Business and Economics Courses

  • Accounting

    ACCT-140 Financial Accounting and Reporting

    An introduction to financial accounting concepts, standards and reports. Emphasis on relationships between the income statement, balance sheet and statement of cash flows and relevance of accounting information to decision making. Excel applications of accounting problems. Three hours of lecture; two hours of computer laboratory per week. Four semester hours.

    ACCT-213 Topics in Accounting

    An occasional course focusing on a special topic in accounting. Prerequisites will vary. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    ACCT-240 Topics in Advanced Financial Reporting

    An in-depth study of selected topics related to financial reporting and disclosure, including their impact on decisions by managers, investors and creditors. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in ACCT-140. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    ACCT-241 Management Accounting

    The study of accounting information used by managers for planning and controlling business activities and decision-making. Emphasis is on cost concepts and behavior, costing systems for products and services, budgeting, breakeven and variance analysis. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in ACCT-140. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    Students with credit for BE-241 may not enroll in ACCT-241.

    ACCT-242 Federal Income Tax Policy

    An introduction to the principles and policies of the federal income tax code, with focus on issues affecting corporations, partnerships and individuals. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in ACCT-140. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    Note: Students with credit for BE-242 may not enroll in ACCT-242.

    ACCT-313 Advanced Topics in Accounting

    An occasional course focusing on a special topic in accounting involving advanced reading, theory, quantitative analysis, writing, or some combination of the four. Prerequisites will vary. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    Business and Economics

    BE 001-004 Community Service Practicum

    This practicum allows students to volunteer and collaborate with a local non-profit organization. Placement is based on availability, student interest and qualifications. Special classroom training may be needed. Students report to a supervisor and faculty advisor, keep a journal of their activities, and write a research paper. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and permission of the chair. A minimum of 40 hours. Grade: S/U. One semester hour.

    Students may take up to four credits of Community Service Practicum. Completion of the Community Service Practicum does not satisfy the XLP requirement for the college.

    BE-005-008. Readings in Business and Economics

    Individual study and directed reading of a particular topic or book within the discipline. Students will work closely with a member of the BE faculty in selecting, reading, and discussing the topic, and in determining a proper written assignment. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor. Grade: S/U. One semester hour.

    Students may take up to four credits of Readings in Business and Economics

    BE-381. Internship

    An academic/work experience under the supervision of a faculty internship adviser and an on-site supervisor. Students must document their experience according to the requirements delineated in the College catalogue section on Internships. Students are required to document their experiences in a written journal. A written research paper/project is required. Contact the chair of the department for further details. Open to juniors and seniors. The term during which the internship work is performed will be noted by one of the following letters, to be added immediately after the internship course number: A (fall), B (winter), C (spring), or D (summer). Internships undertaken abroad will be so indicated by the letter I. The intern must complete a minimum of 120 hours of work. Prerequisites: Four courses in the major and prior written approval of a faculty internship adviser. Graded S/U. Three semester hours. (XLP.)

    BE-382. Internship

    An academic/work experience under the supervision of a faculty internship adviser and an on-site supervisor. Students must document their experience according to the requirements delineated in the College catalogue section on Internships. Students are required to document their experiences in a written journal. A written research paper/project is required. Contact the chair of the department for further details. Open to juniors and seniors. The term during which the internship work is performed will be noted by one of the following letters, to be added immediately after the internship course number: A (fall), B (winter), C (spring), or D (summer). Internships undertaken abroad will be so indicated by the letter I. The intern must complete a minimum of 160 hours of work. Prerequisites: Four courses in the major and prior written approval of a faculty internship adviser. Graded S/U. Four semester hours.  (XLP.)

    BE-391. Research/Independent Study

    Independent investigation of an area of business or economics not covered in regular courses. Prerequisite: Completion of Economics, Business Economics or Finance major core and written consent of a department faculty member. Graded S/U. One semester hour.

    Note: This course may be taken more than once.

    BE-392. Research/Independent Study

    Independent investigation of an area of business or economics not covered in regular courses. Prerequisite: Completion of Economics, Business Economics, or Finance major core and written consent of a department faculty member. Graded S/U. Two semester hours.

    Note: This course may be taken more than once.

    BE-394.Research/Independent Study

    Independent investigation of an area of business or economics not covered in regular courses. Prerequisite: Completion of Economics, Business Economics, or Finance major core and written consent of a department faculty member. An oral presentation to the department is required. Graded S/U. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

    Note: This course may be taken more than once. This course always fulfills the XLP requirement for the college.

    Economics

    ECON-101. Principles of Microeconomics

    An introduction to the economic behavior of consumers and firms through the framework of supply and demand. The course presents an overview of different market structures and economic decision making. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

    ECON-102. Principles of Macroeconomics

    The course covers the foundations of the macro-economy. Concepts of the price system, measurements of economic performance, macro models, monetary and fiscal policies, and the time value of money will be introduced. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

    ECON-120. Contemporary Global Economic Issues

    This course examines a variety of contemporary economic issues in developing countries. Economic theory provides the basis of the analysis. Specific issues may vary from semester to semester, and will include how these countries have dealt with or reacted to some or all of the following: the environment, the labor market, health care, government regulation, monetary and fiscal policy, international economics, and social policy. Students will participate in debates and critically evaluate current events. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (GN, SS.)

    Note: Students who have received credit for ECON-101 or 102 may not enroll in ECON-120 nor may ECON-120 be taken concurrently with ECON-101 or 102. 

    ECON-151. Analytic Foundations in Economics and Finance

    This course covers the essential quantitative principles necessary for majors in both Economics and Finance. Mathematical topics include a review of algebra, functions, graphs, logarithms, and differentiation. Instruction in statistics will take a conceptual approach that covers sampling, randomness, probability, distributions, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, correlation, and linear regression. Pre- or co-requisite: ECON-101 or -102. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (Q, R.)

    Note: Students may satisfy the requirement for this course in the economics and finance majors with a C- or better in MATH-111 and STAT-141.

    Note: Students with credit for ECON-150 may not enroll in ECON-151.

    ECON-200W. Research Methods in Economics

    This course is an introduction to research within Economics. Topics include writing conventions within the discipline, presentation development, synthesizing data, and culmination of analysis across different genres. Students will manipulate data using Excel to help support their arguments. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and a grade of C– or higher in ECON-101 or a grade of C– or higher in ECON-102. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    ECON-201. Managerial Economics

    This course develops the tools and theories of some microeconomic models and introduces elements of behavioral economics. Topics covered include utility, consumer theory, producer theory, monopoly, imperfect competition, risk aversion, externalities, principal-agent problems, moral hazard, and adverse selection. Topics will be examined from the viewpoint of both consumers and firms. Prerequisite: A grade of C– or higher in ECON-101 and either a grade of C- or higher in ECON-151 or a waiver for ECON-151. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    ECON-202. Intermediate Macroeconomics

    The study of inflation, unemployment and economic growth within the context of the world economy. An examination of how exchange rates, taxes and central bank policies affect businesses and the performance of the U.S. economy. Prerequisite: A grade of C– or higher in ECON-101 and either a grade of C- or higher in ECON 151 or a waiver for ECON-151. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    ECON/GWSS-210. Race and Gender in the American Economy

    The study of the issues of race and gender in the U.S. economy. We will evaluate the economic status of racial minorities and women. Issues include occupational segregation, wage differentials, educational attainment, affirmative action and labor market discrimination. . Prerequisites: ECON-101 or ECON-102 or permission of instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (DN, SS.)

    ECON-213. Topics in Economics

    An occasional course focusing on a special topic in economics. Prerequisites will vary. Prerequisites will vary. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    ECON-223. Economies in Transition

    Students will investigate why some countries are relatively rich while other countries are poor within the context of the former communist economies in Central and Eastern Europe. Field study in Eastern Bloc Countries and intensive course work. Visits to old and new institutions, lectures, and field research are among other activities. Offered for three weeks during the summer. Prerequisites: ECON-101 or 102; or permission of instructor. Four semester hours. (GN, XLP.)

    ECON-231. Behavioral Economics

    A study of economic models in which standard economic rationality assumptions are relaxed. Models will include psychologically plausible assumptions on behavior. New models improve ability to predict and understand behavioral phenomena including altruism, trust and reciprocity, procrastination, and self-control. Prerequisites: A grade of C– or higher in ECON-101. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    ECON-263. Development Economics

    An introduction to the study of economic factors facing developing countries. The nature and the contribution of economic, cultural and political institutions will be examined. Approaches to development are reviewed. Case studies of successful and unsuccessful developing countries will be used. Prerequisites: ECON-102 or permission of instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (GN, SS.)

    ECON-300Q. Econometrics

    Econometric methods used in analyzing business and economic data, including hypothesis testing, trend analysis, and forecasting of behavioral decisions by consumers and firms. Topics include the specification, estimation and verification of multiple regression and time series models. Laboratory experience includes statistical software usage. A research paper presenting original data analysis is required. Prerequisites: ECON-201 OR 202; either a grade of C- or higher in ECON 151 or a waiver for ECON-151; either ECON-200W or FIN-200W. Three hours of lecture; two hours of laboratory per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

    ECON-311. Health Economics

    Discussion of various topics including the supply and demand of health care, health professionals’ services, facilities and pharmaceuticals. Government policies concerning Medicare and Medicaid are analyzed. International comparisons of health care delivery systems are discussed. Prerequisite: ECON-200W and 201 or permission of instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    ECON-312. Labor Economics

    A theoretical and empirical study of the functioning of labor markets, with emphasis on employment and compensation determination as affected by worker and firm characteristics, public policy, and worker organizations. Prerequisite: ECON-200W and 201. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    ECON-313. Advanced Topics in Economics

    An occasional course focusing on a special topic in economics involving advanced reading, theory, quantitative analysis, writing, or some combination of the four. Prerequisites will vary. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    ECON-314. The Economics of Sports

    The study of introductory economics and business using topics in sports and sports business. Professional, amateur, college and recreational sports will be analyzed. Prerequisites: ECON-200W and 201. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

    ECON-361. International Trade Theory and Policy

    An exploration of the factors that contribute to international trade and globalization. Topics include gains from trade, firm motivation, and government policies. Ongoing discussion analyzing current trade problems, prescriptions and legislation. Prerequisite: ECON-200W and 201. Three hours per week.Four semester hours.

    ECON-362. International Finance Theory and Policy

    An examination of foreign exchange rate markets as they relate to multinational corporations. The key factors that influence exchange rates and international capital flows will be studied. The course will also consider policies that governments use to influence the foreign exchange market. Prerequisite: ECON-200W and 202. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    ECON-403W Seminar in Economics

    This course is both the capstone for the applied economics major’s concentration in economics and a college core capstone. The course provides an opportunity to synthesize and apply the theory and methods of economics. Interdisciplinary perspectives will help illuminate for students what makes economics distinctive from other ways of knowing. Students will reflect on their experiences in the field and how those experiences influence their responses to the question, “What will I do?” These objectives will be met through reading and discussion of influential economic thinkers; writing a reflective journal; a review of econometric methods; and the research, writing, and presentation of a capstone paper. Prerequisites: Completion of all other required courses in the major and two electives in the Economics major, or permission of the instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (CCAP.)

    ECON-491. Research/Independent Study

    Preparation of an independent research paper in economics. Open only to candidates for departmental honors or to fourth-year majors with the permission of the department chair. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

    ECON-492W. Research/Independent Study

    A continuation of ECON-491. Prerequisite: ECON-491. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

    Note: The completion of ECON-491 and 492W satisfies the capstone requirement for the major in economics (ECON-403W).

    Finance

    FIN-001. Student-Managed Investment Fund (UCIMCO)

    In this course students will oversee and manage an investment fund. From selecting the portfolio to communicating about investment analysis, students will assume a variety of roles related to fund maintenance. Offered every semester. This course may be repeated for credit. Students are limited to counting a total of eight credits across all FIN-00X courses toward graduation requirements One hour per week. One semester hour.

    Note: This course does not satisfy any department requirements.

    FIN-005. UCIMCO Leader

    Student leaders are responsible for creating and administering curriculum to demonstrate to students how to oversee and manage investment funds. From selecting the portfolio to communicating about investment analysis, leaders will assume a higher level of responsibility while also mentoring future leaders. Leaders are also responsible for meeting with the faculty mentor each week to provide updates and timelines. Offered every semester. This course may be repeated for credit. Students are limited to counting a total of eight credits across all FIN-00X courses toward graduation requirements. Two hours per week. Two semester hours.

    Note: This course does not satisfy any department requirements.

    FIN-100. Personal Finance

    As the financial world becomes more complex, the need for financial literacy grows. This course is open to all students and intended to prepare them for post-Ursinus life. The nature and scope of the economy and how it affects one’s life plans and goals will be examined. Topics include supply and demand, financial planning, personal taxes, retirement planning, investing in stocks and bonds, portfolio management, the time value of money, managing credit cards and debt, and insurance planning. Four hours per week for half a semester or two hours per week for a full semester. Two semester hours.

    Note: This course does not satisfy any department requirements.

    FIN-200W. Research Methods in Finance

    Students develop an understanding of best practices in research and communication about financial topics, including investments, organizational finances, and financial institutions. The course emphasizes the creation of documents and presentations that make use of clear and engaging writing, speaking, slides and charts. Students will learn how to use a variety of software, particularly spreadsheets. Students will also examine professional standards of ethics and objectivity in financial research. Prerequisites: ECON-101 and 102. Three hours per week.Two semester hours.

    FIN-213. Topics in Finance

    An occasional course focusing on a special topic in finance. Prerequisites will vary. Prerequisites will vary. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    FIN-262. Corporate Valuation and Financial Modeling

    This course explores the fundamentals of valuation methods and financial modeling techniques. Students will consider the theory and practical challenges associated with forecasting as well as the ethical and social implications of the standard approaches used in contemporary valuation. Prerequisites: ACCT-140 and one of ECON-101 or 102. Four semester hours.

    FIN-270. Introduction to Finance

    An introduction to the core subjects of finance. Topics include financial markets and institutions, the interpretation of financial statements, methods for estimating the value and risk of financial securities, and theories that explain interest rates. Prerequisites: A grade of C– or higher in ACCT-140 and ECON-102. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    FIN-301. Finance Scholars I

    This course is restricted to students admitted to the Finance Scholars program. Content is oriented to the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Relevant co-curricular activities are required. Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: Major concentration or minor in Accounting and Finance; Junior standing; Pre- or Co-Requisite: FIN-270. Grade: S/U. One hour per week. One semester hour.

    Note: This course does not satisfy any department requirements.

    FIN-302. Finance Scholars II

    This course is restricted to students admitted to the Finance Scholars program. Content is oriented to the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Relevant co-curricular activities are required. Offered spring semester. Prerequisite: FIN-301. Pre- or Co-requisite: FIN-372. Grade: S/U. One hour per week. One semester hour.

    Note: This course does not satisfy any department requirements.

    FIN-313. Advanced Topics in Finance

    An occasional course focusing on a special topic in finance involving advanced work in theory, quantitative analysis, writing, or some combination of the four. Prerequisites will vary. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    FIN-370. Corporate Finance

    A study of the basic issues and principles involved in the financing of corporations: corporate structure, short- and long-term financing instruments, expansion, failure, and reorganization. This course will employ case studies, and a semester project will require students to use financial analysis and forecasting techniques. Prerequisite: FIN-200W and FIN-270; or permission of the instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    FIN-372. Investments

    A survey of securities and security markets. Through the study of texts and market data, students explore the characteristics of stocks, bonds, and derivatives, paying particular attention to the measurement of returns and risk. In the process, students develop their understanding of market efficiency, fundamental analysis, technical analysis, behavioral finance, and ethical issues related to investment management. Prerequisite: FIN-200W and FIN-270; or permission of the instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    FIN-374. Money and Financial Institutions

    An in-depth understanding of the role of money and financial institutions in the economy. Money-related topics include monetary systems, money’s relationship to prices and economic growth, and theories of central banking. The course explores the characteristics common to all financial institutions, their role as intermediaries between savers and investors, and the nature and influence of regulations on financial institutions. Prerequisite: FIN-200W and ECON-102 or permission of the instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    FIN-401. Finance Scholars III

    This course is restricted to students admitted to the Finance Scholars program. Content is oriented to the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Relevant co-curricular activities are required. Offered fall semester. Prerequisite: FIN-302. Grade: S/U. One hour per week. One semester hour.

    Note: This course does not satisfy any department requirements.

    FIN-402. Finance Scholars IV

    This course is restricted to students admitted to the Finance Scholars program. Content is oriented to the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Relevant co-curricular activities are required. Offered spring semester. Prerequisite: FIN-401. Grade: S/U. One hour per week. One semester hour.

    Note: This course does not satisfy any department requirements.

    FIN-403W. Seminar in Finance

    This course is both the capstone for the finance major and a college core capstone. The course provides an opportunity to synthesize and apply the theory and methods of economics and finance. Students will reflect on ethical challenges that finance professionals encounter. In addition, students will consider sociological and psychological perspectives on the field of finance. Through this process, students will develop their outlooks on the question, “What will I do?” These objectives will be met through reading and discussion of texts on ethics; a reflection paper; a review of econometric methods; and the research, writing, and presentation of a capstone paper. Prerequisites: Completion of all other required courses in the major, ACCT-140, FIN-270 and one elective in the Finance major, or permission of the instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (CCAP.)

    FIN-491. Research/Independent Study

    Preparation of an independent research paper in finance. Open only to candidates for departmental honors or to fourth-year majors with the permission of the department chair. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

    FIN-492W. Research/Independent Study

    A continuation of FIN-491. Prerequisite: FIN-491. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

    Note: The completion of FIN-491 and 492W satisfies the capstone requirement for the major in finance (FIN-403W).

    Business

    MGT-200. Management and Organizational Behavior

    The study of theories and practices in the fields of management and organizational behavior. The focus is on understanding management and the pursuit of organizational goals efficiently and effectively by integrating the work of people through planning, organizing, leading, and controlling the organization’s resources. Integrates the study of organizational behavior, a field of study devoted to understanding, explaining, and ultimately improving the attitudes and behaviors of individuals and groups in organizations. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    MGT-201. Business Ethics and Practices

    This course introduces students to aspects of ethics in business, with a focus on general management. Students will explore both the philosophy driving business ethics and the daily challenges that managers face. The focus will be on application of ethical theory and practice to business management. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    MGT-300. Topics in Management Studies

    Contemporary topics in management are discussed such as organizational leadership, human resource management and international business. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    MGT-330. Strategic Analysis

    A case-oriented course in strategy and strategic management taught from the perspective of the firm’s top management team as they seek to achieve a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving business world. Prerequisite: MGT-200. Three hours per week. Four semester hours

    Students who have taken ECON-330 can not enroll in MGT-330.

    MGT-403W. Seminar in Management and Marketing

    Issues in Management and Marketing are discussed using a cross-disciplinary approach. Course will incorporate the development and exploration of a student-selected, independent research topic, culminating in a written and oral presentation. Three hours per week. Prerequisites: Completion of required courses in the major and two electives in the Management, Marketing or Entrepreneurship concentration. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    MKT-250. Marketing

    The study of market analysis, consumer behavior and the four components of the marketing mix—product, price, promotion and distribution. Marketing issues will be examined through case studies and projects utilizing marketing research and analytical techniques. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    MKT-350. Marketing Research

    Focuses on fundamental issues in research design and analysis: problem formulation, data collection, sample selection, data analysis and interpretation. Topics include the economic aspects of pricing strategies, advertising, inter and intra market rivalries, entry and barriers to new markets, and regulations. A marketing research paper is required. Prerequisites: MKT-250. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.