting, sales, rate-making and financial operation of carriers; risk exposure, loss prevention, combating of risks and insurance administration.

Prerequisite(s): FIN 3330* and FIN 3630*

* Concurrent enrollment allowed.

Attributes: Finance Major Standard Elec

FIN 3330 - Fixed Income Securities and Markets

Credit(s): 3 Credits

The course examines the characteristics of various fixed income instruments, the factors that influence their value and the markets that they trade in. Securities studied include, but are not limited to, municipal, treasury, corporate, convertible and mortgage-backed bonds. The role of financial institutions in the fixed income markets is also covered.

Prerequisite(s): FIN 3010

Attributes: Finance Major Requirement, Finance Minor Requirement

FIN 3630 - Equity Securities and Markets

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Principles of investing in equity securities; types of investments; analysis of securities’ markets and the mechanics of trading; principles of diversification and portfolio analysis; and security analysis and equity valuation, including economy, industry and company analysis.

Prerequisite(s): FIN 3010

Attributes: Finance Major Requirement, Finance Minor Requirement

FIN 3930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

FIN 3980 - Independent Study

Credit(s): 1 or 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Permission of the department chair.

FIN 4130 - Real Estate

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Study of real estate concepts, practices, institutions; specific attention given to legal aspects, appraisal, market analysis, mortgage financing, realty investment, government influences and programs, housing and urban problems.

Prerequisite(s): FIN 3010

Attributes: Finance Major Standard Elec, Finance Major Real Estate Req, Entreprnrshp Major Breadth Req

FIN 4160 - Commercial Real Estate

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course is a study of risks and returns associated with financing and investing in commercial real estate. Topics include real estate markets, income producing real estate valuation and financing, financing corporate real estate, investment analysis of real estate development projects and alternative real estate investments.

Prerequisite(s): FIN 3010

Attributes: Finance Major Standard Elec, Finance Major Real Estate Req

FIN 4170 - Cases in Commercial Real Estate

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course builds on the conceptual commercial real estate knowledge and applies it to real-life situations through the use of cases. Decision situations involve purchase, development or corporate real estate transactions across major property types (multi-family residential, office, retail, and industrial) as well as indirect and institutional real estate investments.

Prerequisite(s): FIN 4160

FIN 4230 - Financial Management

Credit(s): 3 Credits

The study of principles of corporate finance and application of those principles to a variety of financial management problems; applications include capital budgeting, working capital management, capital acquisition and other aspects of financial management.

Prerequisite(s): FIN 3330; FIN 3630

Attributes: Finance Major Requirement, Finance Minor Requirement

FIN 4250 - International Financial Management

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Study of international finance with emphasis in international management for the firm, international financial institutions and markets, international finance systems and foreign investments and securities.

Prerequisite(s): (FIN 3330* and FIN 3630)

* Concurrent enrollment allowed.

Attributes: Finance Major Standard Elec, Int Bus Major Breadth Elective

FIN 4330 - Financial Modeling and Analysis

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course is an applied, project-oriented course with emphasis on building financial models to solve real-world problems. Students will develop a solid understanding of financial analysis with applications of financial management and investment concepts through Excel and data visualization skills. They will also gain experience in statistical inference in finance, time series modeling and event study analysis while working with financial data. Topics include: time value of money and DCF modeling, asset valuation, equity analysis, risk and return, portfolio optimization, lease and buy decision, capital budgeting and financial planning etc.

Prerequisite(s): FIN 3010

Attributes: Finance Major Standard Elec

FIN 4440 - Personal Financial Planning

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course is designed for students who are targeting careers in financial planning and wealth management. We will study the financial planning process: determining a client's financial objectives, considering alternative methods for meeting those objectives, selecting the method best suited for a client's circumstances, implementing and periodically assessing/revising the plan. Particular focus will be on retirement planning and 'big picture' issues in investing in equities, bonds and alternative investments.

Prerequisite(s): FIN 3330; FIN 3630

Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Finance.
Enrollment is limited to students with a minor in Finance.

Attributes: Finance Major Standard Elec

FIN 4630 - Applied Portfolio Management

Credit(s): 3 Credits

The objective of this course is to provide students with hands-on experience in evaluating common stocks as investments and in the fiduciary management of investment assets. Students will manage an allocation from SLU’s endowment funds. Students will be responsible for recommending a portfolio of common stocks, sales of existing portfolio assets and recommending replacement assets. While the performance of the portfolio will be a primary focus of the course, and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, it is not presumed that the students will be able to beat the market on a consistent basis. Rather, the goal will be to deliver high quality practical education in an area of considerable interest to students and employers alike. In addition, the course will cover advanced topics in investments beyond those offered in FIN 3630. Admitted by application only.

Prerequisite(s): FIN 3330; FIN 3630

Attributes: Finance Major Standard Elec, Finance Major Fin Analysis Req

FIN 4650 - Derivative Securities and Markets

Credit(s): 3 Credits

The course examines the various types of derivative securities that exist, their uses in investment and risk management, the market in which they are traded and the arbitrage models used to estimate their market values.

Prerequisite(s): FIN 3010; FIN 3330; FIN 3630

Attributes: Finance Major Requirement, Finance Minor Requirement

FIN 4910 - Finance Internship

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

This course can only be used as general elective credit. Participants will have the opportunity to develop new skills through experiential learning under the direction of a skilled practitioner. The arrangements for the working relationship must be established prior to the assignment.

Prerequisite(s): FIN 3330, FIN 3630, and BIZ 3000

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.

Attributes: UUC:Reflection-in-Action

FIN 4911 - Financial Analysis Track Internship

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course can only be used as general elective credit. The study of topics related to the Financial Analysis concentration in conjunction with a concurrent internship experience in the same field. The objective of the course is to exploit the connection between theory and practice and will be reflected in the scholarly work required to earn credit. Additional prerequisite requirements for the course at least six hours is the advanced (3000) level.

Prerequisite(s): FIN 3330 with a grade of B- or higher; Minimum Earned Credits of 60; FIN 3630 with a grade of B- or higher

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.

Attributes: UUC:Reflection-in-Action

FIN 4930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Attributes: Finance Major Standard Elec

FIN 4980 - Independent Study

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Permission of the department chair.

FIN 5910 - Finance Internship

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Applied Financial Economics.

Enrollment limited to students in the MS Applied Financial Economics program.

FIN 5930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

FIN 5980 - Graduate Reading Course

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits

FIN 6000 - Finance for Managers

Credit(s): 3 Credits

The course examines the financial concepts that are relevant to the function of a manager serving in a non-financial capacity. Topics include financial analysis, the time value of money, valuation of securities, and capital budgeting, as well as the study of financial institutions and the capital markets. This course serves as a prerequisite for FIN 609 and FIN 610 only. Credit is not available for students in the MACC or MS-AFE programs.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 5010 and ECON 5010

Attributes: MBA Breadth

FIN 6090 - Real Estate Finance

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Lecture and discussion series focusing on real estate concepts, practices, and institutions. Specific attention is given to legal aspects of real estate ownership, appraisal, market analysis, mortgage financing, analysis of complex real estate projects and the financing and securitization thereof. Competence in financial evaluation techniques to include net present value and internal rate of return is assumed.

FIN 6150 - Finance Theory and Application

Credit(s): 3 Credits

The course covers the theory of finance and applications to corporate policy and empirical studies. Topics include valuation methods for primary and derivative securities, basic and advanced capital budgeting techniques, portfolio theory, asset pricing, capital acquisition and risk management. Required for all MS-AFE students and for part time MBA students who seek to earn a concentration in finance.

Prerequisite(s): ((ACCT 5010 and ECON 5010) or (HMP 5030 and HMP 5700))

Attributes: MBA Finance Conc, MPH-Health Management & Policy

FIN 6160 - Equity Securities and Markets

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Study of equity securities and the markets in which they trade. Basics of equity valuation and market efficiency; analysis of equity trading strategies, with an emphasis on what current finance research says about the likely success of these strategies.

Prerequisite(s): (FIN 6000 or FIN 6150)

Attributes: Applied Fin Econ Elective, MBA Finance Conc

FIN 6210 - Fixed Income Securities and Markets

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Study of various fixed income securities and markets, including Treasuries, municipal securities, commercial papers, medium term notes, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities and interest rate derivatives. Focus on developing analytical and quantitative skills for valuation of fixed income securities and management of fixed income portfolios.

Prerequisite(s): (FIN 6150 or FIN 6000)

Attributes: Applied Fin Econ Elective, MBA Finance Conc

FIN 6360 - Private Equity and Venture Capital

Credit(s): 3 Credits

The Private Equity/Venture Capital (PE/VC) course explores the forms and methods of equity investment in new and growing businesses. Private equity represents conventional investments, typically in established and growing businesses across a wide range of industries. Venture capital involves high-risk, high-potential-return investments, typically in technology based firms. Topics include the equity investment process, investment vehicles including conventional equity investment and venture capital, the creation of private placement memos, the evaluation of equity investment opportunities, and the structuring of investment groups and deal structure and negotiation.

Prerequisite(s): (FIN 6150 or FIN 6000)

FIN 6380 - Derivative Securities and Markets

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course shows how financial managers can use capital markets technology to create value. It explores how derivatives can be used to manage financial risks and position firms to exploit strategic opportunities, reduce financing costs, and structure incentives. Students learn the mechanics of options, forwards, futures, and swaps, and then study uses of these instruments through a series of case studies.

Prerequisite(s): (FIN 6000 or FIN 6150)

Attributes: Applied Fin Econ Elective

FIN 6430 - Real Estate Analysis

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Study of real estate concepts, practices, institutions; specific attention given to legal aspects, appraisal, market analysis, mortgage financing, realty investment, property development and marketing, government influences and programs, housing and urban problems.

Prerequisite(s): (FIN 6000 or FIN 6460*)

* Concurrent enrollment allowed.

FIN 6460 - Commercial Real Estate Decision Making

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course is a study of risks and returns associated with financing and investing in commercial real estate. Topics include real estate markets, income producing real estate valuation and financing, financing corporate real estate, investment analysis of real estate development projects, financing land development, secondary mortgage market instruments, and Real Estate Investment Trusts.

Prerequisite(s): (FIN 6000 or FIN 6460*)

* Concurrent enrollment allowed.

FIN 6530 - Financial Modeling and Analysis

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course is an applied, project-oriented course with emphasis on building financial models to solve real-world problems. Students will develop a solid understanding of financial analysis with applications of financial management and investments concepts through Excel and data visualization skills. They will also gain experience in statistical inference in finance, time series modeling and event study analysis while working with financial data. Topics include: time value of money and DCF modeling, asset valuation, equity analysis, risk and return, portfolio optimization, lease and buy decision, capital budgeting and financial planning.

Prerequisite(s): FIN 6000

FIN 6540 - Financial Planning

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course is designed for students who are targeting careers in financial planning and wealth management. We will study the financial planning process: determining a client's financial objectives, considering alternative methods for meeting those objectives, selecting the method best suited for a client's circumstances, implementing and periodically assessing/revising the plan. Particular focus will be on retirement planning and 'big picture' issues in investing in equities, bonds and alternative investments.

Prerequisite(s): FIN 6000

FIN 6560 - Risk Management with Insurance

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course is a study into the concepts of Risk Management and Insurance to include topics covering; legal principles, property and liability insurance, life and health insurance, social insurance, functional operations of insurers, insurance regulation, current insurance industry issues, and financial planning. The objective of this course is to introduce and acquaint students with these topics. A wide variety of financial products are discussed in detail to include discussions of the use of these products from both a business and personal perspective.

Prerequisite(s): FIN 6000

FIN 6810 - Blockchain and Business Disruption

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Blockchain a transformative technology in finance and other businesses, including banking, payments, financing, securities exchanges, real estate, insurance, supply chains, healthcare, media, and other industries. This course provides an introduction to blockchain technology and its disruptive roles in business. Students will have hands-on and problem solving experiences that can be useful in blockchain applications and innovation. Topics may include but are not limited to: fundamentals of blockchain technology, applications and use cases of blockchain technologies in different industries, implications of blockchain on business practice and regulation, blockchain and cryptocurrencies, initial coin offerings, decentralized financing, blockchain platforms (Ethereum, Hyperledger, Quorum,

FIN 6930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

FIN 6980 - Independent Study

Credit(s): 1 or 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)