Finance (B.B.A.)
At-a-Glance

The Finance major within the B.B.A. degree program prepares students with a broad foundation of business knowledge and management skills, and proficiency in finance for professional careers in the financial departments of industrial, commercial, and financial institutions, investment firms, real estate firms, insurance companies, and government and public agencies.

The Finance major curriculum introduces business students to theories, concepts, practices, and advances in financial analysis, ethical decision making, and financial management. Topics covered include risk estimation and solutions; efficient management of funds, selection of alternative sources of financing, the financial adaptation of the firm and the individual investor to a dynamic economic and political environment, the fundamental and technical valuation of various types of assets, and the determination of appropriate investment policies for the firm and the individual within the U.S. as well as the international environment.

Admission to Major:

• Completion of all College of Business Administration lower-division requirements.
• Submit an official Declaration of Major in the Monte Ahuja College of Business Advising Center, Ahuja Hall, BU 219.

Faculty: The finance faculty is recognized nationally and internationally for its expertise and scholarship in investments, banking, risk analysis, international finance, and real estate investment.

Specialization: Students may choose from four areas of specialization:

• Investment Management
• Management of Financial Institutions
• Real Estate
• Financial Management

Advising: Declared Finance majors are assigned a faculty adviser; call 216-687-4716 for information.

Student organizations: Student Chapter, Financial Management Association (FMA); telephone: 216-687-3939.

Internships: Finance majors are encouraged to gain practical experience in finance by doing professional internships with area firms. Internships may be done for credit. For more information, contact the Finance Department (216-687-4716) or the College of Business Career Services Office in BU 212 (216-687-3836).

Financial Assistance: Scholarships, grants, loans, work-study, and part-time employment are available to help students pay for college costs. For information, please contact Campus411 at 216-687-5411 or visit their website at http://www.csuohio.edu/enrollmentservices/campus411/  

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Major-Field Requirements

For students who are newly-admitted to CSU for Fall 2009, the requirements for a major in Finance are as follows:  complete 28 credits of finance courses beyond FIN 351, an advanced course in accounting, and one 3- or 4-credit course from a selected list of courses in finance, economics, or accounting. Please consult with a business adviser for specific recommended courses. Students admitted to CSU prior to Fall 2009 should consult the catalog or see a business adviser for catalog rights. The Finance major must earn at least a grade of C or better in FIN 351 Introduction to Financial Management and in the two required core courses in the major (FIN 353 Introduction to Investments and FIN 360 Financial Markets and Institutions). The Finance major must also earn a C or better in a minimum of 20 additional credit hours of 400-level finance elective courses.

Recommended Program:

*Core courses in the B.B.A. curriculum must be completed prior to registering for MLR 465, the capstone course.

Courses designated with a (w) are writing courses required for university graduation. Three writing courses are required.

Finance Major Core Courses and Electives

FIN 351 Introduction to Financial Management (4-0-4). BBA core.
FIN 353 Introduction to Investments (4-0-4). Prerequisite: FIN 351. Major core.
FIN 360 Financial Markets and Institutions (4-0-4). Prerequisite: FIN 351. Major core.
FIN 454 Advanced Investments (4-0-4). Prerequisite: FIN 353.
FIN 461 Bank Management (4-0-4). Prerequisite: FIN 351.
FIN 465 International Finance and Investment (4-0-4). Prerequisite: FIN 351.
FIN 470 Introduction to Risk and Insurance (4-0-4). Prerequisite: FIN 351.
FIN 471 Life and Health Insurance (4-0-4). Prerequisite: FIN 470.
FIN 473 CFA Level I Review (2 to 4 credits). Prerequisite: FIN 353 and instructor permission.
FIN 477 Real Estate Finance (4-0-4). Prerequisite: FIN 351.
FIN 479 Real Estate Investment (4-0-4). Prerequisite: FIN 351.
FIN 480 Case Problems in Finance (4-0-4). Prerequisite: FIN 351.
FIN 484 Capital Budgeting Decisions (4-0-4). Prerequisite: FIN 351.
FIN 490 Professional Internship (1 to 4 credits). Prerequisites: FIN 351, junior standing, permission of chairperson.
FIN 493 Special Topics in Finance (4-0-4). Prerequisite: FIN 351.

Special Topics: Practicum in Investment and Portfolio Management (1-4 cr). Prerequisite: FIN 353 or permission of the instructor.

FIN 496 Independent Study (1 to 4 credits). Prerequisites: FIN 351, senior standing, approval of sponsoring faculty and department chair.

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Finance Minor

A minor in Finance can provide business or non-business students with specialized knowledge about finance and a valuable credential in applying for or advancing in certain careers.

The program of courses for the Finance minor is as follows:

Required Core (11 credits):

ACT 222 Introductory Accounting II *
FIN 351 Introduction to Financial Management *
FIN 353 Introduction to Investments

Electives (8 credits)

FIN 360 Financial Markets and Institutions
FIN 454 Advanced Investments
FIN 461 Bank Management
FIN 465 International Finance and Investment
FIN 470 Introduction to Risk and Insurance
FIN 471 Life and Health Insurance
FIN 473 CFA Level I Review (2 to 4 credits). Prerequisite: FIN 353 and instructor permission.
FIN 477 Real Estate Finance
FIN 479 Real Estate Investment
FIN 480 Case Problems in Finance
FIN 484 Capital Budgeting Decisions

* ACT 222 and FIN 351 have prerequisites; please check the online catalog: www.csuohio.edu/undergradcatalog/

**Note: the newer course numbers were effective as of Spring 2007.

The Finance minor is available to students enrolled in the Monte Ahuja College of Business or in other colleges of the university. For more information on the 19-credit Finance minor, please call the Finance Department at 216-687-4716.

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