Department of Finance and Economics
Office: 312 McCool Hall
Business Economics Major (ECO)
Economics is the scientific study of how people and institutions make choices concerning the use of society’s scarce resources. Applied to business, economics is primarily concerned with the decision-making of households and firms within a market context. The importance of economic analysis is recognized by it being the only social science in which a Nobel Prize is awarded. The B.B.A. in economics provides the analytical skills and empirical background needed to understand the dynamic problems facing businesses in the ever-changing economic environment. Career opportunities available to an economics graduate include management, research, and instructional positions with corporations, banks, economic development agencies, trade organizations, governments, and educational institutions.
An economics major or minor also helps prepare the student for graduate professional training in business, public administration, and law. The flexibility of the economics major is reflected in relatively high starting salaries and lifetime earnings of economists. Undergraduates at Mississippi State University may pursue an economics major through either the College of Business (B.B.A degree) as described here or through the College of Arts and Sciences (B.A. degree) as described previously in this bulletin.
Students seeking the B.B.A. with a major in economics are required to complete all College of Business and university common core requirements. Majors are required to take MA 1613 Calculus for Business and Life Sciences I. Elective courses should be chosen with the advisor’s approval and used to enhance the student’s overall program. Only grades of C or higher will be accepted for EC courses that are counted toward the major.
The economics faculty offers a minor in economics through the College of Arts and Sciences. This minor is open to any student regardless of major or college of enrollment. A minor in economics is attained by selecting, in consultation with the economics minor advisor, at least 15 hours of economics course work. Three hours of courses from finance (FIN) or agricultural economics (AEC) may be applied to the economics minor with approval from the advisor. All economics minors must register with the economics minor advisor in the Department of Finance and Economics, 312 McCool Hall. Students with majors in business, engineering, agriculture, the social sciences, mathematics, and pre-law are especially encouraged to consider the economics minor.
Academic advising and career counseling are available from the economics faculty for both majors and minors. Students interested in the study of economics should contact the Department of Finance and Economics, 312 McCool Hall. Any student who completes 12 credit hours of economics with at least a 3.0 GPA and has an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher is eligible for membership in Omicron Delta Epsilon, the international honor society in economics.
Finance Major (FINA)
Finance plays a central role in the operation of the economy and is crucial to an organized society’s resource allocation system. Individuals often come in contact with financial instruments (money, stocks, bonds, etc.) and financial institutions (banks, thrifts, insurance companies, etc.); thus, they need to understand the role of the financial system in managing their lifetime financial portfolio. Finance majors acquire the knowledge and skills to help individuals and companies make decisions regarding allocation of scarce resources through analyzing accounting data, utilizing economic concepts, and applying statistical tools in the valuation of financial and real assets.
The Finance major requires 124 credit hours and leads to a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree. For specialization, students may choose from a list of electives based on their interests and career preparation needs. In order to maximize the benefits of their degree, students are strongly encouraged to work closely with a faculty advisor in securing an internship and developing their personal program of study.
The career opportunities for Finance majors are varied and challenging. Graduates pursue careers in corporate financial management, commercial banking, real estate investment, mortgage lending, investment banking, financial planning, and wealth management. In addition, an optional concentration in Risk Management and Insurance is also available.
Finance minors and double majors are available for both business and non-business majors. For specifics, see the Programs of Study tab and the Minors tab.
Risk Management and Insurance Concentration
The concentration in Risk Management and Insurance option leads to a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree with a major in Finance (FINA) and a Concentration in Risk Management and Insurance (RMI). The program offers a broad study of subjects related to the fields of Risk Management and Insurance with an emphasis on the professional educational requirements in the Insurance industry.
Students enrolled in the concentration must complete an Introductory course in Insurance as well as advanced courses in Life and Health Insurance, Property and Casualty Insurance, and Enterprise Risk Management.
Business Economics Major (ECO)
General Education Requirements
| English Composition | ||
| EN 1103 | English Composition I | 3-4 |
| or EN 1104 | Expanded English Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Mathematics | ||
| MA 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MA 1613 | Calculus for Business and Life Sciences I | 3 |
| or MA 1713 | Calculus I | |
| BQA 2113 | Business Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| or MA 2113 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| or ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| Science | ||
| 2 Lab Sciences from General Education courses | 6 | |
| Humanities | ||
| See General Education courses | 6 | |
| Fine Arts | ||
| See General Education courses | 3 | |
| Social/Behavioral Sciences | ||
| PS 1113 | American Government | 3 |
| See General Educ courses excluding: AEC and EC | 3 | |
| College Core | ||
| BQA 3123 | Business Statistical Methods II | 3 |
| ACC 2013 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 3 |
| ACC 2023 | Principles of Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| EC 2113 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| EC 2123 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| BL 2413 | The Legal Environment of Business | 3 |
| BIS 3233 | Management Information Systems | 3 |
| FIN 3123 | Financial Management | 3 |
| MKT 3013 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| MGT 3113 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| BUS 4853 | Strategic Management | 3 |
| Oral Communication Requirement | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| or CO 1013 | Introduction to Communication | |
| Computer Literacy Requirement | ||
| BIS 1012 | Introduction to Business Information Systems | 2-3 |
| or TECH 1273 | Computer Applications | |
| Writing Requirement | ||
| MGT 3213 | Organizational Communications | 3 |
| Major Core | ||
| International Elective | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Comparative Economic Policy | ||
| International Economic Development | ||
| International Economics | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| EC 3113 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 3 |
| EC 3123 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 3 |
| EC 4643 | Introduction to Econometrics | 3 |
| Upper Division EC electives | ||
| See advisor for options | 9 | |
| Free electives | ||
| See advisor for options | 22 | |
| Total Hours | 123 | |
Finance Major (FINA)
Finance minors and double majors are available for both business and non-business majors. For specifics, see below.
General Education Requirements
| English Composition | ||
| EN 1103 | English Composition I | 3-4 |
| or EN 1104 | Expanded English Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Mathematics | ||
| MA 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MA 1613 | Calculus for Business and Life Sciences I | 3 |
| or MA 1713 | Calculus I | |
| BQA 2113 | Business Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| or MA 2113 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| or ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| Science | ||
| 2 Lab Sciences from General Education courses | 6 | |
| Humanities | ||
| See General Education courses | 6 | |
| Fine Arts | ||
| See General Education courses | 3 | |
| Social/Behavioral Sciences | ||
| PS 1113 | American Government | 3 |
| Choose from General Education courses excluding: AEC and EC | 3 | |
| College Core | ||
| BQA 3123 | Business Statistical Methods II | 3 |
| ACC 2013 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 3 |
| ACC 2023 | Principles of Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| EC 2113 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| EC 2123 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| BL 2413 | The Legal Environment of Business | 3 |
| BIS 3233 | Management Information Systems | 3 |
| FIN 3123 | Financial Management | 3 |
| MKT 3013 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| MGT 3113 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| BUS 4853 | Strategic Management | 3 |
| Oral Communication Requirement | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| or CO 1013 | Introduction to Communication | |
| Computer Literacy Requirement | ||
| BIS 1012 | Introduction to Business Information Systems | 2-3 |
| or TECH 1273 | Computer Applications | |
| Writing Requirement | ||
| MGT 3213 | Organizational Communications | 3 |
| Major Core | ||
| FIN 3723 | Financial Markets and Institutions | 3 |
| FIN 4223 | Intermediate Financial Management | 3 |
| FIN 4423 | Investments | 3 |
| Accounting Elective | Choose one of the following: | 3 |
| Cost Accounting | ||
| Intermediate Accounting I | ||
| Financial Statement Analysis | ||
| Senior Capstone Requirement (select at least one): | 3 | |
| Senior Seminar in Financial Management | ||
| Senior Seminar in Portfolio Management | ||
| Finance (FIN) or Real Estate Finance (REF) electives at the 3000-level or above | 12 | |
| Free electives | 16 | |
Risk Management and Insurance concentration (replace 27-hour FIN Major Core above with the following) | ||
| FIN 3723 | Financial Markets and Institutions | 3 |
| FIN 4223 | Intermediate Financial Management | 3 |
| FIN 4423 | Investments | 3 |
| Accounting Elective | Choose one of the following: | 3 |
| Cost Accounting | ||
| Intermediate Accounting I | ||
| Financial Statement Analysis | ||
| INS 3103 | Principles of Insurance | 3 |
| INS 3203 | Property and Casualty Insurance | 3 |
| INS 3303 | Life and Health Insurance | 3 |
| Finance (FIN) or Real Estate Finance (REF) electives at the 3000-level or above | 3 | |
| Free electives | 16 | |
| Total Hours | 123 | |
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These courses are to be selected in consultation with your finance advisor. They may be taken along with Junior-Senior core courses. Of the three courses required, at least two should be Finance (FIN) or Real Estate Finance (REF) electives at the 3000 level or above.
Double Major. Students with another B.B.A Major2 who desire a Double Major in Finance must take the following 18 hours beyond the 124 hours required for the first major. For additional depth, they may choose from the listed optional courses.
| Required Courses for Double Major | ||
| FIN 3723 | Financial Markets and Institutions | 3 |
| FIN 4423 | Investments | 3 |
| FIN 4223 | Intermediate Financial Management | 3 |
| FIN 4923 | International Financial Management | 3 |
| FIN 4723 | Bank Management | 3 |
| FIN 4243 | Senior Seminar in Financial Management | 3 |
| Optional Finance Courses | ||
| FIN 3203 | Financial Statement Analysis | 3 |
| FIN 4233 | Working Capital Management | 3 |
| FIN 4433 | Senior Seminar in Portfolio Management | 3 |
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Non-Business School Majors wishing to pursue a second degree in a Business Administration field, please consult the MSU Bulletin or the COB Advisement Center.
Finance Minor
Students with a Business School Major who desire to Minor in Finance are required to take:
| FIN 3723 | Financial Markets and Institutions | 3 |
| FIN 4223 | Intermediate Financial Management | 3 |
| FIN 4423 | Investments | 3 |
Students with a Non-business School Major who desire to Minor in Finance are required to take:
| FIN 3123 | Financial Management | 3 |
| FIN 3723 | Financial Markets and Institutions | 3 |
| FIN 4423 | Investments | 3 |
| FIN 4223 | Intermediate Financial Management | 3 |
| FIN 4923 | International Financial Management | 3 |
| Finance (FIN) or Real Estate Finance (REF) elective at the 3000-level or above | 3 | |
Insurance Minor
The College of Business offers a minor in Insurance to help students prepare for careers in the insurance industry. This minor provides students with the expertise to pursue insurance related careers such as insurance underwriter, sales/agency management, claims adjustor, financial planner and actuary. The insurance minor enhances many existing business majors including business administration, business information systems, management, and marketing. The minor also complements many non-business majors such as mathematics, statistics, communication, and psychology.
The minor is comprised of 15 hours listed below:
| INS 3103 | Principles of Insurance | 3 |
| INS 3203 | Property and Casualty Insurance | 3 |
| INS 3303 | Life and Health Insurance | 3 |
| INS 4503 | Enterprise Risk Management | 3 |
| INS 3403 | Financial Planning | 3 |
| or INS 3503 | Employee Benefits | |
Students interested in the Insurance Minor should contact the Department of Finance & Economics, 312 McCool Hall.
Economics Minor
The economics faculty offers a minor in economics through the College of Arts and Sciences. This minor is open to any student regardless of major or college of enrollment. A minor in economics is attained by selecting, in consultation with the economics minor advisor, at least 15 hours of economics course work. Three hours of courses from finance (FIN) or agricultural economics (AEC) may be applied to the economics minor with approval from the advisor. All economics minors must register with the economics minor advisor in the Department of Finance and Economics, 312 McCool Hall. Students with majors in business, engineering, agriculture, the social sciences, mathematics, and pre-law are especially encouraged to consider the economics minor.
Economics Courses
EC 1001 First Year Seminar: 1 hour.
One hour lecture. First-year seminars explore a diverse arrary of topics that provide students with an opportunity to learn about a specific discipline from skilled faculty members
EC 1033 Economics of Social Issues: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Basic economic principles introduced and developed through the study of important social issues such as unemployment, health care, poverty, crime, pollution, inflation, and government debt. (Not open to students with prior credit in Principles of Economics)
EC 2113 Principles of Macroeconomics: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Introduction to macroeconomics: free enterprise principles, policies, institutions; national income, employment, output, inflation, money, credit, business cycles, and government finances
EC 2123 Principles of Microeconomics: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Introduction to microeconomics: emphasizes American industrial structure, demand and supply, pricing and output, income distribution, factor pricing, international trade
EC 2990 Special Topics in Economics: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
EC 3113 Intermediate Macroeconomics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: EC 2113 and EC 2123). Measurement and determination of national income, employment, and output; economic significance of consumption, saving, investment, foreign trade, money and prices, fiscal and monetary policy
EC 3123 Intermediate Microeconomics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: EC 2113 and EC 2123). Theory and application of microeconomics; demand, supply, optimal consumer choice, production, cost, profit-maximizing pricing and output decisions, employment of resources, externalities, efficiency and welfare
EC 3333 Managerial Economics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: EC 2113 and EC 2123). Three hours lecture. The application and use of economic models in analyzing and solving selected problems of the firm such as product pricing, product mix, demand forecasting, market analysis
EC 3423 Economics of Regulation and Antitrust: 3 hours.
(Perquisites: EC 2113 and EC 2123). Three hours lecture. Examination of the evolution and composition of the economic relationship between government and business in the U.S., focusing on regulation and antitrust
EC 3513 Comparative Economic Policy: 3 hours.
(Perquisites: EC 2113 and EC 2123 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Comparative analysis of major government policies, economic structure, institutions around the world, emphasis on the organization o production and distribution of good and resources
EC 4000 Directed Individual Study in Economics: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
EC 4043 Survey of Economics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Senior or Graduate standing). Three hours lecture. Introduction to macro and microeconomics, national income accounts, monetary system, macroeconomic policy, international trade, supply and demand, distribution of income, markets, pricing,and output. (Not open to BACC or BBA Business majors )
EC 4183 U.S. Economic History: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Completion of any 1000-level history course). Three hours lecture. An intensive study of economic change in the United States and its impact on political and social development. (Same as HI 4183/6183)
EC 4213 Personnel Economics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: EC 2113 and EC 2123). Three hours lecture. Economic analysis of human resource issues within business organizations. Theoretical examination of hiring standards, productivity, compensation schemes, training, teamwork, incentives, benefits, worker empowerment, and evaluation
EC 4223 Labor Law and Employment Policy: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: Three hours credit of economics or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Examination of the legal and regulatory environment of the employment relation- ship in today's American economy; including, unionization, equal employment opportunity, occupational health and safety
EC 4233 Labor Economics: 3 hours.
(Perquisites: EC 2113, EC 2123, and EC 3123). Three hours lecture. Labor Market behavior of households and firms. Emphasizes wage determination, optimal employment decision, income distributions, unionization, human capital, and discrimination
EC 4303 International Economic Development: 3 hours.
(Perquisites: EC 2113 and EC 2123). Three hours lecture. An analysis of problems facing developing economies and polices designed to promote economic growth with an emphasis on income distribution, trade, agriculture, industry, and technology
EC 4323 International Economics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: EC 2113 and EC 2123).Three hours lecture. The nature of international trade.International theory. Economic analysis of the movement of goods,resources, and financial assets across national borders
EC 4423 Public Finance: 3 hours.
(Perquisites: EC 2113,EC 2123 and EC 3123). Three hours lecture. Economics of the public sector. Analysis of government’s influence on distribution, allocation, and stabilization functions. Emphasis on public goods, externalities, social insurance, and taxation
EC 4433 State and Local Finance: 3 hours.
(Perquisites: EC 2113 and EC 2123). Three hours lecture. Fiscal and economic effects of state and local budgets; alternative tax and expenditure models; fiscal administration and budgeting with emphasis on local economic development
EC 4443 Economics of Education: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: EC 2123 or instructor consent). Three hours lecture. Examines provision of education using economic theory. Topics include research methods, education production functions, school finance, labor market outcomes, economic growth, teacher quality, school accountability, equity, and access to higher education
EC 4523 History of Economic Thought: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: EC 2113 and EC 2123 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Survey of economic ideas from Ancient Greece to present, emphasizing the changing foci and methodologies of economics relative to economic problems perceived at the time
EC 4643 Introduction to Econometrics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: EC 2113,EC 2123, and BQA 2113 (or equivalent) or consent of the instructor). Three hours lecture. Estimation and inference in linear regression models, interpretation and prediction using regression output. Students will use statistical software to estimate models and address common problems including heteroskedasticity and endogeneity
EC 4713 Industrial Organization: 3 hours.
(Perquisites: EC 2113,EC 2123 and EC 3123). Three hours lecture. Behavior of firms in imperfectly competitive market. Analysis of market structure, strategic interaction, price and non-price competition with emphasis on the implication for public policy
EC 4990 Special Topics in Economics: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
EC 6183 U.S. Economic History: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Completion of any 1000-level history course). Three hours lecture. An intensive study of economic change in the United States and its impact on political and social development. (Same as HI 4183/6183)
EC 6213 Personnel Economics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: EC 2113 and EC 2123). Three hours lecture. Economic analysis of human resource issues within business organizations. Theoretical examination of hiring standards, productivity, compensation schemes, training, teamwork, incentives, benefits, worker empowerment, and evaluation
EC 6223 Labor Law and Employment Policy: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: Three hours credit of economics or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Examination of the legal and regulatory environment of the employment relation- ship in today's American economy; including, unionization, equal employment opportunity, occupational health and safety
EC 6303 International Economic Development: 3 hours.
(Perquisites: EC 2113 and EC 2123). Three hours lecture. An analysis of problems facing developing economies and polices designed to promote economic growth with an emphasis on income distribution, trade, agriculture, industry, and technology
EC 6323 International Economics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: EC 2113 and EC 2123).Three hours lecture. The nature of international trade.International theory. Economic analysis of the movement of goods,resources, and financial assets across national borders
EC 6423 Public Finance: 3 hours.
(Perquisites: EC 2113,EC 2123 and EC 3123). Three hours lecture. Economics of the public sector. Analysis of government’s influence on distribution, allocation, and stabilization functions. Emphasis on public goods, externalities, social insurance, and taxation
EC 6433 State and Local Finance: 3 hours.
(Perquisites: EC 2113 and EC 2123). Three hours lecture. Fiscal and economic effects of state and local budgets; alternative tax and expenditure models; fiscal administration and budgeting with emphasis on local economic development
EC 6443 Economics of Education: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: EC 2123 or instructor consent). Three hours lecture. Examines provision of education using economic theory. Topics include research methods, education production functions, school finance, labor market outcomes, economic growth, teacher quality, school accountability, equity, and access to higher education
EC 6523 History of Economic Thought: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: EC 2113 and EC 2123 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Survey of economic ideas from Ancient Greece to present, emphasizing the changing foci and methodologies of economics relative to economic problems perceived at the time
EC 6990 Special Topics in Economics: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
EC 7000 Directed Individual Study in Economics: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
EC 8063 Foundations of Microeconomic Theory: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Graduate standing.) Three hours lecture. Exposition of the theoretical foundations to microeconomic theory: market process, price mechanism, exchange and production, cost and supply, non-market decision making, and the international economy
EC 8103 Economics for Managers: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: Graduate Standing and FIN 3123 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Primarily for masters level candidates. Exposition of the fundamental theoretical and analytical tools of economics used by business managers engaged in decision making
EC 8113 Labor Theory and Analysis: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: Graduate Standing). Three hours lecture. Theoretical and empirical examination of labor market processes and policy; Wage determination, resource allocation, labor mobility, human capital investment, discrimination and income distribution
EC 8123 Mathematics for Economists: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Graduate standing.) Three hours lecture. The course covers topics in linear algebra, logic and set theory, topology, real analysis, and optimization theory
EC 8133 Econometrics I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: AEC 8413 or consent of instructor). Econometric theory and methods. Topics include the classical linear regression model, maximum likelihood estimation, generalized least squares, and estimation with panel data. equations
EC 8143 Econometrics II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: EC 8133). A continuation of EC 8133. Topics include advanced theories of simultaneous equations estimation methods, time series econometrics, and estimation with qualitative and limited dependent variables
EC 8163 Microeconomics I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: EC 3123 or EC 8103 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Survey of demand analysis, production, cost, and supply relationships, analysis of pricing under competitive and noncompetitive conditions, analysis of income distribution with emphasis on input pricing
EC 8173 Macroeconomics I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: EC 3113, EC 3123, and one semester of calculus, or consent on instructor). Three hours lecture. Synthesis of short and long run analysis of the macroeconomy with special emphasis on the role of fiscal and monetary policy
EC 8263 Microeconomics II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: EC 8163 ). Three hours lecture. An exposition of general equilibrium theory, the theory of welfare economics and the economics of information
EC 8273 Macroeconomics II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: EC 8173 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Examination of the modern macroeconomic synthesis. Studies in dynamic economic growth, rational expectations, monetarism, disequilibrium analysis, and open market economies
EC 8313 Regional Economic Analysis: 3 hours.
(Prerequisities:EC 4313/6313 and EC 8133 or equivalent or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Theories and tools. Includes economic base, recursive and simultaneous equation econometric models, input-output analysis, and mixed models
EC 8403 Game Theory: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: AEC 8163 or EC 8163 or consent of instructor).Three hours lecture. An exploration of how agencies interact strategically. (Same as AEC 8403)
EC 8423 Public Finance: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Graduate standing). Three hours lecture. Foundations of public finance: the role of government, major government expenditures, optimal taxation, and applied research methods
EC 8473 Public Choice: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Graduate Standing). Three hours lecture. A survey of public choice, also known as political economy, rational choice theory, or the economics of politics. The goal is to provide students with a general framework within which public sector policies and decisions can be evaluated
EC 8643 Applied Economic Skills: Advanced Estimation and Diagnostics of Econometric Models: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: EC 8133 and EC 8143 or consent of the instructor). Advanced econometric tools, diagnostics, and estimation techniques with an emphasis on applied economic model building. Application of econometric theory to real- world problems and issues
EC 8653 Microeconometrics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Graduate standing.) Topics include discrete choice models, truncated and censored regression models, sample selection models, duration models, variance estimation, matching and propensity score methods, measurement error, and panel data models. The econometric concepts are illustrated using economic applications
EC 8990 Special Topics in Economics: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
EC 9000 Research in Economics: 1-13 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
Finance Courses
FIN 1001 First Year Seminar: 1 hour.
One hour lecture. First-year seminars explore a diverse arrary of topics that provide students with an opportunity to learn about a specific discipline from skilled faculty members
FIN 2003 Personal Money Management: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. The individuals acquisition and management of an optional personal income and expenditure pattern over a lifetime to best meet his/her financial objectives. ( Same as INS 2003. Not open to finance majors or as a part of GBA Finance Concentration)
FIN 2990 Special Topics in Finance: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
FIN 3113 Financial Systems: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: EC 2113, EC 2123, or AEC 2713 ). Three hours lecture. Study of interest rates, basic security valuation, money and capital markets
FIN 3123 Financial Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: EC 2123, ACC 2013, and BQA 2113 ). Three hours lecture. Study of objectives, tools, methods, and problems of financial management; financial analysis, planning, control, sources/uses of funds, capital budgeting decisions and working capital
FIN 3203 Financial Statement Analysis: 3 hours.
(Prerequisiste: ACC 2023). Three hours lecture. For non-accounting majors. A study of financial statements from an external users perspective;an analysis of statements for purposes of determining loan and investment potential. (Same as ACC 3203 )
FIN 3723 Financial Markets and Institutions: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in FIN 3123). Three hours lecture. Study of the functions of financial markets. Major topics include interest rates, their role in securities markets and financial institutions, and interest rate risk
FIN 4000 Directed Individual Study in Finance: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
FIN 4101 VentureCatalys Finance Internship I: 1 hour.
(Prerequisites: B or better in FIN 3123 and FIN 3203; consent of instructor). One credit hour. Support start-up teams in the Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach with the preparation of business plans, market analysis, and financial projections. Section open by invitation only after completing interview process
FIN 4111 TVA Panel I: 1 hour.
(Prerequisite: ACC 2013 or equivalent, junior/graduate standing, and consent of instructor). One hour lecture. Experience analyzing and selecting stocks for the Tennessee Valley Authority's asset decommissioning trust portfolio. Section open through invitation only. Course may be taken two times
FIN 4112 TVA Panel II: 2 hours.
(Prerequisites: FIN 4111/6111, junior/graduate standing, and consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Experience selecting and analyzing portfolio strategies for the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Investment Challenge. Section open through invitation only. Course may be taken two times
FIN 4123 Financial and Commodities Futures Marketing: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Three hours lecture. Discussion of the purpose, function mechanics, analysis and application of financial and commodity futures markets in pricing and hedging opportunities (Same as AEC 4123/6123)
FIN 4223 Intermediate Financial Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in FIN 3123). Three hours lecture. Building on foundational concepts, this course provides a more in-depth coverage of financial analysis, valuation principles, the financial environment, capital budgeting and capital structure
FIN 4233 Working Capital Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: FIN 3123.) Three hours lecture. Analysis of selected problems in the short-term financial management of the firm, including cash management, investment opportunities, financing requirements, budgeting and planning
FIN 4243 Senior Seminar in Financial Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in FIN 3723 and grade of C or better in FIN 4223). Three hours seminar. Comprehensive case study to bring out the problems involved in organizing, financing, and managing various types of business enterprises
FIN 4323 Entrepreneurial Finance: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FIN 3123 or IE 3913). Three hours lecture. Development, implementation, and control of financial plans, strategies, and policies by owner-managers of small and medium-sized firms; analysis of alternatives and decision making
FIN 4423 Investments: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in FIN 3123). Three hours lecture. Survey of various financial instruments and their characteristics, investor choice, and an introduction to the basics of security analysis, portfolio management, and speculative markets
FIN 4433 Senior Seminar in Portfolio Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: Grade of B or Better in FIN 3123 and Grade of B or Better in FIN 4423.) Three hours seminar. Analysis of individual investments, creation and management of investment portfolios to achieve specific investor goals, and evaluation of portfolio performance
FIN 4453 Financing the American Dream: 3 hours.
Explores differing views of the American Dream and collection of wealth in America. Further, the class studies how those who have collected wealth may use it to help others attain the American Dream
FIN 4723 Bank Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: FIN 3723). Three hours lecture. Study of banking environment, functional areas of banking, and tools and techniques required to effectively manage a bank in a highly competitive, dynamic environment
FIN 4733 Advanced Bank Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: FIN 4723 or FIN 3123 and Instructor Consent.) Three hours seminar. Applications of financial management techniques to bank management decisions through experiential learning opportunities. Computer-based analysis, simulations, and written and oral presentations
FIN 4743 Consumer Finance: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FIN 3123; prerequisite or co-requisite FIN 3723). Three hours lecture. Supply and demand for consumer credit products, their role in the lending landscape, economic impact of the consumer finance industry, its workings, and its regulation
FIN 4923 International Financial Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: FIN 3123 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. A study of the theory and actual behavior of international financial management,foreign financial markets, exchange rate risk management, and foreign direct investments
FIN 4990 Special Topics in Finance: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
FIN 6101 VentureCatalys Finance Internship I: 1 hour.
(Prerequisites: B or better in FIN 3123 and FIN 3203; consent of instructor). One credit hour. Support start-up teams in the Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach with the preparation of business plans, market analysis, and financial projections. Section open by invitation only after completing interview process
FIN 6111 TVA Panel I: 1 hour.
(Prerequisite: ACC 2013 or equivalent, junior/graduate standing, and consent of instructor). One hour lecture. Experience analyzing and selecting stocks for the Tennessee Valley Authority's asset decommissioning trust portfolio. Section open through invitation only. Course may be taken two times
FIN 6112 TVA Panel II: 2 hours.
(Prerequisites: FIN 4111/6111, junior/graduate standing, and consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Experience selecting and analyzing portfolio strategies for the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Investment Challenge. Section open through invitation only. Course may be taken two times
FIN 6123 Financial and Commodities Futures Marketing: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Three hours lecture. Discussion of the purpose, function mechanics, analysis and application of financial and commodity futures markets in pricing and hedging opportunities (Same as AEC 4123/6123)
FIN 6323 Entrepreneurial Finance: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FIN 3123 or IE 3913). Three hours lecture. Development, implementation, and control of financial plans, strategies, and policies by owner-managers of small and medium-sized firms; analysis of alternatives and decision making
FIN 6453 Financing the American Dream: 3 hours.
Explores differing views of the American Dream and collection of wealth in America. Further, the class studies how those who have collected wealth may use it to help others attain the American Dream
FIN 6743 Consumer Finance: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FIN 3123; prerequisite or co-requisite FIN 3723). Three hours lecture. Supply and demand for consumer credit products, their role in the lending landscape, economic impact of the consumer finance industry, its workings, and its regulation
FIN 6923 International Financial Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: FIN 3123 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. A study of the theory and actual behavior of international financial management,foreign financial markets, exchange rate risk management, and foreign direct investments
FIN 6990 Special Topics in Finance: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
FIN 7000 Directed Individual Study in Finance: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
FIN 8113 Corporate Finance: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Graduate Standing and Grade B or better in FIN 3123 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. An examination of the interaction between financial accounting, cash flow estimation, capital budgeting, risk and return, capital structure, and working capital management
FIN 8333 Investment Management: 3 hours.
The course covers the basic principles and practical applications of the investment process. It describes the investment environment, identifies the major participants in financial markets and explains how financial securities are traded. Additionally, methods to value financial assets, manage risk and evaluate performance will be discussed
FIN 8733 Financial Markets, Rates and Flows: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: FIN 8112 and FIN 8122 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. An analysis of money and capital market instruments; a study of interest rates and financial flows; the effect of public policy on credit conditions
FIN 8990 Special Topics in Finance: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
FIN 9000 Research in Finance: 1-13 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
FIN 9213 Advanced Financial Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: FIN 8113 or the equivalent). Three hours lecture. A study of the theory and application of valuation, risk return analysis, capital budgeting decisions, and capital structure. Analysis of how these decisions affect firm value
FIN 9223 Seminar in Corporate Financial Theory: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: FIN 8113 or the equivalent). Three hours seminar. Analyses of financial management cases involving working capital, financial analyses, valuation concepts, risk and return, capital budgeting, cost of capital, and financial planning
FIN 9233 Seminar in Corporate Finance: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: FIN 8113 or the equivalent.) Doctoral seminar. Analysis and discussion of the literature dealing with topics in corporate finance. Also, students prepare and present research projects
FIN 9423 Investment and Portfolio Theory: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: Fin 8113 or the equivalent). Three hours lecture. The application of contemporary investment theory for decision-making purposes in portfolio management, and the formulation of portfolio policies for different types of investors
FIN 9433 Seminar in Portfolio Theory: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: FIN 8423 or equivalent). Doctoral seminar. Analysis and discussion of the literature dealing with topics in portfolio theory and management. Also students prepare and present research projects. mean-variance concept, option pricing and arbitrage pricing
FIN 9733 Seminar in Financial Markets and Institutions: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: FIN 8733 or the equivalent.) Doctoral seminar. Analysis and discussion of the literature dealing with topics in financial markets and institutions. Students prepare and present research projects
Insurance & Risk Management Courses
INS 2003 Personal Money Management: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. The individual's acquisition and management of an optimal personal income and expenditure pattern over a lifetime to best meet his/her financial objectives. (Same as FIN 2003. Not open to finanace majors or as part of a GBA Finance Concentration.)
INS 2990 Special Topics in Insurance, Risk Management, and Financial Planning: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
INS 3103 Principles of Insurance: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Three hours lecture. A study of the principles and concepts of insurance plus a survey of personal coverages such as Homeowners, Automobile, Life and Health insurance
INS 3203 Property and Casualty Insurance: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. A study of the major issues in property and casualty insurance including property and liability coverages, company operations, rate making, and international concepts
INS 3303 Life and Health Insurance: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. The nature and function of life insurance; policy forms and provisions; reserves; company organization; legal aspects; taxation and practical application
INS 3403 Financial Planning: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: FIN 3123 ). Three hours lecture. A study dealing with the problems of the individual in the creating, conserving, and disposing of an estate through the use of property, securities, and insurance
INS 3503 Employee Benefits: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. A comprehensive study of employee benefit plans available to employers, including the principles and concepts necessary to design and implement successful employee benefit programs
INS 4000 Directed Individual Study in Risk Management and Insurance: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
INS 4503 Enterprise Risk Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: INS 3103 ). Three hours lecture. A study of the principles, concepts and techniques to manage pure risk exposures which organizations face while pursuing their objectives
INS 4990 Special Topics in Risk Management and Insurance: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
INS 6503 Enterprise Risk Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: INS 3103 ). Three hours lecture. A study of the principles, concepts and techniques to manage pure risk exposures which organizations face while pursuing their objectives
INS 6990 Special Topics in Risk Management and Insurance: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
INS 7000 Directed Individual Study in Insurance, Risk Management, and Financial Planning: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
INS 8113 Insurance Education: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor). Three hours lecture. Examination of insurance principles for high school teachers. Coverage will include a broad array of related topics to help prepare teachers for the classroom
INS 8990 Special Topics in Risk Management and Insurance: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
Real Estate Finance Courses
REF 2990 Special Topics in Real Estate Finance: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
REF 3333 Principles of Real Estate: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Three hours lecture. A survey of the activities involved in the acquisition, transfer, operation, and management of real estate
REF 3433 Real Property Evaluation: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: REF 3333). Three hours lecture. Methods, evaluation procedures, and techniques of appraising commercial and residential real property under various value-influencing conditions; case problems for appraisal
REF 4000 Directed Individual Study in Real Estate Finance: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged with Instructor
REF 4153 Real Estate Investments: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: FIN 3123). Three hours lecture. Direct investment in real estate. Sources of funds; risk analysis; typical policies and procedures of investing and financing investment real estate
REF 4253 Mortgage Financing: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: FIN 3123). Three hours lecture. Indirect investment in real estate. Institutional sources of funds, mortgage market mechanisms, mortgage derivatives, and mortgage underwriting
REF 4333 Real Estate Law: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: BL 2413 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. The legal principles applicable to real estate, including types of ownership and interests, mortgages, restrictions, and regulations. (Same as BL 4333/6333)
REF 4990 Special Topics in Real Estate Finance: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
REF 6333 Real Estate Law: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: BL 2413 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. The legal principles applicable to real estate, including types of ownership and interests, mortgages, restrictions, and regulations. (Same as BL 4333/6333)
REF 6990 Special Topics in Real Estate Finance: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
REF 7000 Directed Individual Study in Real Estate Finance: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged with Instructor