Department of Finance
Professors: Sanjiv Das (William and Janice Terry Professor), Hoje Jo (Gerald and Bonita A. Wilkinson Professor), Atulya Sarin, Hersh M. Shefrin (Mario L. Belotti Professor), Meir Statman (Glenn Klimek Professor)
Associate Professors: Ye Cai, George Chacko (Department Chair), Robert T. Hendershott, Carrie Pan
Assistant Professors: Seoyoung Kim, Samuel S. Lee
Professors of Practice: Donald Davis, Wendy Ku
Lecturer: Michael Dana
Finance is at the center of well-managed businesses, from high-technology companies to mutual fund companies. Development of knowledge and managerial skills in the corporate and investment settings are the major goals of the finance program. Graduates with a degree in finance pursue careers as corporate financial officers, traders, investment managers, financial analysts, financial planners, investment bankers, stockbrokers, regulators, and other specialties. Corporate finance officers manage the assets and value of corporations. They examine which new products and investments will be profitable, analyze the most cost-effective ways to produce them, and determine where to get the money needed to fund new ventures. Personal financial planners and stockbrokers help people make wise investments by selecting good stocks and assembling efficient portfolios. Students in finance also learn how to understand and analyze information from capital markets, engage in mergers and acquisitions, and undertake investments in new ventures, real estate, and international markets.
Requirements for the Major
In addition to fulfilling Undergraduate Core Curriculum and Leavey School of Business requirements for the bachelor of science in commerce degree, students majoring in finance must complete the following departmental requirements:
- FNCE 124 and 125
- Four upper-division finance electives
Upper-Division Courses
115. Quantitative Methods for Finance
The goal of this course is to teach finance majors the most important quantitative tools they will need for the finance curriculum. Students will learn to (1) comprehend important concepts, techniques, and tools used in mathematics and statistics that are relevant for modern finance; (2) understand where these tools are applied in practice; and (3) learn widely-used software to implement these techniques. The course goal is to make sure that all finance majors reach a baseline level of competence in various quantitative methods, and is especially intended for those students who fear math, yet have a desire to come to grips with it. Prerequisites: ACTG 11 and 12, OMIS 40. (5 units)
116. Mathematical Finance
Introduction to Ito calculus and stochastic differential equations; discrete lattice models; models for the movement of stock and bond prices using Brownian motion and Poisson processes; pricing models for equity and bond options via Black-Scholes and its variants; optimal portfolio allocation. Solution techniques will include Monte Carlo and finite difference methods. Prerequisites: Either FNCE 115 or MATH 122 or AMTH 108. MATH 53 or permission of the instructor is required if FNCE 115 has not been taken. Cross-listed with MATH 125 and AMTH 367. (5 units)
121. Financial Management
Introduction to the basic concepts of financial risk and return, the valuation of uncertain future cash flows, working capital and fixed asset management, and cost of capital. Topics include time value of money, financial analysis and forecasting, valuing corporate securities (stocks and bonds), cash management, capital budgeting, short- and long-term financing, and dividend policy. Prerequisites: OMIS 40, ACTG 11 and 12, and proficiency with spreadsheets. (5 units)
121S. Financial Management
Introduction to the basic concepts of financial risk and return, the valuation of uncertain future cash flows, working capital and fixed asset management, and cost of capital. Topics include time value of money, financial analysis and forecasting, valuing corporate securities (stocks and bonds), cash management, capital budgeting, short- and long-term financing, and dividend policy. Prerequisites: Restricted to students in the Leavey Scholars Program. OMIS 40, ACTG 11 and 12, and proficiency with spreadsheets. (5 units)
124. Investments
Introduction to the nature and functions of securities markets and financial instruments. The formulation of investment goals and policies, trading strategies, and portfolio management. Coverage of security analysis and valuation, evaluating portfolio performance, diversification, alternative investments. Prerequisite: FNCE 121 or 121S. (5 units)
125. Corporate Financial Policy
In-depth examination of the interrelationships between corporate investment and financing decisions and their impact on a firm's pattern of cash flows, return, and risk. Special emphasis on the development of analytical techniques and skills for analyzing performance reflected in financial statements. Case studies are used. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S, and FNCE 124. (5 units)
126. Money and Capital Markets
Examines the role and function of financial institutions, financial flows, and interest rate structures in the money and capital markets. Viewed primarily from the perspective of a corporate issuer, explores the mechanisms by which value is created by financial markets, the roles of players in the system, the securities in each market, the flows of information, and the design and incentive features that manage risk in a practical manner. Common themes and concepts will be developed by the exploration of a new market in each class, examining issuer's funding alternatives, and incorporating current news events. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S, FNCE 124, and FNCE 125. (5 units)
127. Introduction to Real Estate Transactions
This course uses real-life investments as a comprehensive means of exploring all phases of the real estate investment life cycle. Prerequisite: FNCE 121 or 121S. (5 unit)
128. Real Estate Finance
Exploration of the real estate market, including investments in residential and commercial real estate by individuals, partnerships, and trusts. Emphasis is on the valuation and cash flow analysis of these projects and an understanding of financing alternatives. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S, and FNCE 124. (5 units)
129. Real Estate Development
Examines the complex and interdisciplinary process of real estate development, including conceptual planning, feasibility studies, financing, legal documentation, and project management. Explores ways that developers mitigate risks throughout the development process. Describes different types of commercial real estate products and the roles of key players in today's real estate profession. Students will also gain exposure to the ethical issues frequently encountered in real estate development. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S. (5 units)
130. Ethics in Finance
Exploration of the ethical dimension of financial markets. Topics include insider trading, moral hazard, agency, adverse selection, and financial market regulations concerning disclosure, price manipulation, suitability, trading interruptions, margin requirements, and short-sale restrictions. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S, and FNCE 124. (5 units)
132. Financial Derivatives
Provides an introduction to financial derivative securities, the markets in which they trade, their applications, and valuation frameworks. Securities such as equity calls/ puts, forwards/futures, structured products, and fixed income derivatives will be covered. An underlying theme of the course will be valuation using dynamic replication. Applications will cover the use of derivatives in global corporate settings as well as in financial institutions and services. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S, and FNCE 124. (5 units)
135. Applied Portfolio Management
Designed to provide a highly rigorous and analytic framework for applied work in investments and portfolio management. Students who master the course material will acquire the analytical tools and financial theory necessary to make rational investment decisions and understand the paradigms by which investment portfolios are managed. The coursework involves an analysis of contemporary theories and techniques in portfolio management available to professional portfolio managers. Significant literature that emphasizes the role of the modern portfolio manager in achieving diversification and client investment goals is reviewed and evaluated. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S, 124, and OMIS 40 and 41. (5 units)
141. New Venture Finance
Describes the financing environment for young companies and studies how the private equity market functions. Students will learn how investment funds are structured, investment contracts are written, and understand the economics of different private equity models work. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S, and FNCE 124. (5 units)
143. Entrepreneurial Finance
Covers topics that are directly relevant to entrepreneurs, defined broadly to include all early employees in addition to founders, who are evaluating, communicating, and implementing new business opportunities. This course focuses on the start-up phase with an emphasis on venture-backed companies. The three main sections of the course are: Types of Businesses (primarily lecture and project-based), Financial Models (primarily project-based), and Investment Terms (primarily lecture-based). Types of Businesses covers the three types of entrepreneurs: lifestyle entrepreneurs, wealth-building entrepreneurs, and innovating entrepreneurs, along economic foundations that distinguish the three types of entrepreneurship. Financial Models covers the creation and uses of financial projection: revenue, costs, and profits/losses. Investment Terms covers the way investments in start-up companies are generally structured. In all three sections, we will discuss the human biases that often distort entrepreneurial efforts, along with strategies to recognize and avoid the more costly. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S, and FNCE 124. (5 units)
146. Introduction to Risk Management
Introduction to financial risk management through its major components: credit, market, operational, legal, and reputational. Also addresses technology tools to manage risk and the role data governance and environmental policy play in risk management. Students who master the material will acquire an understanding of the major areas of risk exposure that all organizations, both public and private, face in operating in today's complex global marketplace. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S, and FNCE 124. (5 units)
148. Risk Management and Insurance
Survey of general principles of risk management. Risk management uses many tools to avoid, reduce, or offset the financial penalty of risks. The course will cover types of insurance, financial instruments used to "insure" a portfolio, credit default swaps, etc. The course will address the risk management function across the firm. The role of the chief financial officer (CFO) or vice president of finance as the risk management officer will be examined. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S, and FNCE 124. (5 units)
149. Financial Institutions and Services
Analyzes the management of financial institutions and the role of financial services and institutions in the financing/restructuring of industry and government, and facilitating saving and investment. Topics such as asset/ liability management, regulatory constraints, liquidity and credit risk considerations, financing and securitization, and off-balance sheet activities are discussed. Macro issues such as financial system stability, information flows, and regulatory capital are also covered. Ethical issues faced by financial industry professionals are considered. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S, and FNCE 124. (5 units)
151. International Finance
Examination of the functioning of the international monetary system, foreign exchange markets, and the financial problems of business firms operating internationally. Topics covered include hedging exchange rates and interest rates, international investment and financing, financial markets, banking, and financial management. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S, and FNCE 124. (5 units)
163. Investment Practice
The practice of portfolio management using a portion of the University's endowment fund to acquire real-life investment experience. Various investment objectives will be explored, including derivatives to protect current positions, fixed income, and equity investments. The course meets over three quarters. Students must earn 6 units in order for the course to count toward the major. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S, FNCE 124, and instructor approval. (2 units)
170. Business Valuation
Practical valuation tools for valuing a company and its securities. Valuation techniques covered include discounted cash-flow analysis, estimated cost of capital (cost of equity, cost of debt, and weighted average cost of capital), market multiples, free-cash flow, and pro-forma models. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S, and FNCE 124. (5 units)
172. Corporate Treasury Management
Provides a comprehensive review of the corporate treasury function, including payment systems, cash forecasting, working capital metrics and management, capital structure decisions and capital markets, long-term and capital investments, risk management (primarily foreign exchange and interest rate risk), clearing and settlements, and treasury systems, and the regulatory and legal environment for corporate treasurers and CFOs. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S, and FNCE 124. (5 units)
174. Mergers and Acquisitions
A study of corporate governance and corporate restructurings. Emphasis on how corporate ownership, control, and organizational structures affect firm value. Other topics may include valuing merger candidates, agency theory, and takeover regulation. This course generally places a heavy emphasis on case projects and/or class presentations. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S, FNCE 124, and FNCE 125. (5 units)
180. Open Book Management
Open book management is a system that places finance and accounting at the center of management processes for decision making and monitoring. The course uses simulation techniques to teach students how to create a corporate culture around the principles of open book management, particularly the treatment of agency conflicts and the use of effective business processes. Prerequisites: FNCE 121 or 121S, FNCE 124, and FNCE 125. (5 units)
191. Peer Educators in Finance
Peer educators in Finance work closely with a faculty member to help students in a course understand course material, think more deeply about course material, benefit from collaborative learning, feel less anxious about testing situations, and/or to help students enjoy learning. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. (1 or 2 units)
197. Special Topics in Finance
Offered occasionally to introduce new topics not covered by existing electives. Topics generally reflect the research interests of the faculty teaching the course. Prerequisite: FNCE 121 or 121S. (5 units)
198. Internship
Opportunity for selected upper-division students to work in companies and nonprofit organizations. Prerequisites: Finance major, junior or senior standing, and permission of instructor and chair required one week prior to registration. Anything less than 5 units will not count toward major requirements. (1-5 units)
199. Directed Reading/Directed Research
Independent projects undertaken by upper- division students with a faculty sponsor. Independent studies are normally permitted only under special circumstances. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and a written proposal must be approved by instructor and chair one week prior to registration. (1-5 units)