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PREPROGRAM FOUNDATIONS REQUIREMENTS Preparatory work begins in July/August, is in addition to required credits, and does not affect GPA. SPRING REQUIRED COURSES REQUIRED CREDITS: 15 Core: DAT 500W: A/B Testing in Business & Social Science 3 credits Track: FIN 550F: Financial Technology (FinTech) – Methods & Practice 3 credits Spring A 1.5 credits/course FIN 524: Options & Futures FIN 525: Fixed Income Security FIN 532: Investments Theory FIN 534: Advanced Corporate Finance I – Valuation Spring B 1.5 credits/course DAT 560E: Data Visualization DAT 562: Text Mining
FALL 2 REQUIRED COURSES
REQUIRED CREDITS: 3 FIN 560G: Seminar in Financial Technology 3 credits EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING REQUIREMENT COMPLETE 1 COURSE: MGT 551E: Internship, Business, & Application 1.5 credits FIN 500K: Financial Consulting Projects 3 credits FIN 501P: CFAR Practicum 3 credits MGT 501V: Applied Problem Solving for Orgs 1.5 credits
- Elective courses offered either in Fall or Spring semesters
FALL 1 REQUIRED COURSES
REQUIRED CREDITS: 15 Core: MGT 560F: Professional Business Communication 1.5 credits DAT 500S: Predictive Analytics for Business Decision-Making 3 credits DAT 561: Introduction to Python & Data Science 3 credits Track: FIN 5203: Financial Management 3 credits Fall A 1.5 credits course DAT 560G: Database Design & SQL Fall B 1.5 credits/course DAT 500N: Prescriptive Analytics DAT 560M: Big Data & Cloud Computing
MSFTA Three-Semester Course Plan
PATHWAY
DAT 500V: Introduction to R Programming .5 credit ACCT 560: Introduction to Financial Accounting Academic Year 2021- 2022 The degree requirements in this document apply to students entering Washington University during the 2021–2022 academic year. Under the flat tuition rate, students may take up to 18 credits per semester. Additional credits must be approved and are charged at the per credit rate. Every effort is made to ensure that the information is accurate and correct as of the date of publication (5/7/21). Washington University reserves the right to make changes at any time without prior notice. Therefore, this curriculum document may change from time to time without notice. The governing document at any given time is the then-current version, as published online.
FALL OR SPRING RECOMMENDED ELECTIVE COURSES
ELECTIVE CREDITS: 3+ CSE 501N: Intro to Computer Science 3 credits* MKT 500U: Digital Marketing 1.5 credits CSE 514A: Data Mining 3 credits* DAT 565E: Deep Learning for Prediction of Business Outcomes 1.5 credits* INFO 558: Applications of Deep Neural Networks 3 credits* TOTAL CREDITS: (^39) MSA Common Core: 18 MSFTA Track: 15 Elective: 6
MSA – Financial Technology Course Descriptions
Summer Foundations Workshops
MKT 500V Basics of R Programming R has become the tool of choice for many data science and customer analytics professionals in every industry and field. It is not surprising to see a requirement for being familiar with R in job descriptions. R is very flexible in carry out data analysis. Part of the benefit of being open source is that many programmers/researchers are constantly introducing new statistical analysis tools into R through R packages. Given all the benefits, R does have a relatively steeper learning curve. To better prepare MSCA students, we introduce this 2 day introduction to R programming course. This class will help you master the basics of R. We will start from the very beginning - installation of the program. No prior knowledge in programming is required. Through in class demonstration and lots of hands-on practice, by the end of the second day, you will have the chance to undertake your own data analysis and solve relevant business problems using R. 0.5 Credits. Graded Pass/Fail. ACCT 560 Introduction to Accounting In this course, we will study the three fundamental financial accounting issues, including (1) recognition, (2) measurement/valuation, and (3) classification/disclosure and consider how business transactions are reflected on the financial statements using generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). We will cover the four primary financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, statement of stockholders’ equity, and statement of cash flows), the supporting footnotes to these statements, and several reports (annual reports, proxy statements, and press releases). The course incorporates both a preparer’s perspective (i.e., GAAP requirements for recording and presenting financial information) and a user's perspective (i.e., how an investor or analyst can interpret and use financial statement information).
Required Core Courses
DAT 500N Prescriptive Analytics This course covers optimization models and tools as they apply to the design and analysis of supply chains. Production planning, distribution, network design, and revenue management problems are covered using the methods of linear, non- linear, and integer programming. Upon successful completion of this course, students will demonstrate competency in formulating and solving supply chain optimization models of real-life complexity using state-of-the-art software. They will become proficient with industrial strength software tools like AMPL and Gurobi alongside Excel’s Solver. The course emphasizes proficiency in model-building and using software tools rather than theory. 1.5 credits DAT 500S Predictive Analytics for Business Decision-Making Predictive Analytics deals with the employment of formal learning from business experience, using business data, to predict the future behavior of customers or other critical organizational elements in order to drive better business decisions. This course emphasizes data situations that students are likely to face in marketing, finance, manufacturing and consulting jobs. Students will analyze real-world business datasets using various advanced analytic techniques such as logistic regression, decision trees, neural networks, stochastic gradient boosting, MARSplines, Ensembles, Clustering, Associations etc. The focus of the course lies in the conversion of raw and messy business data in to robust actionable predictions for decision-making. 3 credits. DAT 500W A/B Testing in Business and Social Science This course introduces students to causal methods that are used to measure the impact of business and policy decisions. The key insight of the course is that correlation does not imply causation and therefore cannot measure impact. In this class, we will learn about A/B testing and other causal methods, as well as how to implement them in business, economic, and policy situations. 3 credits. DAT 560G Database Design and SQL Databases are at the foundation of every organization's information strategy. Understanding the structure of databases and mastering the tools to analyze data are essential skills in any role. The tools developed in this course assist students in implementing a company's data management strategy and developing well-grounded analytical recommendations. In this course, we focus on understanding how data is structured in relational databases. With vast amounts of data available, from disparate sources, effective organization of the data is essential to its utilization. To complement this, we utilize SQL (Structured Query Language) as the primary tool to extract data for managerial reports and for advanced analytical models. Practical experience with current relational database software is developed throughout the course. This course is required for MS/CA students and priority will be given to SMP students. 1.5 credits.
FIN 534 Advanced Corporate Finance I – Valuation This course considers a broad range of issues faced by corporate financial managers with respect to the valuation of projects, divisions, and entire companies. The prime focus will be on assessing the profitability of different business alternatives in a forward-looking sense. It will explicitly consider the impact of financing decisions on the valuation of business alternatives. Other topics covered include an examination of EVA as both a valuation and performance measurement tool, and a brief introduction to Real Options as an alternative to discounted cash flow analysis. The course is designed to be "hands-on," and will heavily focus on direct applications of the theory and the individual development of spreadsheet modeling skills. Students who successfully complete the course should possess a set of cutting-edge valuation skills. 1.5 credits. FIN 532 Investment Theory A course in the theory of risk and return in capital markets. Topics covered correspond to those which are covered in the CFA level 1 exam. We will cover the CAPM and APT models of asset pricing and will discuss various measures of mutual fund performance evaluation which arise from these models. We will discuss interest rate determination and also introduce the concepts of price and reinvestment risk in fixed income securities. 1.5 credits. FIN 550F Financial Technology – Methods and Practice This course is offered to MSA students in the FinTech track. The course will provide an overview of financial technology and will cover specific topics in this area. Topics covered include data-driven credit modeling, crypto currencies, digital wallets and blockchains, smart contracts, robo advising, high-frequency trading, crowd funding, and peer-to-peer lending. The course will also discuss regulatory aspects of FinTech. The course will cover different methods as well as practical applications. 3 credits. FIN 560G Seminar in Financial Technology This course is offered to MSA students in the FinTech track. The course will provide students with an opportunity to delve deep into one aspect of financial technology and write an extensive paper on this topic. The paper needs to include an analytical component and may be either a research paper analyzing data and testing some hypotheses related to financial technology or an in-depth case study of a FinTech company or technology and their implications. Other topics may also be considered with the instructor's approval. 3 credits. MGT 501 Management Center Practicum Students work in four-person teams on consulting projects, applying insights from their course work to real-world business problems under faculty supervision. Each student is expected to spend about 150 hours on the project. Grades are based on the quality of the final written and oral reports, as determined by the faculty supervisor. Students are only eligible to participate in 1 Practicum Course per semester, if selected. PREREQUISITES: You must apply for Practicum projects. Students are notified when projects are available. 3 credits.
Electives
DAT 537 Data Analysis, Forecasting and Risk Analysis This course presents a modem and contemporary coverage of several econometric models that are used for the analysis and forecasting of business data. The basic building blocks for the analysis are regression time series models. Broad coverage of non-seasonal and seasonal ARIMA models is included. The important family of ARCH-GARCH models, used to represent changing volatility, are also covered in detail. These models are widely used in option pricing and in other financial applications. The course includes some extensions of these models to multivariable problems. Students are exposed to numerous real data sets in class and in assignments. All the models are analyzed with a popular econometrics software package that is employed in business. A group project is required. 3 credits. FIN 500W Venture Capital Methods This course provides basic terminology and tools used in evaluation of early-stage venture investing. The course will also cover the history of venture capital and discuss the different strategies that a venture capital firm could utilize. The course will use case studies and outside speakers to provide overviews of certain aspects of the venture capital industry including investment strategies and VC firm operations. Note: Graduate Business Master Students only. 1.5 credits. FIN 500X Venture Capital Practice This course is the capstone for students interested in early stage investing. The course objective is to develop practical skills for angel and early-stage investing in private companies. Students will partner with professional investors in the St. Louis community to perform various activities, including finding deals, performing evaluations of investment opportunities, and where appropriate negotiating, arranging financing, and closing investments. The course also relies on bringing in investment professionals from the local community to provide real-world perspective on early stage investing. PREREQ: Venture Capital Methods and instructor approval 1.5 credits.
FIN 500Y Private Equity Methods This course will provide the student with an understanding of the basic terminology, due diligence and analytical methodologies critical to evaluating Private Equity investments. The course will also cover the history of Private Equity and the different roles of Private Equity – growth capital, LBO / MBO, Roll-Up, etc. in the evolution of the firm. Private Equity funds in the context of the overall market (strategic vs. financial acquirers) will be discussed as will be the role of leveraged lending and bank financing of financial sponsors. Private Equity as an investment and its role in portfolio construction will be analyzed. Finally, the legal structure of Private Equity funds in the context of firm control and governance will be reviewed. 1.5 credits. FIN 500Z Private Equity Practice This course is the capstone for students interested in pursuing careers in private equity. Students will develop practical skills for investing in private companies. Students will partner with professionals in the St. Louis community to perform various activities, including transaction sourcing, evaluating investment opportunities and, where appropriate, negotiating, arranging financing, and closing investments. The course also heavily relies on bringing in professionals from the local community to provide real-world perspectives on private equity investing. Prerequisite: FIN 500Y. 1.5 credits. FIN 523B Mergers & Acquisitions The course will provide an in depth view of the theory and empirical regularities of various corporate control transactions. Specifically, we will discuss valuation of target firms, possible sources of value creation, various motives for mergers, tax consequences of mergers, legal issues in mergers, financing an acquisition, defensive tactics in hostile takeovers, going- private transactions and bidding behavior of acquirers. The method of instruction is a mix of lecture and case analysis. Prerequisite: FIN 534. 1.5 credits. FIN 524B Derivative Securities Provides an in-depth analysis of valuation and trading strategies for options and other derivative securities which have applications across areas of finance such as hedging, swaps, convertible claims, mortgage payments, index arbitrage, insurance, capital budgeting and corporate decision making, and are responsible for many new innovations and developments of the financial markets. Prerequisites: FIN 524. 1.5 credits. FIN 527 Financial Markets This course will facilitate further learning in the finance track by providing insights into various financial markets, financial institutions, associated market participants, select representative transactions and industry conventions. Students will examine the role of regulators, rating agencies, commercial and investment banks, and investors in the debt, equity and derivatives markets. In addition, in the context of the Financial Crisis, the role of regulation, monetary policy, leverage and human behavior will be discussed as possible root causes of the crisis with an emphasis on the various market failures in specific markets and their impact on market participants. Lastly, the role of revised regulations and the future of financial innovation will be debated. 1.5 credits. FIN 528 Investments Praxis In this course students serve as managers of a portfolio, the Investment Praxis Fund, which is owned by the school. Students will analyze investment opportunities in various industries and present recommendations to the class for possible purchases or sales of securities. Students must demonstrate that their investment decisions are consistent with the style and objectives of the fund. Valuation tools and financial statement analysis are emphasized as part of a thorough analysis. The course will emphasize contact with investment professionals such as portfolio managers, securities traders, consultants, custodians, and plan sponsors. At the end of the semester the students will report on their performance to the advisory board of the fund which is composed of University financial officers and outside investment professionals. 3 credits. FIN 530 International Finance Measuring and hedging exposures to exchange rate fluctuations is a central topic of this course. The relationships among spot and forward exchange rates, interest rates, and inflation rates are described. Additional topics include capital budgeting for international projects, international capital markets, and international portfolio diversification. 1.5 credits. FIN 532B Data Analysis for Investments The objective of this course is to obtain an in-depth understanding of some of the major empirical issues in investments. Based on recent research articles and cases, students are required to learn the facts, theories and the associated statistical tools to analyze financial data. The topics for this course include models of stock returns, Bayesian and shrinkage estimations for expected returns and covariances, multifactor asset pricing models, GARCH models, principal components, asset allocation, stock screening, predictability, performance evaluation, anomalies, limits to arbitrage and behavioral finance. Prerequisite: FIN 532. 1.5 credits.
FIN 560A Research Methods in Finance The course is designed to prepare students for independent research in finance by exploring methods and techniques in a manner that will allow the students to implement them correctly and efficiently. The curriculum will emphasize practical applications of empirical methods used in financial research and how to implement them. Students in the course will learn empirical methods in corporate finance and asset pricing; obtain basic knowledge and familiarity of the databases used in common finance research; get exposure to recent research in finance which applies the methods covered; and learn how to implement the methods covered using relevant programming languages. 3 credits. MGT 511A Law & Business Management We will review different rules of substantive law which affect the conduct of individuals and businesses. We will analyze different legal theories and rules of substantive law which regulate the conduct of individuals and businesses and which impose liability for damages on individuals and business entities when those rules are violated. We will survey basic rules of criminal law, intentional torts, and negligence. We will next focus on the rules affecting the making and performance of contracts, and the liability which results from breach of contractual relationships. This will include general contract law, as well as specific rules that exist in the sale of goods and merchandise, and in the purchase, ownership and sale of real property. In addition, we will also analyze and compare the choices available for dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration, and trial in court. 1.5 credits.
