Major in Banking and Financial Institutions | Minor in Banking | Major in Finance | Minor in Finance | Major in General Business Administration | Major in General Business Administration with PGA Emphasis| Minor in General Business Administration | Minor in Entrepreneurship | Minor in Business Education
Chair: Joe F. James; (936) 294-1278; fin_jfj@shsu.edu
Faculty: Leroy Ashorn, Jim Bexley, Jonathan Breazeale, Natalya Delcoure, Martin Griffin, Steve Henry, Kathy Hill, Harold Hurry, Geraldine Hynes, Keith Jenkins, Kurt Jesswein, Marguerite Joyce, Hadley Leavell, Bala Maniam, Robert Matthews, Lucia Sigmar, Charles Stowe, Robert Stretcher, Laura Sullivan, Shirley Tucker-Findley
The mission of the Department of General Business and Finance is to assist in fulfilling the mission of the University and the College of Business Administration by providing students at the undergraduate and master’s levels with an academic foundation to become productive citizens, to develop successful careers, and to provide interested students with the background to pursue graduate or professional studies. The academic foundation leading to a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Banking and Financial Institutions, Finance, or General Business Administration is designed to arouse intellectual curiosity, develop analytical reason, and provide historical and current information relative to the global environment.
The Banking and Financial Institutions (BFI) degree program is designed to prepare students for officer-level positions in banks and other financial institutions. The Finance (FIN) degree program is designed to provide students with the knowledge of the problems and opportunities that confront entities in the specific field of finance. The General Business Administration (GBA) degree program provides an opportunity to customize student-selected electives for a broad base in business, to specialize within an industry, or to develop a minor either inside or outside the College of Business Administration.
An Executive MBA in Banking was added during the 2004-2006 catalog period. In addition, the College of Business Administration is certified to participate in the Professional Golf Association of America’s PGA/PGM program with participating students receiving the BBA degree in General Business Administration with a minor in Professional Golf Management (PGM). During the 2007–2008 academic year, the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation was approved.
Both the Banking and the Finance degree majors have limited electives available; therefore no minor is required. Students in these two areas may elect to declare a minor; however, the additional courses will add to the length of their programs.
An entrepreneurship minor would be very beneficial to students anticipating starting or running their own businesses.
General Business Administration majors should consider a minor in one of the approved business minors to provide depth of knowledge in at least one business field.
The Banking and Financial Institutions, Finance, and General Business Administration degree programs are designed to prepare students for careers in business, government, or not-for-profit entities; to include the core business courses required for admission to master’s or other professional programs; or to be combined with a sequence of professional education courses and other requirements by the College of Education to earn a certificate to teach in secondary schools.
Beta Alpha Psi
A professional club for banking and finance majors and minors is being established.
Internships
The department has historically been very successful in offering internships in the financial institutions area. This program has been expanded to include internship opportunities specifically designed to meet the PGA/PGM’s program requirements as well as internships for students interested in other business environments are also now available.
Scholarships are available on a competitive basis for Banking, Finance, and General Business Administration majors. Applications from upper-classmen for various scholarships, available through the department office and through the Dean’s office, are accepted between January 2 and February 15. Scholarship recipients are announced in April for the following academic year. The specific scholarships available vary from year to year and may include:
All students are required to complete the University general education requirements (common core) as described in Degree Requirements and Academic Guidelines section in this catalog. Additionally, all students are required to complete Component Area 1 – Communications (ENG 164 and 165), Component Area 2 – Mathematics (MTH 199 for business majors), and four hours from Component Area 3 (Natural Science) before being allowed to register for upper-division (300- and 400-level) courses.
Minimum Grades in Finance Courses
A minimum grade of “C” in finance courses taken (prefix FIN) is required for students to graduate with a BBA in Finance.
Curriculum
Major In Banking and Financial Institutions1
Bachelor of Business Administration
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | ENG 265, 266, 267; PHL 261, 263 | 3 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | ACC 231, 232 | 6 |
| MTH 199 | 3 | ECO 233, 234 | 6 |
| Laboratory Science2 | 8 | POL 261, 200-level Political Science | 6 |
| COM 282 or GBA 261* | 3 | BAN 232, GBA 281 | 6 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | Cultural Studies Electives4 | 3 |
| Visual and Performing Arts Elective3 | 3 | ||
| 30 | 30 | ||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| FIN 334, 367 | 6 | MGT 475, 476 | 6 |
| GBA 389, 362 | 6 | FIN 432, 468, 472, 486 | 12 |
| BAN 363, MKT 371 | 6 | FIN Electives (300- or 400-level5) | 3 |
| ACC 365, MGT 380 | 6 | ECO Elective (300- or 400-level) | 3 |
| FIN 460 | 3 | Electives | 3 |
| FIN Electives (300- or 400-level) | 3 | 27 | |
| MIS 388 | 3 | ||
| 33 |
* Subject to action by the Board of Regents, the Texas State University System, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Minor in Banking: A minor in Banking (18 hours) is available to all bachelor degree programs in the College of Business Administration. The minor in Banking requires FIN 334, 468, 432, 472; 6 additional semester hours selected from FIN 499 - Bank Internship (no more than 3 semester hours per semester with a maximum of 6 hours), FIN 465, FIN 471, or FIN 486 with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in these courses. The minor in Banking is also available to Ag Business majors. In addition to the courses listed here for COBA majors, the following additional courses will be required for Ag Business majors to obtain the banking minor: ACC 231, ACC 232, and FIN 367. Furthermore, degree candidates for a minor in banking must achieve a minimum 2.0 grade point average for all hours attempted in business courses, including residence and transfer hours whether required for the banking minor or not.
Major In Finance1
Bachelor of Business Administration
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | ENG 265, 266; PHL 261, 263 | 3 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | COM 282 or GBA 261* | 3 |
| MTH 199 | 3 | ECO 233, 234 | 6 |
| Laboratory Science2 | 8 | POL 261, 200-level Political Science | 6 |
| Visual and Performing Arts Elective3 | 3 | ACC 231, 232 | 6 |
| KIN 215 | BAN 232, GBA 281 | 6 | |
| Cultural Studies Electives4 | 3 | ||
| 27 | 33 | ||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| FIN 334, 367, 432 | 9 | MGT 475, 476 | 6 |
| GBA 389, 362 | 6 | FIN 468, 469, 486 | 9 |
| BAN 363, MKT 371 | 6 | FIN Electives (300- or 400-level5) | 6 |
| ACC 365, 366 | 6 | ECO Elective (300 or 400 level) | 3 |
| MGT 380 | 3 | Electives | 3 |
| MIS 388 | 3 | 27 | |
| 33 |
* Subject to action by the Board of Regents, the Texas State University System, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Minor in Finance: A minor in Finance (24 hours) is available to all bachelor degree programs that permit a minor. The minor in Finance requires ACC 231, 232; FIN 334, 367, 486; 6 additional advanced hours in FIN courses; and 3 additional hours of FIN courses at any level with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in these courses. Furthermore, degree candidates for a minor in finance must achieve a minimum 2.0 grade point average for all hours attempted in business courses, including residence and transfer hours whether required for the finance minor or not.
Major in General Business Administration1
Bachelor of Business Administration
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | ENG 265, PHL 261, 263 | 3 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | COM 282 or GBA 261* | 3 |
| MTH 199 | 3 | ECO 233, 234 | 6 |
| Laboratory Science2 | 8 | POL 261, 200-level Political Science | 6 |
| Visual and Performing Arts Elective3 | 3 | ACC 231, 232 | 6 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | BAN 232 | 3 |
| GBA 281 | 3 | ||
| 27 | Cultural Studies Electives4 | 3 | |
| 33 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| FIN 334, 367 | 6 | MGT 475 | 3 |
| GBA 362, 389 | 6 | MGT 476 | 3 |
| BAN 363, MKT 371 | 6 | ECO elective (300- or 400-level) | 3 |
| MGT 380 | 3 | Business Elective (300- or 400-level)6 | 6 |
| MIS 388 | 3 | Electives (3 hrs. 300- or 400-level) | 12 |
| Business Electives | 9 | 27 | |
| 33 |
* Subject to action by the Board of Regents, the Texas State University System, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Major in General Business Administration with PGM Emphasis
Bachelor of Business Administration
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | ENG 265, 266; PHL 261, 263 | 3 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | COM 282 or GBA 261* | 3 |
| MTH 199 | 3 | ECO 233, 234 | 6 |
| Laboratory Science2 | 4 | POL 261 | 3 |
| Visual and Performing Arts Elective3 | 3 | ACC 231, 232 | 6 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | BAN 232 | 3 |
| GBA 1117 | 2 | Cultural Studies Electives4 | 3 |
| GBA 1117 | 2 | ||
| 25 | 29 | ||
| Summer First Year | Summer Second Year | ||
| GBA 2198 | 1 | GBA 2198 | 1 |
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| Laboratory Science2 | 4 | MGT 475 | 3 |
| AGR 375 | 3 | MIS 388 | 3 |
| GBA 281 | 3 | FIN 367 | 3 |
| GBA 366 | 3 | GBA 362 | 3 |
| GBA 389 | 3 | MKT 383 | 3 |
| MKT 371 | 3 | BAN 363 | 3 |
| MGT 380 | 3 | FCS 241 | 4 |
| 200-level Political Science | 3 | KIN 362 | 3 |
| GBA 3119 | 2 | GBA 3119 | 2 |
| 27 | 27 | ||
| Summer Third Year | Summer Fourth and Fall Fifth Year | ||
| GBA 319 | 1 | GBA 429 | 2 |
| Fifth Year (Spring) | |||
| MGT 476 | 3 | ||
| ECO Elective (300- or 400-level) | 3 | ||
| FIN 334 | 3 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 12 |
* Subject to action by the Board of Regents, the Texas State University System, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
A minor in General Business Administration (21 hours) is available to all non-business bachelor degree programs that permit a minor. The minor in General Business Administration requires ACC 231, 232; ECO 230 or 233 or 234; MKT 371; MGT 380; FIN 334 or 367; and 3 additional hours of business electives at any level with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in these courses. Furthermore, degree candidates for a minor in General Business Administration must achieve a minimum 2.0 grade point average for all hours attempted in business courses, including residence and transfer hours whether required for the general business administration minor or not.
Minor in Entrepreneurship: A minor in Entrepreneurship (18 hours) is available to all bachelor degree programs that permit a minor. The minor in Entrepreneurship requires: FIN 334; GBA 362, 366, and 464; and two courses from FIN 465, MGT 334, or MKT 371 with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in these courses. Furthermore, degree candidates for a minor in Entrepreneurship must achieve a minimum 2.0 grade point average for all hours attempted in business courses, including residence and transfer hours whether required for the entrepreneurship minor or not.
The required minor for someone wishing to use business as a second teaching field in Texas high schools requires ACC 231, 232; ECO 233, 234; GBA 362 and 389; FIN 171; and MGT 380 with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in these courses. Furthermore, degree candidates for a minor in Business Education must achieve a minimum 2.0 grade point average for all hours attempted in business courses, including residence and transfer hours whether required for the business education minor or not.
1 Transfer students must take at least 50% of the required business curriculum for the B.B.A. degree in residence at Sam Houston State University.
2 Two four-hour laboratory science courses must be taken from: Biology, Chemistry, Geography/Geology (the only geography course that satisfies a laboratory science requirement is GEO 131/111), or Physics.
3 Select from AGR 299*, ART 160, 161, 163, 260, DNC 131, 176, MUS 161, 264, 265, THR 160, 164, 166, 230, 231. Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement of Component Area 4 of the Core Curriculum.
4 Select from BSL 236, Foreign Languages 263, 264, GEO 265, 266, HIS 265, 266, or SOC 168. Satisfies the Cultural Studies requirement of Component Area 4 of the Core Curriculum.
5 FIN 439 and 471 are typically offered only in the fall semester and FIN 377, 465, and 487 are typically offered only in the spring semester.
6 GBA 363 is typically offered only in the fall semester and GBA 466 is typically offered only in the spring semester.
7 GBA 111 is repeated each Fall and Spring of the first and second year of the program
8 GBA 219 is repeated during the Summer Sessions following the first and second year of the program
9 GBA 311 is repeated each Fall and Spring of the second and third year of the program
FIN 171 Personal Finance. [BUSI 1307] A study of the problems of personal financial management. Topics include savings, risks, investment considerations, insurance, taxation, governmental programs in financial planning, etc. Also recommended for non-business majors. Not open to students who have credit for FIN 367. Credit 3.
FIN 334 Financial Institutions and Markets. This course will explore the structure of the financial system with emphasis on the role, operations, and regulations of financial institutions and markets, including international. The nature, participants, instruments, and relationships of the money and capital markets will be examined. Credit 3.
FIN 367 Business Finance. A study is made of financial principles as applied to management of funds, capital budgeting, sources of funds, techniques of financial analysis, cost of capital, financial leverage, capital structure, forecasting financial needs, management of working capital, financial policies, analysis and regulation of security issues, and international
finance. Prerequisites: ACC 232 and MTH 199 or equivalent. Credit 3.
FIN 430 Problems in Finance. The student may pursue special studies for which a special course is not organized. Prerequisites: 30 hours of Business Administration and consent of department chair. Credit 1, 2, or 3.
FIN 432 Financial Statement and Credit Analysis. A study of theoretical issues and various applications relevant to the analysis of financial statements using finance and accounting principles Readings and case studies are utilized to provide a contemporary perspective. Prerequisite: FIN 367. Credit 3.
FIN 439 Seminar in Financial Derivatives. A study of options, futures, and other financial derivative Contracts. The course includes the markets, valuation, and specification of these derivative contracts, and their use in corporate financial risk management. Prerequisite: FIN 367. Credit 3. Typically offered only during the fall semester.
FIN 460* Selling Financial Services. This course offers a study of the process and principles involved in selling financial instruments and services. It emphasizes the special aspects related to selling/marketing in the banking industry. Both financial products and services will be addressed. Prerequisite: Junior Standing. Credit 3. The course is typically offered only during the fall semester.
FIN 465 Entrepreneurial and Small Firm Finance. A study of the development, implementation, and control of financial plans, strategies, and policies by owner-managers of small firms. Financing alternatives for small firms are explored. Prerequisite: Junior Standing. Credit 3. Typically offered only during the spring semester.
FIN 468 Commercial Banking. This course includes operation of commercial banks, trust companies, Federal Reserve Banks, and other credit institutions. Federal Reserve Board and its function, rediscounting, open market operations, types of notes issued, and their relation to the Federal Reserve System are stressed. Special attention is given to recent bank legislation. Prerequisites: FIN 334 and FIN 367. Credit 3.
FIN 469 Managerial Finance. This course includes an in depth study of some of the tools used in financial management. Problems in the valuation of securities, capital costs, capital budgeting, risk analysis, capital structure, financial statement analysis, and dividend policy are stressed. Prerequisite: FIN 367 with a minimum grade of C. Credit 3.
FIN 471 International Finance. This course provides the student with a background in international finance by examining financial circumstances/problems unique to the multi-national firm. Some areas of study are international market forces that affect interest rates and currency values, hedging currency positions, and financing capital budgeting for the multinational
firms. Prerequisite: FIN 367. Credit 3. Typically offered only during the fall semester.
FIN 472 Commercial Bank Lending. A study of theoretical issues and various applications relevant to the commercial lending activities of a bank using finance principles. Readings and case studies are utilized to provide a contemporary perspective. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Credit 3.
FIN 486 Investments. A careful study is made of principles, types and forms of investments; modern investments; supply and demand for funds; characteristics of securities; federal, state,
and municipal bonds; analysis of securities; and the movement of security prices. Prerequisite: FIN 367. Credit 3.
FIN 487 Security Analysis and Portfolio Management. This course is an advanced analysis and study of the techniques for selecting andcombining securities into a portfolio. Content includes setting investment goals, diversification and risk reduction, capital market theory, and portfolio selection models. Prerequisite: FIN 486. Credit 3. Typically offered only during spring semesters.
FIN 499 Undergraduate Internship in Finance. A course designed to provide the student with an opportunity to apply academic skills in a practical work environment. (See Finance Internship Coordinator prior to enrolling. A minimum of 150 work hours in a pre approved finance organization. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours credit granted for internship.)
GENERAL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
GBA 111 PGA/PGM Professional Development Lab. This course is designed to guide students through the completion of the Level 1 materials of the PGA of America’s Professional Golf Management Program. Only available to students enrolled in the PGA/PGM program. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 academic credit hours. The course is only available to PGA/PGM students. Credit 1.
GBA 180 Electronic Communications Techniques. A course designed to provide the student with a background in electronic communications skills. These skills include producing properly formatted business documents concentrating on developing computer literacy and communication of business information in text and numerical formats both in print and online. Credit 3.
GBA 181 Business Principles in an International Environment. [BUSI 1301] A survey course of all the major business disciplines with an emphasis on helping define career objectives and supporting academic interest areas. An overview of what is involved in accounting, marketing, management, legal aspects of business, economics and finance. An ideal choice for non-business majors wanting to learn of opportunities in business and how to pursue them. Credit 3.
GBA 219 PGA/PGM Internship. A course designed to provide the student with an initial opportunity to apply academic skills in a practical work environment as required to complete the PGA/PGM Program. (See Internship Coordinator prior to enrolling.) All internships must be approved in advance in order to receive credit. The course may be repeated for a maximum of 2 hours of academic credit and is only available to PGA/PGM students. Credit 1.
GBA 261* Design and Presentation of Business Projects. The focus of this course is on designing and delivering effective business presentations. Topics include planning, developing, organizing, and delivering business presentations. Students will design/develop effective visual aids which will be used in their business presentations using computer-assisted programs. Credit 3.
GBA 281 Business Legal Environment. [BUSI 2301] TThis course covers legal environment from a “preventive law”, practical perspective. Specific subjects include: Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Torts, Business Organizations, Real and Personal Property Law including Asset Protection- Estate Planning, and Administrative Law. The course provides an introduction to Environmental Law, Consumer Law, Securities Law, Human Resources Management Law (Labor Law), and Marketing Law (Anti-Trust). Credit 3.
GBA 311 Advanced PGA/PGM Professional Development Lab This course is designed to guide students through the completion of Levels 2 and 3 materials of the PGA of America’s Professional Golf Management Program. Only available to students enrolled in the PGA/PGM program. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 academic credit hours. Credit 1.
GBA 319 PGA/PGM Internship III. A course designed to provide the student with additional opportunity to apply academic skills in a practical work environment as required to complete the PGA/PGM Program. (See Internship Coordinator prior to enrolling.) All internships must be approved in advance in order to receive credit. The course is only available to PGA/ PGM students. Credit 1.
GBA 361 Office Application System. A study of the design and implementation of desktop publishing as a part of the management information system, with an emphasis on hands-on applications at the computer to develop proficiency level skills. Credit 3.
GBA 362 Business Law. The focus of this course is on areas of modern commercial law as needed by business professionals in conducting business transactions in buying and selling goods and services. Common Law Contracts and negotiation strategies are presented. An examination of the Uniform Commercial Code includes Sales Law, Leasing, Commercial Paper - Negotiable Instruments, Commercial Storage and Distribution of Goods, and Transfer of Securities. Creditor’s rights and U.S. Federal Bankruptcy Code are also covered. Credit 3..
GBA 363 Human Resources Management Law. Designed for those seeking management positions and human resource management specialists, this course covers employment law with particular emphasis on Federal Laws on discrimination, compensation and promotion issues, worker safety, and employment benefits. Taught from a “preventive law” perspective, students acquire skills needed to keep abreast of the changing legal environment for employers and employees. Sexual harassment, affirmative action, workers compensation,
worker safety and practical overview of employment manuals and procedures provide valuable information for future employees, managers or business owners. Credit 3. Typically offered only during fall semesters.
GBA 366 Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Provides an overview of theories of entrepreneurship, the process of creating wealth an public policies that encourage new venture formation and economic growth. Credit 3.
GBA 385 Real Estate Law. This course covers the legal aspects of real estate including the legal principles and legal instruments used in real estate transactions. Credit 3.
GBA 389 Business Communications. Communication as a management tool in business and a personal skill with emphasis on the logical and psychological development of routine messages and reports. Prerequisite: Ability to use a word processing package. Credit 3.
GBA 411 Professional Development. A course to prepare students for the professional job search and for professional conduct on the job so individuals can advance in their chosen careers. Credit 1.
GBA 429 PGA/PGM Internship IV. A course designed to provide the student with an opportunity to apply advanced academic skills in a practical work environment as required to complete the PGA/PGM Program. (See Internship Coordinator prior to enrolling.) The course is only available to PGA/PGM students. Credit 2.
GBA 430 Problems in Business. An opportunity for the student to design a course, perhaps on a topic not offered or to more deeply investigate a subject of personal interest. A faculty member will be teamed up on a one-to-one basis to customize a project. Prerequisites: 30 hours in Business Administration and the consent of the department chair. May be taken for the Academic Distinction Program. Credit 1, 2, or 3.
GBA 464 Entrepreneurship. Designed for the aspiring entrepreneur or for those who are curious as to how wealth is created in a free market economy, this course provides a practical experience of how to evaluate business opportunities, how ventures are started with little or no capital, how wealth is realized, and how to develop innovative entrepreneurial skills and planning techniques to minimize the cost of experience. By the end of the course, students develop their own Personal Entrepreneurs Plan useful in focusing the direction of their personal careers. Credit 3.
\GBA 465 International Business Law. An overview of the international legal environment from a commercial and entrepreneurial perspective. This course examines the implications of international laws on foreign investment, intellectual property, sales contracts, money and banking, financing of enterprises, labor regulation and hiring, taxation, and dispute settlement. Credit 3.
GBA 470 Legal Topics. An in-depth look at various areas in the law that are of special interest to students of different majors. May be repeated as topics change. Credit 3.
GBA 471 Intercultural Business Communication. This course prepares students for the complex leadership roles and communication tasks they will encounter in an increasingly multicultural, global work environment. The course familiarizes students with the cultural impacts on global business; managing culturally diverse work forces, transitions, relocations, diversity and performance; and explores cultures specifics of various countries. Credit 3.
GBA 499 Internship. A course designed to provide the student with an opportunity to apply academic skills in a practical work environment. (See Internship Coordinator prior to enrolling.) All internships must be approved in advance in order to receive credit. The course may be repeated one time for a maximum of 6 hours. Credit 3.
*Subject to action by the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.