WCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024 : Ancell School of Business

Finance

Annie Wong, Chair
wonga@wcsu.edu
Westside Classroom Building 141, Westside Campus
(203) 837-8577
(203) 837-8955 (fax)

Judy McGee, Department Secretary
mcgeej@wcsu.edu
Westside Classroom Building 249, Westside Campus
(203) 837-8342
(203) 837-8955 (fax)


Faculty

Annie Wong, Chair Carol Huang Wenguang Lin
Lai Van Vo Oluwole Owoye Zuohong Pan
Rotua Lumbantobing

 

Overview

The finance curriculum provides students with the theoretical background and practical skills necessary for pursuing a career in financial investments and markets or in financial management.

Finance courses offer the students an opportunity to analyze financial problems, learn the tools of financial decision-making, and utilize sound methodologies in the resolution of the problems confronting businesses, markets and nonprofit organizations today.

Students learn through lectures, case studies, data analytics, model building, and individual and team problem solving.


Mission

Consistent with the school and university missions, the finance department is committed to providing students with the theoretical background, critical thinking, and practical skills needed to successfully pursue a career in financial management, investments, financial markets and institutions, or international finance. The department is also committed to providing all business students with the statistical knowledge and computer expertise necessary to make data-based decisions across all functional areas of business. The finance program emphasizes the development of the analytical, quantitative, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary for success in the financial industry.


Learning Outcomes

A graduate of the Finance Department should be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of portfolio management, security valuations, financial statement analysis, and risk-return analysis
  • Demonstrate knowledge of financial planning, long- and short-term financing, and the functions of financial management
  • Apply basic analytical and quantitative techniques to solve complex problems and make sound financial decisions
  • Fluently utilize computer-based analytical tools
  • Demonstrate knowledge of domestic and international financial markets and institutions
  • Effectively communicate complex problems and solutions orally and in writing to audience

 

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of their studies, Economics majors will demonstrate:

  1. Mastery of or proficiency in the theories and concepts of economics.
  2. Mastery of or proficiency in the research methodologies of economics.
  3. Mastery of or proficiency in the application of their skills/ behaviors in economics.
  4. Mastery of or proficiency in information technology and literacy.

 

Degree Programs in Finance

B.B.A in Finance
Financial Investments and Markets option
Financial Management option

Minors
Finance: Investments option
Finance: Financial Management option


Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance (B.B.A.)

BBA Finance: Financial Investments and Markets Option 

DescriptionThe finance curriculum is designed to provide students with the theoretical background and practical skills for pursuing a career in financial investments or in financial management. Students may choose between the option of Financial Investments and Markets or the option of Financial Management. 

Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.   

Required Courses in the Major: 61 SH.  

BBA CORE   
MKT 101 Orientation to Ancell Undergraduate Programs (FY)  1 SH 
ACC 201 Financial Accounting  3 SH 
ACC 202 Managerial Accounting  3 SH 
FIN 230 Business Statistics (QR)   3 SH 
FIN 310 Principles of Finance  3 SH 
MGT 250 Organizational Behavior (CT)  3 SH 
MGT 320 Operations Management  3 SH 
MIS 260 Information Systems Concepts (IL)  3 SH 
MKT 200 Principles of Marketing  3 SH 
MKT 305 Global Environment of Business (IC)  3 SH 
JLA 240 Commercial Law OR ACC 340 Business Law I  3 SH 
MGT 415 Strategic Management (CE, W3)  3 SH 
FINANCE CORE 
FIN 300 Business Data Analytics 3 SH
FIN 320 Financial Management  3 SH 
FIN 330 Financial Decision Models  3 SH 
FIN 340 Investment Analysis & Portfolio Management  3 SH 
FIN 360 Money, Financial Markets & Institutions 3 SH 
FIN 490 Cases in Managerial Finance  3 SH 
Financial Investments and Markets Option 
FIN 317 Fixed Income Securities  3 SH 
FIN 486 Financial Engineering  3 SH 
FIN 488 Multinational Financial Issues  3 SH 
COGNATES 
WRT 210 Managerial Writing (W2)  3 SH 
COM 160 Public Speaking (OC); COM 161 Decision Making in Groups (OC); OR COM 163 Intro to Human Comm (OC)  3 SH 
ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics (CT) pre-req MAT 118 or higher  3 SH 
ECO 213 Principles of Microeconomics (CT) pre-req MAT 118 or higher  3 SH 
MAT 118 Elem. Applied Math; MAT 133 Pre-Calc; MAT 135 Diff Bus Calc & Apps; OR MAT 181 Calc I (QR)   3 SH 
Minimum GPA for the BBA in Finance = 2.0. 


General Education
: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link to Academic Program Degrees.

Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the general education breadth requirement. If cognate courses are required, they are included in the list of courses required in the major.  

Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours.  Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.  


Sample Four Year Plan: BBA Finance-Financial Investments & Markets:
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.  

Semester 1  SH  Semester 2  SH 
MKT 101 Orientation to Ancell (FY)  1  WRT 101 Composition I (W1)  3 
MIS 260 Information System Concepts (IL)  3  Gen Ed: Health and Wellness (HW)  2 
COM 160 Public Speaking (OC); OR COM 161 Decision Making in Groups (OC); OR COM 163 Intro to Human Comm (OC)  3  Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP)  3 
MAT 118/MAT133/MAT135/MAT181 (QR)  OR Free Elective 3  MAT 118/MAT133/MAT135/MAT181 (QR)  OR Free Elective 3-4 
Gen Ed: Breadth   3  Gen Ed: Breadth 3 
Free Elective   3     
       
Semester 3  SH  Semester 4  SH 
ACC 201 Financial Accounting  3  ACC 202 Managerial Accounting  3 
WRT 210 Managerial Writing (W2)  3  MGT 250 Organizational Behavior (CT, Rpt. 1)  3 
MKT 200 Principles of Marketing  3  FIN 230 Business Statistics (QR, Rpt. 2)  3 
ECO 211 Principles of Microeconomics (CT)  3  ECO 213 Principles of Macroeconomics (CT)  3 
JLA 240 Commercial Law OR ACC 340 Business Law I   3  Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry (SI)  4 
       
Semester 5    Semester 6   
FIN 310 Principles of Finance   3  FIN 340 Inv. Analysis & Portfolio Mgt  3 
MGT 320 Operations Management  3  FIN 300 Business Data Analytics 3 
Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 3  3  FIN 320 Financial Management  3 
Gen Ed: Breadth   3  MKT 305 Global Environment of Business (IC)  3 
Free Elective 3 Free Elective 3
       
Semester 7    Semester 8   
FIN 330 Financial Decision Models  3  FIN 490 Cases in Managerial Finance  3 
MGT 415 Strategic Mgt (CE, W3)  3  FIN 488 Multinational Financial Issues  3 
FIN 360 Money, Financial Markets & Institutions 3  FIN 317 Fixed Income Securities   3 
FIN 486 Financial Engineering  3  Free Electives  6 
Free Elective  3     
Total Credits Required for the BBA in Finance = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0. 

BBA Finance: Financial Management Option 

DescriptionThe finance curriculum is designed to provide students with the theoretical background and practical skills for pursuing a career in financial investments or in financial management. Students may choose between the option of Financial Investments and Markets or the option of Financial Management. 

Degree Requirements All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.   

Required Courses in the Major: 61 SH.  

BBA CORE   
MKT 101 Orientation to Ancell Undergraduate Programs (FY)  1 SH 
ACC 201 Financial Accounting  3 SH 
ACC 202 Managerial Accounting  3 SH 
FIN 230 Business Statistics (QR)   3 SH 
FIN 310 Principles of Finance  3 SH 
MGT 250 Organizational Behavior (CT)  3 SH 
MGT 320 Operations Management  3 SH 
MIS 260 Information Systems Concepts (IL)  3 SH 
MKT 200 Principles of Marketing  3 SH 
MKT 305 Global Environment of Business (IC)  3 SH 
JLA 240 Commercial Law OR ACC 340 Business Law I  3 SH 
MGT 415 Strategic Management (CE, W3)  3 SH 
FINANCE CORE 
FIN 300 Business Data Analytics 3 SH
FIN 320 Financial Management  3 SH 
FIN 330 Financial Decision Models  3 SH 
FIN 340 Investment Analysis & Portfolio Management  3 SH 
FIN 360 Money, Financial Markets & Institutions 3 SH 
FIN 490 Cases in Managerial Finance  3 SH 
Financial Management Option 
ACC 301 Intermediate Financial Acc. I  3 SH 
ACC 302 Intermediate Financial Acc. II  3 SH 
ACC 300- OR 400-level course 3 SH 
COGNATES 
WRT 210 Managerial Writing (W2)  3 SH 
COM 160 Public Speaking (OC); COM 161 Decision Making in Groups (OC); OR COM 163 Intro to Human Comm (OC)  3 SH 
ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics (CT) pre-req MAT 118 or higher  3 SH 
ECO 213 Principles of Microeconomics (CT) pre-req MAT 118 or higher  3 SH 
MAT 118 Elem. Applied Math; MAT 133 Pre-calc; MAT 135 Diff Bus Calc & Apps; OR MAT 181 Calc I (QR   3-4 SH 
Minimum GPA for the BBA in Finance = 2.0. 


General Education
: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link to Academic Program Degrees.

Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the general education breadth requirement. If cognate courses are required, they are included in the list of courses required in the major.  

Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours.  Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.  


Sample Four Year Plan: BBA Finance-Financial Management:
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.  

Semester 1  SH  Semester 2  SH 
MKT 101 Orientation to Ancell (FY)  1  WRT 101 Composition I (W1)  3 
MIS 260 Info. Sys. Concepts (IL)  3  Gen Ed: Health and Wellness (HW)  2 
COM 160 Public Speaking (OC); OR COM 161 Decision Making in Groups (OC); OR COM 163 Intro to Human Comm (OC)  3  Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP)   3 
MAT 118/MAT133/MAT135/MAT181 (QR) OR Free Elective  3  MAT 118/MAT133/MAT135/MAT181 (QR)  OR Free Elective 3-4 
Gen Ed: Breadth  3  Gen Ed: Breadth 3 
Free Elective   3     
       
Semester 3  SH  Semester 4  SH 
ACC 201 Financial Accounting  3  ACC 202 Managerial Accounting  3 
WRT 210 Managerial Writing (W2)   3  MGT 250 Org. Behavior (CT, Rpt. 1)  3 
MKT 200 Principles of Marketing  3  FIN 230 Business Statistics (QR, Rpt. 2)   3 
ECO 211 Principles of Microeconomics (CT)  3  ECO 213 Principles of Macroeconomics (CT)  3 
JLA 240 Commercial Law OR ACC 340 Business Law I   3  Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry (SI)  4 
       
Semester 5  SH Semester 6  SH
FIN 310 Principles of Finance   3  FIN 340 Inv. Analysis & Portfolio Mgt  3 
ACC 301 Intermediate Financial Accounting I   3  ACC 302 Intermediate Financial Accounting II  3 
MGT 320 Operations Management  3  FIN 320 Financial Management  3 
Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 3  3  FIN 300 Business Data Analytics 3 
Gen Ed: Breadth  3  Free Elective  3 
       
Semester 7  SH Semester 8  SH
FIN 330 Financial Decision Models   3  FIN 490 Cases in Managerial Finance  3 
MGT 415 Strategic Mgt (CE, W3)  3  MKT 305 Global Env. Bus (IC) 3 
FIN 360 Money, Financial Markets & Institutions 3  ACC 300- OR 400 level course           3 
Free Elective                     3  Free Elective  3
Free Elective     Free Elective 3
Total Credits Required for the BBA in Finance = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0. 

 

Course Restrictions
For a complete list of prerequisites, corequisites and other restrictions for all courses, please consult the Course Description section of this catalog.

 

Minor in Finance

Admission to the minor requires completion of at least 45 semester hours with a GPA of 2.0.  Successful completion of the minor requires the student to take 18 semester hours and to maintain a 2.0 GPA in all finance courses.  Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.

There are two tracks in the Finance minor:

Track 1: Investments (18 SH)

Required Courses (15 SH):
FIN 300 Business Data Analytics
FIN 310 Principles of Finance
FIN 320 Financial Management
FIN 330 Financial Decision Models
FIN 340 Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

And 1 (one) approved elective from the list below (3 SH):
FIN 317 Fixed Income Securities
FIN 486 Financial Engineering

Track 2: Financial Management (18 SH)

Required Courses (15 SH):
FIN 310 Principles of Finance
FIN 320 Financial Management
FIN 330 Financial Decision Models
FIN 340 Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management
ACC 301 Intermediate Financial Accounting I

And 1 (one) approved elective from the list below (3 SH)
ACC 302 Intermediate Financial Accounting II
ACC 361 Cost Accounting
ACC 406 Accounting Information Systems

The department reserves the right to approve alternative requirements on a case–by–case basis after advisement from a finance faculty member and approval by the department chair. Students receiving a B.B.A. degree must attain a GPA of 2.0 or better.

 

Degree Programs in Economics

B.A. Economics

Minors
Economics

 

BA Economics

Description: The economics program provides students with an understanding and appreciation of the economic behavior of individuals, business and society. The focus is on social outcomes of economic transactions and events, as well as on economic performance. Economics is taught as part of a liberal arts education at Western and provides an especially relevant background for careers in business, finance, international organizations or government, as well as for graduate study in economics, law or business.

Degree Requirements

All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.

Required Courses in the Major: 39 Semester Hours.

ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics (pre-req MAT 118 or higher) 3 SH
ECO 213 Principles of Microeconomics (pre-req MAT 118 or higher) 3 SH
ECO 318 Intermediate Microeconomics 3 SH
ECO 319 Intermediate Macroeconomics 3 SH
SS 201 Researching Social Issues 3 SH
SS 300 Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences (QR) 3 SH
SS 400 Senior Research Thesis OR ECO 450 Seminar in Economics Research (Students must contact their Department advisor one semester prior to registering for this course).  (CE, W3) 3 SH
Major Electives: Select any six economics courses 200 level or above. 18 SH
Cognate
MAT 181 Calculus I OR MAT 118 Elementary Applied Mathematics (QR) 3-4 SH
Students must earn a C (2.0) or better SS 201, 300, and 400, and 2.0 in the major.
Minimum GPA for the BA in Economics = 2.0.


General Education
: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/

Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the breadth requirement. Where applicable, cognates are indicated in the list of courses required in the major.

Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours.  Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.

 

Sample Four Year Plan: BA Economics
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.

Semester 1 SH Semester 2 SH
Gen Ed: Information Literacy (IL) 3 Gen Ed: Oral Communication (OC) 3
First Year Navigation (FY) 1-3 Gen Ed: Breadth Elective 3
WRT 101 Composition I 3 Gen Ed: Writing Tier 2 (W2) 3
Cognate: MAT 181 Calc OR MAT 118 Elementary Applied Math (QR) OR Gen Ed: Breadth Elective 3-4 Cognate: MAT 181 Calc OR MAT 118 Elementary Applied Math (QR) OR Gen Ed: Breadth Elective 3
Foreign Language (IC)* 3 Foreign Language (IC, RPT 1) 3
Free Elective (Only if FY is 1 SH) 3
       
Semester 3 SH Semester 4 SH
ECO 213 Principles of Microeconomics OR ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics (CT) Pre-req MAT 118 or higher. 3 ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics OR ECO 213 Principles of Microeconomics (CT, RPT 2) Pre-req MAT 118 or higher. 3
SS 201 Researching Social Issues OR Gen Ed: Breadth Elective 3 SS 201 Researching Social Issues OR Gen Ed: Breadth Elective 3
Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry (SI) 4 Gen Ed: Oral Communication (OC) 3
Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP) 3 Gen Ed: Health and Wellness (HW) 2-3
Gen Ed: Breadth Elective 3 Gen Ed: Breadth Elective 3
       
Semester 5 SH Semester 6 SH
SS 300 Quant. Research Methods in the Social Sciences (QR, RPT3) OR Free Elective 3 SS 300 Quant. Research Methods in the Social Sciences (QR, RPT3) OR Free Elective 3
ECO 319 Intermediate Macroeconomics 3 ECO 318 Intermediate Microeconomics 3
Major Elective 1 3 Major Elective 3 3
Major Elective 2 3 Major Elective 4 3
Free Elective 3 Gen Ed: Breadth or Free Elective 3
Semester 7  Semester 8 
SS 400 Senior Thesis Research Seminar/ECO 450 Seminar in Economics Research (CE, W3) *** OR Free Elective 3 SS 400 Senior Thesis Research Seminar/ECO 450 Seminar in Economics Research (CE, W3) *** OR Free Elective 3
Major Elective 5 3 Free Electives 12
Major Elective 6 3
Free Electives 6
Students must earn a C (2.0) or better SS 201, 300, and 400, and 2.0 in the major.
Total Credits Required for the BA in Economics = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0.

*Students who have completed three years of a foreign language at a C average in high school are not required to complete a foreign language requirement. However, for students in Economics, we strongly suggest that you consider exploring an additional foreign language or advancing your skills in the language studied in high school. Intercultural Competency is required.

 

Minor in Economics (18 SH)

Required Courses: 6 SH
ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics
ECO 213 Principles of Microeconomics

Four (4) Approved Economic Electives (all of which must be 200-level or above)  12 SH