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Gain Real-World Experience

Intern with a Cleveland-area financial firm. Solve real-world challenges through projects and competitions. Help manage a student-led investment fund.

Build Industry-Standard Competencies

Prepare for the Certified Financial Planner (CFPⓇ) exam, the gold standard in the profession. Complete the Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) e-learning course to demonstrate your proficiency with the gold standard financial markets data platform.

• Gain Real-World Experience

  Intern with a Cleveland-area financial firm. Solve real-world challenges through projects and competitions. Help manage a student-led investment fund.

• Build Industry-Standard Competencies

  Prepare for the Certified Financial Planner (CFPⓇ) exam, the gold standard in the profession. Complete the Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) e-learning course to demonstrate your proficiency with the gold standard financial markets data platform.

• Connect with Classmates & Professionals

  Join organizations like the Finance & Wealth Management Association and the Investment Club to network with classmates and alumni, take trips to financial centers, and gain wisdom from career-focused speakers.

Curriculum: What You Will Learn

You'll develop a comprehensive understanding of managing financial resources for individuals, families, and organizations. The program combines foundational business courses with specialized financial planning coursework, preparing you for careers in financial planning, wealth management, and professional certifications such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

View Program Catalog 

• Business Core Requirements

  Business Analysis With Excel

  BI1100

  How to answer key business questions, analyze company finances, forecast sales, and prepare business cases while improving your Excel skills.
  

  Accounting Principles I

  3 Credits

  AC2201

  Elements of accounting theory, covering revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, and equity; account classification; analysis and recording of transactions; sources of accounting data; corporation accounting; theory of accounting valuations; preparation of financial statements; manufacturing cost flows and analysis.
  

  Ac2202

  AC2202

  Elements of accounting theory, covering revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, and equity; account classification; analysis and recording of transactions; sources of accounting data; corporation accounting; theory of accounting valuations; preparation of financial statements; manufacturing cost flows and analysis. Prerequisite: AC 201 or AC 2201.
  

  Soc: Principles Of Economics I

  3 Credits

  EC2201

  This course covers a variety of fundamental microeconomic concepts and tools. These concepts, theories, and tools are designed to provide the foundational microeconomic knowledge necessary for early-stage business professionals. Course topics include: markets - supply and demand, elasticity, efficiency and equity, trade, externalities, firm behavior, market structure, and labor markets. Algebra is used throughout this course.
  

  Soc: Principles Of Economics Ii

  3 Credits

  EC2202

  This course covers a variety of fundamental macroeconomic concepts, theories, and tools designed to provide the foundational macroeconomic knowledge necessary for early-stage business professionals. Course topics include: interdependence; national income; GDP; cost of living and indexes; production and growth; savings; investment; unemployment; the monetary system; inflation; open-economy concepts; aggregate supply and aggregate demand; and monetary and fiscal policy. Algebra is used throughout this course. Prerequisite: EC 2201 (EC 201).
  

  Qa: Business Analytics And Statistics

  4 Credits

  EC2210

  Descriptive statistics, probability and probability distributions, sampling, and sampling distributions, hypothesis testing, chi-square analysis, analysis of variance, correlation, bivariate and multivariate regression analysis, and time series analysis.
  

  En2510

  EN2510

  A requirement for any student majoring in a field of study in the Boler College of Business, this course examines contemporary communication practices. Genres and topics covered in the course include business reports and electronic forms of communication; business communication issues; communication technologies; and business research, writing, and presentation. The course carries Additional Writing (AW) and Oral Presentation (OP) designations in the Integrated Core for Business majors. Prerequisite: COM 125 or COM 1251, EN 121 or EN 1210 or EN 125 or EN 1250.
  

  Bi2200

  BI2200

  Introduction to business intelligence and analysis concepts, including data management, summarization, and visualization. Database, spreadsheet, and visualization software offer a hands-on perspective of key tools in data analysis and business decision-making. The course goes beyond software tutorials by using lectures, exercises, and assignments to present data modeling and analytical concepts and techniques. Prerequisite: BI 100 or BI 1100.
  

  Mol3301

  MOL3301

  Introduction to the theories and practices of managing employees for competitive advantage. Topics include employee acquisition, career and talent development, reward systems, labor relations, employment law and government regulations, and strategic human resource management. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.Please note that this replaces MHR 352.
  

  Supply Chain & Operations Mgmt

  SCM3301

  The core elements of SCM: customer value, collaboration, and the process of transforming raw materials into successful products. Introduces the three primary functions of supply chain activities: purchasing, operations, and logistics; also, the qualitative and quantitative tools to facilitate and analyze underlying processes. How to leverage concepts such as Just-In-Time, Process Design, and Inventory Control in order to turn great ideas into needed products and services. Prerequisite: EC 210 or EC 2210, or equivalent Statistics course.
  

  Fn3312

  FN3312

  This course introduces students to financial analysis and financial decision-making for modern corporations. Students learn important elements of financial theory, including, but not limited to: financial statements; time value of money; the risk-return relationship; cost of capital; capital budgeting; capital structure; and financial securities valuation. Of further interest are ethical considerations underlying application of financial theory to business practice. Prerequisites: AC 2201 (AC 201), EC 2201 (EC 201) and EC 2202 (EC 202), and EC 2210 (EC 210). Corequisite: AC 2202.
  

  Mk3301

  MK3301

  Introduces students to the field of marketing. Provides an overview of marketing concepts and strategies critical to value-driven marketing. Emphasis on how to develop, promote, distribute, and price an organization’s offerings in a dynamic economic, social, political, and international environment. Ethical issues are also examined.Prerequisite: Sophomore standing with a minimum of 25 credit hours.
  

  Mol4499

  MOL4499

  Presentation of strategic management theory and practice. Strategic and operating problems are assessed, and competitive solutions are recommended. Designed to give managers at all levels of the organization tools to make better decisions. General management perspective, global business views, knowledge of functional business disciplines, computer-based analysis, and management presentations are required. Prerequisite: FN 312 or FN 3312, MK 301 or MK 3301, MHR 301 or MOL 3301, SCM 301 or SCM 3301, and Senior standing. Note: MOL 3301 replaces MHR 301.
  

  Applied Calculus

  MT1300

  Limits, derivatives, definite and indefinite integrals of polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Focus on concepts and applications, particularly those pertaining to business fields. Use of a computer algebra system to facilitate computation. Students who already have credit for MT 1350 or MT 135 may not earn credit for MT 1300. Offered: Fall, Spring.
  

  Pl2086

  PL2086

  Application of ethical concepts to significant problems of business practice. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
  

  Mol4461

  MOL4461

  Study of the American legal environment within its social, political, economic, and ethical contexts. Topics include legal ethics, antitrust law, administrative law, labor law, product liability, the civil and criminal process, torts, business and the Constitutions, sources of law (political and institutional), consumer law, and law in international business. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.
  

  Professional Experience

  BPD4490

  An internship allows a student to engage in a meaningful professional experience related to his/her field of study. A minimum of 135 hours in a managed environment, in an office or location where the student directly reports to a supervisor, and is able to learn about business via interaction and delegated responsibility, is required. Prior to starting work, the student should seek pre-approval from the instructor. Other restrictions apply. Prerequisite: BPD 200 or BPD 2200; Instructor permission.
  

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• Financial Planning Core Requirements

  Introduction To Financial Planning

  3 Credits

  PFP3301

  An introductory course concerning the process and principles of financial planning. The course of study includes an examination of the financial planning process, client interactions, financial statements, cash flow and debt management, time value of money, housing, education planning, overview of risk management, investments planning, retirement plans, and ethics. Prerequisite: FN 3312 or FN 312 (min grade C).
  

  Tax Planning

  2 Credits

  PFP3371

  A detailed study of specific provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that relate to taxation of individuals and tax planning concepts in business and individual transactions. This course also examines the alternative minimum tax (AMT), tax management strategies, taxation of real property transactions, passive and at-risk rules, as well as charitable contributions in the context of personal financial planning. Prerequisite or corequisite: PFP 3301 or PFP 301.
  

  Retirement Planning

  3 Credits

  PFP3372

  This course provides students with a strong and rigorous foundation in retirement planning and employee benefits. In particular, the course offers students an overview of the retirement planning process, knowledge of retirement plans (both public and private plans), and tools and strategies used by financial professionals to help individuals, families, and companies choose and implement effective retirement planning strategies. Prerequisites or corequisites: (PFP 3301 or PFP 301) and (PFP 3371 or PFP 371).
  

  Estate Planning

  2 Credits

  PFP3373

  The course provides an overview of gift, estate, and generation skipping transfer taxation, including financial and estate planning applications. Topics include trusts, wills, probate, advanced directives, charitable giving, wealth transfers, and related taxes. Prerequisites or corequisites: (PFP 3301 or PFP 301) and (PFP 3371 or PFP 371).
  

  Risk Management And Insurance

  2 Credits

  PFP3374

  This course introduces to risk management and insurance decisions for individuals in the context of personal financial planning. Topics include insurance for health, disability, life, property, and liability risks, as well as annuities, group insurance, and long-term care. Prerequisites or corequisites: (PFP 3301 or PFP 301) and (PFP 3371 or PFP 371).
  

  Communication Techniques For Financial Planning

  2 Credits

  PFP3375

  Identifying and responding to attitudes, behaviors, and situations that impact decision-making, the client-planner relationship, and the client's financial well-being.
  

  Cases In Financial Planning

  3 Credits

  PFP4490

  This course serves as a capstone experience for students of financial planning. Emphasis is on the application of financial planning knowledge and development of a complete financial plan. Prerequisites: (PFP 3301 or PFP 301) and (PFP 3371 or PFP 371). Prerequisites or corequisites: (PFP 3372 or PFP 372), (PFP 3373 or PFP 373), and (PFP 3374 or PFP 374).
  

  Investments

  3 Credits

  FN3342

  Principles in the selection and management of investments, from the viewpoints of large and small investors. Prerequisites: FN 3312 or FN 312 (minimum grade of C), MT 1300 or MT 130 (minimum grade of C).
  

  Introduction To Fintech

  3 Credits

  FN3370

  This course provides an overview of technology used in finance. Key areas explored include: the merging of technology with financial intermediation; the impact of decentralized finance through cryptocurrencies and blockchain; and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in financial data analysis. Students will learn key terms and concepts as well as use analytical tools to identify emerging trends in this growing industry. A variety of technological tools used in Fintech applications will be introduced including coding languages such as Python and R. Prerequisites: EC 2201 (EC 201), EC 2202 (EC 202), and EC 2210 (EC 210).
  

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  3 Credits

  FN3380

  This course further explores how organizations leverage machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to drive strategic decision making and to enhance operational efficiencies. Students learn foundational principles of ML and AI using the popular coding language Python. A wide range of potential applications of ML and AI in business, economics, and finance are investigated using real-world data. Upon completion, students understand how to apply ML and AI techniques to a variety of datasets and develop approaches to answer important business questions. In addition, students learn various biases that arise with the use of AI and ML and gain a good understanding of the complete lifecycle of ML and AI algorithms. Offered: Spring. Prerequisite: EC 3370 or FN 3370.
  

  Investment Banking, Hedge Funds, And Private Equity

  3 Credits

  FN3470

  This course provides an overview of investment banks, hedge funds, and private equity funds. Students will learn the primary activities of the institutions and the various roles they play in creating wealth and managing risk. Students will learn how these institutions serve clients, interrelationships among the institutions, and the regulatory environment within which they operate. Students will also apply financial management principles to issues and problems their managers face. The course enables students to understand and analyze the important, continuing, and dynamic impact investment banks, hedge funds, and private equity firms have on global finance and investment. Prerequisite: FN 3312 – Business Finance.
  

  Seminar In Finance

  1 Credits

  FN4050

  Prerequisites: minimum grade of C in FN 312 and/or as announced. Contemporary issues in finance not covered in depth in other departmental courses. Topics, method of presentation, and requirements designated by the seminar leader.
  

  Seminar In Finance

  3 Credits

  FN4051

  Contemporary issues in finance not covered in depth in other departmental courses. Topics, method of presentation, and requirements designated by the seminar leader. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in FN 3312 or FN 312 and/or as announced.
  

  Seminar In Finance

  3 Credits

  FN4052

  Contemporary issues in finance not covered in depth in other departmental courses. Topics, method of presentation, and requirements designated by the seminar leader. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in FN 3312 or FN 312 and/or as announced.
  

  Real Estate Finance

  3 Credits

  FN4418

  Introduction to real estate with a focus on financial aspects; theory and measurement of returns and risks on real estate and real estate-related assets; valuation theory for owner-occupied and income-producing properties. Prerequisite: FN 3312 or FN 312 (minimum grade of C).
  

  International Business Finance

  3 Credits

  FN4439

  Tools and techniques necessary to understand the financial management of the firm in an international environment. Exchange rate determination, risk analysis, transactions denominated in foreign currency, nontraditional trading practices, and the unique problems faced by multinational firms. Exchange rate risk in foreign securities investments. Prerequisite: FN 3312 or FN 312 (minimum grade of C).
  

  Risk Management And Insurance Fundamentals

  3 Credits

  FN4442

  Focuses on the management of business risks whose outcomes are subject to some degree of direct control (e.g., fire damage that may be preventable), as compared to risks whose outcomes are a result of changing market forces. Prerequisite: FN 3312 or FN 312 (minimum grade of C).
  

  Managing Financial Risk With Derivatives

  3 Credits

  FN4444

  Introduction to analytical and decision-making processes used to transfer risk with futures and options. Theory and application of pricing, speculating, and hedging techniques in financial markets. Prerequisite: FN3312 or FN 312 (minimum grade of C).
  

  Portfolio Management

  3 Credits

  FN4452

  This course focuses on managing the Dornam Fund, a student-managed investment portfolio. The course provides students with theories and experience in professional money management including: identification of investment objectives, information assessment for security selection, and evaluation of fund performance. Prerequisite: FN 3342 (FN 342) or permission of the department chair.
  

  Portfolio Management

  FN4498

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• Supporting Courses

  Macroeconomics

  3 Credits

  EC3302

  This course explores the core concepts of macroeconomics. Course topics include theories specific to the determination of output, income, employment, and price level. This course provides particular emphasis on fiscal and monetary policy as well as long-run economic growth. Prerequisites: EC 2201 (EC 201); EC 2202 (EC 202); MT 1300 (MT 130, or MT 133 and MT 134) or MT 1350 (MT 135); or permission of the department chair.
  

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Related Programs

Still deciding on your program of study at JCU or considering a second major? Here are some other academic areas to explore.

• Accountancy
• Finance
• Economics
• Management and Organizational Leadership
• Mathematics
• Data Science

Complementary Minors

• Artificial Intelligence
• Business Analytics
• Communication
• Entrepreneurship
• Leadership Development
• Statistics & Analytics

Where Our Alumni Go

Our graduates are prepared for roles such as financial planner, financial advisor, wealth manager, investment adviser, portfolio manager, and financial client services representative.