Finance (FIN)

Subject-area course lists indicate courses currently active for offering at the University of Louisville. Not all courses are scheduled in any given academic term. For class offerings in a specific semester, refer to the Schedule of Classes.

500-level courses generally are included in both the undergraduate- and graduate-level course listings; however, specific course/section offerings may vary between semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring that they enroll in courses that are applicable to their particular academic programs.

Course Fees

Some courses may carry fees beyond the standard tuition costs to cover additional support or materials. Program-, subject- and course-specific fee information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website.


FIN 200. Elements of Finance1.5 Units

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 200.

Description: This is an introduction to financial tools for running a business. Topics include financial statements and performance measures, the operating cycle of a business, cash budgeting, managing working capital, time value of money, capital expenditures, sources and cost of funds, debt, risk, and financial distress.

Note: This course is not open to College of Business students.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 201. Money Management and Personal Finance3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: The study of the techniques and process of saving and managing money: and of creating, organizing, implementing, monitoring, and revising a personal plan for procuring and allocating financial resources in order to achieve financial objectives and goals. The topics covered include cash management and budgeting; financial services to include savings and checking accounts; consumer credit; consumer buying; housing; risk management and insurance; investments; estate and retirement planning; tax planning; and the time value of money.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 301. Corporate Finance3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 201; ECON 201; and one of the following: BSTA 301, BSTA 201, MATH 109, PSYC 301, SOC 301, MGMT 201 or equivalent.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: Prerequisites or corequisites: CIS 305. A study of techniques that enable firms to efficiently manage their financial resources and maximize the value of their owners' investment. Investment techniques and analysis applied to the individual as well as to the firm. Computer and calculator problem solving.

Note: Restricted to students admitted to COB BSBA majors and FIN minors.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 302. Business Finance3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 201 or ACCT 202 or ACCT 203; ECON 201; BSTA 201 or BSTA 301; CIS 100 or CIS 250 or CIS 305.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: Restricted to BBA majors only. A study of business financial decision-making. Decision-making techniques that enable firms to efficiently manage their resources and maximize the value of their owner's investment are presented and discussed. The course includes some calculator and spreadsheet problem solving. Course is restricted to students registered in the BBA Program.

Note: Credit toward degree requirements will only be given to BBA majors.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 304. Intermediate Corporate Finance3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: This course offers an in-depth exploration of corporate finance concepts and applications with the objective of assessing the shareholder value created by a firm's operation and financing decisions. Major topics include discounted cash flow analysis, capital budgeting decisions, project analysis with and without real options, sources of economic rents and sustained growth opportunities, risk/return relationships, and capital structure decisions and their effect on the corporate risk-adjusted cost of capital. Other topics may include leasing, corporate risk management, corporate government and restructuring.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 310. Financial Modeling3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301; restricted to COB BSBA majors and FIN minors.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: An introduction to computational finance, the emphasis is on using real data in empirically modeling theoretical concepts from other finance courses using Microsoft Excel. Models covered will include those related to bond valuation, option pricing, the capital asset pricing model, and portfolio theory. Other models may also be covered. The course includes some use of statistics and probability.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 311. Financial Technology3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301; restricted to students admitted to COB BSBA majors and FIN minors.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: The primary emphasis of the course is to provide students with a broad introduction to Financial Technology and how it plays a role in the field of Finance. The course will cover financial technology growth, regulation, impact, robo-advising, cryptocurrency, crowdfunding, and the effect of artificial intelligence and machine learning on the finance industry.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 320. Real Estate Finance and Investments3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301 or FIN 302 The course will study the instruments, techniques, and institutions of real estate finance; sources of funds; and mortgage risk analysis.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: It will include emphasis on typical policies and procedures use in the financing of residential, industrial, and commercial properties. The course will also include quantitative technics for analyzing and valuing investments in real estate, including the effects of financial leverage and taxation. Real estate securitization will also be covered, including REITS and the secondary mortgage market.

Note: This is a required course for the Real Estate Minor offered by the Finance Department.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 323. Real Estate Law1.5 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Admission into the College of Business or accepted as a Real Estate Minor.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: This course will examine how law impacts real estate, its ownership, conveyance, and development. Topical coverage will include legal issues in: (i) ownership interests and ownership transfers; (ii) private and public land use; (iii) environmental laws and regulation; (iv) leasing and landlord-tenant relations; and (v) the legal process/flow in real estate development, finance, construction, and transactions. This is a 1.5 credit-hour course.

Note: This is a required course for the Real Estate Minor offered by the Finance Department.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 330. Banking and Financial Administration3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: A study of the management of internal operations of financial institutions, especially commercial banks, but including other savings institutions and insurance companies. The operations of the institutions are examined in light of trends and developments in the financial community. Included are topics such as expansion via bank holding companies or branching, portfolio management of loans, marketable securities and liabilities, and legal or regulatory constraints.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 345. Entrepreneurial Finance3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: The focus is on financing issues facing new, young, and small business ventures. Topics include financial statements, financial forecasts, venture valuation, sources and forms of venture capital and negotiations between owners and suppliers of funds.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 350. Risk and Insurance3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: Designed for understanding the importance of risk management in personal and business affairs, the different methods of handling risks that are insurable, and risks that are not insurable. A portion of this course is devoted to the analysis and solution of risk situations.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 360. Business Valuation3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: The study of techniques and methodologies that enable the determination of value for business entities. Includes discussion of professional standards of business valuation.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 370. International Finance3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: A study of corporate finance within an international context. Discusses exchange rates, parity conditions, capital flows, and international banking. Examines the financing strategies and capital budgeting techniques of multinational corporations.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 380. Introduction to Econometrics3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): ECON 201, ECON 202, and one of the following: BSTA 201, IE 360, MATH 109, PHST 302, POLS 390, PSYC 301, or SOC 301 A study of the theory and application of econometric analysis.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: Topics include simple and multiple linear regression, correlation, and hypothesis testing. Both conceptual and practical problems are considered, including multicollinearity, heteroscedasticity, measurement errors, and instrumental variables estimation. An introduction to time series econometrics is presented as well as binary discrete choice models.

Note: Cross-listed with ECON 380.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 396. Zero-Credit Internship-Finance0 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301, good academic standing, and validation through the Ulmer Career Management Center.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: Application to the zero-credit internship program and completion of orientation processes should be accomplished prior to employment. Students must be Finance majors.A new workplace experience in an approved Finance position which offers a progression of learning in a level appropriate opportunity for practical application of classroom theory and tools. This program is available to students who have received the maximum number of co-op credit hours for their major.

Note: This course is restricted and requires permission from the Ulmer Career Management Center.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 397. Co-op in Finance I1-3 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301, good academic standing, validation from the Ulmer Career Center.

Description: FIN majors only. Application to the co-op program and completion of orientation processes should be completed prior to employment. Finance majors only. A new workplace experience in an approved Finance position which offers a progression of learning in a level-appropriate opportunity for practical application of classroom theory and tools.

Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 398. Co-op in Finance II1-3 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301, good academic standing, validation from the Ulmer Career Center.

Description: FIN majors only. A new or continued workplace experience in an approved Finance position which offers new learning and/or additional responsibilities that continue the student's progression of learning and opportunity for practical application of classroom theory and tools.

Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 399. Co-op in Finance III3 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301, good academic standing, validation from the Ulmer Career Center.

Description: FIN majors only. A continued or new workplace experience in an approved Finance position which offers new learning and\or additional responsibilities that continue the student's progression of learning and opportunity for practical application of classroom theory and tools.

Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 401. Investments3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301; MATH 180 or MATH 205 or equivalent.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: Introduction to the various investment alternatives available to the individual investor. Covers: sources of information; the securities markets in the United States; policies of investment companies and institutions; the problems and procedures of investment risks and investment analysis.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 402. Security Analysis and Portfolio Management1.5 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301 An introduction to the principles, methods, and techniques of asset selection and the portfolio mix through the application of investment principles to investment policy.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: Investigation of the interrelationship between the economy and individual securities as well as the securities markets is made. Techniques of valuation and portfolio management are covered, including fundamental, technical and portfolio analysis.Competitive selection process as managed by the finance department.

Note: Requires permission of the department chair of the finance department to enroll.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 403. Financial Derivatives3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301; MATH 180 or MATH 205 or equivalent.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: An introduction to financial derivative contracts: forwards, futures, swaps and options. Valuation and pricing models for these contracts are derived. Proper ways to use these contracts for the purpose of risk management are emphasized.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 404. Equine Financial Management3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall Only

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301.

Description: Applications of analytical techniques to financial decision making in the equine industry for both publicly traded and private entities. Emphasis on Capital Asset Pricing Model, discounted cash flows, IRR, NPV and investment analysis techniques. In depth use of financial calculator and Excel spreadsheets for financial modeling. Review of insurance and risk management in the equine industry. Angel investing, funding for start-up entities, Auction Markets and bidding techniques. Financing considerations in not for profit entities such as the Kentucky Horse Park. The financing and valuation of assets and businesses and financing options are considered in a risk/return framework.

Note: Cross-listed with EQIN 403.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 405. Securities Broker and Financial Industry Preparation3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): FIN 401.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: This course is designed to provide students with insight into the connection between the real financial industry world and theory. This provides insight into the actual practice of analyzing, selling and trading financial products and prepares student to take the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Series 7 general securities licensing examination.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 414. Applied Financial Econometrics3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Math 180 or Math 205, and FIN 301.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: Econometric application of economic and financial concepts and principles related to corporate finance, investments, financial markets, and internationals finance. Quantitative techniques include time series analysis, exponential smoothing, and regression analysis.

Note: Cross-listed with ECON 414.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 415. Capital Budgeting3 Units

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: A study of the techniques used to evaluate, select, and finance long-lived business assets. Topics included in the course are interest factors, cash-flow determination, evaluation techniques, risk adjustment, capital rationing, cost of capital and leasing.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 422. Real Estate Development and Management3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301 or FIN 302 Prerequisites or corequisites: FIN 320 This course will cover both the real estate development process and subsequent management.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: Development issues would emphasize the economic analysis and feasibility of design, location, underwriting, and construction. Management issues will include risk management, building maintenance, and tenant relations. The course will include one or more detailed case studies on real estate developments.

Note: This is a required course for the Real Estate Minor offered by the Finance Department.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 433. Financial Markets and Institutions3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301 or FIN 302; or faculty consent.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: This course provides a study of financial institutions such as banks and financial instruments and markets such as the stock, bond, money and mortgage markets. The course integrates macro-economic concepts such as interest rate determination and the role of the Federal Reserve with asset valuation and the movement of capital in the financial marketplace. Commercial bank financial statements and key risks are covered. Periods of financial crises are also examined. Options, futures and swaps are discussed in the context of hedging risks in banks and other types of firms. The course builds heavily on the concepts of time value of money and risk and return, as developed in previous courses.

Note: Cross-listed with ECON 433.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 475. Capstone Seminar in Finance - CUE3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): FIN 304 and FIN 401.

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: A senior level capstone course which will integrate financial concepts and theory to solve and apply to real work problems.

Note: No exceptions will be made to the prerequisite requirements.

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 490. Special Topics in Finance1-3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: A variety of topics in financial theory and/or application will be studied. Course content will vary but the content will not duplicate current offerings. A student may repeat this course for credit as long as the particular topic is different.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 491. Special Topics in Economics and Finance3 Units

Description: Topics of current importance to students of economics and finance will be studied. Content of course will vary but will not duplicate current offerings. This course may be repeated for credit as long as content or topics were not already covered by the student in this course.

Note: Cross-listed with ECON 491.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 499. Independent Study in Finance1-3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Fee: An additional $45.00 is charged for this course.

Description: Written proposal must be sponsored by at least one faculty member and approved by the Department Chair.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

FIN 500. Business Finance3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Admission to MBA program.

Description: An introduction to financial concepts from the corporate perspective. Topics include the basics of financial statements, an overview of the financial markets, risk and return, the time value of money, security valuation using time value concepts, cash flow determination and valuation, and long-term capital investment.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes