Master of Science in Finance (MSF) Curriculum

The MS in Finance is a 30-credit curriculum.

A variety of learning methods are employed throughout the program. Case studies, computer simulations of challenging, competitive business situations, problem-solving discussions, team presentations, individual study, lectures, visual presentations, guest speakers, and assigned readings are regularly used. Students also complete research and analytical studies to develop strategic thinking abilities.

Finance Boot Camp:
Students start the program with a boot camp course. The boot camp designed to provide students with a refresher in quantitative methods, Finance, Accounting and Economics. The boot camp curriculum will cover materials from FIN 6406, ACG 6027 and ECP 6705. The boot camp is required and a passing grade is required for each of the modules below.

The boot camp course is offered at no additional cost and is included in the program’s tuition.

• Financial Accounting Concepts
  • Principles applicable to the accounting cycle, financial reporting and basic business taxes
• Economics and Finance
  • Micro-economic theories of supply, demand, and the price system; firm and industry organization: Market Forces of Supply and Demand, The Firm and Industry Organization
  • Time value of money
  • Introduction to financial management concepts; basic financial instruments
• Quantitative Methods
  • Basic Algebra, Business Calculus, Basic statistics
  • Tools and applications of financial analysis and forecasting.
  • Basics of Financial Modeling in Excel (e.g., Solver. etc.)

MSF Course List:

Course 1: Financial Statement Analysis (3 credits)
The emphasis of this course is placed on the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of financial accounting data. The use of Bloomberg and other databases will be part of the curriculum.

Course 2: Communication Strategies for Business Professionals (3 credits)
This course links communication skills required in the field of finance to the research and critical thinking skills necessary for a finance professional’s success.

Course 3: Theory of Financial Management (3 credits)
An in-depth study of corporate finance theories related to corporate investment policies, capital structure, cash distribution policies and similar topics. Practical ramification of the theories is examined.

Course 4: Financial Markets (3 credits)
A study of macroeconomic factors affecting interest rates and prices in the money, savings, and capital markets. Attention is given to the institutions in these markets and interrelations among the institutions.

Course 5: Security Analysis (3 credits)
Emphasis on the characteristics of financial assets and on major valuation models to determine intrinsic value. This course focuses on equity and fixed income instruments.

Course 6: Quantitative Methods in Finance (3 credits)
Introduces financial applications of quantitative techniques covered in areas such as probability, Probability Distributions and Descriptive Statistics, Sampling and Estimation, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation Analysis and Regression, Optimization, Time-Series Analysis and Simulation Analysis. The course requires a project using statistical software.

Course 7: Financial Modeling (3 credits)
Financial modeling using spreadsheets to conduct financial analysis for managerial decision making; special attention will be given to models in mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, venture capital, etc. This is a hands-on course that will use the FAU Trading Room and Bloomberg and other databases.

Course 8: Financial Risk Management and Derivatives (3 credits)
This course focuses on financial risk. It deals with its measurement, the derivative instruments used to trade it and the techniques used to manage it. Derivative instruments examined include options, forwards, futures, swaps, and other related derivative instruments.

Course 9: Multinational Finance (3 credits)
Financial management for international companies. Sources of funds, capital structure, investment strategies, monetary exchange problems and governmental constraints on firms operating in more than one nation are discussed.

Course 10: Portfolio Management (3 credits)
An in-depth examination of the selection, construction, and management of portfolios, typically including stocks, bonds and cash, for individuals and/or institutional investors. It also includes portfolio performance measurement and evaluation.