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Bachelor of Science in Financial Management

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Program Overview

Gain practical and theoretical training in financial decision-making and the creation of wealth through the art and science of managing financial resources with a Bachelor of Science in Financial Management. Rather than just monitoring a company’s finances, you’ll get hands-on training in data analysis and learn ways to advise senior managers on how to maximize profits.

Financial managers look out for the financial health of their organizations. As their role has changed with the advance of technology, so have the expectations of the role. This program provides not only a broad perspective of the global economic and financial environment, but also training in the latest advancements to produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop strategies and plans for long-term financial goals. The Bachelor of Science in Finance degree program also explores the range of tax laws and regulations that affect the business world.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

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Course Details

Preparation for the Major

  • 6 courses; 27 quarter units

MNS 205 must be taken if student does not have transfer credits for MNS 205 or MTH 210 or MTH 215 or MTH 220.

In this course, students will study the price system, market structures, and consumer theory. Topics covered include supply and demand, price controls, public policy, the theory of the firm, cost and revenue concepts, forms of competition, elasticity, and efficient resource allocation, among others.

This course provides an examination of aggregate economic activity. It includes a study of aggregate supply and demand, the monetary and banking systems, aggregate economic accounting, inflation, unemployment, the business cycle, macroeconomic policy, and economic progress and stability, among other things.

A survey of basic accounting theory and the application of accounting principles, this course includes the recording and summarization of business transactions in the form of financial statements under the rules of generally accepted accounting principles. (GAAP). It is designed for students who have little or no prior knowledge of financial accounting, this course corresponds to Principles of Accounting I at other colleges.

PrerequisiteACC 201

This course is an overview of the use of financial accounting and cost accounting data for the design and preparation of reports to aid management in organizing, directing, controlling, and decision-making functions. The topics include the fundamentals of cost accounting, budgeting and responsibility accounting for cost and profit centers.

A survey of contracts, sales, agencies, personal property, commercial paper and associated topics. Emphasizes prevention of litigation and liability arising from business operations.

Key mathematical and statistical concepts useful for understanding business problems and making informed decisions with the right tools are introduced. Concepts relate to numbers, formulas, linear equation models and descriptive statistics. Applications focus on personal decisions and decisions within businesses in the areas of finance, discounts, pricing, interest rates, loans, insurance, investment, payroll and taxes. Microsoft Excel is the software used in this class. MNS 205 and MTH 210 are the primary quantitative courses required for MNS 407. Students who have taken college algebra or calculus (MTH 215 or MTH 220) are exempt from this course.

*May be used to satisfy general education requirements.

Requirements for the Major

  • 16 courses; 72 quarter units

Business Requirements

  • 5 courses; 22.5 quarter units

Introduction to the roles of managers and the vision, mission and goals of organizations. Investigates management theories and explores the four primary functions of managers: Planning, Organizing, Leading and Controlling. Covers issues related to human resource management, organizational structure and behavior, creative problem solving, effective communication, and the management of teams, change and innovations.

PrerequisiteACC 201

This course is a survey of the basic principles and concepts used in the financial management of a business enterprise addressed from both theoretical and practical standpoints. Topics include money and capital markets, financial management of working capital, capital budgeting and fixed asset management, cost of capital, and short-term and long-term financing by means of debt and equity capital.

This course is the introduction to contemporary marketing theory and practice in both the local and global marketplace. Basic concepts of marketing are examined with an emphasis on marketing positioning, segmentation and targeting as well as product development and distribution.

PrerequisiteACC 201

Often referred to as “Intermediate Accounting,” ACC 410A, B and C cover a substantial portion of the U.S. accounting standards known as GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles). In particular, ACC 410A entails a more in-depth and detailed study of the principal financial statements, accounting concepts, revenue and expense recognition, and accounting for cash, receivables, and inventories.

PrerequisiteACC 410A

Often referred to as “Intermediate Accounting,” (See ACC 410A for a series description.) ACC 410B covers accounting for plant, property and equipment, intangible assets, leases, current and long-term liabilities, and stockholders’ equity and retained earnings.

Finance Requirements

  • 11 courses; 49.5 quarter units

PrerequisiteFIN 310

An examination of the nature and role of financial institutions in the economy, topics include money markets and capital markets, the Federal Reserve System and monetary policy, the commercial banking system, thrift institutions, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, and other major financial institutions.

PrerequisiteFIN 310 and FIN 440

A survey of principles and practices in the field of investments, the course covers the valuation of corporate securities of multinational and domestic corporations, portfolio theory, and the measurement of portfolio performance. Emphasizes the role of return and risk in valuing stocks, bonds, options, and in constructing portfolios.

PrerequisiteFIN 310

A course emphasizing the management of current assets and current liabilities, it covers planning a firm’s overall level of liquidity, stressing cash management and credit policies. Also discussed are selected topics such as bank relations, factoring, and secured inventory financing.

PrerequisiteFIN 310

An analysis of the risk management problems in the business enterprise, the course emphasizes methodology for risk analysis, insurance principles and practices, techniques for risk and loss control, insurance underwriting, and rating. It also includes product liability, property damage, and bodily injury in business situations.

PrerequisiteFIN 310

An examination of the international aspects of corporate finance and investing, the course covers balance of payments, foreign exchange with emphasis on exchange rate determination, exchange risk, hedging, and interest arbitrage, international money and capital markets, international financing, and international banking.

PrerequisiteFIN 310 and FIN 442

The course is an overview of the broad spectrum of financial planning, including activities such as producing a comprehensive plan to meet the client’s needs and goals for sound financial management, gathering of client information, analyzing client objectives, and using communication skills essential to obtaining quantitative and qualitative client data. It also acquaints students with the importance of retirement and estate planning and tax management.

PrerequisiteFIN 310

An examination of U.S. accounting principles, the course emphasizes the analysis and interpretation of financial statements for management and investment purposes. Students evaluate financial statements of actual publicly traded firms. Course material is applicable to credit policy, investment analysis, and other operating and financial policy decisions.

PrerequisiteFIN 310

Overview the banking system, and the role of money and interest rates in the economy. Topics include: today’s financial and monetary controversies, role of banking system in the economy; banking regulations; financial instruments and their purposes; asset pricing, the determination and behavior of interest rates; the monetary base and the money supply framework; the role of the Federal Reserve system in the determination of money supply, interest rates, and economic goals; the effect of money and credit on output, employment, and inflation.

PrerequisiteFIN 310

Overview the factors that affect capital structure decisions. Topics include: risk and return, corporate strategy, capital structure choices, economics, regulatory, and industry effect on capital structure, raising capital and financial distress and bankruptcy.

PrerequisiteFIN 310

Valuation is designed to explain the theories of valuing a corporation. Topics include: foundations of value, core valuation techniques, how to create value, estimating continuing value, valuing multinational companies, and cross-border and emerging markets valuation.

PrerequisiteFIN 310; FIN 440; FIN 442; FIN 443; FIN 444; FIN 446; FIN 447; FIN 449; FIN 453; FIN 454; FIN 455

This capstone course exposes students to a wide range of finance related topics, including issues affecting the current financial environment of business firms. The course integrates material from previous courses and covers topics such as corporate finance, short and long-term investment, risk management, financial domestics and international markets and institutions and other related subjects. The subject matters will be covered trough series of cases or research projects.

Degree and Course Requirements

To receive a Bachelor of Science in Financial Management, students must complete at least 180 quarter units as articulated below, 45 of which must be completed in residence at National University, 76.5 of which must be completed at the upper-division level, and a minimum 69 units of the University General Education requirements. In the absence of transfer credit, additional general electives may be necessary to satisfy total units for the degree. The following courses are specific degree requirements. Refer to the section of undergraduate admission procedures for specific information regarding admission and evaluation.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the financial objectives of an organization and apply quantitative, qualitative, and problem-solving skills in order to achieve those objectives.
  • Describe ethical, legal, and global issues that impact an organization’s financial position.
  • Discuss the theoretical and practical aspects of corporate finance.
  • Explain the structure and operation of financial markets domestically and internationally.
  • Demonstrate oral and written communication skills needed by financial managers.
  • Examine the financial position of an organization and make financial decisions.

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Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

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