Bachelor's in Finance

ACES100 - This course presents the skills needed for university success and initiates students to career planning and development. Students evaluate their abilities and interests in order to develop career goals and align these goals with an appropriate course of study. Through a career investigation project, students are introduced to research techniques. Students also improve on academic skills necessary to successfully complete university work, such as critical thinking, study techniques, and test taking strategies. In addition, students are introduced to important dynamics of interpersonal communication and conflict resolution. The course also orients students to the University, to the Davenport University Excellence System, and to other elements of the Davenport curriculum. (This course is required for all new business and technology students, except those transferring with 30 or more semester credits.)

Open Elective - Any course at the 100 level or above that is not already required in program.

This course introduces and applies the theories and principles of effective communication. Students learn to organize and present clear, logical messages to specific audiences. They develop confidence in public speaking and increase their ability to inform and persuade listeners. They also implement critical thinking and listening skills. Finally, students exhibit the skills and tools necessary to construct, organize, and deliver effective speeches. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.

The basics of data analytics are introduced including descriptive, predictive and prescriptive statistics, regression analysis, and data visualization. The instructional approach is an application-based introduction to data analytics practices such as data cleaning, data organization for analysis, and exploratory data analysis. A key component of instruction is an emphasis on hands-on practice with data analysis projects and presentation of results to multiple audiences. Techniques examined emphasize applicability in multiple organizational sectors including business, healthcare, and technology. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): STAT220

This course introduces students to economics. Students learn the basics of supply and demand; the market economy; elasticity; the foundation of consumer demand; the theory of the business firm and costs of production; the market structures of perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly, and monopolistic competition; theories of labor unions and wages; antitrust policy; and the microeconomic view of international business. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109 and MATH120 or MATH125

This course introduces students to economics, the schools of economic thought, and international economics. Students learn the methodology, concepts, and terminology of macroeconomics, including principles, theories, and tools. They also study banking, money, the Federal Reserve System, and monetary theory. In addition, macroeconomic problems such as inflation, unemployment, economic growth, and globalization are discussed. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109 and MATH120 or MATH125

This course introduces students to expository and persuasive writing. Employing critical thinking and the writing process, students will compose academic essays utilizing a variety of modes. They will also analyze and respond to a variety of academic and professional readings. Students will evaluate information and audience to improve form and content. Students are also introduced to the research process, including finding, evaluating, and documenting sources, to complete a short research project using the American Psychological Association Style. Note: ENGL109L is a 0 credit hour lab utilized in the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP). Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores or successful completion of ENGL021. Student must also complete a diagnostic writing sample.

This course further develops the skills in expository and persuasive writing that were introduced in ENGL109, English Composition. Students develop critical thinking through the creation of essays and documents that use argumentation and persuasion. As a team, students collaborate to present a required assignment to the class. Students learn to research, evaluate, and incorporate information from both primary and secondary sources, to document secondary sources using APA format, and to analyze information and audiences to improve form and content. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109

This course develops the written and presentation skills necessary for success in professional, supervisory, or managerial positions. Emphasis on communication in both on-paper and digital media is included. Students also learn to use a variety of formats, styles, and delivery systems to achieve the clear, concise, and professional communication required to communicate in global markets. To stress the importance of workplace communication, students create a major professional document as a team. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ENGL110 and COMM120

Any course at the 100 level or above from the following categories not required in the program may be taken for Social Science credit:

ECON   HIST   POLS   PROX191   PSYC   SABR   SOCY   SOSC

This course introduces students to the complex issues surrounding diversity in U.S. society and to the need for understanding difference in an increasingly globalized world. Students will explore the social-historical context of multiple experiences on individual, cultural and institutional levels. They will analyze the complex interactions regarding diversity in organizations. Students will also evaluate their own thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors in order to understand their roles in a diverse society. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.

This is the basic statistics course in which students learn to collect, analyze, present and interpret data. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods are applied in problem-solving and decision-making situations. Analysis of large, real-world data sets will be performed using statistical software. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): MATH120 or MATH125

MATH120 College Mathematics
Students in this course will explore and apply college-level mathematical concepts so as to enhance their critical and creative thinking skills. Topics will include i) problem solving, ii) set theory and real numbers, iii) linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions, and iv) counting techniques and probability. Other topics of interest will be selected from graph theory, prime numbers, logic, number representation, and voting theory. Additional course fee(s) apply for MATH120L, a 0 credit hour lab utilized in the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP).
Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores or successful completion of MATH030. Students must also successfully complete an assessment exam on the first day of class.

MATH125 Intermediate Algebra
This course is designed to prepare students for the traditional calculus sequence. Course coverage includes the definitions, properties, and arithmetic of algebraic expressions, solving equations and inequalities, an introduction to functions, graphing equations and functions (e.g., linear, quadratic, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic). The course also includes a brief introduction to right triangle trigonometry. Techniques of problem solving and applications are integrated throughout the course. Note: A grade of C or above is required to take MATH135 or MATH150. Additional Course Fee(s) apply.
Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores or successful completion of MATH030. Students must also successfully complete an assessment exam on the first day of class.

This course is an introduction to accounting principles emphasizing the operation of a business as a sole proprietorship and covers the complete accounting cycle for merchandising and service entities. Partnership accounting is also covered. The application of computer technology to accounting processes is integrated into this course. Note: A grade of C or better is required to take the next course in the sequence. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): BITS211

This course continues the study of accounting principles with special emphasis on corporations, and basic principles of managerial accounting. Note: A grade of C or better is required to take ACCT301. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ACCT201 with a C grade or above.

Students create and manipulate spreadsheets with MS Excel to solve business applications. It is expected that students have a familiarity with spreadsheet software, as the course quickly progresses to advanced features, including data validation, linked workbooks, pivot tables, lookup functions, solver, and scenario manager. By the end of the semester, students will have the prerequisite skills to take applicable certification testing. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MATH120 or MATH125

This course explores applied ethics, focusing on social and professional situations especially in the fields of business, law, and tech­nology. Students learn ethical theory as they examine the complexities of ethical dilemmas. Students also compare and contrast ethical and moral systems. In addition, students apply creative and critical thinking to ethical dilemmas involving professional and social responsibility. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.

This course surveys the main components of the business systems cycle. The five phases of the systems development life cycle (SDLC) (systems planning, system analysis, systems design, systems implementation, and system operation and support) will be investigated. Students will look at how many of the typical business needs are incorporated into a business system. These may include invoicing, accounts receivable, order entry, inventory, accounts payable, payroll, manufacturing, and sales/marketing. Participation in a group project, site visit, or case study will give students a sense of group dynamics in real-world systems development projects. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Recommended Prerequisite(s): CISP100

This course covers the fundamental principles of corporate finance. Students will be introduced to various methods of company analysis, the term structure of interest rates, the relationship between risk and return, time value of money principles, security analysis, cost of capital and capital structure, and capital budgeting techniques. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ACCT201

Students gain an essential understanding of the discipline and approach to the management of projects in a global environment. Topics explained include project definition, resource planning, project scheduling with Gantt charts, project control, as well as planning and scheduling with limited resources. Topics are explored from both a quantitative and qualitative perspective. Students learn and utilize project software throughout the course. Various techniques used in planning, scheduling, ROI, and controlling projects will be explored and applied through the use of simulations. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): HLTH211, MGMT211 or CISP111

This survey course covers the fundamental principles of business law, including the legal system, dispute resolution, government regulation torts, and crimes affecting business, contracts, sales, and agency. Court decisions are used to encourage analytical thinking. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL110

This course provides a foundation in basic management principles with special application and focus on the supervisory level of management. The four universal functions of management (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling) are explored. Students learn the theories and study their impact on the history of management practices. Proper case analysis process is also examined and applied through the discussion of various supervisory/managerial case situations. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL109

This course explores the role of marketing in society and in the success of an organization. Students learn and apply the strategies, tactics and terminology used by market-oriented businesses. Through critical thinking exercises and case analysis, students become familiar with the primary tools of marketing including market segmentation, product, pricing, marketing communication, research, and marketing channel strategies. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL109

This course reviews the fundamental accounting process studied in ACCT202 and continues with a more comprehensive study of the major categories of the balance sheet and statement of cash flow and income statements. Students will also be introduced to applicable APB and FASB pronouncements and related topics. Note: A grade of C or better is required to take the next course in the sequence. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Completion of ACCT202 with a C or better grade.

This course provides an explanation of the federal tax structure and provides training in the application of tax principles as they pertain to individuals. In addition, the course will provide an introduction to taxation for businesses, federal tax laws and regulations, taxation theory, and tax research and planning techniques. Note: A grade of C or better is required to take the next course in the sequence. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ACCT202

This advanced course deals with topics concerning financial management and strategy. Theoretical as well as practical topics are discussed. Topics include financial planning and forecasting, the management of capital, and risk analysis in capital budgeting, as well as the working theories of capital structure and dividend policy. Students increase their analytical and problem-solving abilities in finance through the use of case studies and integrated PC software in applying various topics facing the modern financial manager. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): FINC211

This course is an introduction to investment fundamentals, including risk and return; investment information sources; market indexes; analysis of the economy, industry and companies; and investments in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Students will also be introduced to international investing, active versus passive investment strategies, fundamental and technical analyses, and other investment vehicles such as options, warrants, and convertibles. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): FINC211

This course is a study of the United States banking system, as well as how the government and the Federal Reserve Board influence bank operations and US monetary policy. Students will become acquainted with the principles of monetary theory and how the banking system is a key player in its implementation. Building on concepts learned in macroeconomics, topics will include the structure of the financial services industry; regulatory structure of the banking industry; the bank planning process; the functions of the central bank; and an introduction to international banking. Students will increase their analytical and problem-solving abilities in finance, while learning to analyze monetary and fiscal policy as practiced by the Federal Reserve. Students will also study banks' financial statements and will be introduced to credit analysis, investment management, and loan administration. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuit

This case study-based course examines the fundamentals of financial analysis from a business manager’s perspective, focusing on the analysis of financial information when making strategic business decisions. Topics covered include the practical interpretation of financial statements along with the utilization of various analytical techniques including ratio, common-size and trend analysis. Critical thinking and problem solving will incorporate the analysis of competitor and industry financial information. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): FINC211, MGMT211 and MKTG211

This course is a study of the operations of the international finance community. The course will emphasize the flow of funds, exchange rate determination and forecasting, management of economics, translation and transaction exposures, and the financing of international trade. The international monetary system, foreign exchange trading, and the problems that occur in international markets will also be discussed. There will be a discussion of the assistance that the banking system provides to the continuing globalization of business. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ECON201

This course is an advanced study of portfolio construction, management, and protection. The topics covered include setting portfolio objectives, formulating an investment strategy, having a plan for portfolio monitoring and revision, protecting the portfolio when appropriate, and evaluating its performance. The risk-return characteristics of various investment classes are revisited. This is accomplished by covering the mathematics of diversification, a calculation of the correlation and covariance between various asset returns, and the use of these statistical tools in reducing the risk of a portfolio. The revision and evaluation of equity portfolios as well as fixed-income portfolios is presented. Other topics include international diversification, the efficient frontier, market efficiency, and options. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): FINC215

This course is an in-depth study of health care financial information. This includes analyzing and interpreting financial information, setting fees, understanding different payment methods health care organizations receive for services rendered to patients, and revenue and receivable management. Other topics include strategic financial planning, the budgeting process, cost variance analysis, and capital project analysis. The class will also cover the difference between for-profit and not-for-profit health care organizations, the tax-status of health care organizations, and the function of managed care organizations. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ACCT200 or ACCT201

In this course, a student will demonstrate the ability to integrate and apply knowledge of financial planning topics through the completion of case studies and experiential opportunities. Such opportunities will include the development of a financial plan and the presentation of their planning recommendations. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Last semester; major courses complete or taken concurrently.

Attend Mandatory Internship Workshop at least two semesters prior to your desired internship course semester. The required internship workshop and approval process can be found at:https://my.davenport.edu/internships This bachelor-level internship is the integration of previous classroom instruction with new learning acquired through on-the-job work experience. The experience should be related as closely as possible to the student’s major field and individual interest. 150 hours of career-related work time shall be required for the 3 credit course pursued. Internship hours will be scheduled in partnership between the student and the site and reported via weekly reports filed by the student in the academic course. Students will be supported to identify site possibilities; however, responsibility for selection by the internship employer rests with the student. The internship may be either paid or unpaid. An appropriate faculty member and the internship site supervisor will evaluate the s

This course provides students the opportunity to apply discipline-related knowledge through live, field-based projects with organizational clients from diverse industries and sectors, including entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations, among others. Teams of three to five students, with support of faculty, provide data, analysis, and recommendations designed to help clients achieve new insights on organizational challenges and to impact growth. This course is one option to meet the Experiential Learning requirement in the D.W. Maine College of Business. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Senior status; minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and minimum major GPA of 2.3.

Attend Mandatory Internship Workshop at least two semesters prior to your desired internship course semester. The required internship workshop and approval process can be found at:https://my.davenport.edu/internships This bachelor-level internship is the integration of previous classroom instruction with new learning acquired through on-the-job work experience. The experience should be related as closely as possible to the student’s major field and individual interest. 150 hours of career-related work time shall be required for the 3 credit course pursued. Internship hours will be scheduled in partnership between the student and the site and reported via weekly reports filed by the student in the academic course. Students will be supported to identify site possibilities; however, responsibility for selection by the internship employer rests with the student. The internship may be either paid or unpaid. An appropriate faculty member and the internship site supervisor will evaluate the s

FINC493 ACG Capstone Experience I    2 CR
The course will prepare students for the ACG Cup competition. The ACG Cup is an intercollegiate competition among students from colleges and universities in West Michigan. Student participants will gain invaluable experience in a real-world context, receive feedback from leaders in the local business community, and expand networks. During the competition, students analyze complex business cases and present strategies involving merger and acquisition alternatives, valuation, capital markets, finance options, and corporate strategy. Additional course fee(s) apply.
Prerequisite(s): FINC211

FINC494 ACG Capstone Experience II    1 CR
This is the second part of the ACG Cup Competition course and includes the case preparation and ACG Cup competition. The ACG Cup is an intercollegiate competition among students from colleges and universities in West Michigan. Student participants will gain invaluable experience in a real-world context, receive feedback from leaders in the local business community, and expand networks. During the competition, students analyze complex business cases and present strategies involving merger and acquisition alternatives, valuation, capital markets, finance options, and corporate strategy. 
Prerequisite(s): FINC493

This course continues ACCT301 with a comprehensive study of the major categories of the balance sheet, statement of cash flow, and income. In addition, students will be introduced to the accounting, analysis, and reporting of special topics such as pension/retirement, leases, inflation, income taxes, earnings per share and revenue recognition. Students will also be introduced to applicable APB and FASB pronouncements and related topics. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Completion of ACCT301 with a C grade or above

This class is an introduction to the effect of psychology on the behavior of people in the financial field, such as portfolio managers, financial planners, investors, brokers, etc. The forces that determine risk-taking behavior in the field of investing will be explored, forces that include greed, hope, and fear. The class discusses the effect of human reactions on important aspects of market behavior and price movements. Issues include the errors committed by financial practitioners who rely on rules of thumb when making investment decisions or processing information, the effect of investors' biased reactions to public announcements about securities, and the effect of perceptions of risk and return characteristics of various asset classes on portfolio management and security selection. A comparison of technical and fundamental analysis strategies and their relationship with behavioral finance is also discussed. Cases demonstrating the application of behavioral concepts to finance will

This course is a study of financial planning and wealth-creation techniques for individuals. Case studies will be utilized to evaluate and establish financial goals of individuals. Tax considerations, fringe benefits, investment techniques, insurance, and retirement and estate planning will also be discussed. Students will learn the application of well-established models and methods in personal financial planning and will be acquainted with concepts, logic methodology, and terms used in the field. Current thinking and developments in the field of financial planning will be presented. The subject of risk management will also be covered, including the various types of insurance: life, health, disability, long-term care, and property, as well as liability insurance. Regulatory, ethical, and legal issues will be discussed. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): FINC215

This course covers the principles of retirement planning. Students will examine defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans for the private sector, as well as retirement plans for nonprofit and governmental entities. The class will also cover the retirement plan design, the plan's installation and administration issues, retirement plan distributions, nonqualified executive benefit plans, and other topics. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): FINC211

This course is a study of real estate as an investment and the strategies utilized in determining desirable properties. Students will discuss financing techniques including syndication, real estate investment trusts, mortgages, and seller-financed properties. Cash flow analysis and financial evaluation techniques will also be explored. Students will learn real estate concepts and financing techniques and will get exposure to the vast array of financing alternatives in real estate and how tax and legal concepts are applied to evaluate financing options for the acquisition of real estate investments. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ACCT201

This class covers the estate planning process and its goals. The methods of estate transfer at death as well as during life are discussed. The various tax issues that arise with estate planning are examined. Other estate planning issues and considerations such as estate liquidity and postmortem actions are also covered. Prerequisite(s): FINC301

This course continues the study of federal taxation, focusing primarily on business taxation matters for partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies. In addition, payroll taxes, estate and gift taxes, and other related topics will be covered. Students will be required to prepare partnership and corporation returns, as well as to perform research on a variety of tax issues. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Completion of ACCT315 with a C grade or above

This class is an introduction to the effect of psychology on the behavior of people in the financial field, such as portfolio managers, financial planners, investors, brokers, etc. The forces that determine risk-taking behavior in the field of investing will be explored, forces that include greed, hope, and fear. The class discusses the effect of human reactions on important aspects of market behavior and price movements. Issues include the errors committed by financial practitioners who rely on rules of thumb when making investment decisions or processing information, the effect of investors' biased reactions to public announcements about securities, and the effect of perceptions of risk and return characteristics of various asset classes on portfolio management and security selection. A comparison of technical and fundamental analysis strategies and their relationship with behavioral finance is also discussed. Cases demonstrating the application of behavioral concepts to finance will

This course is a study of financial planning and wealth-creation techniques for individuals. Case studies will be utilized to evaluate and establish financial goals of individuals. Tax considerations, fringe benefits, investment techniques, insurance, and retirement and estate planning will also be discussed. Students will learn the application of well-established models and methods in personal financial planning and will be acquainted with concepts, logic methodology, and terms used in the field. Current thinking and developments in the field of financial planning will be presented. The subject of risk management will also be covered, including the various types of insurance: life, health, disability, long-term care, and property, as well as liability insurance. Regulatory, ethical, and legal issues will be discussed. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): FINC215

This course covers the principles of retirement planning. Students will examine defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans for the private sector, as well as retirement plans for nonprofit and governmental entities. The class will also cover the retirement plan design, the plan's installation and administration issues, retirement plan distributions, nonqualified executive benefit plans, and other topics. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): FINC211

This class covers the estate planning process and its goals. The methods of estate transfer at death as well as during life are discussed. The various tax issues that arise with estate planning are examined. Other estate planning issues and considerations such as estate liquidity and postmortem actions are also covered. Prerequisite(s): FINC301