Department of Finance, Economics, and Accounting

Department Head: Mrs. Julie Staples

245 Merrill Hall

Accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide our learners with a career-focused education emphasizing responsible judgement, innovative thinking, entrepreneurial skills, and service to their communities.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to serve the Southeast by being an integral, cooperative partner of the business community by assessing needs and providing the human and intellectual resources for the future.

The Department of Finance, Economics, and Accounting carries out its mission through its commitment to the following four core values:

Teaching

We seek to provide our students with a learning-centered environment through which they become literate, articulate, and broadly educated individuals, who are knowledgeable in fundamental economic principles, the business disciplines, and the impact of global forces on domestic affairs. The curricula prepare baccalaureate and MBA graduates to be literate with information technology, ethically and globally aware, as well as analytical decision-makers who possess fully developed oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Graduates should be able to adapt to rapidly changing technologies and to adapt to a diverse work-place environment. The faculty seek to be recognized as excellent teachers and scholars, dedicated first and foremost to the development of students, through quality teaching, advising, and mentoring.

Intellectual Contributions

The College of Business and Industry values basic research, applied research, and instructional development activities of the faculty, with primary focus on applied scholarship (contribution to practice) and instructional development (learning and pedagogical research). The faculty believe that teaching and scholarly activity are interdependent and that research enhances faculty effectiveness in the classroom and provides students with state-of-the-art business knowledge.

External Interaction

The College of Business and Industry seeks to take a leadership role in the economic development of the State of Alabama, specifically its Northeast region. The College promotes excellence in service activities consistent with academic and professional strengths of faculty and staff. Faculty and staff are expected to be a resource for the economic development of the State and region by extending their knowledge, skills, and values to society. Interaction with external constituents is fostered through a variety of efforts to include the Center for Economic Development, the Center for Economic Education, the Environmental Policy and Information Center, guest speakers, executives-in-residence, and advising groups.

Continuous Improvement

The College strives to provide quality undergraduate and graduate management education through traditional, as well as distance, delivery. The faculty, staff, and administration of the College of Business and Industry are committed to continuously improving the quality of our academic programs, our student support activities, and our service to the local and regional community.

Upper Division Assessment Policy for Business Majors

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the University, students wishing to pursue a business degree from the College of Business and Industry must adhere to the following:

  1. All Bachelor of Science business students enrolling in the college will list their major as “Undecided-MGMT” until the completion of all lower division (freshman and sophomore) courses. Upon completion of these 60 hours with a GPA of 2.00 or higher, students will be reclassified to one of the five business degree majors (accounting, business economics, finance, management, or marketing).
  2. While taking lower division courses, all students should schedule English composition and math courses each semester until such courses requirements are completed.
  3. Students who complete the 60 hours of lower division courses without attaining a 2.00 GPA will be required to repeat courses in order to bring the GPA up to the required 2.00. For the purposes of calculating the lower division GPA, only the highest grade for repeated courses will be included. Students not meeting the conditions to be reclassified will have one semester to bring the GPA up to the required 2.00. During this one semester, students will be allowed to continue in only nine (9) hours of SBI core courses selected from the following upper division courses: FIN 301 Business Finance (3)EC 303 Money and Banking (3)EC 321 Intermediate Microeconomics (3), or EC 322 Intermediate Macroeconomics (3)MKT 301 Principles of Marketing (3)MGT 301 Principles of Management (3)CBA 350 Business Communications (WI) (3)ST 345 Data Analytics for Business (3), and MGT 375 Introduction to Management Information Systems (3) (all prerequisites must be adhered to). Students who attempt to enroll in classes without appropriate prerequisites will be dropped from these classes.
  4. Students who begin their program at JSU will follow the program of study outlined in the JSU catalog that is current at the time they initially enroll. However, if at some later date a student wishes to change to a more recent catalog, this is permissible. Students electing to change to a more recent catalog will need to satisfy all requirements of the selected catalog. See appropriate section of the university catalog for Catalog Requirements and Time Limits.
  5. Students transferring from any two-year college or other four-year institution must abide by all rules and regulations as specified in the appropriate JSU catalog relative to their admission, both into the university as well as into the College of Business and Industry. Transfer students also have the right to move to a more current catalog, if desired.
  6. Students planning to transfer from other junior or senior level colleges should consult with the Student Support Services Coordinator in the College of Business and Industry for information relative to degree requirements.

Course Transfer Policy for Business Majors

Business students transferring to JSU from other accredited institutions must satisfy specified course and GPA requirements prior to eligibility for upper division courses. Also, business students may transfer into JSU from another institution no more than 50 percent of the business credit hours required for the business degree (SBI core plus major requirements). Transfer credits for 300/400 level business courses will be accepted only from AACSB-International accredited schools. This applies only to courses that are approved for transfer once a student has enrolled as a business student at Jacksonville State University and not to credits that have been completed at another institution prior to enrolling in JSU’s business program. See appropriate section of the university catalog for Transfer Student Admissions.

Business Core Requirements

The following courses are included in the core:

Course Title Credits
CBA 115Business Fundamentals/Orientation3
CBA 330Business Professionalism3
CBA 350Business Communications (WI)3
CBA 390Operations and Supply Chain Management3
CBA 469Business Policy and Strategy3
ACC 200Principles of Accounting I3
ACC 210Principles of Accounting II3
CS 201Introduction to Information Technology3
ST 260Statistics/Quantitative Methods I3
ST 261Statistics/Quantitative Methods II3
ST 345Data Analytics for Business3
FIN 292Legal and Social Environment3
FIN 301Business Finance3
EC 221Principles of Microeconomics3
EC 222Principles of Macroeconomics3
EC 303Money and Banking3
or EC 321 Intermediate Microeconomics
or EC 322 Intermediate Macroeconomics
MKT 301Principles of Marketing3
MGT 301Principles of Management3
MGT 375Introduction to Management Information Systems3

A student must earn a minimum “C” average (2.00 GPA) in business core subjects and business core subjects taken in residence.

Grade Requirements for Major and Minor Courses

The student must earn a grade of at least a “C” in all major and minor courses required for degree completion.

Business Graduation Requirements

In addition to successfully completing all course requirements for the major, students graduating with a degree from the Department of Finance, Economics, and Accounting or the Department of Management and Marketing must meet all requirements listed below for graduation:

  1. Attain an overall GPA of 2.00 or higher on all courses attempted.
  2. Attain a GPA of 2.00 or higher on all courses attempted at JSU.
  3. Attain a GPA of 2.00 or higher on all business core courses (See Core Requirements above).
  4. Attain a GPA of 2.00 or higher on all SBI core courses at JSU.
  5. Business students should then submit an Application for Degree to the Student Support Services Coordinator in the Advising Center, Room 109 SBIC. 
  6. Complete the university approved Exit Exam. This is an assessment of students’ accomplishments in general education and also measures reasoning skills.
  7. Complete the Major Field Assessment Business Test. This is an assessment tool that is used to measure students’ understanding of the basic business subject areas to include: accounting, economics, management, quantitative business analysis, finance, marketing, legal and social environment, and international studies.1

Students are encouraged to incorporate internships and practical field experiences in their degree plans. These field experiences may or may not be credit bearing, but are considered integral to the learning process. Students should consult their academic advisors for prior approval and guidance.

Eligibility of Business Majors to Upper Division Business Courses

In order to enroll in upper division (300 and 400 level) business courses, business students must have completed at least 50 semester hours to include:

Course Title Credits
ACC 200Principles of Accounting I3
ACC 210Principles of Accounting II 1 3
EC 221Principles of Microeconomics 1 3
EC 222Principles of Macroeconomics 1 3
MS 112Precalculus Algebra3
ST 260Statistics/Quantitative Methods I3
ST 261Statistics/Quantitative Methods II 1 3
Total Hours21

In order to enroll in major courses, students must have completed all requirements for the upper division eligibility and be reclassified from “Undecided-MGMT.”

Eligibility of Non-Business Majors to Upper Division Business Courses

Non-business majors having completed at least 50 semester hours may be eligible for upper division courses if they have met all prerequisites for each course. Others may be admitted only with the written permission of the appropriate department head.

Note: FIN 311 Personal Financial Planning (3)FIN 341 Principles of Real Estate (3)FIN 343 Real Estate Appraisal (3), and FIN 344 Legal Aspects of Real Estate (3) are exceptions to the requirements stated above; these courses are open to all students. FIN 343 Real Estate Appraisal (3) and FIN 344 Legal Aspects of Real Estate (3) require FIN 341 Principles of Real Estate (3) as a prerequisite.

Minors

Students earning a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, business economics, finance, management, or marketing are not required to have a minor. Those wishing to add a minor will be required to complete more than the 120 hours required for the BS degree to accommodate the additional hours required for the minor. At least six (6) credits toward completion of a minor must be taken at JSU. All course prerequisites stated in the course descriptions in this catalog must be met.

Finance

FIN 292  Legal and Social Environment  (3)  

Examination of current problems and issues facing managers in a changing society. Explores business, government and interest-group interrelationships. Extensive examination of ethical considerations in business. May not be taken for credit if student has completed CBA 292, Business and Society.

FIN 301  Business Finance  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ACC 200, ACC 210, EC 221 or EC 225, EC 222 or EC 226, MS 112, and ST 260 (minimum grade of C required for all prerequisites).

A survey of business finance. Coverage of the basic financial decisions including investment, financing, and dividend.

FIN 310  Entrepreneurial Finance  (3)  

This course introduces the financial concepts, tools and principles utilized by the entrepreneur to initiate, build, and develop a successful entrepreneurial venture. This course also examines the sources of financing necessary to initiate and develop the venture. Additional topics include proforma financial statement development; business valuation models; cash flow analysis; and raising capital from private investors, venture capitalists, and banks.

FIN 311  Personal Financial Planning  (3)  

Personal financial planning including time buying, insurance, housing, investments, budgeting, use of financial institutions, and taxes.

FIN 325  Alternative Investments in a Challenging Environment  (3)  

This course involves a study of alternative investments in a challenging environment, including: cryptocurrency, commodities, real estate, and others.

FIN 341  Principles of Real Estate  (3)  

Real estate ownership interest, legal processes, financing instruments and institutions, consideration of subdividing and zoning, federal housing litigation, and taxation.

FIN 343  Real Estate Appraisal  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): FIN 341.

Analysis of sites and buildings; collection, analysis interpretation of cost and market data; depreciation, capitalization; correlation of value factors; writing of appraisal reports.

FIN 344  Legal Aspects of Real Estate  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): FIN 341.

Estates in land, purchase and sales contracts, conveyances, mortgages and trust deed transactions, property taxes, landlord and tenant, wills and inheritance.

FIN 361  Bank Management  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301.

The commercial bank as a business enterprise; principles of organization and operation; regulatory framework; and problems of competition and growth.

FIN 370  Financial Analysis with Excel  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301.

A course that will utilize Microsoft Excel to develop models for analyzing and forecasting financial statements, create and use pivot tables, design interactive worksheets using Form Controls and Active X Controls, and present data utilizing Excel's chart tools.

FIN 397  Financial Institutions and Markets  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301.

Analysis of the operating policies of financial institutions and the effect upon the structure of the capital and money markets.

FIN 434  International Finance  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301.

Problems in foreign operations and other aspects of multi-national-business; the role of international money and capital markets; financing trade and economics development.

FIN 440  Real Estate Finance  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301.

Institutions, instruments and mortgage banking practices. Emphasis on analyzing mortgage risks, loan terms and rates, servicing, foreclosure, sources of mortgage credit and government influences.

FIN 441  Financial Management  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301.

A study of financial decision making. Profit planning, financing strategies, financial analysis and ethical questions are emphasized.

FIN 474  Investments  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): FIN 301 or equivalent.

A survey of investment principles and practices. Emphasis is given to security analysis and portfolio management, with special attention focused on the individual investor.

FIN 475  Advanced Topics in Finance  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): FIN 441.

Application of financial management techniques to capital structure policy, dividend policy, financing decisions, working capital management and corporate restructuring.

FIN 481  Seminar in Finance (WI)  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Should be taken in Senior year and have completed FIN 441.

Financial theories and problems involving investment, financing, and dividend decisions. (Writing Intensive Course)

FIN 486  Independent Research in Finance  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Approval of the department head.

Research will be conducted into an area of special interest documented by a thesis-styled research paper.

FIN 489  Finance Internship  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Junior status and consent of the Instructor and Department Head.

Provides the finance major with practical experience in the field via an internship arrangement. Grade: Pass/Fail.

Economics

EC 221  Principles of Microeconomics  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): MS 100, SSC 106, or higher level math course.

Microeconomic analysis, including the consumer, the firm, the market and price determination.

EC 222  Principles of Macroeconomics  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): MS 100, SSC 106, or higher level math course.

A macroeconomic approach, including money and banking, national income accounting monetary and fiscal policy, and international economics.

EC 224  Survey of Principles of Economics  (3)  

The course will survey the essential elements of macro and micro economics analysis, money and banking, and international economics. May be used as an elective in some majors. Not available to students majoring in accounting, economics, finance, management, or marketing.

EC 225  Honors Principles of Microeconomics  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): MS 112 or higher level math course.

Microeconomic analysis, including the consumer, the firm, the market, and price determination. Stresses the advanced application of principles of microeconomics to the theory of the firm. A research paper is required.

EC 226  Honors Principles of Macroeconomics  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): MS 112 or higher level math course.

A macroeconomic approach, including money and banking, national income accounting, monetary and fiscal policy, and international economics. Stresses the advanced application of principles of macroeconomics to the analysis of monetary and fiscal policy. A research paper is required.

EC 303  Money and Banking  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): EC 221 or EC 225 and EC 222 or EC 226.

Analysis of the role of money in the economy, the banking system, and monetary policy. Emphasis is placed on interest rates, bank management and the structure of the banking industry, financial crises, and the Federal Reserve System.

EC 310  Public Finance  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): EC 221 or EC 225 and EC 222 or EC 226.

An economic analysis of the role of government. Topics to be examined include externalities and public goods, tax policies, government expenditures and social decision-making.

EC 316  Managerial Economics  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): EC 221 or EC 225 and EC 222 or EC 226.

Application of the principles of economics to business management situations. Emphasis in reconciling simple but meaningful models with the complex situations encountered in business.

EC 321  Intermediate Microeconomics  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): EC 221 or EC 225 and EC 222 or EC 226.

An analysis of price theory and the firm. Specific topics include consumer decision-making, production and cost functions, analysis of the impact of price elasticity of demand on business revenue and consumer expenditures, competitive and non-competitive market structures, international trade and the impact of tariffs on global trade.

EC 322  Intermediate Macroeconomics  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): EC 221 or EC 225 and EC 222 or EC 226.

An analysis of national income, employment, economic growth, monetary policy, and international finance. Focus is placed on analyzing regional, national, and international macroeconomic data.

EC 450  International Economics  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): EC 221 and 222.

Economic analysis of international relations. Emphasis will be placed on theories of exchange and international monetary economics with only secondary interest placed on institutional arrangements.

EC 455  Sports Economics  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): EC 221 and 222.

An economic analysis of professional and collegiate sports. Basic economic tools are applied to study both individual and team sports, addressing such topics as market structures, labor issues publicly funded stadia, the NCAA and the college athlete. Scheduled on demand.

EC 463  Senior Seminar in Economics (WI)  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Capstone course taken in Senior year.

Exceptions approved by Department Head. Considers the methodology of economics and provides a comprehensive review of economic theory. (Writing Intensive Course)

EC 465  Health Care Economics  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): BA 502 or equivalent.

Undergraduate Prerequisites: EC 221 and EC 222. Graduate An economic exploration of the health care industry including demand-cost analysis, methodology development, financing health care services, and efficient resource allocation.

EC 475  Economics of E-Commerce  (3)  

Use of economic analysis to provide insight and understanding necessary to succeed in today's information technology age. Emphasis is placed on practical business strategies to develop price and protect and market goods in an emerging network economy.

EC 480  Applied Business Forecasting  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): EC 221, 222, and ST 261.

An introduction to quantitative business forecasting methods. Students will learn how to apply forecasting techniques to examine contemporary business and economic situations.

EC 485  Field Experience  (3)  

Field trip to New York City to study important New York business and economic sites, such as the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve, the Fulton Fish Market, a large international bank, an advertising agency, a bond advisory company, and other tours relevant to economics. Summer only.

EC 486  Econometrics  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): EC 221, 222, and ST 261.

The application of mathematics and statistics to economics. Techniques by which economic theory can be applied in order to estimate quantitatively functional relationships.

EC 489  Economics Internship  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Junior Status and consent of the Instructor and Department Head.

Provides the economics major with practical experience in the field via an internship arrangement. Grades: Pass/Fail only.

EC 499  Special Topics and Research  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): EC 221 and 222.

Techniques of research and writing are emphasized. Students select an economic topic of interest and write a thesis-type term paper.

Accounting

ACC 200  Principles of Accounting I  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): MS 100 or SSC 106 or higher level math course.

An introduction to financial accounting fundamentals with an emphasis on the accounting cycle, along with financial reporting and interpretation of the basic financial statements. Also emphasizes assets as part of the accounting cycle, financial reporting and interpretation of the basic financial statements.

ACC 210  Principles of Accounting II  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): MS 112, ACC 200.

A continuation of the introduction to financial accounting fundamentals with an emphasis on debt and equity as part of the accounting cycle, financial reporting and interpretation of the basic financial statements. Also, an introduction to the use of managerial accounting information for planning, decision-making, product costing, and performance evaluation.

ACC 300  Business Law  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ACC 200, ACC 210, EC 221, EC 222, MS 112, and ST 260 (minimum grade of C required for all prerequisites).

Legal principles related to Uniform Commercial Code; contracts and personal property and bailments; the law of sales; commercial paper; and secured transactions.

ACC 301  Accounting Information Systems  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): CS 201 and ACC 210.

Basic information system concepts including the transaction processing cycles of a business, the fundamental characteristics of a system of internal controls, the role of information technology in information processing, and the stages of systems development.

ACC 305  Data Analytics for Accounting  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): CS 201 and ACC 210.

The analysis of accounting data for the purpose of making conclusions about information with coverage including identifying the question, performing the test plan and evaluating the results, and communicating results. Accounting data analytics to be applied within the realm of financial statement reporting and auditor evaluation using spreadsheet and database analyses.

ACC 310  Financial Accounting I  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ACC 210.

An introduction to accounting standards, an overview of accounting statements, and detailed study of asset and liability accounting.

ACC 360  Financial Accounting II (WI)  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ACC 310 and ACC 301 with a minimum grade of C. ACC 301 may also be taken concurrently.

A detailed study of financial accounting topics including liabilities (bonds, pensions, deferred taxes, leases), stockholder's equity, earnings per share, accounting changes and errors, and the statement of cash flows. The course focuses on understanding accounting theory and applying the theory in solving problems. (Writing Intensive Course)

ACC 371  Cost Accounting  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ACC 210.

An introduction to cost accounting through a study of job-order costing, process costing, activity-based costing, standard costing, and variable costing. Emphasis on master, flexible and pro forma budgets with variance analysis.

ACC 372  Income Tax Accounting  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ACC 210.

Federal income tax laws as they apply to individuals. Training in the interpretation of regulations and the preparation of a comprehensive federal income tax return. Tax research is also required with a focus on tax planning. Limited coverage is provided of the history of the tax laws as well as additional types of taxes paid by U.S. citizens.

ACC 398  Governmental Accounting  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ACC 210 and ACC 310 with a minimum grade of C. Accounting procedures for all governmental units, and nonprofit service organizations.

Analysis of fund accounting and procedures to prepare government-wide entity statements.

ACC 410  Financial Accounting III  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ACC 310 with a minimum grade of C. A detailed study of business expansion including combinations and international operations, and an overview of partnership accounting.

ACC 448  Forensic Accounting  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ACC 301 and ACC 310.

This course examines the concepts and skills of forensic accounting and fraud investigation This includes the role of the forensic accountant and professional accounting skills necessary to assist organizations in the prevention, investigation, and detection of fraud.

ACC 470  Internal Auditing  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ACC 301, ACC 310, and ACC 360 (minimum grade of "C" required for all prerequisites).

The theory and practice of internal auditing with coverage including internal control, risks and control of information technology, management of internal audit, data analytics and sampling, and communicating engagement results.

ACC 476  Advanced Income Tax Accounting  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ACC 372 with a minimum grade of C. Advanced federal income tax topics including property transactions and international taxation issues.

The course also focuses on the taxation of corporations, S corporations, and partnerships. Limited coverage is provided on the taxation of trusts and estates as well as the alternative minimum tax. Understanding the implementation of the current regulations as well as tax planning strategies are discussed.

ACC 477  Auditing  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ACC 301, ACC 310, and ACC 360 (minimum grade of C required for all prerequisites).

An overview of the theory and process of performing external audits and other attestation services. Courses coverage includes a study of professional standards, the independence of the external auditor, ethical issues, legal liability, internal controls, statistical sampling, auditing with computers, and the internal audit process.

ACC 489  Accounting Internship  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Junior status and consent of the instructor and the Accounting Department Head.

Provides the accounting major with practical experience in the field via an internship arrangement. Grades: PASS/FAIL.

ACC 490  Advanced Auditing  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and ACC 477 with a minimum grade of C. The practical application of auditing concepts and standards.

An understanding of auditing principles is reinforced and explained by exposure to problems and cases.

ACC 497  Seminar in Accounting  (3)  

Prerequisite for Undergraduate: Senior accounting majors only. Prerequisites for Graduate: ACC 200 or BA 511. Examines critical accounting topics through intensive review of current literature and pronouncements. Assesses student's ability to effectively communicate accounting information.

ACC 498  Independent Research in Accounting  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department head.

Research will be conducted into an area of "special interest" documented by a thesis-styled research paper. Scheduled on demand.

Statistics

ST 260  Statistics/Quantitative Methods I  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): MS 112.

Quantitative methods and statistics as applied to business and economics including decision/optimization methods, descriptive statistics, probability & statistical inference.

ST 261  Statistics/Quantitative Methods II  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ST 260.

Sampling and statistical inference; hypothesis testing; regression and correlation analysis; and analysis of variance.

ST 345  Data Analytics for Business  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ST 260 and ST 261 with grades of C or better.

An introductory course of Business Analytics that includes regression techniques and model building for big data, data visualization graphics, descriptive and predictive data mining, and simulation strategies for sampling and risk analyses. This course aims to build upon the software skills learned in the Quantitative Methods/Business Statics sequence.