From Seattle University's 2023-2024 Graduate Catalog.
All graduate courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise noted.
Theory and practice of business finance with emphasis on asset valuation, the relationship between risk and return, and capital budgeting.
Prerequisite: ACCT 5000
This course presents basic principles of corporate finance and develops tools for financial decisions and valuation in the presence of uncertainty, imperfect information, and conflicting incentives among stakeholders. A series of spreadsheet-based valuation exercises are used to develop firm values using basic financial data for local companies. Cross listed with ACCT 5050.
Prerequisite: MBA 5230 or (ECON 5000, Financial Accounting, FINC 5000)
Introduction to the theory of investment valuation, including expected rates of return and risk in the financial markets; review of empirical research on the risk/return relationship, and the behavior of securities prices (e.g., stocks, bonds, futures and options).
Prerequisites: MBA 5230 or (ECON 5000, Financial Accounting, FINC 5000)
The valuation of derivative instruments, such as forward and future contracts, swaps, and options, used in hedging and risk management.
Prerequisite: FINC 5100
Structure of US money and capital markets, the impact of monetary and fiscal policies on the funds flows and interest rates in these markets, and the policies of financial institutions participating in these markets.
Prerequisites: MBA 5230 or (ECON 5000, Financial Accounting, FINC 5000)
Focus on the process of capital budgeting: the decision area of financial management that establishes criteria for investing resources in long-term projects. The decisions made regarding the acquisition, maintenance, or abandonment of capital assets plus certain financial decisions such as lease vs. buy are analyzed. Focus on the capital budgeting process under uncertainty and the connection with strategic planning.
Prerequisite: FINC 5050
Course emphasizes portfolio construction rather than security selection. Topics include setting portfolio objectives and constraints for individual and institutional investors, efficient diversification, asset allocation, style analysis, international diversification, performance measurement, and attribution.
Prerequisite: FINC 5100
In this class, the student will learn about the most commonly applied quantitative tools that are used in financial analysis. The emphasis is on the application of quantitative models and in the use of widely available software (like Microsoft Excel) and databases. The topics covered in this class include: regression analysis, forecasting models, decision trees, Monte Carlo simulation and optimization. Students will use some or all of the following software in class: Microsoft Excel and Crystal Ball or @RISK. Students should have basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Prerequisite: MBA 5230 or (ECON 5000, Financial Accounting, FINC 5000)
This course integrates principles from accounting and finance in the joint processes of: (1) unraveling published financial statements in order to generate pro-forma financial statements; and (2) applying rigorous models to estimate the fair value of the anticipated future streams of cash and earnings. Emphasis throughout the course is on using data drawn from actual financial reports to make decisions that professional analysts make under time and competitive pressures. Participants work in team and are required to communicate their recommendations to "investors" both verbally and in writing. Cross listed with ACCT 5300.
Prerequisite: ACCT/FINC 5050
Reviews theoretical concepts, practical techniques, institutions, and issues related to the management of financial aspects of international business. Includes topics such as globalization of trade and financial markets, exchange rates, currency exposures and hedging techniques, and valuation of cross-border investments.
Prerequisite: FINC 5050
Risk management applications of derivative instruments in corporate, investments, and financial institution settings. Case analyses. Topics in financial engineering.
Prerequisite: FINC 5050, 5105
Course examines financing options available to an entrepreneurial venture as well as the financial management of the small business. Financing sources follow the life cycle of the business from start-up through angel investors, venture capital, bank lending, leasing, asset based lending, and franchising to the IPO. Focus is on methods of valuation used in entrepreneurial finance.
Prerequisite: FINC 5050
Examination of advanced current topics and issues in investments using a seminar approach. The course involves readings, discussions, applications, and case studies on selected topics.
Prerequisite:FINC 5100
This course presents the motivation and the methods for applying real option analysis (ROA). Real option analysis applies the financial models developed to value financial or stock options to real investment opportunities facing the firm. For example, we will be applying real option analysis to value new product development, R&D activity, patents, and other investment opportunities.
Prerequisite: FINC 5050
This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the valuation and risk management concepts in the fixed income markets. A variety of fixed income securities will be discussed. These include pure discount bonds, coupon bonds, callable bonds and home mortgages. Interest rate derivatives (e.g. forwards and futures on fixed income securities, bond options, caps and floors) will also be discussed. In addition to learning the models for pricing a variety of fixed income securities, we will also study some tools that are useful in bond portfolio management, including the construction of discount function, duration, and convexity measures for risk management. The course involves a mix of lectures, cases, and computer exercises.
Prerequisite: FINC 5100, 5105
The course offers an in-depth study on the theory and management of hedge funds. It covers various alternative investment strategies including relative-value, event-driven, equity hedge, tactical trading, and multi-strategy funds/fund of funds. It will pay particular attention to performance evaluation as well as issues at the operational level, such as fees and compensation, leverage, and risk management. Students will be provided with both the academic and practitioner perspective of the hedge fund industry. FINC 5120 recommended.
Prerequisite: FINC 5100
Objective is to expose students to the various elements involved in formulating a comprehensive financial plan. Topics included will be personal investing, education planning, retirement planning, risk management, and consumer finance.
In this course we will look at the prominent features of financial crises from a historical perspective. We examine crises throughout the ages (not just the 20th century). There is a great deal to be learned from an historical perspective since it can be invaluable in enlightening us in making sense of the current confusion, as well as helping us consider the range of likely responses with regard to the recent financial crisis.
This course develops an integrated knowledge of accounting and finance and provides a financial reporting perspective for fair value- related issues. Topics will relate to the accounting for business combinations and asset impairments including the recognition and valuation of intangibles and contingencies, stock compensation accounting, derivatives accounting including assessing hedge effectiveness and the accounting for hybrid financial instruments. Cross-listed with ACCT 5370.
Prerequisites: ACCT/FINC 5050, ACCT 5110
Cases in business finance that develop students skills for identifying problems, acquiring relevant material, and using appropriate financial theory for making decisions in simulated business settings. Serves as a capstone course for MSF program and should be taken during the last two quarters of the program.
Prerequisites: FINC 5105, 5115
The course provides an overview of the most significant technological advances that radically change the landscape of the financial industry focusing on artificial intelligence, blockchain and cryptocurrency, crowdfunding, and data analytics. The course discusses the opportunities and challenges in the development of the FinTech industry from the perspective of a financial technology company, financial institution, consumer, and an investor.
Prerequisite: FINC 5100
Prerequisite or Co-requisite: FINC 5110
See administrative office for prerequisites and course descriptions.
The study of financial, economic, and business environment of a foreign country. Course will include travel to the country to observe activities and conditions and to meet with representatives of businesses and other institutions. Location of tour can vary. Check with the department for details.
For more about internships, visit the Albers Career Center
Independent study. Individualized reading and reporting on a specific topic approved by an instructor. The program of study and conference times must total 30 hours of study and contact hours for every one-credit taken. Grading option negotiated with instructor for CR/F or letter grade (student option). (1 - 3 credits)